uzbekistan nature tourism

Uzbekistan Travel Guide: The Ultimate 10-Day Itinerary

Uzbekistan, a deserted landscape where time-stood still or, that’s what everyone thinks! In reality, Uzbekistan is a well-developing country with beautifully-tiled mosques, palaces with detailed ornaments, tasty food with their fresh vegetables and fruits, a high-speed train network and best of all, some of the friendliest and welcoming people out there. Plan to travel Uzbekistan with our 10-day itinerary.

Uzbekistan Travel Itinerary

This undiscovered gem of Central Asia has a rich history due to its location on the legendary Silk Road. The great blend of the old and the new is a pleasant touch to the country. “But why has Uzbekistan been so under the radar?” The new president heavily invested in tourism by building a high-speed railway system and by making visas much cheaper or free. One to two weeks is enough time to travel around Uzbekistan.

Check if you need a visa online here

Day 1: Tashkent

Tashkent is the largest city in Central Asia. This modern capital is the starting point of your Uzbekistan travel itinerary because of its well-connected international airport.

Tashkent is very different from others and doesn’t have much to offer apart from visiting the Bazaar and the picturesque Metro stations.

Tip: Download the Verum QR app since mid-2019 all sites have QR codes that provide information about the object. (Like a free tour guide)

Day 2 – 4: Samarkand – Uzbekistan Travel Favorite

Step into the wonderful city of colorful mosques, minarets, mausoleums, and the traditional market – Samarkand is the must-see city of Uzbekistan. Spend three days visiting all its sites and having a chat with the welcoming locals.

All about: The Things To Do in Samarkand

Tashkent to Samarkand

The high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand only takes two hours and is very convenient.

Where to stay in Samarkand

The hotels and guesthouses in Samarkand are for every kind of budget. We highly recommend B&B Antica . A wonderful guesthouse with a beautiful garden where you will get the best breakfast in the city! It is also located right next to Gur-e Amir.

Hotels in Samarkand 😴

Day 5 – 7: Bukhara

The walkable city of Bukhara might be the most picturesque city in Uzbekistan. The labyrinth of narrow, quiet streets and green parks make it a rather pleasant place to spend a couple of days. Visit the Ark and Po-i Kalyan Complex, two architectural masterpieces.

Bukhara – The Ancient Mosque city guide

Samarkand to Bukhara

Jump on the high-speed train in Samarkand and arrive in Bukhara in under 2 hours.

Where to stay in Bukhara

It’s best to find a hotel in Bukhara near the area where cars are not allowed, and most restaurants are located.

Hotels in Bukhara 😴

Day 7 – 9: Khiva

Khiva, the open-air museum in the desert, was the first place in Uzbekistan to get a UNESCO heritage listing. Taste the delicious food of this region and wander around in this old, mud-brick-walled village that feels like walking in an actual movie scene. 

Read: Full Khiva Museum City Guide

Bukhara to Khiva

Of all the destinations on your Uzbekistan travel itinerary, Khiva is certainly the hardest to get to. From Bukhara, it is best to take the train (5h) or taxi (7h).

Where to Stay in Khiva

Khiva offers affordable accommodation for all budgets. The higher-end hotels are located within the city walls, and just outside those walls, hotels get much more affordable.

Hotels in Khiva 😴

Day 10: Tashkent

Finally, spend the last day of your time in Uzbekistan, making your way to Tashkent to catch your international flight back home with a backpack filled with new experiences.

You can either take the night train from Khiva (16.5 h) or fly back from Urgench to Tashkent. (1.5h)

Costs of traveling in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a very affordable country to travel around and can easily be done on your own. Transportation and accommodation are the biggest expenses while traveling in Uzbekistan. 

Costs of Traveling in Uzbekistan

Travel on a budget in Uzbekistan, from $290 − $460 USD weekly per person, mid-range $710 − $1240 USD, and high-end from $1200 − $1810 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $60 − $200 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $20 − $50 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $5 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Food: $10 − $30 USD
• Activities: $3 − $20 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Getting cash in Uzbekistan

Each city has a handful of good working ATMs. Some dispense Uzbek Sums and other US Dollars. Maestro and Visa cards are widely accepted, whereas Mastercard is limited. 

Food in Uzbekistan 

The large markets with fresh fruits, vegetables, and loaves of bread represent the tasty meals of the food in Uzbekistan. Expect delicious salads, soups, bread, plov, dumplings, and so much more. Even for vegetarians, it isn’t too difficult to find great meatless meals like pumpkin dumplings (Manti). 

How to Get Around Uzbekistan

A commonly misunderstood fact is that you would have to see Uzbekistan with a tour company – wrong! Uzbekistan’s rail network is a super convenient, affordable, and overall great way to get around the country. The fast trains are of the same quality as Italy or another European country. 

Right now, booking tickets online is still very difficult (2019) but fortunately, Advantour, the silk road tour operator , takes away the hassle by pre-booking everything for you.

Train tickets for the above Uzbekistan travel route cost between 5 and 20 USD per ride per person, depending on the class. 

Browse and book your train tickets online

All major cities are connected with a domestic or international airport and have regularly scheduled flights.

Tip: Right now, we recommend taking just one flight back from Khiva to Tashkent because the train between the other cities is a much better way of traveling.

Best Time to Travel in Uzbekistan

It is best to visit Uzbekistan in the spring (April to June) and autumn (September – October) when the weather is comfortably warm and dry.

In general, it is recommended to skip the summer months, June to August. However, our visit in late August was fine if we would stay out of the sun in the afternoon. 

What to Wear in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a modern country without strict rules on how women should dress. Although the majority of the country is Muslim, headscarves are not required at all, and you will see women wearing whatever they feel comfortable with, even ripped jeans or skirts. Expect quite a few selfie requests as Western tourists are still new and exciting. 

Dress in a way that is respectful to everyone. Of course, at some religious sites, you are required to cover yourself, so always bring an extra scarf with you while traveling in Uzbekistan. 

Safety in Uzbekistan

Besides corruption happening a few years ago, the crime rate in Uzbekistan is very low, making it a safe country to travel to .

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Uzbekistan trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

In contrast to a city trip to Europe , you don’t have to pay attention to pickpockets. The Uzbek people are respectful, and couples and solo travelers have to worry while traveling in this beautiful country.

Discover more about: Finding the right travel insurance

Do I Need a Visa for Uzbekistan?

Getting your visa for Uzbekistan has become a piece of cake for most nationalities due to changes in 2018. E-visas can now be acquired, and for some countries, it’s even free.

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• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Uzbekistan via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Things To Do in Khiva, Uzbekistan: The Open Air Museum

Samarkand, uzbekistan: best things to do & see, the ancient mosque city bukhara, uzbekistan.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

We were looking for information about Uzbekistan. We are glad we reached you site. Your coverage of this wonderful land is detailed and ready to use.

Can you tell us if online booking has started for their train network?

Thanks for this wow blog and thanks in anticipation for your expected reply to our query on rail booking.

Thanks! As far as we’re aware that system is still not working for bookings as foreigners.

Hi there, you can book easily through the national Uzbek trains website with no extra commission as a foreigner. We had no problems doing it for our trip right now!

Thanks for pointing that out & we hope you’re having a great trip! 🤗

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• The Best Ecotourism Experiences In...

The Best Ecotourism Experiences in Uzbekistan

Ecotourism is in its infancy in Uzbekistan, but growing numbers of visitors are coming to the Central Asian country to hike and ski in its mountains, swim in its lakes and get a taste of local life through rural homestays.

Uzbekistan lies at the heart of the Silk Road, famed for the dazzling architecture of its UNESCO World Heritage cities Bukhara and Samarkand. But beyond the urban areas (and occasionally hidden within them) are some of the best ecotourism experiences to be found in Central Asia.

From steppe to mountain and from desert to river valley, Uzbekistan’s diverse and dramatic terrain has shaped the country’s development. Merchants, pilgrims and invading armies sought out the most accessible passes, building mighty cities around oases and along the banks of the Amu Darya. These landscapes still enthral, with Uzbekistan’s best ecotourism experiences providing unparalleled opportunities to get close to nature.

Experience nomadic life with a yurt stay at Aydarkul

Get a taste of traditional nomadic life by staying a night or two in a desert yurt. The Safari Yurt Camp at Aydarkul offers simple but comfortable accommodation, decorated in Kazakh style with colourful textiles, including intricate suzani embroidery. Come nightfall, you will want to be outside for stargazing – a once-in-a-lifetime experience by virtue of the almost total absence of light pollution – accompanied by folk music around the campfire.

Discover ancient rock art at Sarmishsay

For ancient-history lovers, there’s no better place to go in Uzbekistan than Sarmishsay. In this gorge in the Karatau Mountains is an art gallery with items dating back to the Stone Age. The 4,000 surviving petroglyphs (rock carvings) offer a record of ancient wildlife, plus sacred symbols and humans hunting and dancing. The gorge has always been on the migration routes of people and animals, which is why the limestone and sandstone rocks were such an obvious canvas on which early artists could make their marks.

Go wild swimming in Tudakul

To beat the heat in the Kyzylkum Desert, cool off with some wild swimming on Lake Tudakul, located not far from the historic city of Bukhara. There’s a Soviet-era holiday resort on the lake’s southwestern shore, but you don’t have to be staying there to access the facilities. Alternatively, there are plenty of other, quieter spots where you can stop, strip down to your bathing suit and swim.

Kayak along the Anhor Canal in Tashkent

UK blogger Pip and the City recommends kayaking on the Anhor Canal to take a break from the bustle of Tashkent , Uzbekistan’s capital city. “For just $20 you can paddle by some gorgeous scenery. It’s so peaceful and serene, it’s hard to imagine you are right in the middle of a busy city!” she says. You can rent a kayak and get a guide from Jules Verne Hostel, but note that it’s best to do this in the spring or autumn – at the height of summer, the heat in Tashkent soars to well over 40C (104F), and it is unwise to spend extended periods in the direct sunlight.

Stay with a local family in Sentob

The village of Sentob in the Navoi region has become the very first ecotourism hub in Uzbekistan. Headman Murod Mirzayev proudly explains, “We have a population of just 2,064 people, but already we have 10 homestays and guest houses. We are opening our homes to show our hospitality and give visitors the chance to learn about rural life.” At Rahima’s Homestay , for example, you can bake bread in the outdoor tandoor, and two local musicians will pop by to serenade you while you have lunch in the garden.

Hike around the Charvak Reservoir

Created in 1970, the Charvak Reservoir is filled with water from the Tien Shan mountains. The surrounding hills provide a verdant setting for an invigorating hike. According to Aziz Makhmudov of Ulysse Tour , the best time to hike at Charvak is in spring. “Charvak substitutes [for] the sea for Uzbeks,” he explains. “People take a picnic or have a barbecue, hike and swim. The irises are in bloom on the mountain slopes, which run all the way to the horizon. The landscapes are terrific.” Charvak is only 104 kilometres (65 miles) from Tashkent, so it is easy to visit on a day trip.

Go birdwatching at Dengizkul Lake

Bird Life International classes Dengizkul Lake, located southwest of Bukhara near the border with Turkmenistan, as an Important Birding Area (IBA). More than 130 different species of birds have been recorded here, and if you come in the winter months it is possible to see plenty of migrant species that have flown south from Siberia. Keen birdwatchers will get particularly excited about spotting Dalmatian pelicans (the world’s largest freshwater bird), marbled and white-headed ducks and ferruginous pochards. There aren’t any specialist birding guides locally, but a copy of Birds of Central Asia will help you with identification.

Ride by camel across the Kyzylkum Desert

The Bactrian camel is the icon of the Silk Road, and without it the mercantile caravans would never have made it across Central Asia’s deserts and steppes. In the Kyzylkum Desert near Aydarkul you can ride out in the early morning across the sand dunes, making the most of your elevated position to enjoy the views. Camels move at a sedate pace, striding at about the same speed as a human, so there’s plenty of time to watch the birds and also look out for signs of other desert wildlife, such as lizards and antelopes. Most yurt camps in the area will offer camel trekking, including Sputnik Navoi and Kyzyl Kum Safari Yurt Camp.

Cross-country ski in Chimgan

If you have already skied in the Alps, the Pyrenees and the Dolomites, your next winter destination has to be the Chatkal Range in the western Tien Shan. You may not think of Uzbekistan (or its neighbour Kazakhstan ) for skiing, but the Chatkal Mountain Range stretches to the northeast of Tashkent, and in the winter months it’s thickly cloaked in snow. There are ski resorts at Amirsoy, Beldersay and Chimgan, and though lifts and pistes are limited, the opportunities for cross-country and backcountry skiing on cold, dry powder are endless. Ulysse Tour arranges ski hire and mountain guides, so all you have to focus on is the empty slopes and the views.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

See & Do

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This Photo Book Captures the Essence of Uzbekistan

The Savitsky Collection: The Extraordinary Art of Resistance

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Central Asia's Cultural Heartland: The Best Sites In Uzbekistan

Uzebekistan's Secret Underground Revealed After 41 Years

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The 10 best restaurants in tashkent and samarkand, uzbekistan.

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THE BLOG FOR THE ADVENTUROUS TRAVELER WHO LOVES A TOUCH OF LUXURY NOW AND THEN

Asia , BLOG , BUKHARA , Destinations , KHIVA , SAMARKAND , Uzbekistan · February 3, 2022

20 Most Beautiful Places To Visit In Uzbekistan

Are you looking for the most beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan? No need to look further, cause  this blogpost covers them all ! Including some insider tips on how to get there and when to go!

Uzbekistan is home to some of the most spectacular sights in Central Asia . Unique madrasa’s, covered in 20 shades of blue mosaics and turquoise domes, form the typical skyline for most Uzbek cities.

It’s one of those countries that actually took me by surprise cause Uzbekistan is not on many people their bucket list. It wasn’t on mine either until I saw some photos of its architecture. In an instant I knew that I had to see this place with my very own eyes.

It was a wonderful trip where I took thousands of photos and where I fell in love with the authenticity of the Uzbek culture and architecture.

There are a ton of things to do and places to visit in Uzbekistan and probably a lot more than 20 but I always like to write from personal experience. So no adding or recommending places that I haven’t visited myself.

20 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Uzbekistan

Some of the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan can be found in Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand . And those are the exact cities that we visited during our trip around Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is filled with unusual and historical places that will blow you away!

So let’s get started!

The Best Places To Visit in Khiva, Uzbekistan

When planning my trip to Uzbekistan I especially had high hopes for Bukhara and Samarkand. Little did I know that Khiva would absolutely take my breath away. To me Khiva is definitely one of those places one should see before they die . The historical town of Khiva is so tiny and small that within 10 minutes you’ll be from the East Gate to the West Gate. But it’s exactly its size that makes it so enjoyable. Below you’ll find the best photography locations in Khiva , when to visit them and the best place to stay during your visit.

💡 Good to know – At the West Gate you can purchase an Itchen Kala ticket for 150.000 SUM that will give you access to all of the attractions inside the city. Plus this ticket is valid for 2 days !

1. Kalta Minor Minaret, one of the most spectacular locations in Uzbekistan

Before you even enter the old city of Khiva you’ll see the turquoise Kalta Minor minaret shimmering in the sunlight from far away.

The Kalta Minor is an unfinished minaret located near the west entrance to the Ichan Kala (synonim for the old city). It was commissioned in 1851 by Mohammed Amin Khan, the ruler of Khiva, and was supposed to reach a height of 70 meters. Unfortunately he died before the minaret was finished in battle against the Persians. But even just at a height of 26 meters it’s one of the most beautiful manmade structures I have ever seen.

The Kalta Minor was built by some of the finest architects and artists in Khiva and as soon as they realized it would remain unfinished they decided to decorate it. you won’t find any other minaret in Uzbekistan that is so colorful in its decorations and details.

Fun Fact – Kalta Minor actually means ‘short minaret’.

How to get there – You pretty much can’t miss this beautiful turquoise and blue minaret. As soon as you walk through the West Gate you’ll be greeted by it.

When to go – Go in the early morning to avoid the harsh sunlight BUT make sure to come back for sunset! The sun bounces off the mosaics and gives a golden glow to the surrounding sand colored structures. You can’t visit the minaret inside.

💡 TIP – Enjoy the sunset view from the rooftop restaurant at Terrassa Cafe

2. Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa

Right next to the Kalta Minor minaret you’ll find the beautiful Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa. The Madrasa is actually connected to the minaret through a small wooden bridge.

These days however the building is no longer used as a madrasa. Instead it became one of the finest hotels in entire Uzbekistan: Orient Star Khiva Hotel .

As you can already guess from its name the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa was commissioned by the same ruler as the Kalta Minor Minaret. But due to his untimely beheading none of his architectural masterpieces were ever completely finished.

How to get there – This Madrasa is located right next to the previous Minaret and also serves as a hotel .

When to go – Go in the early morning to get the best light. There are no gates so you can admire the madrasa from the outside 24/7.

3. Kuhna Ark Fortress

The Kuhna Ark is a fortified citadel at the heart of Khiva , nestled against the western ramparts of the  Ichan Kala  immediately north of the city’s west gate. Just like the Forbidden City in Beijing it was conceived as a self-contained universe for the exclusive use of the ruler , his harem, his many advisors and servants, and members of the extended family.

There’s only one entrance and the entire complex is fenced off by stone walls. Although they didn’t proof to be too strong when it comes to Russian artillery.

Inside the Kuhna Ark Fortress is divided into different complexes all fulfilling separate functions. There’s the Summer Mosque, the Reception Courtyard, the Ak Sheikh Bobo bastion and the harem.

How to get there – This museum is located next to the Western Gate and the entrance is actually right in front of the Kalta Minor. You can see its entrance on the sunset photo above, it’s the wooden gate between the two turquoise domed pillars. The blue tiles can be found at the back!

When to go – Opening times are 9am to 6pm.

💡 TIP – The entrance fee to Kuhna Ark Fortress is included in the Itchen Kala tickets that you can buy at the West Gate.

4. Juma Mosque – A unique wooden mosque in Khiva

Khiva’s Juma, also known as the Friday’s mosque is located in the heart of the Itchen Kala.

The mosque was designed to house a large number of congregants as equals before the imam and Allah, and for this reason it differs substantially from the typical open-air courtyard-centric architecture that predominates in Khiva. Most mosques in Uzbekistan have arched entrances and domes, but not this one!

Inside you’ll find some of the most beautiful wooden craftsmanship . Over 213 wooden columns support the structure and the Juma Mosque was built on the remains of a former mosque which stood in that exact same place.

There are almost no windows, only a few openings in the ceiling which create a dazzling scenery of dancing light .

How to get there – The Juma Mosque is only 5 minutes walking from the Kalta-Minor Minaret and one of the most beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan .

When to go – I advise you to go as soon as it opens cause you really want to take out your wide angle lens in this place! Opening hours are from 9am until 6pm.

💡 TIP – The entrance fee to Juma Mosque is included in the Itchen Kala tickets that you can buy at the West Gate.

5. Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrasa

The madrasa of Mohammed Rakhim Khan occupies a prominent location opposite the Kuhna Ark, the fortified heart of the city. They started building the madrasa right before the Russian invasion so by the time it was finished it wasn’t just a regular islamic school. It also taught other subjects such as astronomy, geography and mathematics.

At present, the madrasa houses a museum showcasing the history of the Khivan Khanate and Mohammed Rakhim Khan in particular.

How to get there – Well since Khiva is so tiny this Madrasa can also be found right next to the Kalta-Minor Minaret.

When to go – Go a little after sunrise or sunset

6. Islam Khodja Minaret, another beautiful place to see in Khiva

With its 57 meters, the Islam Khodja Minaret is the tallest minaret in entire Uzbekistan. The site is named after Islam Khodja, the grand vizier (yes, like Jafar) of Muhammad Rahmi Bahadur II. He was a modernizer who introduced new amenities to the city including a hospital, telegraph office, and non-parochial schools.

The minaret was used as a tower to call for prayers but due to its impressive height it also led a lot of travelers to the city of Khiva. These days you can also climb up the minaret, an activity I highly recommend doing! Especially in the early hours when the morning light hits the entire old city of Khiva.

How to get there – There are two beautiful viewpoints to this Minaret. One is from the main square right in front of it, the other one is in the side street on the right.

When to go – If you want to take the best photos in front of the minaret you have to go at sunrise. A little later the vendor stalls will be out and a red chord will be places around the minaret to guide visitors to the entrance. Opening hours of the Islam Khodja Minaret are from 8am until 6pm .

💡 TIP – The entrance fee to the Islam Khodja Minaret is not included in the standard ticket, only in the VIP ticket. If you have the standard ticket er no ticket at all you’ll have to pay a fee of 20.000 SOM (€1.5).

7. Yar Mohammed Divan Mosque

How to get there – This beautiful mosque is a must visit when you’re in Khiva. It is located in the side alley near the Islam Khoja Minaret.

When to go – You can just visit this place during the middle of the day and still take beautiful photos!

8. Hidden Carpet Store & The Bazaars

How to get there – This beautiful photography spot in Uzbekistan is located between the Yar Mohammed Divan Mosque and the Islam Khoja Minaret.

When to go – We arrived in the late afternoon and it wasn’t busy at all. We asked the owner of the store if it was okay to take some photos and she was incredibly nice.

9. Tash Khauli Palace, one of those interesting places in Uzbekistan

The Tash Khauli Palace, also known as the Stone Palace, is a 19th-century palace and the former residence of the ruler of Khiva, Allah Kuli Khan.

It took 8 years to built the structure, which never pleased the khan: he wanted this big project to be completed in 2 years’ time. Many master builders lost their heads for this reason.

All the parts of Tash-Khauli are connected with a labyrinth of dim corridors . So don’t refrain from going through every single door during your visit. Some of the most beautiful courtyards of this place are hidden behind a small corner or doorway.

How to get there – The entrance to the harem part of the palace is located on the East side.

When to go – Go as soon as it opens at 9am. A little later vendors will put out their stalls throughout the entire place. The official opening hours for Tash Khauli Palace are 9am to 6pm.

💡 TIP – The entrance fee to the Tash Khauli Palace is included in both the standard and VIP Itchen Kala ticket .

Where to stay in Khiva

• Orient Star Khiva Hotel – This hotel is located inside the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrassah and offers a spectacular view from the balconies.
• Erkin Palace Hotel – Located right outside the old city center.
• Hotel Malika Kheivak – In the heart of Khiva and an amazing breakfast spread.

The Best Places to visit in Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara is another ancient city in the center of Uzbekistan. It was a well known stop on the Silk Road and a must visit place when traveling through Uzbekistan.

The abundance of mosques, architectural marvels, blue domes and detailed mosaics have transformed Bukhara into an open air museum. One where you can stroll around at ease without any car disturbing you. It creates an authentic feeling that is truly unique in the travel industry these days. You almost feel like you’re getting transported back in time.

Below I will list all of the most beautiful places and the best photography viewpoints that you can find in Bukhara!

10. Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa

The Nadir Divan-begi Madrasa is a puzzling piece of architecture as it resembles a  caravanserai— a combination warehouse and hostel for traveling caravans. Evidence for this is that the main entrance opens directly onto the courtyard; the usual practice is to provide a screen wall to shield the interior courtyard from the public eye.

But besides all of these curiosities the main reason for walking over to this madrasa is its incredible tile work! Make sure to snap some photos during your visit and also take a peek inside cause the Nadir Divan-begi Madrasa is free to visit. Inside you’ll find a beautiful courtyard that is lined with souvenir shops.

How to get there – The outside facade of this Madrasa is incredibly stunning and is located next to a small park.

When to go – Make sure to be there at sunrise! This one doesn’t work during sunset cause the blue won’t stand out that much because of the light and during the day it will be covered in ugly shadows coming from the trees nearby.

11. Chor Minor, one of those unusual places in Uzbekistan

Chor Minor, what literally means four towers, is a little tucked away in the streets of Bukhara. The purpose of the building is not entirely clear, but it likely served as the forepart of a spacious madrasa which no longer survives.

The four towers include cryptic references to religions other than Islam including Christianity, Buddhism, and Zoroastrianism. And indeed, there are certain designs that resemble a Christian upturned fish, and others that faintly resemble the Buddhist “wheel of the law”.

How to get there – Chor Minor is located on the East side of Bukhara and 15 minutes walking from the city center. I went with the idea to go up on the tower to take photos but unfortunately the woman that holds the key wasn’t there.

When to go – Go for sunrise or sunset if you can. When we were there the gate was closed unfortunately and the street vendors across the street said none of them had a key. But it is at time possible to go up the roof of Chor Minor for an additional fee of 4000 SOM.

12. Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa, one of the most beautiful places in entire Uzbekistan

The Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa definitely is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Bukhara, maybe even in entire Uzbekistan! The colorful tile work in the arch dates back to the 17th century and is a perfect representation of medieval art in Central Asia.

When you’re here make sure to turn around as well cause right across from the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa you’ll find the Ulugh Beg Madrasa. It’s a lot more modest in design but its history is phenomenal as one of the best madrasa’s in entire Uzbekistan.

How to get there – This Madrassah was one of my favourite places to visit in Uzbekistan and is located in the middle of the city centre of Bukhara . The easiest way to get here is to go on foot. We also took a look inside but it’s not well preserved at all.

When to go – Go at sunrise, from 9am the entrance will be blocked by a lot of vendors and it will be impossible to take any photo without a ton of souvenir stalls in front of it.

13. Kalyan Minaret

The Kalyan Minaret is part of the the Po-i Kalyan Complex , one of the most beautiful locations in Uzbekistan. The Kalyan Minaret is one of the most prominent features of the city of Bukhara and with its 45 meters it towers high above the city.

The Kalyan Minaret is also known as the ‘Tower of Death’ because for centuries, it was used to execute criminals by throwing them off the tower.

How to get there – The Minaret is located in the middle of the city center and is best reached on foot. For a stunning sunset view have dinner at Minor Cafe House .

When to go – Go for sunrise to avoid the crowds. It’s also stunning during sunset but there will be a lot more people out and about.

14. Mir-i-Arab Madrasa

The Mir-i-Arab Madrasa is also part of the Po-i Kalyan Complex . Until this day the madrasa is still an active school and for that reason it can only be admired from the outside. Pretty impressive if you consider that this building already stand over 500 years!

How to get there – You can’t actually visit this Madrassah, at least so we were told by the people at the entrance. However the outside makes for stunning photos! It is conveniently located next to the Minaret.

When to go – Go during sunset.

15. Kalyan Mosque

The Kalyan Mosque is the third part of the Po-i Kalyan Complex and is located right in front of the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa. But in contrast to the school you can actually visit this mosque. The Kalyan Mosque serves as the Friday mosque and is the largest in central Asia apart from the Bibi Khanum mosque in Samarkand and the Friday Mosque of Herat, Afghanistan.

How to get there – This mosque is located on the opposite side of the Madrasa and for 10.000 SOM you can also visit it inside.

When to go – The light is the most beautiful during sunset and the Mosque only opens at 8am and closes at 8pm.

16. The Ark of Bukhara

The Ark of Bukhara is the city’s oldest structure and is an absolute delight to visit in the early morning. It’s definitely one of the most special places to visit in Bukhara!

During the course of history the Ark of Bukhara has been destroyed and rebuilt several times. And by the start of the 20th century the Ark was inhabited by nearly 3000 people, making it a city within a city.

How to get there – This fortress is 10 minutes walking from the Po-i Kalyan Complex

When to go – The official opening hours for the Ark of Bukhara are from 8am until 8pm.

17. Chor Bakr Memorial Complex

The Chor Bakr Necropolis is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is located about 20 minutes driving from the centre of Bukhara.

Chor Bakr is also known as the ‘Town of the Dead’ but when you walk around the complex you’ll see a lot of mausoleums, a beautiful garden with peacocks running around, a minaret, a mosque and a madrasa.

How to get there – This location is a 20 minute drive from Bukhara but in my honest opinion totally worth the visit. A taxi ride there and back to the city centre (including a 20 minute wait) should be around 60.000 SUM. Chor Bakr is one of those hidden gems in Uzbekistan that not many people know of and therefore one of the more unique places to visit in Uzbekistan.

This photo was taken on top of the roof. The entrance fee is 15.000 SUM and an extra 5000 SUM to take photos. To get to the roof simply ask one of the guys there and for 10 000 SUM/per person they will take you up.

When to go – 8am to 5.30pm from Monday to Friday and 8am until 6pm during the weekend.

Where to stay in Bukhara

• Komil Bukhara Boutique Hotel – An incredible boutique hotel in the heart of Bukhara. The rooms are decorated in true Uzbek style and the breakfast is amazing!

The Best Places to visit in Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand is the highlight for almost everyone when visiting Uzbekistan. It does however have a completely different feel than Khiva and Bukhara. The city itself is more modern and the monuments are spread out over the city.

So unlike in Khiva and Bukhara you can’t just stroll around without bumping into a car. Then again the top sights in Samarkand are pretty much open air museums in their very own right!

18. Registan

Registan is an enormous complex that consists of 3 beautiful Madrassah’s. Make sure to visit every single one of them and that you spend at least half a day here!

