Uzbekistan Famous For

Bukhara

Bukhara is Uzbekistan's fifth-largest city and a tourist treasure trove. Its history, spanning over five millennia, has served as a centre of trade, culture, religion, and scholarship. The city's stunning arches and cupolas make it one of the most beautiful cities in Uzbekistan.

Bukhara is a living architectural museum. Visitors can explore the Ark Fortress, a symbol of state power, and the Poi Kalon Ensemble, known for its famous blue dome. The Ismail Samani Mausoleum, from the Persian Samanid dynasty, is another architectural marvel. The city is home to over 140 beautiful monuments that reflect its rich architectural legacy.

Tourists can admire the Khoja Gaukushan Complex, visit the Bukhara photo gallery, and shop for souvenirs at the covered bazaars. The central square, Labi Hovuz, offers a unique atmosphere with its ancient mosques, madrassas, craft workshops, minarets, and authentic food joints.

Here, you can enjoy the authentic local delicacies, sip hot tea, shop for souvenirs, or just sunbathe and relax. Bukhara, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is best relished in spring and autumn seasons when the temperature is mild. Its rich history and architectural marvels make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Uzbekistan.

Tashkent

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a mesmerising tourist destination. Known for its Islamic architecture, lively lanes and rich cultural heritage, it offers a contemporary, sophisticated experience.

Places to visit in Tashkent include the central Amir Timur Square. Here, you can visit the Amir Timur monument, explore the Amir Timur Museum, and see the Tashkent clock tower with its quirky restaurants. The famous Hotel Uzbekistan, a part of the Soviet architectural monument, is also located in this area.

Nearby, Broadway Street comes alive in the late hours, offering a variety of activities. It features souvenir stores, streetside food items, and delights, capturing the essence of nightlife Tashkent. Tashkent City Park is another must-see, offering an aquarium, dancing fountains, street shows, a planetarium, and an open movie place.

Head to Chorsu Bazaar, a much loved market, for a shopping experience. The Navruz Ethno Park is also a great spot to find traditional garments, regional crafts, and local Uzbek food, ensuring there's something for everyone in Tashkent.

Other things to do in Tashkent include visiting the Khazrati Imam Complex and the Minor Mosque, known for its beautiful mosaic works. Dining at the Central Asian Plov Centre and Lagman House offers a taste of the local cuisine. Tashkent is best enjoyed in spring and autumn when the weather is mild. Its rich history, vibrant culture and modern attractions make it a must-visit city.

Samarkand

Samarkand, located in Southeastern Uzbekistan, is one of Central Asia's oldest cities. It lies on the Silk Road, founded between the 7th and 8th centuries BC. It is a hub of Uzbek culture and is famous for its beautiful historical monuments and holy places.

Things to do in Samarkand include visiting the magnificent Registan Square. This UNESCO World Heritage site features three exceptional madrassas: Sherdor, Ulugbek and Tilla-Kori. These madrassas operated as an institute for Islamic learners and are a must-see for tourists.

Samarkand is also home to the Shahi-Zinda Necropolis, the stunning Bibi-Khanym Mosque, the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum and Ulugbek’s Observatory. These historical attractions showcase the city's rich architectural heritage. A day’s time might be sufficient to explore the most important tourist places, but spending two days or more is recommended to relish the lifestyle in Samarkand.

For a unique experience, visit Hovrenko’s wine factory to taste exotic spirits. The Tomb of the Prophet Daniel, with its impressive 18-metre-long sarcophagus, is another noteworthy site. Samarkand's Mediterranean climate features hot, dry summers and wet winters. July and August are the hottest months, while January is the coldest.

Samarkand’s International Airport, which opened in 2022, is one of the largest airports in Uzbekistan. It is a convenient entry place to Uzbekistan, with regular flights operated by WizzAir, Jazeera Air, AirDubai, Turkish Airlines, FlyAirstan, and multiple Uzbek airlines. From Samarkand, it is convenient to tour Uzbekistan by railways to Khiva, Nukus and Bukhara, then head back to Tashkent, the capital city.

Lyab-i-Hauz

Lyab-i-Hauz is a historic plaza in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, built in the early 17th century. It features one of the few remaining ponds in the city, surrounded by tall mulberry trees. An ancient canal feeds the ponds.

The area, meaning "by the pond," showcases beautiful 16th and 17th centuries architecture. The pond, stretching from east to west, is bordered by centuries-old trees and a staircase of yellowish limestone blocks.

To the west of the pond stands the Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka, and on the opposite side is the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah. The nearby Jewish Quarter is also worth exploring. Lyab-i-Hauz is a notable place for its historical and architectural significance.

The Savitski Museum in Nukus

The Savitsky Museum in Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan, is a unique gem among Uzbekistan tourist attractions. Founded by artist and archaeologist Igor Savitsky in the 1960s, the museum started with traditional Karakalpak items like jewellery and clothing. Savitsky then expanded the collection to include works by banned Soviet avant-garde painters.

Today, the museum is famous for its extensive collection of Russian avant-garde art. Often called the "Louvre in the desert," it showcases around 100,000 artworks. A visit to the Savitsky Museum offers insight into the history of the Karakalpak people and Soviet-era art.

Reaching Nukus can be done by train from Tashkent, which takes over 20 hours, or by air for a quicker journey. Visiting the Savitsky Museum completes any trip to Uzbekistan and can be combined with excursions to the Aral Sea or the Desert Castles of Khorezm.

The Palace of Khudayar Khan

The Palace of Khudayar Khan, located in Kokand, Uzbekistan, is a stunning royal residence. Built in 1871 by Khudayar Khan, the last ruler of Kokand Khanate, it once had 119 rooms and seven courtyards. Today, the palace is known as the “Pearl of Kokand” and has been partially restored.

