Where is Uzbekistan? A Complete Travel Guide to Central Asia's Hidden Gem

Axel Donovan

April 21, 2025

Uzbekistan, a country rich in history and culture, remains a mystery to many travelers. If you've ever wondered "where is Uzbekistan located in Asia?" or tried to find where is Uzbekistan on a map, you're not alone. This fascinating country sits at the heart of Central Asia, offering visitors a unique blend of ancient Silk Road cities, stunning Islamic architecture, and warm hospitality. As tourism to this region grows in 2025, now is the perfect time to discover this hidden gem.

Where is Uzbekistan? - Central Asia's Hidden Gem

Where is Uzbekistan? Understanding Its Location

Uzbekistan is located in the central part of Central Asia, positioned between 37° and 46° N latitude and 56° and 74° E longitude. It's situated at roughly the same latitude as Mediterranean countries like Spain, Italy, and Greece, though its climate is quite different due to its inland location.

Where is Uzbekistan located in Asia exactly? It sits in the heart of the continent, surrounded entirely by other countries. Uzbekistan shares borders with five neighboring nations:

Kazakhstan to the north and northwest
Kyrgyzstan to the northeast
Tajikistan to the southeast
Afghanistan to the south
Turkmenistan to the southwest

This strategic position made Uzbekistan a crucial crossroads on the ancient Silk Road trading route, connecting East and West for centuries.

A Doubly Landlocked Country

One of the most interesting geographical facts about Uzbekistan is that it's one of only two "doubly landlocked" countries in the world. This means it's completely surrounded by other landlocked countries, with no direct access to any ocean or sea. The only other country with this distinction is the tiny European nation of Liechtenstein.

This landlocked status has shaped Uzbekistan's history, culture, and economy throughout the centuries. Despite lacking coastal access, the country developed thriving trade routes and cultural exchanges that continue to influence its character today.

Uzbekistan's Size and Landscape

With an area of approximately 447,400 square kilometers (172,700 square miles), Uzbekistan is the 56th largest country in the world by area. To put this in perspective, it's:

About twice the size of the United Kingdom
Slightly larger than California
Smaller than both of its northern neighbors, Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan

The country stretches 1,425 kilometers (885 miles) from west to east and 930 kilometers (580 miles) from north to south, creating a diverse landscape with several distinct regions.

Geographical Features of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan's geography is characterized by a fascinating mix of deserts, mountains, and river valleys. About 80% of the country consists of desert terrain, primarily the vast Kyzylkum Desert in the central and western regions. The remaining areas include mountains, foothills, and fertile river valleys.

Major Geographical Regions

Region	Description	Notable Features
Kyzylkum Desert	Covers about 80% of the country	One of the largest deserts in Central Asia
Tien Shan Mountains	Eastern border regions	Mount Adelunga (4,301m), the country's highest point
Fergana Valley	Eastern Uzbekistan	Fertile agricultural region surrounded by mountains
Aral Sea Basin	Northwestern region	Site of one of the world's worst environmental disasters
Amu Darya & Syr Darya	Major river valleys	Ancient river systems that have supported civilization for millennia

The country's highest point is Mount Adelunga at 4,301 meters (14,111 feet), while its lowest point is in the Sariqarnish Kuli Lake at 39 feet below sea level.

Kyzylkum Desert

Major Cities and Cultural Centers

Where is Uzbekistan's cultural heart? The country boasts several magnificent cities that were once major stops on the Silk Road:

Tashkent: The modern capital and largest city, blending Soviet-era buildings with Islamic architecture
Samarkand: Home to the breathtaking Registan Square and its three madrasas
Bukhara: A well-preserved medieval city with over 140 architectural monuments
Khiva: An ancient walled city that feels like stepping back in time
Nukus: Capital of the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan, home to a renowned avant-garde art museum

These cities offer visitors a chance to experience Uzbekistan's rich cultural heritage, from magnificent Islamic architecture to vibrant bazaars and traditional crafts.

Climate and Best Time to Visit

Where is Uzbekistan in terms of climate zones? Despite sharing latitude with Mediterranean countries, Uzbekistan has a continental climate with extreme temperature variations. This is due to its inland location far from oceans and seas, plus the mountains to the south that block warm air from the Indian Ocean.

The climate is characterized by:

Hot, dry summers with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F)
Cold winters, especially in northern regions
Low rainfall throughout the year
Clear skies and abundant sunshine

The best times to visit are spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when temperatures are moderate and comfortable for sightseeing. Summer can be extremely hot, particularly in desert regions, while winter brings cold temperatures and occasional snow.

Getting to Uzbekistan

Now that you know where is Uzbekistan located in Asia, you might wonder how to get there. The country has become increasingly accessible to international travelers in recent years.

By Air

Most international visitors arrive via Tashkent International Airport, which offers connections to major cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. The national carrier, Uzbekistan Airways, operates direct flights from cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Seoul, Beijing, and New York.

By Land

For adventurous travelers, Uzbekistan can be reached by land from all five neighboring countries, though border crossings with Afghanistan are generally not recommended for tourists. The most common land routes are from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

Within Central Asia

Uzbekistan is often visited as part of a broader Central Asian journey. High-speed trains now connect major Uzbek cities, making internal travel much more comfortable than in previous decades.