The entrance fee is 40.000 SUM/per person and the ticket is valid all day long.

Opening hours : 8am – 7pm

How to get there – When staying at B&B Antica Registan is only 15 minutes walking.

When to go – Make sure to be there at opening time. It is possible to go inside a little earlier. But you will have to pay one of the guards to be let in (100.000 SUM). Important to know is that during this time you can’t take photos on the courtyard cause there are camera’s. You can however go inside one of the Madrassah’s and go on the balconies!

💡 TIP – Come back in the evening to see the domes and the madrasa’s lit up!

19. Shah-i-Zinda

If I have to chose one favorite place in Uzbekistan is is definitely Shah-i-Zinda! This sacred necropolis is one of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan and will blow you away as soon as you set foot inside.

How to get there – If you go on a sunrise mission to take photos I advise you to take a taxi. Shah-i-Zinda is absolutely magical early in the morning and one of the most incredible places to visit in Uzbekistan!

Entrance fee – 25.000 SUM/per person

When to go – The complex opens at 7am and I strongly advise you to be there on time. This will give you plenty of time to take stunning photos before the crowds arrive.

💡 TIP – Shah-i-Zinda is a sacred place so make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting.

20. Gur-e-Amir

The enormous Gur-e-Amir is one of the most impressive mausoleums in Uzbekistan and a spectacular place to visit in Samarkand.

Fun Fact – The architecture of Gur-e-Amir inspired the construction of the Taj Mahal in India .

How to get there – Gur-e Amir is located around the corner of Antica B & B Samarkand .

When to go – Go during sunset

💡 TIP – Gur-e-Amir is a sacred place so make sure to cover your shoulders and knees when visiting.

Where to stay in Samarkand

• Antica B & B Samarkand – A cute local B & B with a main garden. Not to mention, the breakfast is absolutely amazing and freshly made every single day.
• Bibikhanum Hotel – A cute hotel that offers rooms with a balcony and a stunning view over the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.

I hope you enjoyed this article on the most beautiful places in Uzbekistan! If you have any more questions feel free to drop them in the comment section below!

Charlotte Lint is the founder, main photographer and writer of Charlies Wanderings . She has traveled all over the world and is based in Belgium where she also owns her very own dental practice. She is an expert on writing insightful hiking guides and creating unique and efficient travel itineraries . Every month she helps over 134.000 people discover the most beautiful places in the world through her detailed travel guides.

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November 16, 2019 at 11:28 am

Charlotte, your photos! STUNNING. I used to work with a girl from Uzbekistan and its been on my bucket list ever since. This post bumped it up a few spots for sure.

Charlotte says

November 16, 2019 at 11:35 am

Thank you so much Tina!! That really means a lot to me! 🙂

Nicola Lavin says

November 16, 2019 at 3:26 pm

Uzbekistan has been on my list for a really long time. Your photos make me want to go even more.

Leslie says

November 16, 2019 at 4:01 pm

omg! The colors. Everything looks amazing. It’s now on my bucket list.

Joanna says

November 16, 2019 at 5:46 pm

These photos are amazing! I am actually planning on going to Uzbekistan next summer, so thank you for these suggestions on where to take the best photos.

November 16, 2019 at 11:22 pm

Absolutely gorgeous photos, Uzbekistan looks like such a dreamy place to visit! Also loving the cute dress flips for the photos, I can never seem to get that shot down no matter how hard I try lol!

Vanessa Shields says

November 17, 2019 at 12:25 am

Absolutely love all of your photos! Uzbekistan looks so pretty and is a country I have been wanting to visit. Thanks for all the great tips and info!

November 17, 2019 at 2:29 am

Instagrammable for sure. These photos are amazing. What a beautiful place. So colorful and such intricate detail on the buildings. Love it!

Brianna says

November 17, 2019 at 3:23 am

Love your photos here! The shades of blue and teal in the tiling look really beautiful to photograph. I hadn’t really considered traveling to Uzbekistan but these photos are making me change my mind!

November 17, 2019 at 8:45 am

Thank you so much for saying that Brianna! That really means a lot to me 🙂

Thank you so much Emma! 🙂

November 17, 2019 at 8:46 am

My absolute pleasure Vanessa! I am sure you would have a wonderful time!

thank you! Well it takes a lot of practice :p most photos the dress goes the wrong way 😉

November 17, 2019 at 8:47 am

Oh you will have a fab time in the summer! It does tend to get really hot thought so maybe consider the shoulder months?

Thank you so much Leslie 🙂

November 17, 2019 at 8:48 am

Thank you so much Nicola 🙂

Bliss Eatts says

November 17, 2019 at 1:07 pm

It’s such an undiscovered country. Your photos of it are stunning!

November 17, 2019 at 4:23 pm

Thank you so much! 🙂

Mike Berg says

January 21, 2023 at 7:54 am

Trying to see the stunning architecture but all I can see is your ridiculous dresses and poses. When is this moronic phase going to die out? Did you even notice where you are or just pose like an idiot and leave to pose at the next place.

January 21, 2023 at 10:34 am

Hi Mike, thank you for this insightful comment! I can actually pose in a dress, learn about the local culture and history and have an amazing holiday all at once! Who would have thought a woman can do more than one thing at the same time?? Shocking!

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THE 10 BEST Uzbekistan Nature & Wildlife Tours

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1. Full Day Private Tour in Seven Lakes from Samarkand

2. Day Tour to Shahrisabz of Amir Timur

3. Desert Yurt Camp tour - 2 days (shared)

4. Aral Sea One Day Tour from Tashkent

5. Muynak - "Ship Cemetery" Tour from Nukus

6. Yurt stay and Hiking in the Nurata Mountains tour - 2 days

7. Desert yurt camp and Mountain tour - 3 days

8. Yurt Camp - "One Day as Nomads" from Samarkand / Bukhara

9. Hiking tour to Hayat, Uhum and Asraf villages – 4 days

10. 2-Day Small Group Jeep Adventure Tour to Aral Sea in Nukus

11. Yurt Camp from Samarkand to Bukhara Self-Guided Tour

12. 10-Hour Private Karakalpak Heritage Tour to Aul Topi and Chimbay Villages

13. Seven Lakes Tajikistan Private Excursion From Samarkand

14. Aral Sea trip to Uzbekistan

15. 3-Day Small Group Jeep Adventure Tour to Aral Sea & Usturt Plateau in Nukus

16. 2 Days of Tour in Yurt Camp and Aydarkul

17. Aral Sea - Lost Paradise

18. SEVEN LAKES from Samarkand, One-Day tour

19. Darband-Boyson Uzbekistan Mountain Trekking 3-Day Private Tour From Samarkand

20. Nuratau home stay observe and live the Uzbek rural life

21. Kolkhoz: Private visit to the cotton farmers' village

22. Nurata Mountain & Kyzyl-kum Desert 3 Day Tour From Samarkand or Bukhara

23. Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan 11d10n

24. Nurata Mountain 3 Day Private Rural Tour from Samarkand or Bukhara

25. Fann Mountains, trekking, 10 days

26. Heliocomplex "Institute of the Sun" - Remnants of USSR

27. Undiscovered Uzbekistan: Ukhum Village from Samarkand

28. Snowy Tashkent mountain tours

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State Nature Landmarks of Uzbekistan

By visiting Uzbekistan, do not miss the unique opportunity to get in touch with untouched nature, enjoy the cleanest air of protected natural areas, where almost no human foot has been set.

Due to the diverse landscape and natural and climatic conditions in Uzbekistan, there is a huge number of unique natural monuments. Fantastic landscapes, geological objects, mountain ranges, pristine lakes, forest lands with centuries-old trees are the most valuable natural monuments of Uzbekistan.

Nature landmarks

Some of these landmarks are very ancient, have cultural, educational and scientific significance for the entire world. These can be rare endangered plants and animals, botanical monuments, geological and hydrogeological objects, unusual reliefs, mountain formations, groves, deserts and other corners of nature.

How to visit such places?

State nature landmarks are open to the public. Excursions from the administrative cities of the regions are organized to such places, which will be a great opportunity for a person to get acquainted with the natural and historical wealth of our country. In total, there are more than four hundred natural monuments in Uzbekistan, but some of them have received the status of specially protected state monuments of nature.

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Hiking in Uzbekistan –  6 best Hiking Trails in the Nuratau and Chimgan Mountains in Uzbekistan

A comprehensive guide to hiking in Uzbekistan with an overview of some of the best hiking trails in the country. Read on to learn more about which mountains in Uzbekistan, where to stay and useful hiking tips and resources.

When dreaming up an image of Uzbekistan , many will immediately think of its striking Silk Road cities adorned with turquoise-tiled domes and a myriad of minarets and mausoleums. 

My memories are a little different… they’re filled with Uzbekistan’s peaceful landscapes, rolling mountain tops and smiles from villagers. Hiking in Uzbekistan is remarkable for its varied trails, which make the country a unique and undiscovered destination for walking. 

The Nuratau and Chimgan mountain ranges each have their own beautiful characteristics and through staying at guesthouses with villagers and camping, I was taught so much about the Uzbek way of life. 

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through what makes Uzbekistan so wonderful for hiking, which mountains in Uzbekistan to visit, where to stay and my top tips for your adventure.

Tip: See my  Uzbekistan Travel Page  for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Uzbekistan!

Uzbekistan Travel Guide: 18 u s e f u l t h ings you need to know before you go

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

Disclaimer: This publication is made possible by Responsible Travel. The contents of this publication are the sole responsibility of Samantha Jagger of Journal of Nomads and are a reflection of her personal experiences of this trip.

Responsible Travel , the only community-based tourism group in Uzbekistan, organized this incredible trip! RT began as a non-for-profit organization and provides guesthouses in the mountains with logistics and support.

I was sent to meet RT and to document the work they do. Most of Cynthia’s partners in Central Asia work in community-based tourism, which she’s incredibly passionate about.

CBT strengthens independent businesses and has local people at its core. It is also responsible for promoting and developing a lot of outdoor activities and hiking trails around Uzbekistan. They help with marking and mapping new trails around the country.

If you want to obtain more information about a trail’s difficulty level or condition, it’s a great idea to contact them first. They organize tours the same way different travel companies would but give some of the profits back to the local community. Responsible Travel also received an international award for socially responsible tourism, and their CBT project was recognized as one of the two best projects in the world in 2023 by Berlin International Tourism Fair (ITB).

Plan your trip to Uzbekistan

• 18 important things to prepare your trip to Uzbekistan
• 26 beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan Itineraries: 1 to 4 weeks in Uzbekistan
• How to travel aroun d Uzbekistan by train
• What to pack for Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan Safety Guide
• Uzbekistan Money Guide
• Tours & Experiences: Guided City Tours in Uzbekistan, Adventure Tours in Uzbekistan

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Where are the Nuratau and Chimgan mountains in Uzbekistan?

The Nuratau range is located around 250km west of Tashkent , north of the city Samarkand . The mountains extend between the Kyzylkum Desert on the west and the eastern Barren Steppe. If you take a quick look on a map, you can see the peaks also sit south in parallel to Uzbekistan’s largest lake, Aydar Lake . 

Depending on the season, the area bustles in agricultural activity: mulberries, walnuts and pistachio trees all flourish here. Its tiny villages are nestled in the Nuratau range, where many families have farms and homestays. 

The Chimgan mountains sit tall in the Ugam-Chatkal National Park , which is about 80km east of Tashkent. One of the park’s most mighty attractions is the Greater Chimgan mountain, which is Uzbekistan’s largest peak at 3,309m.

In contrast to the unknown Nuratau area, the park is popular for nature lovers. It’s home to a ski resort in Beldersay and has many established trails winding throughout the valleys. 

The 26 most beautiful and best places to visit in Uzbekistan

Why hiking in Uzbekistan?

During my trip, a few people messaged me and asked if I thought somewhere like hiking in Kyrgyzstan was more beautiful. If you didn’t know Uzbekistan, you’d be inclined to believe the country’s mountains live in the shadow of its neighboring countries like Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan .

The Chimgan and Nuratau mountains don’t have twisting spires of rock and needle-like peaks that are nectar to climbers. Uzbekistan is lower in altitude, arid and flatter, but with this comes beautiful rolling mountains, meadows and hundreds of tiny villages nestled in valleys.

While the Tian Shan ranges are so striking and staggering, Uzbekistan is different and it’s important to embrace the beauty of the difference.

Uzbekistan radiates joy, both in its magnificent landscapes and its people. My warmest memories were gifted by the families I stayed with, who shared their stories and their way of life with me. 

In the Nuratau mountains, hundreds of tiny villages are nestled in the valleys. The rolling hills provide thousands of possible trails. The beauty of this means you can link up a route across the range and stay in cozy guest houses along the way. I learn a lot from nature, but on this trip, I was taught so much about how the mountains provide so much for the Uzbek people.

I was fortunate to experience both mountain ranges which are different in terrain. The Chimgan Mountains are home to the largest peaks in Uzbekistan. It’s a little cooler compared to Nuratau, and with this comes roaring glacial rivers and snow-capped summits.

Due to its close proximity to Tashkent, its ski resort and its enticing climbs, Chimgan does have a higher population of tourists than Nuratau. This means there are hotels dotted about rather than village guest houses so you probably won’t get that same authentic experience. My advice would be to combine both hiking opportunities on your trip. 

Another attractive quality about roaming around in Uzbekistan is this: Uzbekistan’s Silk Road tourism is well-tread.

Every year, thousands of visitors flock to charming cities like Samarkand , Khiva and Bukhara , fascinated by its history. But its hiking trails remain undiscovered.

You won’t come across many tourists or irritating influencers. You’ll be at total peace (aside from the donkeys, cockerels and goats that were my morning alarm).

In my mind, this was the best form of tourism because I was in a remote place, experiencing something completely real and supporting village life at the same time. 

Uzbekistan itineraries: 1 to 4 weeks in Uzbekistan

Can I hike alone in the mountains of Uzbekistan or do I need a guide?

I’m very independent and I love hiking on my own. There’s nothing like it. When walking in a village or up by a nearby hill in Uzbekistan, I would do it on my own, no bother.

However, because the Nuratau mountain villages are relatively new to tourism, it’s very useful to have a guide with you on longer routes. Reasons include that your route may need to change (if a shepherd has a grumpy dog) or you get into an emergency situation (there is poor signal and your guide will be able to get you help in the next village).

Hiking on your own in a new country often means you don’t learn too much about its history, unless you speak with someone who knows the mountain ranges well, which is another benefit to having a guide. 

 My guide Sherali did his absolute best to accommodate what I would like, according to my fitness, on every day of the trip. We even went rock climbing in Tashkent !

Going on a tangent here, but I asked Sherali if he had been rock climbing before, he said no, but he had seen videos and always wanted to. I grinned and immediately started searching for climbing walls. We found one in Tashkent and squeezed a trip in there for a few hours. He FLEW up the wall and was beaming for the rest of the day. He later told me, ‘I welcome you to Uzbekistan, you welcome me to climbing’. It was just beautiful.

Going back to my point: my guide went above and beyond to make the trip memorable and wonderful. It was part of my hiking experience and I couldn’t have imagined it without Sherali. 

If you were super keen on doing some routes on your own (i.e. from village to village), I’m sure the guide would be able to accommodate it. Ensure you have a strong GPS map, plenty of water and an ETA provided to the guest house.  

I think hiking alone is more possible in the more touristy parts of Chimgan. You could always ask your guide to drop you off at the ski resort of Belserday and do some wild camping and hiking for a few days. If you weren’t using the services of a porter or a guide, you could pack all you need on your back and head out. 

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If you would like to organize a trek to the mountains with a local guide, you can always contact me and I’ll put you in touch with them!

You can also book a few hiking tours in Uzbekistan online:

The Complete Trekking Guide to Kyrgyzstan with the best day hikes and treks

When is the best time to go hiking in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan gets HOT in summer. My mountain guide Sherali said it often tops 40 degrees in the Nuratau range in July and August. Even when I was there at the end of May, on our first day of hiking, it clocked 32 degrees. I was a sticky, knackered puddle (don’t get me wrong, I still loved it).

I soon found out the hotter temps shaved off around 10k on the distance I could do in a day. It’s harder to breathe, you need to take short regular breaks and carry bucket loads of water. I had to wring out sweat from my top at least once a day. Delicious. 

There are ways around the heat though. Get up at sunrise, when it’s cooler, and start your day. Guesthouse owners and guides are up at first light anyway because of prayer. 

It comes at no surprise that the optimum time to get out into the mountains is in early spring and autumn. I’d recommend planning your trip in late March, April, early May, late September and October.

With late March and April, snow is likely to be capped on the peaks, so make sure you pack the correct gear to prepare you for both snow and sun. 

I also have to add that by the time I was there in late May, spring’s vegetation in the Nuratau mountains was withering away (I walked through thousands of shriveled, crispy rhubarb plants). Summer’s arid climate was full steam ahead. I would love to come back and see these mountains in fresh bloom in March or April.

Walking in the winter months can be difficult and dangerous due to avalanches and cornices.  In January, temps can drop to -15 degrees. Under the snow drifts there are veneers of tacky ice which can catch you unawares.

Sherali told me some crazy stories involving people insisting to go out despite his voiced concerns. They fell multiple times, plunging waist-deep into snow, descending through the ice and into stinging-cold water. I wouldn’t advise tackling Uzbekistan’s mountains in the height of winter, unless you absolutely know what you’re doing and have an experienced guide.

Something else to consider too is the tourism season runs in spring and autumn. Summer and winter can be harder to organize accommodation with guesthouses. 

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Discover the mystical Silk Road cities and travel along the ancient caravan trails in the mountains and desert of Uzbekistan during the 14-day H i g h l i g h t s o f Uzbekistan Adventure Tour !

Is Uzbekistan safe?

When I told my friends and family about my trip back in January, some struck up worried concerns. ‘You’re going where?’ ‘Why?’ I shrugged it off and put it down to that it was their fear of the unknown. I think countries like Uzbekistan are still relatively unknown to many people in western Europe. After I returned, I showed them my photos and relayed my stories. They soon were asking how they could make a trip like this happen for themselves ;).

In my experience, I have found Central Asian people to be some of the kindest, most welcoming and gentle I’ve ever met. As soon as I stepped foot in both Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan , I immediately felt safe and have been treated excellently. 

There may be cases of petty crime such as pickpockets, especially in crowded places and in the bazaars of Tashkent, but they don’t happen often. Just always keep your valuables in a safe place, no matter where you are in the world. To put it into context, I have been in far more dangerous situations in European countries (we’ll do story time another day :P).

Is Uzbekistan safe? 1 4 useful safety tips

There are a few venomous creatures who have made themselves cozy in Uzbekistan such as snakes and black widow spiders. I can confidently say though, this is NOT a danger you need to be alert for really. Snakes are only wiggling around in summer in remote parts in the mountain valley – just be aware when you’re in arid parts and you’re stepping on big leaves.

Now, the black widows. Sherali told me about this and I thought it was so cool! Black widows are super rare and absolutely tiny. Shake your shoes before putting them on and shake your sheet before you sleep. Easy. Don’t worry, you’ve got more chance of slipping on a banana skin and flying off a mountain than getting bitten. 

The only immediate danger I can really think of is the shepherds’ dogs and this isn’t exclusive to Uzbekistan, this is a general comment. In Central Asia and places like the Caucasus Mountains , dogs are bred to protect their family and their flock from wolves. They get a little tetchy if you wander into their territory. The shepherd is the big boss and the dogs will know his call.

One time we wandered into a field, where a flock of sheep were grazing, and within seconds, a dog came snarling towards us. It then called over its gang and we were surrounded by pissed-off pooches who weren’t messing around.

Our mountain guide threw rocks at the dogs (tried and tested method across all of Central Asia and the Caucasus) and finally a shepherd lazily woke up from his sleep and called off the hunt. Our mountain guide immediately contacted the park rangers and reported the issue.

Maybe this sounds a little scary to you, but I still felt safe in the presence of the mountain guide and trusted his experience. I think it would have been a different story if I was hiking on my own. The guide’s advice was to throw rocks, maintain your focus with the dog and back away slowly. 

What you need to pack for hiking in Uzbekistan

This checklist is written on the assumption that you’ll be hiking in spring or autumn.

> Polyester or similar material t-shirt (no cotton, it absorbs sweat in a seriously pungent way and doesn’t dry when you give it a wash). I wore one polyester t-shirt for my entire trip and it was brilliant. I washed it out in the sink every night and it dried within an hour. 

> Long, lightweight hiking trousers or gym leggings that cover your knees. You won’t want anything too heavy and you’ll need to cover your legs out of respect. 

> Waterproof jacket and trousers . Even on my May trip, a huge thunderstorm stewed up out of nowhere and the rain came down in lashings. Although I soon warmed up, the temps dropped instantly. Don’t be a drowned rat in the mountains and prepare for rain.

> Trail runners or lightweight walking boots . Trail runners were perfect for me, especially as I was hiking in higher temps. You won’t want massive clunky boots when the majority of walking will be on dry ground. On my trip, there were many river and stream crossings. Being so clumsy, I fell in the water countless times. By the end, I would just wade through up to my knees and avoid leaping on rocks. My trail runners were not gore-tex, meaning they usefully dried very quickly so that’s something else to consider.

> Snow gear, more likely needed for the Chimgan mountains. Again, on most peaks you should be fine, but on the bigger peaks in March/October, you may want to think about crampons/walking axe. I could still see Greater Chimgan’s tip blanketed in snow when I was there at the end of May. If in doubt, your guide should be able to advise on this. 

> I brought a Buff headband , which I think is one the most useful clothing items I own. You can use it as a headscarf to protect from sun, sweat-mopper, scarf if you get cold, hair bobble, and if it all goes to pot, a tourniquet. 

> Trekking poles . Up until recently, I stubbornly thought I didn’t need poles. How wrong I was. They changed my hiking game completely. These are like an extra pair of legs and are BRILLIANT for balance, tricky ledges and river crossings.

> Sunscreen . Get factor 50. You won’t have shade and you’ll be sizzling like an egg in a frying pan if you’re not careful. 

> Biodegradable toilet paper . Yep, you can thank me later. Traveler’s tum will creep up on you when you least expect it. Even if it’s biodegradable, I don’t leave my paper. I’ll always carry a freezer bag and carry that until I can correctly dispose of it. For wees, I use a Kula Cloth , which is essentially an antimicrobial piss rag. It works like a dream. No waste, no bad smells and you can leave it to dry tied to your backpack.

> Whistle . How small it might be, this whistle could save your life when you end up in an emergency situation – you want to shout for help but your voice is lost in the wind. Blowing in a whistle is less tiring and the noise can be heard from miles away across the mountains. Any shepherds or other hikers who might be in the area will be able to hear you and locate your position by following the noise. An emergency survival whistle doesn’t have to cost much and definitely doesn’t take much space!

> Anti-diarrhea tablets . Maaaaan, did these little fellas save me. Traveler’s tum hit me like a sack of bricks during my trip and it was… explosive. I really would have struggled doing eight hours of hiking/horse riding per day if it wasn’t for these. One of my guides actually brewed up some mountain herbs which helped cure it, but I wouldn’t rely on this as your only option. 

The Complete Packing List for trekking in Central Asia

Where to stay in the Nuratau Mountains

Here’s a list of the places I stayed on my trip. Some can’t be booked online so if you would like to stay in one of those guest houses, please contact me and I will put you in touch with Responsible Travel. 

Sayyod Yurt Camp

On my arrival at Sayyod Yurt Camp , I had dinner with the owner of Responsible Travel, Sherzod. He told me about how important community-based tourism was to him and the positive impact it has had within the villages.

We talked about how RT was started and his dreams for the company. During the Covid lockdown, Sherzod and his family built the yurt camp and a stunning swimming pool. Guests now come and explore the area and use the camp as a base for activities. 

I felt so at home as soon as I arrived and everyone made me feel so comfortable. The food cooked here was some of the best I had in Uzbekistan! The facilities included several showers and western toilets, WIFI, cozy yurt beds and a swimming pool.

Favorite memory: On my final night here, we lit a fire. Looking up into the distance, one of the limestone peaks was glowing white! (Moonlight or light pollution, but I like to think moonlight ;)).

• Check the prices and availability for Sayyod Yurt Camp!

Sentob, Rahima’s guesthouse

Rahima and her husband Gulmurod run this lovely little place. They are both so kind and will go above and beyond to help you.

It has a beautiful garden with sloping walnut trees, which are ideal for basking under in the heat of the day. The rooms are spacious and the facilities include western-style toilets and hot showers. Rahima and Gulmurod kindly brought us cherries, cold beer and fresh plum juice after our hike. 

Favorite memory: I do actually talk about this further down with the Sentob hike, but I’ll condense it down here. Gulmurod and his childhood friend insisted I joined them at the table with vodka after dinner. So. much. Vodka. Oh god, and cognac. This was six hours before our hike up into the mountains the next day. Incredibly, Sherali still had smiles on his face, even though he apparently went to bed at 2am. 

Majerum, Muhammad Ali Guesthouse

Muhabbat and her husband Qoldosh run a guesthouse and an on-site apricot and walnut farm in the green valley of Majerum. This place is really magical. It was so peaceful. It has cozy beds, western-style toilets and hot showers. 

The farm is a 20 minute walk away from where one of the oldest trees in Uzbekistan grows. Qoldosh took me. The walnut tree is estimated to be 1,300-years-old and its 24ft wide. It’s sacred to Uzbek people and is cared for by the villagers.

Muhabbat said she wanted people to come stay at her guesthouse so visitors can understand her hard work and see her husband’s agriculture. Every breakfast, lunch and dinner was sourced from their farm. I was so sad to leave! 

Favorite memory: Qoldosh and Muhabbat speak Tajik, but our language barriers didn’t stop us from laughing. We had so many jokes acting out questions, one being when Muhabbat asked if I had any children. She wildly flicked her hands down from her stomach and said ‘flush flush flush’. It took me five minutes to understand what she was saying and then we couldn’t stop laughing. 

Hayat, Muso Baraka Nur Guesthouse

Each guest house held a special place in my heart. The family here is so gorgeous and kind. Shodmon helps his father Parda run the place in the weeks he isn’t at university.

Shodmon told me that he and two other families were the first to settle in Hayat several hundred years ago. They have both winter rooms and summer rooms (further down in the valley). I slept so well here. Their facilities include hot showers and western-style toilets. Every ingredient of the dinners at Muso Baraka Nur guesthouse is freshly prepared and sourced from their farm in Hayat.

Favorite memory: I spent a lot of time chatting to Tugloy, Parda’s wife, and playing with Parda’s grandchildren Rano and Baxtiyor. Baxtiyor sat me down with his photo book about mouflon rams and pointed to the parts of Uzbekistan they are found. We read it three times. Rano was far more interested in my nose piercing. I showed them a picture of when I was toothless as a toddler which they thought was absolutely hilarious.

Asraf, Arslon Guesthouse

Another little village paradise and another lovely family to spend time with. I was fed so well here and the owner Aslon took excellent care of me. The guesthouse has two blocks with huge rooms, western-style toilets and a hot shower. Sounds of children laughing, cows mooing and cockerels crowing fills the yard.

Favorite memory: I asked to take a photograph of Aslon and his family. Within minutes he asked his entire family to get in the frame. I absolutely loved it. Everyone started directing each other about where to sit and stand. It made me laugh so much.

Camping in the Chimgan mountains

On our trip to the Chimgan mountains, Responsible Travel provided a porter, called Tolkin, who had a family of donkeys to carry our tents, clothing and food (I talk about this more further down). He cooked us some seriously tasty breakfasts, lunch and dinners. This was five star luxurious camping and kicked ass on my usual Super Noodle fix.

Alternatively, you could always arrange to have a driver drop you off at Beldersay (near the entrance to Ugam-Chatkal National Park ) and go off and do your own thing. Don’t leave any rubbish, pee and poop well away from water and watch out that flames from your fire/gas canister are properly put out. 

Top Things to do in Tashkent – Tashkent City Guide

4 fantastic hikes in the Nuratau mountains in Uzbekistan

Please note, many of these trails are unestablished. This means many have uneven paths, involve scrambling and you need a GPS map app to navigate the route properly.

These are my diary notes, so please use the below to base inspiration from, and for the love of God, do not solely rely on these as directions! Trust me, I don’t want you getting lost and it turning into Lord of the Flies .

1. Quytosh to Sayyod

• Hike difficulty : Medium
• Distance : 25km
• Ascent/descent: 1,100m / 1,200m
• Estimated time : 6 hours
• GPS coordinates for this trail

Our day kicked off in Quytosh, where we were dropped off by our driver Ixtiyor. If you’re wondering how I magically appeared here from Tashkent, I’ve written a handy section on transport below .

Quytosh is home to a gigantic granite boulder field and the rocks are like sandy bubbles speckled across the valley. Rest assured, I was darting around like a happy labrador.

Next we headed down into the valley and joined a road up into the hills. This is where the hard work starts. It’s around a 500m climb, weaving and zigzagging up the slope. It’s not steep, just flipping strenuous if it’s hot (it was around 32 degrees when I did it!). Usually, guides will plan this hike much earlier in the day (we had to set off at 13:00 due to a later train. No one’s fault, the first train was booked up). We took plenty of tiny rests, mostly so I could douse myself in water while hundreds of goats gawped.

We continued up, up, up and headed towards To’ng’izlitov tog’i peak at 1,905m. You’re rewarded with sweeping views of the Nuratau range and you can spot Aydar Lake in the distance. At the peak, take the right path and crack on for around 8km.

Heading north-west, we could see green mountains to the left and arid planes of the Qizilqum Desert to the right. We walked over the rolling peaks of this stretch, stepping on shriveled rhubarb plants that gave a satisfying crunch. Sherali told me that in spring, the vegetation bursts into colour.

After continuing in this direction, you’ll reach Narvan Pass. The landscapes here were my favorite views of the day because I was greeted with striking limestone rock faces, green rolling hills and folded mountains.

Next, we turned right and weaved down the mountain into Sayyod. As we descended, we could see tiny white blobs, like meringue nests. Edging closer, this was Sayyod yurt camp, where my bed for tonight was!

Top tip : Arrange with your guide to do this hike as early as possible. We started the route about 13:00 due to a later train from Tashkent. I can’t lie, it was pretty tough hiking up in 32 degrees heat. This route isn’t too steep or demanding, it’s the lack of shade which will catch you out.

2. Sayyod limestone

• Hike difficulty : Easy
• Distance : 5km
• Ascent/descent: 250m / 250m
• Estimated time : 2 hours

I loved this gentle hike and remember it fondly as a lovely way to explore the Sayyod valley. If you’re like me and have an unhealthy obsession with rocks, this is a limestone paradise. I’d really recommend getting up before sunrise or just before sunset and doing this, you won’t regret it. 

Setting off from Sayyod yurt camp, you meet the road and take a left. Continue for about 20 minutes and you’ll pass by other friendly villagers and a school nursery. Next, there is a small path zig-zagging up the valley on your right. Hike up the hill. Ensure you keep looking back at the Sayyod valley, because the views are so pretty! 

You’ll now see the grass starts to recede, making way for the dominating limestone faces. You’ve got about a 200m climb here and when you reach the top, to the north you’ll be able to see the northern villages and Aydar Lake and to the west, more of the beautiful Nuratau peaks. Turn right at the path, with Sayyod in the valley below on your right, and continue to climb for a little longer. I used this as a chance to leap and scramble across the ridges. 

We walked on the ridge for about 10 minutes and then followed a path on the left. This twists around a huge lump of limestone and you’ll find a shepherd’s wind shelter. The views here are beautiful. You should be able to see Sayyod village. Walk down carefully (there’s a few bit of scree here!) and continue down with some easy scrambling. You’ll then meet the road close to the yurt camp. 

3. Sentob to ancient petroglyphs

• Distance : 10km
• Ascent/descent: 253m / 253m
• Estimated time : 3 hours

Next, I was driven from Sayyod to the ancient village of Sentob. On this hike, you’ll be immersed in the mountain village spirit and experience the kindness of Uzbek people.

Take a left from Rahima’s guest house and follow the road up the hill. Within minutes of us starting our walk, a group of schoolchildren riding donkeys passed me and excitedly chanted ‘hello hello hello’. I later found out one of the girls was Rahima’s daughter!

The road then leads into a rocky valley and becomes a dirt track. You follow this around to your right, where the path dwindles into a trail and you meet a small river. You’ll be crossing this river several times during this hike, so I’d recommend trainers that can dry quickly! (Sherali didn’t fall in once, I slipped many times, but that’s probably because my brain was thinking about 100 other things).

You’ll be in the shade of the trees for a lot of this walk, which was helpful in the searing heat. We passed by shepherds and women plucking mulberries. Continue with the river by your side, you will have to zig-zag over the water according to the winding path. You’ll meet a fork in the river, where one path leads straight on and the other leads left.

Take the left and walk for another 2km, the river will guide you. You’ll then see that the river fattens out and there’s a large slab of rock to your left. Look closely, and you’ll see the petroglyphs inscribed in Arabic writing! Sherali told me that they are around 500-years-old. Head back the same way. 

4. Sentob to Fozilmon Lake

• Distance : 23km
• Ascent/descent: 800m / 800m

Sherali suggested an early rise of 4am (the mountain pass would be a searing hot plate by mid-morning). I immediately thought YES. The more I creep to 30-years-old, the more I crave early nights.

As I packed my bag and went to brush my teeth, the guest house owner Gulmurod and his childhood friend insisted I joined them at the table with vodka. My Early Night went out the window quicker than Gulmurod poured shots. 

So. much. Vodka. Oh god, and cognac. 

It was so lovely though. Gulmurod gave me the first toast. I learned earlier that all the men had daughters, so I made the toast to them. His childhood friend made the next toast. He was so happy how we had all traveled from different parts of the Earth to come together at this moment. 

Slightly hazy start, but we were up by dawn. Incredibly, Sherali still had smiles on his face even though he apparently went to bed at 2am. 

We took the same route as the petroglyphs walk (scroll to the hike above), but where you meet the fork in the river, continue straight on instead of turning left . 

You will pass hundreds of beautiful trees until the path widens out and you are in the valley between two peaks. Now the hard work starts ;).

You’ll slowly head up the path and green shrubbery replaces the tall trees. This also means there is zero shade so you don’t really want to be chuffing up this in the heat of the day. Keep your eyes peeled for red kites! I saw around six of the beautiful birds of prey swirling and soaring right above my head.

The climb here is about 400m in a 2k distance, so it may be a little hard depending on your fitness. Just take lots of little breaks and carry a decent amount of water. At the peak at 1,500m, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the sweeping pea-green mountains. The way they descend into the valley remind me of witches’ fingers (my imagination is too vivid, I know).

You’ll be on a plateau now, which remains pretty flat for the rest of the route to Fozilmon Lake. There are hundreds of goats grazing and wild horses racing across the land. Continue for around 4km and you’ll reach wetlands of Fozilmon Lake. You can hear the waters singing with bird activity. When we got there, the wild horses were taking a swim! Head back to Sentob the same way.

If you’re looking for more hiking inspiration in the Nuratau mountains, you could hike the parts that I rode on a horse from Majerum to Hayat, Hayat to Asraf and Asraf to Safarota. The treks average around 16km each day.

Please find my Nuratau horse riding guide here :

Horse riding in Uzbekistan: 3 best horse riding destinations

2 great hiking trails in the Chimgan mountains in Uzbekistan

The Chimgan range is about 80km from Tashkent and is home to the mighty Greater Chimgan mountain, which is Uzbekistan’s largest peak at 3,309m. 

What was strikingly different about the Chimgan range was how green and lush the terrain was compared to the Nuratau peaks. We were met with lively meadows and vibrant mountain flowers.

Sherali told me this was because we had already hit hot temperatures at the end of May. Because the Nuratau range is closer to the desert, it shrugs off its spring season much quicker than Chimgan. 

This two-day hike involved camping in the valley of the Chimgan mountains. Responsible Travel organized a mountain guide, Sherali, and another guide, Tolkin, who brought donkeys. Our driver Ixtiyor also asked to come and learn because he dreams of becoming a mountain guide.

Sherali told me the below horseshoe hike can be done in either direction, so you can also start in Beldersay, if easier. We did far more distance on the first day, then woke up and completed the rest. If you’d rather equal the distance out on both days, go nuts!

1. Chekhicm to the base of Chetkumbel pass

• Distance : 18km
• Ascent/descent: 850m / 330m
• Estimated time : 5 hours

At the start of our route at Chekhicm, we met Tolkin who packed our tents, food and clothing with donkeys.

I have to be really honest here. I know donkeys are an integral part of mountain villagers’ life (almost every family has one), but I struggled with the idea of not being able to carry my own food and tent. I guess it was hugely different to the backpacking I do at home where if I can’t carry it, I can’t bring it.

Tolkin owned a family of donkeys who walked freely together. I relaxed when I saw they were in good health and were given breaks and snacks during the day. Donkeys are used very much as a reliable transport method not just here, but across Central Asia. Tolkin set off and would meet us further down the route for lunch.  

Immediately, we were hit with sweeping views of a limestone gorge and plateaus of rock strata. As we continued ascending about 400m, I noticed I was stepping on chunky shells. These were THOUSANDS of fossils. I couldn’t quite believe it. If this were in the UK it would be an expensive museum. Two girls from a local geology school trip stopped me and gave me a fossil as a gift. Rocks and kindness… my heart nearly burst. 

We continued on top of the limestone gorge and then took a left and descended slowly down the slope. You can see the hunky Greater Chimgan peak in the far distance. What I loved about this hike was ever so often you can see the peak getting larger and larger as you get closer to it.

We stopped to meet Tolkin, who had cooked a delicious pasta feast under the shade of the trees. 

Next we continued for 2.4km, descending into the valley. You’re really in the mountains now and you’ll soon be met by the roar of a glacial river. Once you descend and are at the base of the valley, you should see a rickety bridge. Cross this and continue with the river on your left for around 5.5km. This dirt track is a slow incline and you’ll pass by many shepherds and beekeepers.

At the tiny hamlet of Nurekata, cross over the bridge so the river is on your left. The water now leads up to the Greater Chimgan mountain, which you’ll have spectacular views of. We continued for around another 5km and then set up camp close to the river.

There’s no hard and fast rule about setting up camp, just ensure you’re not in a shepherds’ territory, put out any flames from canisters/fires and follow the no trace rule. 

2. Chetkumbel pass to Beldersay

• Distance : 8km
• Ascent/descent: 507m / 543m

Tolkin was already sizzling scrambled egg and sausage on the stove when I woke up. I guzzled a load of coffee, we ate breakfast and then we packed up, ready for another day of hiking. 

At the campspot, we took a left on to a trail and started the hike up (around 350m of ascent) to Chetkumbel Pass at 1,800m. Make sure you keep looking back at the valley you’ve walked up through as the views of the mountains are spectacular.

Once you reach the top of the pass, there is a stunning panoramic view of the other side of the valley and the Greater Chimgan mountain.

Head left and descend down, with Greater Chimgan on your right. After around five minutes, take the first right onto the path, where it winds around to meet a river. Stay on the left of the river until the path crosses the water to the right. You’ll be walking through fresh meadows with vibrant flowers. Wild horses galloped past us when we hiked on this trail!

You’re now near Beldersay where there is a ski resort. There are many little paths to get lost here on, so I won’t confuse you with directions. As a general direction, head west towards Beldersay and pick a route on a GPS map that will take you there… and enjoy!

6 Best Places to visit in the Fergana Valley – The Complete Travel Guide

How to get to the Nuratau and Chimgan mountains

How to get from tashkent to quytosh (nuratau mountains).

My journey started in Tashkent. Responsible Travel pre-booked a train from Tashkent to Jizzakh, where a driver was waiting for me at the station. The train took 2 hours 30 minutes but Sherali told me there is also another service which takes 1 hour 30 minutes. 

Top tip! Arrive early and bring your passport with you to the station . You’ll need to go through at least two security checks and the guards checked my passport at two different points too. Cynthia has written a cover-all-bases guide here about how to book and handy advice for using Uzbek railways here .

The Complete Guide to Train Travel in Uzbekistan

It was around a two-hour drive from Jizzakh to Quytosh, our first destination in the Nuratau mountains. Our driver took us from Sayyod to Sentob and Sentob to Majerum. He also drove us from our final destination of Safarota back to Tashkent which took around five hours. 

I’d either recommend booking a train from Tashkent to Jizzakh and then organizing a private driver to drop you off at your starting point, or if you have the cash, booking the five-hour journey by driver (I have no idea how much this would cost!). 

Once you’re in the mountains, the only way to get from village to village is either by car, horse or walking. 

How to get from Tashkent to Chekhicm (Chimgan Mountains)

Responsible Travel organized for a driver to drop us off at Chekhicm to start our hike. Due to the Chimgan range being only 80km from Tashkent, it’s about an 1 hour 30 minute drive. This also means it’s easier (and cheaper) to sort a driver for your trip. 

If you want to be picked up from a specific location, please contact an agency and be very clear about your plans , send an image of a GPS waypoint and ensure you’ve got the agency’s number and the driver’s. If you’re worried about phone signal, scroll down to my entry about SIM cards below in the next section.

You can reach the city of Gazalkent which is close to the Chimgan mountains by public bus. There are both electric trains and buses leaving Tashkent to Gazalkent.

From Gazalkent, there are two daily buses Gazalkent-Chimgan (10:30 and 14:30) Chimgan-Gazalkent (06:30 and 13:30) which take around 50 minutes. The road is accessible any time of the year, but in spring there can be limitations because of landslides and mudflows. 

Uzbekistan Budget Guide: How much does it cost to travel in Uzbekistan?

Handy tips for hiking in Uzbekistan

And finally, some pearls of wisdom to pass on. 

> Bread is sacred in Uzbekistan. Try not to leave chunks on your plate or drop on the floor. Especially don’t put it under your lap and save for later. Or throw it down a toilet ?! (Sherali told me about one tourist doing this and it deeply upset the guest house owner).

> In the mountain village homes and guest houses, remove your shoes before going inside. Even if you don’t need to, it’s a sign of respect in Islam. 

> Uzbekistan is very religious. Don’t be that person with your thighs/shoulders/chest/breasts out. In Tashkent it’s a little more chilled, but as soon as you head out into the mountains, cover up. You can wear leggings that come down to your calf. 

> Try to learn some basic Uzbek and Tajik phrases. I learned from many villagers that while they were happy to speak Russian, they absolutely loved it when I spoke their language. Also, download the Google Translate app . This was SO helpful. You can download languages offline which enables you to chat to people when there’s no signal. 

> Download a reliable GPS map app. Even if you’ve booked a guide, I think it’s sensible to plot out on the app your hike for the day, send it to someone if you can. You can also measure the elevation, distance and time there too. And also God forbid, you may accidentally wander off and get lost. 

> Don’t blow your nose at the table. Apparently it’s incredibly disrespectful and it will not go down well. By all means, itch your nose or wipe away snot with a tissue, but don’t go gung-ho and start emptying the bats in the cave. Cynthia told me that it’s actually rude to blow your nose in public too so watch out for that!

> SIM cards. If you’re desperate to get one at the airport, UCELL is your best bet. If you’ve got time to find a SIM shop, get a Uzmobile SIM.  Everyone was using Uzmobile in the mountains and they got a signal really regularly. I found that (and was warned that) Beeline only works in the cities.

