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Venice, Barcelona, Santorini — many picture-perfect destinations are in danger of becoming theme parks as they struggle to keep overtourism under control. The news is full of headlines about tourist taxes and angry locals chanting “go home” at oblivious visitors. Is it even possible now to experience the wonder and thrill of visiting the places of your dreams without feeling completely unwelcome? Perhaps it is time to re-examine your travel bucket list and add Uzbekistan to the top of that queue.
If you are not quite sure where Uzbekistan is — beyond being one of the many former Soviet “stan” countries in Central Asia — you’re not alone. My own knowledge of the region was scant before my visit. Uzbekistan is a landlocked country roughly the size of California, situated in the heart of the legendary Silk Road. It features majestic mountain ranges, sprawling deserts and ancient oasis cities deeply steeped in history. With its towering minarets and turquoise-domed architectural gems, it is certainly a picture-perfect destination. And since 2018, the visa process can be completed entirely online through the official government portal. A 30-day tourist e-visa costs about $20 for U.S. passport holders.
The most sought-after attractions in Uzbekistan are undoubtedly Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, the big-three historical oasis cities along the Silk Road. They offer grand mosques decorated with kaleidoscopic mosaics, opulent palaces and ancient caravanserais — inns that once hosted Silk Road merchants. Some of these caravanserais have been converted into accommodations, so you can even spend a night much like the traders once did.
In the less-visited villages of the Fergana Valley, you can glimpse another type of history for which Uzbekistan is famous: silk ikat fabrics. Visiting the artisan-run silk factories in the town of Margilan will give you a new appreciation for the art of textiles. Seeing the entire process from the spinning of silkworm cocoons to threads being handwoven into lustrous yards of silk fabric is an eye-opening experience you can rarely get elsewhere. These fabrics are available as souvenirs in many shops around town.
In western Uzbekistan lies Karakalpakstan, a vast autonomous desert region that receives far fewer visitors. Yet it offers some of the country’s most unusual and unforgettable experiences. My top choice would be the Savitsky Museum, home to one of the world’s most important collections of Soviet avant-garde art. Igor Savitsky spent decades crisscrossing the Soviet Union rescuing artworks that had been banned by the Soviet authorities and hidden away. Thanks to him, these treasures are available for everyone to admire in this unlikely corner of the world.
Another reason to visit Karakalpakstan is the Aral Sea — or what remains of it. Once abundant with fish and wildlife, it used to be a hub for the canning industry during the Soviet era. However, the sea has largely dried up due to decades of mismanagement of water resources. Visiting the town of Moynaq, no longer a thriving port, is a haunting experience with the abandoned fishing boats rusting on the dry seabed, dotted with seashells in the middle of what is now a desert. Booking a tour will take you to the shore of what is left of the sea.
Wherever you happen to be in Uzbekistan, bustling bazaars offer a sensory overload: walnut-stuffed dates, dried cheese balls, dozens of tea varieties, pickled vegetables and all the dried fruits imaginable. Don’t forget to bargain—it’s part of the experience! The most famous bazaar is Chorsu Bazaar in the capital, Tashkent. The sheer scale alone, not to mention the vibrant atmosphere, is something that not many countries can compete with. Watch bakers churn out hundreds of flatbreads from traditional clay ovens, or stroll through the flower market overflowing with blooms.
While Uzbekistan may not rival France or Japan in terms of fine dining, it offers a unique culinary adventure for curious foodies. Not much is known of Central Asian cuisine besides plov — the national dish of rice and meat — which I find unfortunate indeed. If you’re a meat lover, you’ll devour shashlik, grilled meat skewers that have a unique ingredient: sheep tail fat. Vegetarians have mouthwatering spinach- or pumpkin-filled dumplings called manti to savor. Regional specialties abound — don’t miss the bright green dill noodles in Khiva.
Additionally, Uzbekistan is a diverse country with diaspora populations who brought their culinary traditions with them, such as Korean-Uzbek cuisine that has evolved into something special of its own. In Samarkand, where there is a large Tajik community, you can try the Tajik meat porridge, halisa. And if you’re like me, you will keep going back for the addictively delicious Uyghur noodle dish called lagman.
Lastly, and perhaps the most important reason to visit Uzbekistan now is that the country is embracing tourism with open arms after being practically closed off to independent travelers for decades. Uzbeks are largely curious about the foreign visitors, although this remains to be seen in the upcoming years. Almost everywhere, especially if you veer off the tourist trail, you can expect constant smiles, friendly waves, and other welcoming gestures from the locals. It is not uncommon to be approached by children and adults alike on the street, in a bazaar or on the train for a chance to practice their English, take a photo with you, or, as in my case, to offer a handful of freshly picked apricots. And that is a genuine travel experience that will likely remain in memory long after your visit.
Things to Consider When Planning Your Trip
When to go: The weather in Uzbekistan can get extreme. It is not uncommon to reach well into 100 degrees in late spring and summer. April-May and September-October are considered the best times to visit.
Where to stay: Numerous lodgings cater to different budgets, from high-end international hotels to family-run guesthouses. For the most part, I found accommodations in Uzbekistan to be clean and safe. Booking.com is a convenient way to find places to stay in Uzbekistan. However, practice normal caution against scams that are commonplace worldwide. Avoid listings that have few reviews and don't appear on Google Maps.
Transportation between cities: Main cities are well-connected via planes and trains. Trains are an easy and safe way to experience traveling like the locals. They can be booked online. The overnight trains come equipped with bunk beds and clean sheets, which are surprisingly comfortable. Private compartments are also available. It is imperative to buy them in advance as they sell out fast. The top beds, if you can even get up there, are extremely snug and not kind to anyone with back issues.
How to get around: You can purchase a local SIM card at the airport. Yandex, a ride-sharing app similar to Uber, is the most convenient, transparent and safe way to get around. English is not widely spoken, so a translation app is recommended.
What's the most adventurous vacation YOU'VE ever been on? Let us know in the comments below.