Uzbek cities

Visa Requirements for Uzbekistan

Since 2018, Uzbekistan has significantly simplified its visa policies. Citizens of many countries can now visit visa-free for up to 30 days, including those from the EU, UK, and many Asian nations. For others, an e-visa system makes the application process straightforward.

Key visa information:

Many nationalities enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days
E-visa available for those who need it, costing $20 for single entry
US citizens under 16 or over 55 years old have special visa-free provisions
All visitors must register with local authorities if staying more than 3 days (hotels typically handle this)

Cultural Highlights of Uzbekistan

Where is Uzbekistan's cultural significance most evident? In its remarkable blend of influences from Persian, Turkic, Mongol, and Russian traditions. The country's position at the crossroads of ancient civilizations has created a rich cultural tapestry.

Key cultural highlights include:

Architecture: Blue-domed mosques, intricate madrasas, and ancient fortresses
Crafts: Ceramics, silk weaving, carpet making, and wood carving
Cuisine: Plov (rice pilaf), samsa (savory pastries), and fresh fruits and vegetables
Music: Traditional instruments like karnay, surnay, dutar and doira
Festivals: The biennial Sharq Taronalari music festival in Samarkand

The predominant religion is Islam, which influences many aspects of daily life and culture, though Uzbekistan maintains a secular government.

Practical Travel Tips

When planning your journey to discover where is Uzbekistan for yourself, keep these practical tips in mind:

Language: Uzbek is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken, especially in urban areas. English is less common outside tourist areas.
Currency: The Uzbekistani Som (UZS) is the local currency. ATMs are available in major cities.
Electricity: 220V with European-style plugs (types C and F).
Internet: Purchase a local SIM card for affordable data access.
Transportation: High-speed trains connect major cities; shared taxis and buses serve smaller destinations.
Accommodation: Options range from luxury hotels to family-run guesthouses.

FAQs About Where is Uzbekistan

Is Uzbekistan in the Middle East or Asia?

Uzbekistan is definitively in Asia, specifically Central Asia. It's not part of the Middle East, though it does share some cultural and religious influences with Middle Eastern countries due to historical Islamic connections. Geographically, Uzbekistan is located in the heart of the Asian continent, bordered by five other Central Asian nations.

What countries border Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan shares borders with five countries: Kazakhstan to the north and northwest, Kyrgyzstan to the northeast, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest. Interestingly, Uzbekistan is the only Central Asian country that borders all the other Central Asian states, making it truly the heart of the region.

Why is Uzbekistan called a doubly landlocked country?

Uzbekistan is called "doubly landlocked" because it's not only landlocked itself (having no coastline) but is also completely surrounded by other landlocked countries. This means that to reach an ocean from Uzbekistan, you must cross at least two international borders. Only two countries in the world have this geographical distinction: Uzbekistan and Liechtenstein.

What is the best time of year to visit Uzbekistan?

The best times to visit Uzbekistan are during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when temperatures are moderate and comfortable for sightseeing. Summer (June to August) can be extremely hot with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), especially in desert regions. Winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures, though this can be a good time to see historic sites without crowds.

Do I need a visa to visit Uzbekistan?

Visa requirements depend on your nationality. As of 2025, citizens of many countries can visit Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days, including those from the EU, UK, and many Asian nations. For others, an e-visa system makes the application process straightforward. US citizens have special provisions: those under 16 or over 55 years old can enter visa-free. All visitors must register with local authorities if staying more than 3 days, though hotels typically handle this automatically.

Planning Your Journey to Uzbekistan

Now that you know where is Uzbekistan and what this fascinating country has to offer, it's time to plan your own Central Asian adventure. From the magnificent blue-domed mosques of Samarkand to the ancient walls of Khiva, Uzbekistan offers travelers a chance to experience the legendary Silk Road and discover a rich cultural heritage that remains largely untouched by mass tourism.

Whether you're drawn to historical architecture, traditional crafts, delicious cuisine, or simply the adventure of exploring somewhere new, Uzbekistan promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia.

Preparing for Your Journey to Where is Uzbekistan

Before embarking on your adventure to discover where is Uzbekistan firsthand, ensuring you have the proper travel documentation is essential. Located in the heart of Central Asia, this fascinating country requires most visitors to obtain an e-visa before arrival. Fortunately, securing your travel documents has never been easier thanks to GVC's streamlined application process.

Their user-friendly platform allows you to complete your Uzbekistan visa application in just minutes, eliminating the hassle of visiting embassies or consulates. After submitting your application, you can easily track your visa status through their secure online portal, providing peace of mind as you prepare for your journey.

For budget-conscious travelers planning to explore where is Uzbekistan, GVC offers transparent visa service pricing that helps you plan your travel expenses efficiently. With competitive rates for single, double, and multiple-entry visas, their service makes preparing for your Central Asian adventure both affordable and stress-free.

With your visa secured, you'll be ready to experience Uzbekistan's magnificent Silk Road cities, stunning Islamic architecture, and warm hospitality that make this doubly landlocked nation a true hidden gem of Central Asia.

Related Articles: