Photo: Doron · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is home to the Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, with their blue-tiled domes and old madrasas. It is a place where the history of the Turkic world is visible in the streets, markets and tables.

Capital: Tashkent
Currency: Uzbek som (UZS)
Official language: Uzbek (plus Karakalpak in Karakalpakstan)
Common lingua franca: Russian
Time zone: UTC+5
Plug type & voltage: C, F · 220 V, 50 Hz
Emergency number: 112 (also 101, 102, 103)
Dialling code: +998
Driving side: Right

Overview

Uzbekistan lies in the heart of Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan. It is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, along with Liechtenstein, and with more than 39 million people it is the most populous country in Central Asia. The capital is Tashkent.

The Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva form the historic core of any trip. Samarkand was the capital of Timur and a centre of science under Ulugh Beg. Shahrisabz is Timur's birthplace, and the Fergana Valley lies in the east. Uzbek is the official language and Russian remains a common lingua franca. Tajik is also spoken, particularly around Samarkand and Bukhara.

When to go

The climate is sharply continental, with very hot summers and cold winters. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are generally the most comfortable seasons for visiting the historic cities. In July and August the heat can make sightseeing hard, especially in the south and in desert-edge cities such as Bukhara and Khiva.

Winters are cold, particularly in the north, though crowds are thinner. If you want to catch a holiday or local festival, check the calendar before you book.

Getting around

High-speed trains are one of the most practical ways to travel between cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Other places, such as Khiva, are reached by different rail lines or by road. Check routes and ticket rules before you go, and book early in busy seasons.

Domestic flights, intercity taxis and shared cars are also used. The Tashkent metro is useful and some of its stations are worth a look in their own right. In cities, taxis and ride-hailing apps are common; agree on the fare or check the app before you set off.

Money and payments

The currency is the Uzbek som (UZS), which became fully convertible at market rates in 2017. Card payments are increasingly accepted in larger cities, but cash is still useful at small businesses, markets and in rural areas.

Exchange money at banks or official exchange offices and check current rates and card conditions before you travel. ATMs are available, but it is wise to carry a backup way to pay.

Food

Plov, rice cooked with meat, carrots and onion in a large pot, is the best-known dish and varies from region to region. You will also meet samsa, manti, lagman, shurpa and shashlik.

Bread (non) is central to the table, and each city has its own style. Tea is offered almost everywhere. In summer, melons and watermelons, dried fruit and nuts fill the markets, and a stroll through a bazaar is a good introduction to the cuisine.

Etiquette and safety

Uzbeks are known for hospitality. Greetings matter, and a hand on the heart is a warm gesture. Shoes are removed when entering homes. Dress modestly at mosques and shrines and follow local rules. Ask before photographing people, and note that photography may be restricted at some military or official sites.

The country is generally considered safe for visitors, but keep an eye on your belongings in crowds. Check current official travel advice, especially for border areas. Travel insurance is recommended, and bottled water is a safer choice than tap water.