Top 10 Places To Visit In Uzbekistan That Will Leave You In Awe

Beautiful madrasas, mosques, minarets, and mausoleums in the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are among the top 10 places to visit in Uzbekistan; many of these are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Additionally, visitors can explore the historic Khorezm strongholds, the unique Savitsky Museum in Nukus, the bizarre landscapes of the Ustyurt Plateau, and the breathtaking natural splendor of the Chimgan and Zaamin mountain ranges.

Have you ever had the desire to visit a location where architecture, culture, and history meet in harmony? Uzbekistan is one such region. Rich and mystical, it provides visitors with once-in-a-lifetime tourism attractions. Are you interested in seeing them? Prepare yourself for an amazing voyage as you explore the best places to visit in Uzbekistan.

Best Places To Visit In Uzbekistan

There is much more to Uzbekistan than its Silk Road heritage. Take a detour to discover its varied terrain, which includes the barren Aral Sea panoramas, the lush slopes of the Ferghana Valley, and the natural beauty of the countryside. Along the route, you will be enchanted by the welcoming locals who know how to make you feel at home. Here are a few of the top places to go sightseeing in Uzbekistan that will leave you in awe:

Samarkand

The list of top 10 places to visit in Uzbekistan is headed by the iconic Samarkand.

As a UNESCO World Heritage site, the city is officially known as "Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures."  Samarkand sounds almost mystical and evokes ideas of the ancient world.  This is no fairy tale, though; Samarkand is a vibrant city that values its customs today.  

The settlement of Afrosiab was established in the 7th century BC, and archeological digs have uncovered a 3500-year history.  The region was continuously populated and functioned as a cultural melting pot.  It served as the opulent capital of the Timurid Empire, was overrun by Genghis Khan and Alexander the Great, and was crucial to the growth of Islamic art and architecture.  Registan Square, the Shah-i-Zinda complex, the Bibi Khanum and Gur Emir Mausoleums, Afrosiab, and the Ulughbek Observatory are not to be missed.

The list of top 10 places to visit in Uzbekistan is headed by the iconic Samarkand

Bukhara

In Samarkand, you might find an old mosque next to a new neighborhood or tall office building, but in Bukhara, the historic city takes you back in time. The old part of Bukhara has beautiful mosques, tall minarets, schools called medressas, craft shops, caravanserais (which are old inns for travelers), and local restaurants. This special area is protected by UNESCO and still feels very real and alive. The central square is surrounded by an artificial pool known as Labi Hovuz. It is a perfect spot to take in the architecture, eat local cuisine, or simply relax on a bench in the sun.

Bukhara has a lot of places that are a must-see. Be sure to include time for the Kalon Minaret, the striking medressas of Mir-i-Arab, Nadir Divanbegi, and the Ark.

On a map, the old city may appear small, yet Bukhara is worth at least two full days. When you return to this city, you will find countless new layers to uncover.

Khiva

Khiva is a 2,000-year-old ancient city that is frequently referred to as Khorasam. There are many magnificent locations and monuments in Khiva, which is shielded by walls made of crenellated masonry. 

It is difficult to believe that we are in the twenty-first century when we look down from the city walls or the Islam Khoja minaret.  The father of algebra, the scholar AI-Khoresmi, was born in Khiva and brought algorithms to the world.

It is suggested to stay overnight in Khiva because the old town has some amazing sunset and sunrise views.

Khiva is a 2,000-year-old ancient city that is frequently referred to as Khorasam

Shakhrisabz

Shakhrisabz is one of the oldest cities in Middle Asia. Despite having a history spanning more than 2000 years, it boasts remarkable monuments from the 14th to the 15th centuries. The original Timurid city planning layout is still present in its historic center.

Notable locations of importance include the Dorus-Syadot mausoleum, Dorut-Tilavete, and the remnants of the once-vast Ak-Saray Palace.

Shakhrisabz is one of the oldest cities in Middle Asia

Ferghana

Located in the eastern region of Uzbekistan, between the Pamir Alay range and the Tian Shan (Heavenly Mountains), the Fergana Valley is referred to as the "Garden of Uzbekistan" and is shared with neighboring Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. It is Uzbekistan's most populous and fertile region. 

In the long history of the Fergana Valley, Babur and countless other notable leaders of various empires, including the Mughal and Mongol empires, have called it home. You can see a lot of stunning and historic buildings in the valley. In and around the mountains and rivers, you may also take in the variety of species.

Karakalpakstan

Karakalpakstan, an Autonomous Republic within Uzbekistan, has its capital at Nukus. It is situated near the Aral Sea in the country's north. It is not as architecturally remarkable as the Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan, but it does display the heritage of the Karakalpak people through its exquisite tapestries, jewelry, and other national treasures. 