> Veggies/vegans! At the guesthouses in the mountains, it’s a huge sign of honour to present the guest with meat at dinner. You could try not eating the meat but it would be pretty disrespectful. I don’t eat meat in the UK (hadn’t eaten it for years!) but appreciated where I was and how kind it was of the host to cook me it and dove in. Same goes for the other dishes with dairy etc really. Staying with mountain villagers, it’s near impossible to be vegan. 

I hoped you enjoyed reading about my adventures of hiking in Uzbekistan and that you’re feeling inspired to go as well. Feel free to contact me if you have any questions or if you need help planning your trip to the mountains in Uzbekistan!

• Tashkent City Guide
• Samarkand City Guide
• Shahrisabz City Guide
• Bukhara City Guide
• Khiva City Guide
• Fergana Valley Guide
• Karakalpakstan Guide

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2 thoughts on “hiking in uzbekistan –  6 best hiking trails in the nuratau and chimgan mountains in uzbekistan”.

Brilliant info- this is my next year destination after putting it off for 4 years now. I am going to enjoy re reading and planning as I am looking at a 6 week trip altogether and will thread in the city stuff as well. Thanks so much

So happy to hear this Gillian! Thank you!

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Uzbekistan Nature

 The most part of its territory lies in the Turon plain, where there are no sudden steep-drops and hills. The Turon plate and mainland, which later became the Tian Shan and Pamir -Alai Mountains, were formed in the Paleolithic period. Later, the sea covered the plate for a long time. The mountain chains are thought to have fully developed during the Alps orogenesis.

The mountain ranges blocked the humidity from the Indian Ocean. It caused considerable climatic change: the weather became dry and huge desert areas appeared. As rivers and winds kept changing their directions, the upper layer of soil was continuously displaced from one place to another. It led to the formation of the Kyzyl Kum and Kara Kum deserts.

Mountains and foothills make up about one-fifth of the territory of Uzbekistan. The highest point is 4,643 meters. Mountains cover the east of the country. Uzbekistan embraces western parts of the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alai mountain ranges, respectively. The mountain ranges are very different: there is a sharp contrast of heights, foothills, canyons, and watersheds. There are also small mountains such as Aktau, Karakchitau and the western part of the Zarafshon mountain range with their smooth shape. Rather big depressions stretch between the mountains: Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, Zarafshon, and Samarkand. The largest depression is the Ferghana Valley - 370 km long and 190 km wide. It is surrounded by mountain ranges on three sides except on the western face. On the border with Afghanistan, there is the huge Amu Darya depression.

Minerals. Numerous deposits of oil and gas have been discovered on the plains such as Gazli, Shakhpakhti, and others, of naturally formed salt in Borsakelmas, and materials used in construction elsewhere.

Deposits of coal (Angren, Shargun, and Boysun), precious, non-ferrous and rare metals, fluorite, and construction materials go back to the early stage of orogenesis.

A distinctive feature of Uzbekistan's natural conditions is that the country is located in a seismologic zone. In the last two centuries the country has experienced numerous of disastrous earthquakes, including in Ferghana (1823), in Andijan (1889 and 1902), and Tashkent (1866, 1868, and 1966). Seismologic movement is more active in mountain areas than in plains. Special construction models are used in buildings in active seismological zones.

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Uzbekistan tours

• Splendour of Uzbekistan
• Heritage of Uzbekistan
• Monumental and Cultural Heritage of Uzbekistan
• Expedition to the ancient Trade Routes

Uzbekistan Hotels

Hotel orient star madrassah, radisson blu, hotel legends of samarkand, sharqoniy samarkand hotel, central asia tours.

• Ancient Treasures of Central Asia
• Explore Uzbekistan and Tajikistan
• On the footsteps of the nomadic cultures
• Trekking and horseback riding on Terskei Ala Tau

Uzbekistan Tourism

Tourism in Uzbekistan has always drawn people from far and wide. For anyone who knows about the country, this is easy to understand - bright colours, intricate patterns, rich flavours, and friendly people await every visitor. Traces remain of great empires that have long since been blown away by the sands of time, while modern life evolves in new directions.

This landlocked Central Asian nation offers more than a single person can explore in a lifetime. Whether you crave a night in the soothing serenity of a remote mountain village or a walk through the streets of history, Uzbekistan will not disappoint. Uzbekistan tourism is all about exploring what you’re interested in, and you’ll be sure to find it here!

While a strong focus is placed on Uzbekistan’s capital city and UNESCO World Heritage sites in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, there’s so much more to this country. Try a new dish, like the exotic green noodles of Khiva known as shivit oshi, or learn how the masters of Margilan make the intricate silk patterns for ikat textiles. Maybe you want to go completely off the grid with a night in a traditional desert yurt to experience how nomads have lived for centuries, or into half-forgotten oasis cities that fed the caravans of the Silk Road as they crossed the continent.

There’s just no substitute for experiencing Uzbekistan for yourself. No photo can capture the scale of the vast Kyzylkum Desert or the warmth of a traditional meal cooked by a local family, tasting of spices and the comfort of home. Uzbekistan is so unlike anything you’ve experienced before that it’s guaranteed to leave you with amazing lifetime memories.

Uzbekistan Tourism: Safety and Security

With a country name ending in the ominous ‘-stan’, safety is the first question on many people’s minds when it comes to Uzbekistan travel. If security is your main concern, let us assuage your fears! Uzbekistan is a safe and tourist-friendly country that opens its arms to travelers the world over. Consider the following:

• The 2019 Solo Travel Safety Report ranked Uzbekistan as one of the top 5 safest nations in the world to visit. This includes independent female travelers, who overwhelmingly report feeling safe while in country.
• Threat of terrorism and violent crime is extremely low, while statistics for petty crime remain much lower than in most major tourist destinations.
• Policemen and border patrol agents have shown a very positive stance towards foreigners and tourists in recent years, and most are eager to make you feel at ease and provide assistance as needed
• People in Uzbekistan remain very welcoming towards tourists and will often going out of their way to assist a guest in need. In fact, a warm reception by the gentle and hospitable people of Uzbekistan is one of the factors that endear the country to many. 

Uzbekistan Tourism Packages

And what exactly will a trip to Uzbekistan entail? The answer depends on your personal preferences, although on each tour you can expect warm hospitality, copious amounts of savory food and glimpses into the country’s colorful past. Consider your travel options:

• Group Tours offer a fun and cost-effective option for travel to every corner of Uzbekistan 
• Private Tours, with suggested itineraries and flexible dates, come in every shape and size: city tours, day trips, cross-country excursions, extension tours… 
• Custom-Made Tours allow you to customize your tour based on your dates of travel and personal bucket list of must-see sites and activities.

Types of Tourism

Our tour packages encompass trips of every type:

Historical Tourism

If you don’t know where to start, you can’t go wrong with a tour of Uzbekistan’s major historical attractions. Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand are all UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and for good reason. Start with Samarkand, former home to some of the finest architects credited with creating the masterpieces of Registan Square and Gur-Emir Mausoleum. Bukhara is more intimate, with holy sites and historical landmarks around every corner. Khiva is an open-air museum that captures the exotic atmosphere of the Silk Road with its winding alleys and bustling bazaars. But don’t miss out on less famous yet equally impressive destinations like Termez, a Buddhist centre on the southern border, or Shahrisabz, birthplace of the great warrior Tamerlane.

Cultural Tourism

For those who love textiles, ceramics, patterns and festive colours, Uzbekistan is as good as it gets. The Fergana Valley is famous for its artisans – potters at the Rishtan ceramics school and silk weavers in Margilan, among countless others. Samarkand has its own ceramics school, carpet weaving center and the famous Meros Paper Mill, which makes paper from mulberry bark using techniques passed down through the centuries. Bukhara is perhaps the best place to buy souvenirs, with a wide variety of top-quality crafts and gifts, while nimble woodcarvers can be seen hard at work in Tashkent and Khiva. Tours of these places are a great way to meet the artisans themselves and learn about the production of their famous creations using ancient techniques. In addition to arts and crafts, Uzbekistan preserves its rich cultural heritage in regular festivals, sporting events and everyday life. Cultural tourism offers tangible opportunities to participate in distinctive, time-honored Central Asian traditions. Read more about Cultural Tourism here .

Ethnic Tourism

Ethnic tourism in Uzbekistan embraces a national heritage which has been developing for centuries and is still evident in 21st-century life. You’ll traverse the country as you interact with ordinary people and learn about their lifestyle, customs, traditions, folklore, cuisine, applied arts and more. What makes ethnic tourism in Uzbekistan so unforgettable is that locals are naturally hospitable and willing to welcome you into their lives and customs. At nearly every festival and national celebration, you will have the opportunity to taste national cuisine, purchase high-quality, handmade souvenirs and watch local culture come to life as dancers and singers perform colorful shows. Whether you are purchasing products at the bazaar, attending renowned festivals such as Boysun Bahori or striking up a conversation with a friendly stranger, ethnic tourism is one of the finest ways to experience the country. Read more about Ethnic Tourism here .

Culinary Tourism

Words can’t do justice to the rich simplicity of Uzbekistan’s national dish, plov (pilaf), rice and carrots cooked to perfection with raisins, chickpeas and beef, or to the first juicy bites of shashlik (kebab) roasted over smoky coals. And it’s not enough just to try the local foods in one city, for each region has its own signature dishes. Shivit oshi (noodles infused with dill and served with vegetables) and tuhum barak (boiled square dumplings filled with egg) are found only in Khiva, while Bukhara is home to a particular type of plov that’s cooked in layers, with meat, carrots, raisins, and rice all simmered together. Make sure to try the bread in Samarkand, where large, shiny loaves are sold on the streets, and the norin (finely sliced meat and dough, freshly chopped in cafés and bazaars) in Tashkent. If you love quality food, don’t miss the chance to take a cooking class to learn how to make the most famous dishes for yourself. Read more about Uzbekistan Cuisine here .

Adventure and Nature Tourism

Adventure and Nature Tourism whisks you away from the crowds into Uzbekistan’s deserts, canyons and mountain crevices for hiking, camping and more.

Uzbekistan isn’t all cities and historical attractions. In fact, much of the country is covered in mountains and the vast Kyzylkum Desert. While these areas are home to fewer people, leaving them relatively untouched, they have actually been inhabited for centuries. Heading out into nature will give you a completely different perspective on Uzbekistan. Options for adventure and nature tourism in Uzbekistan abound- spend the night in a yurt, experiencing how nomads have lived for centuries, or hike through the narrow canyons of the Chimgan Mountains not far from Tashkent. Some of Uzbekistan’s geographical features are man-made, such as the otherworldly plains revealed by the receding Aral Sea, or Aydarkul Lake, formed by a dam in 1969. Any of these places makes for an excellent change of pace from busy city life, or even a destination in its own right. Read more about Adventure and Nature Tourism here .

Sustainable and Eco Tourism

Sustainable Tourism is a conscientious way to give back to the community through village homestays, support of local businesses and care of the environment during your travels. It’s important to make smart decisions while travelling, including choices that support local communities and protect the environment.  Fortunately, there are plenty of sustainable tourism options in the form of private tour packages or independent travel. There are many homestays and guesthouses where the cost of the stay largely goes towards supporting local families. Check out our tours to Aydarkul Lake (which involves a visits to a remote desert village), the Jeyran Ecocenter (home to threatened and endangered species), and sustainable tours to the Aral Sea (where tourism has grown to support former fishing villages that lost their livelihoods as the water receded). Sustainable tourism not only supports local communities and protects the environment, but also gives visitors a unique opportunity to experience local life and explore less-visited destinations. Read more about Sustainable Tourism in Uzbekistan here .

Religious and Pilgrimage Tourism

Located at the crossroads of several religions, Uzbekistan is rich in religious sights and monuments. The most ancient destinations were created when Zoroastrianism and Buddhism were the dominant religions of the area. Termez was a Buddhist centre, though many of the stupas and monasteries are now in ruins. The Zoroastrian monuments of ancient Khorezm have lost little of their power and presence despite centuries of disuse. But ever since the arrival of Islam in Central Asia, the region has been home to leading scholars and religious thinkers. Several of our tours visit the mausoleums of these great figures, including Bahauddin Naqshbandi, founder of a famous Sufi order, and Imam al-Bukhari, who collected numerous hadith. No less notable are the many mosques and madrassahs that supported spiritual life in Uzbekistan and can be found in any city. Make sure to visit Tashkent’s Khast-Imam Complex to see one of the oldest Qurans in the world which, according to legend, was the Quran that the Caliph Othman was reading when he was killed.

Family Tourism

Uzbekistan is a family-friendly place to travel, with a local population that loves children and options to keep everyone entertained. Start with the many parks of Tashkent, including Eco Park, with its many fairground attractions; Ashgabat Park, which was built to celebrate the friendship between the people of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan; and, in summer, several water parks. The Polytechnical Museum is Uzbekistan’s best museum for children, with a whole floor of automobiles and a whole floor of interactive exhibits that make science accessible and fun. Also in Tashkent, Next Mall and Samarkand Darvoza offer plenty of things for children to do, with Samarkand Darvoza being home to a wonderful marionette theatre. Bukhara and Khiva also have puppet theatres, and although most performances are in Uzbek, the simple fairy tales can be understood by just about anyone.

Health and Spa Tourism

Sanatoria are a great way to have a relaxing vacation. Many sanatoria in Uzbekistan are built near natural springs, whose waters are known to ease the symptoms of various respiratory, renal, circulatory and other medical conditions. Other spa services, including various mineral baths, spa treatments and relaxing massages, are also offered on location. Some of the most popular health resorts are in the mountains near Tashkent, where mineral springs and clean air abound. Read more about Health and Spa Tourism in Uzbekistan here .

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism in Uzbekistan carries on the legacy of the brilliant physician Avicenna, who was born near Bukhara and is now considered one of the founders of modern medicine. Uzbekistan has made significant strides in the field of medicine since its forefather laid those early foundations, including many advances in the last decade alone.

Although still developing as a branch of local tourism, medical travel to Uzbekistan already has much to offer. Capital city Tashkent has several private clinics offering inpatient and outpatient services, surgical treatment and dental care at very competitive rates, with most of these clinics also accepting international insurance. Modern medical centers in Tashkent are equipped with high-quality imaging equipment and staffed with qualified specialists, including foreign and English-speaking physicians at select locations. Read more about Medical Tourism in Uzbekistan here .

News: Uzbekistan Tourism

9 of the best things to do in Uzbekistan

Sep 28, 2023 • 9 min read

Experience the best of Uzbekistan with this list of the top things to do © Anya Newrcha / Shutterstock

From admiring Silk Road architecture to wine-tasting, from heli-skiing in Amirsoy to exploring a graveyard of ships in the Aral Sea, Uzbekistan has something to offer for every type of explorer. To help you plan a trip to this fascinating Central Asian nation, here are our favorite things to do.

