Uzbekistan is an amazing country — literally one of my favorites out of the 70+ I’ve visited. Due to its location on the historic Silk Road in Central Asia, it has so much history and culture. It has a unique mix of many influences from all neighboring regions and is a great off-the-beaten-path destination without hordes of tourists. I can’t recommend it enough!
I loved my 2 weeks in Uzbekistan. It’s absolutely magnificent, with breathtakingly beautiful cities. It’s so different from just about anywhere.
It’s also incredibly inexpensive, being one of the 34 best affordable countries to travel to for $40 total per day. To continue our accommodation prices feature, we’ll share a separate post with many lodging price examples for these Uzbek destinations soon.
Here are the 7 best destinations in Uzbekistan.
Map of the 7 best destinations in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a country a bit larger than Newfoundland and Labrador in size. It has 36 million inhabitants, which is almost the same as Canada.
Here’s a map to locate all the destinations in this post.
1. Tashkent
Tashkent (Toshkent in Uzbek) is the capital of Uzbekistan. It’s considered the country’s cultural heart, with numerous museums and a blend of modern and Soviet-style buildings. It’s the most populous city in Central Asia, with more than 7 million people living in the metropolitan area (about the size of Toronto)!
For stunning panoramic views of the city, visit the observation deck atop the Tashkent Tower. Walk around Amir Timur Square and try some street food on Broadway Street. Admire the incredible architecture of the subway stations, each unique and grandiose.
If you’re a history enthusiast, you’ll love the Amir Timur Museum, which showcases manuscripts and treasures from the Timurid era. Nearby, the massive State Museum of History of Uzbekistan houses ancient Buddhist artifacts and Stone Age collections.
2. Samarkand
Located on the Silk Road, Samarkand is one of the most ancient cities continuously inhabited in Central Asia, and it is known for its mosques and mausoleums. This historic town has been preserved since the 13th century and now features incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Registan Square and Bibi Khanum Mosque.
The Registan is so beautiful that when I finally visited the Taj Mahal in India later, I was somewhat underwhelmed. Don’t get me wrong — the Taj Mahal is stunning. But the Registan is, too. And it really once again shows that so many places in the world are just popular because they’re better known.
When you visit Samarkand, make sure to see the historic Gur-e Amir Mausoleum and explore the ancient Shah-i-Zinda necropolis. You can also learn about astronomy at the Ulugh Beg Observatory and experience the vibrant Siab Bazaar. Don’t miss the ruins of Afrosiab, and of course, trying traditional Uzbek cuisine is a must.
3. Bukhara
Bukhara is another gem of Uzbekistan located in the southwestern part of the country. More precisely, it’s near the Kyzylkum Desert and not far from the Amu Darya River. Bukhara is one of the major cities along the ancient Silk Road, approximately 140 kilometers (87 miles) west of Samarkand.
The city is full of amazing sights and architecture! You can explore the UNESCO-listed old town, wander through the imposing Ark Fortress, and admire the beauty of the Poi Kalyan Complex.
Don’t skip the charming Chor Minor gatehouse, the serene Lyab-i Hauz pool as well as the ancient Samanid Mausoleum. If you have time, check out the stunning Bolo Haouz Mosque and Toqi Sarrofon (the trading domes).
4. Khiva
Khiva is often overlooked compared to Bukhara and Samarkand despite its rich history. In this compact city, everything centers around a fortress called Itchan Kala. It was one of my highlights: it’s like a giant sandcastle city.
It’s truly unlike any other city I’ve ever visited. This UNESCO World Heritage site is filled with medieval mosques, grand palaces, museums, and souvenir shops.
When in Khiva, you should admire the minarets of Kalta Minor and Islam Khodja, the intricate tile work of Tosh Hovli Palace, and the historical exhibits at the State Museum of Khorezm. Buy local crafts and snacks at the markets of Palvan Darvaza.
5. Fergana Valley
The Fergana Valley in Central Asia is well-known for its fertile lands and mix of cultures. It stretches across Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan and is surrounded by mountains like the Tian Shan and Alay ranges.
The main cities within the Fergana Valley region of Uzbekistan are Fergana, Andijan, and Kokand. This region grows fruits, vegetables, and cotton.
You can explore the stunning 119-room Khan’s Palace, shop for traditional handmade silk products at Kumtepa Bazaar, and discover the literary world of Zahiruddin Babur at the Babur Literary Museum. Art enthusiasts can visit the Yodgorlik Silk Factory for traditional silk-making methods demonstrations and buy textiles or explore the traditional ceramics at the Rishton Ceramic Museum.
6. Moynaq
Moynaq used to be a thriving fishing port on the Aral Sea. But since the 1960s, the sea started drying up because rivers were diverted for irrigation during the Soviet era. Now, Moynaq is miles from the water, with old fishing boats left high and dry in the desert.
The Aral Sea disaster is a clear example of human-caused environmental devastation that seems surreal to witness. I wasn’t able to make it there, but I do want to go back to see that unique sight.
You can visit the Regional History and Aral Sea Museum, the Moynaq Ship Graveyard, and the Aral Sea Memorial to learn more about the disaster.
7. Nukus
Nukus is about 210 kilometers (130 miles) from Moynaq. It’s the main hub of Karakalpakstan, the country’s only autonomous republic, where many members of the distinct Karakalpak ethnic group live.
Check out the Nukus Museum of Art (Igor Savitsky Museum) — it has a unique collection of Russian avant-garde art saved from the Soviet era and is sometimes called the “Louvre of Uzbekistan.”
And don’t miss the Karakalpak State Art Museum for local Karakalpak art and cultural exhibits.
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Summary
Uzbekistan is amazing. One of my favorite places out of the 70+ countries I’ve visited. Its history and culture, thanks to its spot on the Silk Road, are incredible. The mix of influences from nearby regions makes it so interesting and different. Plus, it’s not crowded with tourists. I can’t recommend it enough!
What would you like to know about the best destinations to visit in Uzbekistan? Tell us in the comments below.
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Featured image: Bukhara, Uzbekistan (photo credit: Sultonbek Ikromov)
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Glad you enjoyed it and thank you for spreading the word. Yiu covered all the main sights. It is a hidden gem indeed. So proud of my homeland and its people. Please come again.
I truly can’t wait to go back 🙂