UZBEKISTAN
TRAVEL GUIDE
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OVERVIEW
Stepping off the plane in Tashkent, I had no idea that Uzbekistan would completely redefine my understanding of travel. As someone who’s wandered through dozens of countries, I can honestly say this Central Asian gem caught me completely off guard – in the best possible way.
Imagine a land where turquoise domes pierce impossibly blue skies, where the call to prayer echoes across dust-red brick minarets, and where every marketplace smells of cumin, fresh bread, and centuries of trade. This is Uzbekistan – the very heart of the ancient Silk Road.
Let me take you through my journey across a land that feels like stepping into a living history book.
Getting to Uzbekistan
Flights To Uzbekistan
Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is the main gateway for direct flights from Delhi and Mumbai. Major airlines that cater to non-stop flights are Uzbekistan Airways, Indigo and Centrum. Unfortunately, Indigo has stopped all its flight to and from Tashkent and other places in Central Asia owing to the unrest in Iran. But Centrum and Uzbekistan Airlines are flying.
Applying for Uzbekistan Visa
Indians can apply for an Uzbekistan e-visa through the official site. Watch out for scam sites floating on the internet that charge a premium fee for a relatively easy e-visa.
Although simple to fill out, if the e-visa form raises doubts, then you can check how to fill out the Uzbekistan e-visa.
Best Time to Visit
In my opinion, the best time to visit Uzbekistan is between November and March. The
Shoulder season is between March to June and September to November when tourism is low, influencing lower rates
v/s
traveller's wisdom
The entire internet might suggest you to avoid the wet season but it’s perhaps the best season to be there (I love wet seasons of Southeast Asia). Although crowds never seem to cease in Bali but exploring the other parts shouldn’t be passed on. Beaches might be closed because of the weather so you can always drop by to check for yourself. Be safe around the shores.
Local Food and Drinks in Uzbekistan
- Plov or pilaf (which is pulao in India). Theirs is served with a generous amount of meat on top. It is helpful to know that they also add raisins to the pilaf.
- Manti – a version of dumpling
- Somsa or Samsa – they may sound like samosa, a snack widely consumed in India but they are patties with a filling of meat or chicken or potatoes or spinach or pumpkin.
Types of Transportation in Uzbekistan
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab on Yandex
- The metro network in Tashkent is extensive and spread across the city.
- Both intra and inter-city buses are available in most cities of Uzbekistan.
- Additionally, Samarkand offers tram services.
Applications to Download
- Yandex – for cabs, bikes and food
- Yango – for cabs, bikes and food
Things to Remember
- Local currency is the Uzbekistani Som (SOM)
- Credit cards are widely accepted especially Visa and Mastercards
- UPI payments through Paynet is accepted.
- Learn a few basic Uzbeki phrases since English is hardly spoken.
- For calling either purchase a local sim or activate an e-sim.
EXPERIENCES & ITINERARIES
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Uzbekistan visa-free for Indians?
No, Uzbekistan is not visa-free for Indians. Indian tourists should apply for e-visa for arrival.
- How much does Uzbekistan Visa cost?
The single entry e-visa costs $20 (INR 1,900 approx.)
- How long does the Single-Entry Tourist Visa allow to stay?
E-Visa validity is for 30 days.
- What is the capital of Uzbekistan?
The capital of Uzbekistan is Tashkent
- What is the time difference between India and Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is 30 minutes behind India.
- What religion does Uzbekistan follow?
Predominantly Islam but it is a secular state.
- What is the ideal duration of Uzbekistan Trip?
5-7 days are good for a trip to Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara.
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Uzbekistan have?
There are 10 UNESCO heritage sites in Uzbekistan, namely
- Itchan Kala
- Historic Centre of Bukhara
- Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz
- Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures
- Western Tien-Shan
- Cold Winter Deserts of Turan
- Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor
- What is famous in Uzbekistan to buy?
There are a lot of local products that one can buy from Uzbekistan
- Suzani – the embroidery work of Uzbekistan
- Woodwork
- Tilework