1. Step back in time in the cities of the Silk Road  

Magnificent Samarkand , noble Bukhara , atmospheric Khiva – the cities on the path of the historic Silk Road have a special allure. Conquerors such as Alexander the Great, Genghis (Chengiz) Khan and Amir Temur (Tamerlane) left behind an amazing legacy, bringing together thinkers, traders and scholars from around the world.

Local guides bring each location to life with inspiring stories – learn about the wisdom of Amir Temur’s wife, Bibi-Khanum, in Samarkand; unravel the destiny of the last Emir of Bukhara in the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa summer palace; and discover the life of the harem in Khiva’s Tosh-Hovli palace .

In fact, historical architecture can be found in every region of Uzbekistan, be it Soviet modernism, ancient mosques and minarets or even the ruins of Buddhist temples at Termez. Standout sites include Shakhrisabz with its ruined Ak Saray palace complex, the scattered townships of the Fergana Valley (particularly Khudayar Khan’s grand palace at Kokand) and Tashkent , with its characterful Soviet-era buildings. 

Planning tip: Book high-speed trains from Tashkent to Samarkand , Bukhara or Shakhrisabz well in advance as tickets are usually in great demand. For online booking, visit the Uzbekistan Railways website or use the national railways’ mobile phone app.

2. Find the real plov in a local chaikhana  

Plov is the answer in Uzbekistan, no matter what the question. This traditional rice dish is cooked for every occasion. Plov is a source of national pride and each region, each city, every oshpaz (master plov -maker) has their own recipe and secrets for preparing this special dish. 

There are more than 30 varieties of plov in Uzbekistan, but most share the same core ingredients – rice, carrots, onions, meat, chickpeas, raisins, spices and oil. Sampling the varied local styles of preparation and the unique types of rice grown in different parts of Uzbekistan is a delicious and nourishing indulgence.

In Tashkent, you can head to the Besh Qozon plov center to see giant pots filled with different types of plov , with portions doled out to up to 500 people at a time. Samarkand and Bukhara have their own variations, which can be sampled in many local cafes. In Kokand or Rishtan in the Fergana Valley, visit a local chaikhana (teahouse), where you can sit in traditional wooden seats by the water and have a leisurely meal of plov , followed by tea or freshly harvested watermelon in season.

Local tip: If you are trying plov for the first time, try not to overdo it. In Uzbekistan, plov is usually eaten for lunch as it is too heavy to eat in the evening. Be sure to balance a big serving with vegetables or yogurt-based salads and green tea for digestion.

3. Go skiing in the Amirsoy mountains  

The opening of the Amirsoy mountain resort in 2019 transformed Uzbekistan into a regional hub for skiing and snowboarding. Only just being discovered by international visitors, Amirsoy offers high-level infrastructure and excellent natural conditions for all types of winter sports. And with aviation growing in Uzbekistan, skiing by helicopter is an exciting way to get deeper into the mountains. 

Planning tip:  If you prefer wild nature for your mountain adventures, you should go to the Chatkal, Beldersoy or Chimgan mountain regions near Tashkent, or Zaamin National Park in Jizzakh, all with infrastructure for skiers. 

4. Be amazed by the surreal landscapes of the Aral Sea

One of the darker legacies of Soviet history in Uzbekistan is the draining of the Aral Sea. Located in Karakalpakstan, the Aral Sea used to be the fourth-biggest lake in the world, until its waters were redirected to provide irrigation for cotton fields. As a result, the sea shrank dramatically, changing the landscape and the whole ecology of the region. 

Today, visitors make a pilgrimage to this remote area to see the salty desert at the bottom of this former inland sea. Famous sights include the graveyard of ships, the "lakeside" cities of Muynak and Nukus , the former island of Barsakelmes, and the arid Ustyurt plateau. While in Nukus, you can visit the Savitski Museum – known as "the Louvre in the desert" – to view a unique collection of Russian avant garde art, hidden by the art connoisseur Savitski in Soviet times. 

Planning tip: Allow at least two days for a visit to the Aral Sea. You’ll need to fly to Nukus, capital of Karakalpakstan autonomous republic, and then take a 4WD tour to reach the Aral Sea. It’s not an easy journey but the impressions and photos you take away make the trip totally worth it.

5. Experience Uzbek wine-making 

One of Uzbekistan’s less-known experiences is wine tasting. Although the poet and polymath Omar Khayyam was romanticizing local wines nine centuries ago, in Soviet times Uzbekistan fell under the influence of Russian vodka. However, dessert wines from Uzbekistan kept winning prizes at international competitions, and wine-making has seen a major revival in recent decades in many regions.

One of the most interesting venues is the Uzumfermer family winery, a 30-minute drive from Tashkent. The name comes from the Uzbek word for grape – uzum – and founding family members offer specialist tours exploring grapevines, picturesque gardens, rosariums, and production facilities spread over 20 hectares (49 acres), followed by a wine tasting meal of European cuisine in the terrace restaurant. 

You can spend a whole afternoon here, or there are a few rooms where oenophiles can stay overnight and watch the sunrise. Another exciting way to delve into Uzbekistan’s wine history is at the Khovrenko factory in Samarkand, one of the earliest centers for alcohol production in the country.

6. Immense yourself in Uzbek art forms

This Silk Road crossroads was always a melting pot for arts and crafts, and the art scene in modern Uzbekistan is flourishing, with local artists and family dynasties making a mark almost in every area of creativity, from fashion to ceramics, suzani embroidery to knife-making, and fine art to miniature paintings.

In Tashkent, the Fergana Valley or Bukhara, you can visit local ceramic-making families in their home studios, take a pottery master class, buy a unique art object, and, if you are lucky, cook plov together or even stay overnight. In Rishton, the Rishton Ceramic Museum , run by master potter Rustam Usmanov, is a good place to start. 

To see the traditional process of making ikat – a traditional weaving style where patterns are dyed into the fibers – head to the Yodgorlik Silk Factory in Margilan. To learn more about the ancient art of making silk paper, visit the Meros Paper Mill in Samarkand. The Bukhara School of Miniature Painting offers many insights into life in Uzbekistan, and some travelers spend weeks here taking classes in this unique art form. There are many creative experiences offered by local studios, craft centers and artists in their own homes. 

Modern fine art is also trending in Uzbekistan, with many young artists and edgy galleries in Tashkent. Being an emerging art market, Uzbekistan is starting to attract the attention of the likes of Christie’s and Sotheby’s, but things are still at a very early stage. If you do buy a painting, valuation and certification services are now offered by the Art Vernissage gallery or you can ask an artist to get an artwork certified at the Ministry of Culture.

7. Treasure hunt in Uzbekistan’s bazaars and art studios

With Uzbekistan’s colorful culture and Silk Road legacy, and the limitless talent of local artists and artisans, it’s almost impossible to leave Uzbekistan without buying a homemade masterpiece as a souvenir. 

Artisans’ workshops and factories are the best places to buy traditional craft objects such as ceramics, suzani , wood carving, carpets and fabrics. For fashions, go to modern showrooms such as Navruz Ethnopark in Tashkent, home to many local brands, including Azukar Moreno, Mursak and Two Eagles (all using traditional fabrics to make modern outfits and accessories).

Also in Tashkent is newly opened concept store Teplo, a chic home for fashion brands such as Dildora Kasymova, Maru and Soondook, and emerging makers of jewelry and home decor items. For handmade crafts, every weekend there are art fairs and craft shops in parks and cities across Uzbekistan, where you can buy a colorful chapan ( coat), a traditional Uzbek hat, leather goods, ceramics and other local creations.

8. Unite with nature in Zaamin National Park

Uzbekistan’s natural landscapes are diverse and picturesque, spanning mountains, foothills, deserts and dramatic valleys, as well as the impressive Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, the Aral Sea and several scenic lakes. Zaamin National Park, just three hours’ drive from Tashkent, is one of the country’s most unique nature sanctuaries, and it recently became much more accessible, thanks to the opening of several international hotels and the launch of the annual Zaamin Ultra Marathon. For experiences such as hiking in the mountains, stargazing, trying authentic local food and bargaining at roadside markets, Zaamin is especially mind-blowing in the spring.

Planning tip: For more outdoor experiences that are both adventurous and rejuvenating, try hiking in the Chimgan mountains, stargazing at the Maidanak observatory, camping near Aydarkul Lake or visiting the dunes near Muynak in Karakalpakstan. 

9. Stay in a yurt

If you want to experience nomadic life, Uzbekistan’s deserts are the perfect place to go. At every traditional festival and ethnic park, you’ll see a sample yurt and maybe be invited for tea inside, but in regions such as Karakalpakstan, there are areas where local people live in yurts full time and this is not something staged just for tourists.

In Central Asia, people decorate the interiors of their yurts with carpets, low seating and a short wooden table, set in the middle of the tent. It takes up to three hours to set up or take down a yurt, and each can fit up to 15 people at a time. Traditionally, yurts are used for family meals and sleeping; in winter, the table is moved and a fire is lit in its place, with sleeping spaces arranged around it.

In the tourist camps, yurts are fitted out with relatively comfortable mattresses and washroom facilities are provided in a separate building. A trip to a yurt camp will usually include camel-riding, watching the sunrise or sunset (perhaps at a nearby lake) and meals and evening folklore performances around the fireplace. The most popular yurt camps in Uzbekistan are at Nurata in the Navoi region, and the Aidar and Muynak yurt camps in Karakalpakstan. The conditions can be very modest and the wildlife and nature unpredictable – be ready for adventure!   

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• Welcome to Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan History in Brief
• Zoroastrianism
• Alexander the Great in Central Asia
• Roxana of Amu Darya
• Bactria - The Country of Gold
• Sogdiana, the Wonderland
• The Country of Tamerlane
• Osman's Koran
• Customs and Traditions
• National Music
• National Cuisine
• Holidays and Festivals
• Ancient Uzbek Crafts
• Blue Ceramics
• Musical Instruments
• Uzbek Carpets
• Uzbek Suzane
• National Dress
• Gold Embroidery
• Wood Carving
• A silver song of metal
• Jeweler's magic
• Why Uzbekistan?
• And still, why Uzbekistan?
• Useful Tips
• Tourist Gems of Uzbekistan
• Uzbekistan Guidebooks
• Cultural & Historical Tours
• Adventure Tours
• Business & MICE Tours
• Religious Tours
• Ecotourism in Uzbekistan
• Sports & Extreme Tours
• Tashkent Hotels
• Samarkand Hotels
• Bukhara Hotels
• Khiva Hotels
• Shakhrisabz Hotels
• Termez Hotels
• Ferghana Hotels
• Nukus Hotels
• Tashkent Region Hotels
• Uzbekistan Visa
• Tashkent photos
• Samarkand photos
• Bukhara photos
• Khiva photos
• Shakhrisabz photos
• Termez photos
• Ferghana Valley photos
• Nukus photos
• Tashkent Region photos
• Shakhrisabz
• Ferghana Valley
• Tashkent Region
• Tashkent Attractions
• Samarkand Attractions
• Bukhara Attractions
• Khiva Attractions
• Shakhrisabz Attractions
• Termez Attractions
• Ferghana Attractions
• Karakalpakstan Attractions
• Map of Uzbekistan
• Useful Links
• Welcome to Central Asia
• History of Central Asia
• Central Asia Today
• Central Asia Guidebooks
• Map of Central Asia
• Tours along Central Asia
• Turkmenistan
• Welcome to the Silk Road
• The Silk Road History
• The Silk Road Today
• UNESCO and the Silk Road
• WTO and the Silk Road
• The Silk Road Guidebooks
• Map of the Silk Road
• Xinjiang (China)

Nature of Uzbekistan

Nature in Uzbekistan is unique and incredibly diverse. Uzbekistan occupies a vast area in the very heart of Central Asia , with the largest part of the country lying between the rivers Amudarya and Syrdarya . The territory of Uzbekistan spreads from Ustyurt Plateau in the west to as far as Ferghana Valley in the east, and is 447,4 thousand square kilometers in area. Uzbekistan borders Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Afghanistan.

The country is mostly flat with Turan plain being one of the major lowlands. The largest part of this plain is the Kyzylkum Desert, for 700 kilometers spreading between the two rivers from the Aral Sea to the foothills of the Western Tien-Shan and Gissar-Alay . An unforgettable impression is created by harmonious arrangement of numerous sand-dunes lying longitudinally and reminding of parallel wave crests. This ‘sand sea’ looks motionless, but it is not recommended to walk deep into it without urgent need. Over centuries only camel-driven caravans dared to travel here following the Great Silk Road routes .

Sand, clay and stony deserts cover about 40% of the country’s area. Despite rigorous conditions these deserts are full of life. In spring their vast expanses are covered with multicolour carpets of bloom – red poppies and tulips, violet malcolmias, blue and yellow irises. Their life span is short: in May they wither away, the green grass turns yellow. All the local plants have adapted in various ways to their desert lot. Predominating in the deserts and plains, there grow wormwoods, saltwort, sand acacias, haloxylons, tamarisks, camel’s thorns, and other herbs and bushes. Their roots reach as deep as the water-bearing layers of soil. People say about such plants: “their heads are in the sun while their feet are in water”.

The animals inhabiting deserts are modest in their need for food and water. Tortoises, snakes, small and 1.5-long giant lizards have almost the same color as that of the surface they crawl on. In the steppes there caper saiga antelopes. With the approach of scorching heat, Menzbir marmots and yellow gophers hide in their burrows and go into hibernation till the next spring.

In the mid-20th century the southern part of the Kyzylkum Desert became in a way the scene of a ‘geographical miracle’: in waterless desolate wilderness there appeared a lake whose water surface exceeded 2300 square kilometers in area! The lake resulted from overflow of the Syrdarya river , when the surplus drain water in Jizak Steppe had to be sent to the Aydar inland basin. The drain water from the neighboring Golodnaya Steppe was also sent there. Thus came into being the blue Aydarkul Lake, with its waters full of fish and its beaches attractive to holiday-makers.

The south-east Kyzylkums are plains whose landscape is transformed by irrigation. Formerly it was a desert area traditionally called ‘steppes’ – Golodnaya Steppe and Jizak Steppe. Karshi Steppe to the south of the Gissar-Alay looks the same. These steppes are not arid deserts anymore. Today these are carefully cultivated plains with boundless cotton and wheat fields, orchards and gardens, mechanized farms and industrial towns.

One of the distinct features of Uzbekistan is its location in the very heart of the Asian continent, thousands kilometers away from the nearest seas; Uzbekistan has no coastlines except for the 420-kilometer-long Aral Sea shore line.