One of the most prominent cultural sites in Uzbekistan is the I.V. Savitsky Museum in Nukus. You also may drive to the Aral Sea from Nukus. Once divided between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, the Aral Sea was a sizable and significant navigable body of water in Central Asia.  Rich resources were available for industrial fishing, and canned fish was manufactured locally. 

Karakalpakstan is an Autonomous Republic within Uzbekistan

Tashkent

In addition to being a gateway to the country, Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a unique and intriguing place to visit. From its modern glass-topped buildings to its Soviet-planned street layout and architectural landmarks of Eastern design, this vast metropolis illustrates the nation's historical evolution.  

Start by seeing the central Amir Timur Square, where you can view the Amir Timur Museum, visit the Amir Timur monument and the Tashkent clock tower, and take in the Hotel Uzbekistan, a well-known example of Soviet monumental architecture.

Chimgan Mountains

Among the top natural attractions for sightseeing in Uzbekistan is the Chimgan mountain range, which is roughly 80 kilometers from Tashkent. Part of Ugam-Chatkal National Park, it is a well-liked vacation spot for both summer and winter vacations, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.

With options for trekking in the warmer months and winter sports, especially skiing, in the colder months, Chimgan is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Modern amenities such as hotels, cable cars, and high-quality slopes up to two kilometers high and six kilometers long are all present in Chimgan's ski resorts. 

Among the top natural attractions for sightseeing in Uzbekistan is the Chimgan mountain range

Termez

Very few visitors ever get as far south as Termez. It’s a pity because it is a location of great historical significance and is home to many fascinating pre-Islamic archaeological sites. 

The ruins of the Kyrk-Kyz Fortress, two significant old Buddhist monasteries, Kara Tepe and Fayaz Tepe, may still be seen, and the archeological museum is among the greatest in Central Asia. To learn more about the millennia of history that saw the development of Buddhism, Zoroastrianism, and Islam, you can visit the renowned Termez Archaeological Museum. After the museum, you can discover archeological sites, like Kampir Tepa and Fayaz Tepa.

Ancient Fortress Ruins

Last on our list of the top 10 places to visit in Uzbekistan is Ancient Khwarezm. The site was renowned for its many fortifications that rose over Kyzyl Kum's deserts. Some of the strongholds are over 2200 years old.  Since the majority of them were villages and fortifications with walls visible from another fortification, they were built to aid in message transmission and regional control.  

Each of these magnificent archeological discoveries and stronghold ruins has some legends associated with it. Chilpyk is a unique area that was once the site of Zoroastrian funerals.  The cleaned bones would be gathered and interred in ossuaries after dead bodies were left there for years.

Last on our list of the top 10 places to visit in Uzbekistan is Ancient Khwarezm

FAQs About The Best Places To Visit In Uzbekistan

What is Uzbekistan famous for?

Mosques and mausoleums, some of which date back to the 17th century, are examples of Uzbekistan's stunning Islamic architecture. This location's history and culture have drawn a lot of travelers recently.

Is Uzbekistan safe to visit?

Yes, Uzbekistan is generally safe to visit. The country has a low crime rate compared to many other travel destinations, and it is known for its warm hospitality. However, like any destination, travelers should take standard precautions to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip.

What is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?

March through mid-June and September through October are the ideal times of year to travel to Uzbekistan. The majority of Uzbekistan experiences scorching summers and frigid winters, thus traveling during these seasons will help you avoid bad weather.

What should I wear in Uzbekistan?

Many of the locations you may visit in Uzbekistan do not have rigorous dress codes. Many visitors and locals will be dressed in typical Western attire, with their shoulders uncovered and without head coverings. Although it is not necessary, covering your head, shoulders, and legs is considered polite.

Do I need a visa to go to Uzbekistan?

Yes, many travelers need a visa to visit Uzbekistan, but the process is simple with the Uzbekistan eVisa system. Visitors from eligible countries can apply online for an Uzbekistan eVisa through our GVC website, making the process fast and hassle-free. Simply fill out the application, provide the required documents, and receive your eVisa via email before your trip.

Final Thoughts

One of Central Asia's most intriguing nations, Uzbekistan is well-known for the Silk Road cities. With twice the area of the UK, it boasts a lengthy history steeped in tradition and a rich cultural legacy. 

If you’re planning a trip to Uzbekistan, make sure to include these top 10 places in your itinerary—they will leave you with unforgettable memories! And don’t forget to apply for your Uzbekistan e-Visa through our website. We provide a quick and reliable application process. Apply now and get ready to explore the wonders of Uzbekistan!