Visitors can explore the vibrant and colourful facade, including arches and minarets. The palace now has two courtyards and 19 rooms open to the public. Inside is a natural history display showcasing various items collected from the palace.

Zaamin National Park

Zaamin National Park is a top destination for nature admirers in Uzbekistan. Located just three hours from Tashkent, this park offers unspoiled natural beauty and diverse landscapes. The park is known for its picturesque scenery, stunning mountain views, a beautiful lake-like reservoir, and unique flora and fauna.

You might spot black storks, lynx, bears, and leopards. The air here is fresh and often compared to Switzerland's clean, crisp air. Zaamin National Park has recently become more accessible due to new hotels and the annual Zaamin Ultra Marathon. Spring is an especially great time to visit for hiking, stargazing and enjoying local food.

The Aral Sea

The Aral Sea is one of the most unusual sightseeing places in Uzbekistan. Once the fourth-largest lake in the world, it has dramatically shrunk due to water diversion for irrigation.

Today, the sea is less than 10% of its original size, leaving behind the Aralkum Desert. Visitors can explore the surreal landscapes where ships once sailed. The former port city of Muynak now features a haunting ship graveyard far from the water. Famous sights include the arid Ustyurt Plateau and the former island of Barsakelmes.

A visit to the Aral Sea involves a journey to Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan, followed by a four-wheel-drive tour. Despite the challenging travel, the dramatic scenery and historical context make it a memorable experience.

Explore Pottery in Rishtan

Rishtan, located in the Fergana Region of Uzbekistan, is renowned for its ceramics. Rishtan is known for its pottery production, which spanned over 800 years. The city is famous for its unique blue glaze, called ‘Ishkur.’ This glaze is made from natural minerals and ash mountain plants.

As you visit Rishtan, you will see pottery products on either side of the road. However, visit the local studios for the best quality and authentic works. Rishtan is home to several skilled ceramic artists and workshops, including those of Rustam Usmanov and Alister Nazirov, who preserve and promote traditional Uzbek ceramics techniques.

Rishtan’s pottery is famous worldwide and can be found in many museums and private collections. For those interested in sightseeing places in Uzbekistan, Rishtan’s pottery centres offer a unique glimpse into the art of ceramics and the opportunity to interact with local master potters.

Shop at Chorsu Bazaar

Chorsu Bazaar is a must-visit spot in Tashkent. This traditional market is located in a striking blue-domed building in the city centre. It is one of the oldest and largest bazaars in Uzbekistan and Central Asia, dating back nearly 100 years.

The bazaar offers various items, from daily necessities to unique trinkets. It is a lively place to experience local culture and shop for various goods. At the end of the bazaar, you will find the Kukeldash Madrasah, another top site in Uzbekistan.

The market retains its historical charm with large domed structures and colourful glazed tiles. It is open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:15 PM.

Plov: Uzbekistan's National Dish

Plov is Uzbekistan's iconic national dish, often served at marriages, celebrations and memorable events. This hearty rice pilaf, with roots in the Middle East and Central Asia, is made by sauteing meat, onions and carrots in fat. Rice, water or broth, and spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric are added, creating a rich, aromatic dish.

Cooked in a large cast-iron pot called a 'kazan' over an open flame, plov is not just a dish, it is an experience. The unique smoky taste that the 'kazan' imparts to the dish is something you will not find anywhere else.

Whether it features beef, lamb or chicken, and includes vegetables like tomatoes and garlic, plov is a culinary adventure waiting to be savoured. And the accompaniments like sour cream, pickled veggies, or yoghourt only add to the journey.

Lagman

Lagman, also known as 'laghman,' is a must-try delicacy in Uzbekistan. It is loved by citizens and visitors alike. This savoury noodle dish features hand-made noodles cooked in a delicious broth with meat, such as lamb or beef, and various vegetables.

The broth is seasoned with spices like coriander, cumin and paprika, assembling a creamy taste. Lagman can be served as a soup or a main plate, usually accompanied by salad or bread. This enjoyable and satisfying feast is perfect for warming up on a chilly day.

Travelling to Uzbekistan is an exciting adventure, rich with history and culture. However, before you embark on your journey, it is crucial to consider international travel medical insurance to ensure a safe trip. This type of travel insurance is essential for protecting yourself against unforeseen medical expenses abroad.

Uzbekistan's diverse landscapes and historic sites make it a captivating destination, but accidents or illnesses can happen anywhere. A well-suited travelling insurance ensures you are covered for medical emergencies, trip cancellations and lost belongings.

TATA AIG offers comprehensive travel insurance plans tailored to international travellers. The policies provide extensive coverage, including medical expenses, emergency evacuations and trip interruption.

Opting for TATA AIG’s international travel medical insurance gives you peace of mind, allowing you to fully enjoy the beauty and adventure of Uzbekistan without worrying about potential risks.

What is the best time to visit Uzbekistan

The best times to visit Uzbekistan are spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and pleasant.

Do I need a visa to travel to Uzbekistan

Yes, Indian travellers need a visa to enter Uzbekistan. Check the latest visa requirements based on your nationality.

What languages are spoken in Uzbekistan

The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek. Russian is also widely spoken, particularly in major cities and tourist locations. English is not commonly spoken, so learning a few basic phrases or having a translation app can be helpful.

What is the local currency in Uzbekistan

The local currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbek som (UZS).

What should I wear when travelling to Uzbekistan

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious places. Lightweight and breathable clothing is suitable for the hot summers, while warm clothing is needed for cooler months.