A dramatic fate was meant for the Aral Sea . For the past decades the sea has shrunk fivefold; in some places its waters have gone 80 kilometers away from the shoreline. In cooperation with the neighboring countries, supported by the international community, the government of Uzbekistan is now taking emergency measures to save the Aral Sea .

It is not without reasons that the climate of Uzbekistan is called ‘extreme’: day as well as year temperatures are characterised by sharp drops. One can experience these ‘temperature extremes’ particularly in the mountainous areas where during the day the heat is really scorching but after sunset the puddles get covered with ice crusts. In summer it is hot and dry here. Winters are short, relatively mild, yet with occasional frosts that are too hard for the latitude. Springs, on the contrary, slip by, with constant showers and thunderstorms – as if nature tries to hasten the blossoming time. And finally, there comes the autumn – the pleasant season in the country: the heat gradually goes away, decreasing by 1°C a day; the sun in the cloudless sky is shining gently; the stalls in the bazaars are crammed with fruits and vegetables.

In the tugai woods along the banks of the Syrdarya river herons can be met. One may be lucky to see beautiful pheasants through the willow and oleaster branches.

In the valleys and oases there grow poplars, willows, oleasters, mulberry-trees. On the foothills rather common are groves of walnut-trees, shrubs of dog-roses, hawthorns, almond-trees, pistachio-trees, wild apple-trees. In the high grass and in the shrubs live wild boars, wolves, hares, foxes, porcupines and badgers. Among the thick-growing branches there are nests of many kinds of song-birds. On the rocky mountain slopes pheasants, stone partridges, larks, owls, some birds of prey can be seen. In the Tien-Shan and Gissar-Alay mountains one can meet groves of Central Asian junipers. In the rapid mountain rivers, originating high in the glaciers, there live the local species of trout and cat-fish. In the sky there hover eagles and white-head vultures.

Among nature’s treasures of Uzbekistan of a special significance are nature reserves, the places unaffected by man’s activity. Today there are 9 nature reserves in the country. They embrace unique diverse landscapes from sand-dunes of the deserts to blossoming oases, from riverside tugai woods to alpine meadows.

One of the oldest and biggest nature reserves is Ugam-Chatkal National Park . It is located in the spurs of the Western Tien Shan, one of the most ecologically clean parts of the world. The place is incredibly rich in fauna. In the valley of the river Pskem there lives the white-claw bear. In the area surrounding the tributaries of the Maidantal and the Oyigang one can meet stone martens, Turkestan lynxes and snow leopards. The reserve is also home to Siberian roes, mountain goats and Tien Shan wild rams. According to scientists there are 44 species of mammals in the reserve. Each reserve is remarkable in its own way. At a distance of 40 kilometers off Bukhara there was established the reserve ‘Jeiran’, the only one of such kind in Central Asia. Twenty five years ago there were brought here 42 jeirans. Now there are 700 of them. Besides jeirans, wild Prezhevalskiy horses and koulans (dziggetai) are bred in the reserve.

Located at the spurs of the Zerafshan range , Kitab State Geological Reserve is one of very few places in the world where evidence of the formation of the earth’s crust remains on the surface. Here numerous picturesque rivers cut deep through the mountains ridges, thus enabling the scientists to conduct researches on the bedding of earth’s strata in their historical consecution. Zaamin Reserve in Jizak Province mountainous woodland, with deep canyons and rapid rivers – is famous for its relict Central Asian juniper woods. The flora of Uzbekistan numbers over 1700 species. About 800 of them can be found nowhere but here.

In the streets and parks of towns and cities there grow very old trees – real monuments of nature. In Uzbekistan there are very many oaks, platans and chestnut whose age exceeds 100 years. The life span of elm, so common in Uzbekistan, is known to come up to 2000 years. In Ferghana Valley there still grow trees that are over 500 years old. The exotic nature of Uzbekistan with its desert and mountain landscapes offers a unique opportunity for a traveller to experience an exciting horseback riding in the foothills or to make a breath-taking rafting down a mountain river, to encounter exotic animals and watch rare species of plants.

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Uzbekistan has a total area of 447,400 square kilometers ranging from the Hazrati Sulton Peak at 15,233 feet (4,643m) above sea level to the depths of Sariqamish lake at 39 feet (12m) below sea level. It is about the size of Sweden and its territory is larger than the State of California. It is home to over 33 million people today.

Uzbekistan has twelve different provinces: Andijon, Bukhoro, Farghona, Jizzakh, Khorazm, Namangan, Navoiy, Qashqadaryo, Samarqand, Sirdaryo, Sukhondaryo, and Tashkent. Each one has its own unique culture and geography. Before moving to the next part of this module, take a few minutes to locate each province (in Uzbek “viloyat”) on the map provided below:

Provinces of Uzbekistan

In this section, we are going to take a virtual tour of some of the diverse environments of Uzbekistan. After that we are going to learn about climate change in Uzbekistan and some of the modern environmental issues facing this beautiful country today. A glossary of key terms is provided at the end.

Our first stop is the Chimgan mountains outside of Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s capital city.

The Chimgan mountains are a famous tourist attraction, with world-class skiing in the winter. In addition to some more moderate routes, Chimgan also has “wild routes,” which are only available by way of a helicopter drop off and can be as long as 7 kilometers (about 4.3 miles). The Grand Chimgan peak (3,309 meters) and Small Chimgan peak (2,100 meters) are both fully covered in snow during the winter.

Heading to the southeast from the Tashkent region we arrive in the Ferghana valley. Famous for its blood sweating horses since the first century BCE, the lush valley surrounded by mountains has been a key environment in Uzbek history.

We now head to the southwest. Our next stop is the Zarafshan State Nature Reserve, located in the Samarkand region. It is named after the Zarafshan “spreader of gold” river.

The Zarafshan reserve ( qo’riqxona ) was founded in 1975 with the intention of saving the endangered Zarafshan pheasant as well as rare plant species. The park is also home to twenty-six different species of freshwater mollusks, including two endangered species, the colletopterum sogdianum (in Uzbek so’g’d tishsizi “the Soghdian toothless”) and the daryo savatchasi (“the river basket maker”) . This reserve also preserves a rare example of the unique Tugay landscape .

Traveling down to the south, our next stop is the Sangardak waterfall in Surkhandarya region’s Sariosiyo district.

Now watch this video to see more of the nature of the Surkhandarya region and listen to the Uzbek language explanation.

Another attraction of the Surkhondaryo district are the ancient sycamore trees. Many of these trees are around a thousand years old and have become Sufi shrines over the centuries. In modern times, they have been used for other purposes as well. One of these trees was used as a school in the early twentieth century and then as a village administrative center in 1920, and then as a cavalry regiment’s library in the 1930s, and finally as a village shop.

Here are some photos from inside this tree:

original photos  (2020)

Follow this link for a quick overview of sycamore trees in Uzbekistan: https://edgeofhumanity.com/2018/01/31/sycamore/ .

Follow this link for a virtual tour of the inside of one of the trees: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FND3nlCNDhE .

We’ll now travel northwest until we reach the Qyzyl Qum “red sands” desert. It’s a big contrast with the mountains and valleys of eastern Uzbekistan.

Climate Change and Global Warming in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s climate is continental. This means that it is affected by circulation patterns that originate in the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean and then flow across the Eurasian continent. The majority of the country’s water comes from rain and snow falling in the mountains during the winter and spring.

Uzbekistan, and Central Asia more broadly, have interacted with natural climate change events throughout earth’s history. A stalagmite record from the Ton cave , in the Surkhondaryo province, provides a record of the natural fluctuations in climate over glacial time scales (tens to hundreds of thousand of years). Since the end of the last Ice Age, around eleven thousand years ago, Central Asia’s climate has fluctuated between periods of warm and dry conditions and periods of cold and wet conditions.

These natural fluctuations in the earth’s temperature during the Holocene epoch were caused by periods of increased volcanic eruptions and decreases in the energy coming from the sun. More volcanic eruptions and less solar energy caused periods of global cooling. On the other hand, periods of decreased volcanic activity and stable solar energy cause natural increases in average temperatures .

During globally warmer periods, winter westerly Atlantic precipitation was drawn towards the north of Eurasia, which made Central Asia (and what is today Uzbekistan) drier. However, periods of colder global temperatures pushed this same flow of Atlantic precipitation to the south making Central Asia wetter , famously during what scientists call the Little Ice Age (roughly 1420-1825 CE). A recent study of temperature histories recorded in tree rings from the Pamir region (upriver from Uzbekistan, in Tajikistan), published by Polish climatology researcher Magdalena Opała-Owascarek , shows significant cold periods during the Little Ice Age, especially during the periods 1450-1650 and 1750-1790. These records also record a cold spike in response to the Tambora eruption in Indonesia in 1815. A separate study, based on a synthesis of twenty-one different climatic records, including historical documents and bubbles of compressed historical air trapped in ice-cores , shows that the colder temperatures coincided with increased moisture during the Little Ice Age.

These changes occurred at a much slower speed than the rapid human-caused climate change we are experiencing today. However, historical warm periods especially from 50BCE to 400CE and from 800 to 1200 CE, show that warmer global temperatures bring a drier climate to Central Asia.

Since the turn of the twentieth century, we have begun to see the impacts of modern human activity both on the ground and on the atmosphere. In what is today Uzbekistan, rivers were diverted and overexploited for cotton growing during the Soviet period as part of an economic policy that was based on misunderstandings of Central Asian ecology left over from the Russian imperial period .

This policy changed the water balance of Uzbekistan, increasing ground-level aridity especially in the non-mountain regions. The drying up of the Aral Sea since the 1960s was a direct result of these policies. Now watch this video from NASA showing the transformation of the sea over the past two decades: https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/world-of-change/AralSea .

Global warming caused by the burning of fossil fuels also plays a role in this increased aridity on the ground, as less water is transported inland from the North Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean. Human-caused global warming is already influencing agriculture in Uzbekistan. A 2010 report from the World Bank , working in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources of Uzbekistan, found that approximately 34% of the country’s population was employed in agriculture and 23% of the country’s GDP comes from agriculture. This same study found that over 85% of Uzbekistan’s cropland is irrigated, which suggests that changes in overall temperature and annual rainfall over the next few decades will directly impact the economy. Just like in the US .

Uzbekistan’s economy in 2018 by sector

This report also predicted that the mean annual temperature will increase by between 1.9 and 2.4 degrees Celsius (3.4-4.3 degrees Fahrenheit) by 2050 with the greatest warming occurring in the winter and spring. ( More recent studies predict up to 7 degrees Celsius of warming in mountain regions by the end of the century if there is no global mitigation, a scenario referred by climate change scientists as RCP8.5 .)

With the predicted increase in precipitation occurring during the summer months, when evaporation is at its highest, the overall change in total water availability after evapotranspiration will lead to a more arid climate.

These ecological changes have economic consequences. A 2016 study, found that the economic costs of land degradation changes in Uzbekistan from 2001 to 2009 have reached as high as 0.85 billion USD annually (by today’s exchange rate that’s just short of nine trillion Uzbek so’m). Another study from that same year estimated that 0.3 billion USD of that cost is caused by deforestation alone. Senior Researcher at the University of Bonn and Coordinating Lead Author for the IPCC special report on Climate Change and Land (2019) Alisher Mirzabayev emphasizes that farmers in Uzbekistan are already experiencing ecological shocks from human-caused global warming.

Viloyat  — a province of Uzbekistan, kind of like a state in the US. Uzbekistan has twelve provinces, viloyatlar .

Tugay Landscape — a landscape characterized by vegetation, forests, bush communities, and meadows relying on water coming from rivers or underground water systems in the desert and semi-desert regions of Asia.

Glacial Time Scales — also called “orbital time scales”, cycles of hundreds of thousands of years, when earth’s climate was driven by changes in the shape of its orbit around the sun, the angle of its axis and the wobble of its axis, also called the Milankovich cycles .

The Last Ice Age — a period of wide-spread glacial expansion from around sixty thousand years ago to thirteen thousand years at the end of the Pleistocene epoch , with the coldest period at roughly 20-25 thousand years ago, a time called the Last Glacial Maximum .

The Holocene epoch — the geological period between the end of the last “Ice age” around 11,700 years ago and human-caused warming starting around 1850.

The Little Ice Age — a period of global cooling caused by volcanic eruptions and solar minima, around 1420-1825 CE.

Evapotranspiration — the sum of evaporation from the ground to the atmosphere and transpiration from plants (in other words plants “breathing,” well technically transpiring , water vapor into the atmosphere).

Suggested Learning Activity

Despite the challenges of human-caused global warming, there are ways to mitigate the global crisis! Now watch this video about land use in the Khorazm region of Uzbekistan. Based on what you learned from the video complete the following three tasks:

• Write down on a sheet of paper one of the environmental problems facing this part of Uzbekistan.
• On that same piece of paper, write down one of the suggested solutions that the video talks about. Choose whichever one you think will be most effective!
• Share your results with your fellow classmates and discuss possible future courses of action we could take.

References and Additional Resources

• (This center is part of the State Committee of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Tourism development.)
• Basic travel information about nature in Uzbekistan: https://centralasia-adventures.com/en/sights/uzbekistan/natural_sights_of_uzbekistan
• A travel guide to the Qyzyl Qum desert: https://caravanistan.com/uzbekistan/center/kyzylkum/
• A video by the Vagabrothers about the Aral Sea: What Happened to the Aral Sea? | Travel to Uzbekistan’s Worst Disaster 
• A summary of Central Asian climate history: https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-030-00728-7_1
• A summary of Aral Sea research: https://www.springer.com/gp/book/9783540882763
• For an account of the modern Aral Sea and irrigation history, see Maya Peterson’s masterful Pipe Dreams: Water and Empire in Central Asia’s Aral Sea Basin Cambridge University Press, 2019.
• For more about Central Asian climate history: https://oxfordre.com/asianhistory/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780190277727.001.0001/acrefore-9780190277727-e-285
• For more on water in Central Asia see: https://water-ca.org
• A discussion of land degradation in Central Asia: https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007%2F978-3-319-19168-3_10.pdf
• More about the village of Sayrob: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Amr74YVfxzk
• A resource about ecology in Muslim culture: https://muslimheritage.com/category/environment/ecology/
• An article about Ibn Sina and the earth sciences: https://muslimheritage.com/ibn-sina-development-earth-sciences/
• A discussion of Islamic scholars’ views on evolution: https://muslimheritage.com/islamic-foreshadowing-of-evolution/
• An online resource for the Milankovich cycles: https://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/wxfest/Milankovitch/earthorbit.html
• An assessment of organic agriculture in Uzbekistan: http://www.fao.org/3/i8398en/I8398EN.pdf