Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is a mesmerising blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality that captivates every traveller. As you journey through this land of legends, you’ll walk the paths once traversed by merchants along the Silk Road, marvel at the intricate mosaics of Samarkand, and immerse yourself in the timeless allure of Bukhara and Khiva.
But Uzbekistan is more than just its stunning architecture and historic landmarks; it’s a country where the past and present harmoniously intertwine. The friendly smiles of locals, the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through bustling bazaars, and the rhythmic tunes of traditional music tell stories of a rich and enduring culture.
In this guide, we bring you the 6 unforgettable and best experiences in Uzbekistan — moments that capture the country’s true essence. Whether it’s getting lost in the old alleys of Bukhara, soaking in the timeless atmosphere of Khiva, tasting the national dish plov, or shopping for silk and spices in colourful bazaars, these highlights will help you craft the perfect Uzbekistan travel itinerary.
1. Marvelling at the Registan Square in Samarkand:
There are grand squares in the world, and then there’s Registan – the beating heart of Samarkand and undoubtedly, the most iconic of the Silk Road visuals. All roads of Samarkand culminate at Registan, as they did back in the 14th century, when it used to be the nucleus of the Timurid Renaissance.
The Registan is an ensemble of three towering madrassahs, embellished with vibrant majolica and cerulean mosaics. These three imposing edifices are among the world’s oldest preserved madrassahs, where once scholars, philosophers, and poets assembled for intellectual discourse.
Wonder at the tiles resembling stars gracing the exterior of the Ulugh Beg Madrassa, the gilded ceiling wreathed with gold leaves of the Tillya Kari Madrassa, and the bizarre decoration of two roaring tigers on the façade of the Sher Dor Madrassa.
Top tip: Drop by the Registan Square in the early morning when the madrassas look resplendent under the soft sunlight. Exploring the Registan Square in Uzbekistan is undoubtedly one of the best experiences in Uzbekistan. Also, crowds of tourists are absent, and you will have the Square mostly to yourself.
Don’t miss: Climb to the balcony of Ulugh Beg Madrassa for panoramic views.
2. Meander through the Itchan Qala in Khiva:
The Itchan Qala, the fortified old town, is the heart of Khiva’s thriving tourism. This medieval walled town is a repository of dozens of perfectly preserved mosques, madrassas, and mausolea. Its winding alleys whisper the tales of the bygone era.
Kiva’s Itchan Qala is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, the monotoned monuments laced with turquoise tiles are encircled by the muddy walls. At every bend of the cobbled paths, you will run into a forgotten madrassa or a tilted minaret. Dotted with countless ruins, the walled city thus resembles an open museum. As you wander along the meandering alleys of Khiva at sunset or at night, the moonlit silhouettes of the madrassas and minarets spell magic.
Climb the sky-kissing Islam Khodja Minaret for a bird’s-eye view of Khiva, marvel at the intricate tile work of the unfinished Kalta Minor and Tosh Hovli Palace, and watch sunset from the top of the Kuhna Ark Palace.
Top tip: Explore the Itchan Qala during the sunrise when your company will solely be doves and pigeons.
Don’t miss: Relishing Shivit Oshi, a Khorezm delicacy, at the rooftop of Terrassa Café in the evening. Don’t miss out on other Khorezm delicacies such as Gumma and Tukhum Barak, as this gastronomic adventure is one of the best experiences in Uzbekistan.
3. Wandering in the old town of Bukhara:
If Samarkand dazzles with grandeur, Bukhara charms with intimacy. Classified as one of the most complete examples of medieval cities in Central Asia, Bukhara is teeming with mosques and madrassas decked with blue tiles and mosaics, a massive royal fortress, vibrant bazaars, and ancient winding roads that witnessed the marches of Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, and Amir Timur.
Stroll through the old city’s maze-like alleys, sip tea at Lyabi Hauz, and explore artisan workshops that preserve centuries-old crafts. Visit the Poi Kalon complex at sunrise when the monuments look magical, gaze at the ornate tile works of the Abdul Aziz Madrassa and Nadir Divanbegi Madrassa, trace the history of Bukhara in the nooks and crannies of Bukhara’s Ark, and climb the top of the Chor Minor for a panoramic view of Bukhara during sunset.
Top tip: Stay in the old town of Bukhara for easy access to the city’s main attractions. Explore the top attractions of Bukhara on foot.
Don’t miss: The Poi Kalon complex in the evening when the monuments are stunningly illuminated. Also, catch the sunset from the top of the Ark with the backdrop of the Poi Kalon complex. It is indeed one of the memorable and best experiences in Uzbekistan.
4. Exploring the desert fortresses of Khorezm:
Beyond the blue domes of mosques and madrassas in Uzbekistan, there lies in the arid landscape of Karakalpakstan the Elliq Qala or ‘Fifty Fortresses’. Dating back to more than 2,000 years, these crumbling citadels once stood vigil on the Silk Road trade routes. Among the countless fortresses, the Ayaz Qala, Topraq Qala, Guldursun Qala, and Dumon Qala are the most impressive.
The adrenaline-pumping journey to these fortresses takes you through a vast expanse of the Kyzylkum desert, small nomadic settlements, and camels grazing on cacti.
Top tip: Visit at sunrise or sunset for golden desert light when the remains of the fortresses look honey glazed.
Don’t miss: Hiring a local guide for learning about the little-known Khorezm history.
5. Savouring Plov, Uzbekistan’s national dish:
Ask any Uzbek about one must-try dish in Uzbekistan, and the reply will invariably be ‘plov’. Also known as Osh in the Uzbek language, it is a flavorful melange of chunks of lamb or beef, yellow carrots, onions, animal fat, and long-grained rice cooked al dente. It is seasoned with cumin and garlic, and often garnished with raisins and chickpeas on special occasions. Traditionally, plov is cooked by men called ‘oshpaz’, who have mastered the art of plov. The cooking of plov is a spectacle, as it is prepared in a giant cast-iron cauldron called ‘kazan’.
In Uzbekistan, plov brings together families and friends. At every social gathering, plov is the highlight of the menu. Indeed, plov is not a mere food, but an emotion for the Uzbeks.
Top tip: Every region in Uzbekistan has its own version of plov. Samarkand’s plov is drier, more aromatic, and cooked in ‘zigir’ oil (a mix of melon seed, cotton seed, sesame seed, and flaxseed oils), while Bukhara’s is richer and oilier.
Don’t miss: In Tashkent, head to Beshqozon or National Food for a truly authentic plov experience. Here, you can also watch how plov is cooked, which is nothing short of a spectacle and one of the best experiences in Uzbekistan. If you want to try plov with a contemporary twist, visit Afsona (which also has a nice outdoor seating area). In Samarkand, go to Karimbek or Besh Chinor for the tastiest plov.
6. A taste of local life in Uzbekistan’s vibrant bazaars:
Uzbekistan’s colourful bazaars are a different world, perpetuating the legacy of the Silk Road era. A trip to Uzbekistan remains incomplete without exploring its bustling bazaars, which in itself is a sensory feast. It is indeed one of the best experiences in Uzbekistan.
Tashkent’s Chorsu Bazaar is the largest of all, and there is every chance that you will lose your way here (just like we did!). In Chorsu Bazaar, you can even find a hen’s tooth if you look hard! The stalls here are overflowing with fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs, varieties of dry fruits and nuts, aromatic spices, freshly baked breads, hand-painted crockeries, and so on. The three domed bazaars in Bukhara specialise in carpets, rugs, dolls, and other handicrafts. In Margilan, the Kumtepa Bazaar is the place to see silk-making traditions come alive, as the city is famous for its centuries-old silk industry.
Top tip: Bargaining is part of the fun, but always do so politely and with a smile.
Don’t miss: Buying handicrafts of Uzbekistan for a meaningful keepsake.
Important FAQs:
1. General information regarding Uzbekistan:
- Uzbekistan is part of Central Asia.
- It is a doubly landlocked country, as it is surrounded by only landlocked countries.
- It is surrounded by 5 countries: Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest.
- The capital of Uzbekistan is Tashkent, which also happens to be the country’s largest city.
- The official language is Uzbek.
- The currency is Uzbek Som (UZS).
2. How can I reach Uzbekistan:
The international airport of Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, is well-connected with the world’s major cities. Uzbekistan Airways and Indigo run direct flights from New Delhi to Tashkent, which take barely 3 hours.
3. Where can I stay in Uzbekistan:
- In Tashkent: Art Residence Hotel, Hotel Suzuk Ota, Leader Hotel, Navroz Hotel, Manor Hotel, Lotte City Hotel.
- In Khiva: Islam Khodja Guest House, Madrassa Polvon Qori Boutique, Khiva Otabek Hotel, Hotel Orient Star, Nazira Boutique Hotel & Terrace.
- In Bukhara: Rahmat Guest House, Komil Bukhara Boutique Hotel, Art Guest House Usto, Hotel Mironshox, Hovli Poyon B&B, Madina Mehribon.
- In Samarkand: Furkat Guest House, Antica Family Guest House, Imran & Bek, Bibi Khanum Hotel, Kamila Boutique, Samarkand Travel Hotel.
4. Where to eat in Uzbekistan:
- In Tashkent: Beshqozon, Afsona, Somsa & Shashlik, National Food, Amaretto, Ovaqat Bozari, Stuzzico, Caravan.
- In Khiva: Terrassa Café, Khorezm Art Restaurant, Bir Gumbaz Chaikhana, Malika Kheivak, Khiva Moon, Café Zerafshon.
- In Bukhara: Old Bukhara, Minzifa, Bella Italia, Magrivi, Bolo Hauz Chaikhana, Lyabi Hauz.
- In Samarkhand: Karimbek, Labi G’or, Besh Chinor, Café Magistr, Old City Restaurant, Kyzyl Chaikhana.
Uzbekistan is more than just a destination — it’s a journey into history, culture, and unforgettable moments. From standing in awe at Samarkand’s Registan Square to wandering through the preserved alleys of Khiva’s Itchan Kala, each experience takes you deeper into the soul of the Silk Road. Add to that the charm of Bukhara’s old city, the vibrant colours of Uzbekistan’s bazaars, the comforting flavours of plov, and the thrill of exploring the desert fortresses of Khorezm, and you have a journey that lingers long after you return home.
These best experiences in Uzbekistan showcase why the country is quickly becoming one of the world’s most fascinating travel destinations. Whether you’re planning a short trip or a full Uzbekistan travel itinerary, immersing yourself in these moments will ensure that your Silk Road adventure is truly unforgettable.
