Uzbekistan, the heart and epitome of Central Asia, truly has it all.
From stunning Islamic architecture, fascinating Silk Road history, and a vibrant, distinct Uzbek culture, it’s unsurprising that the country is one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world.
Your trip may consist of hopping between the cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, while the more adventurous might find themselves exploring the deserts of Karakalpakstan or the fertile agricultural plains of the Ferghana Valley.
Regardless, though, you’ll need to back smartly. Here’s your comprehensive Uzbekistan packing list to help you prepare for your trip , from someone who’s visited every region in this glorious, diverse country!
Pack Layered Clothing, especially for the Winter:
- Base Layers: Quick-drying and lightweight tops and bottoms are essential, especially if you plan to hike or explore during the day.
- Mid Layers: Fleece or wool sweaters for warmth, easily adjustable to changing temperatures.
- Outer Layer: Having a waterproof and windproof jacket on your Uzbekistan packing list is crucial, as the country’s weather can change without warning, even in the cities. It rains the most in Spring, where downpours can occur even in the desert.
Due to Uzbekistan’s inland location, the weather can be quite unpredictable and seasonal.
Summers are scorching in the whole country, with temperatures often reaching 45°C or higher in the Ferghana Valley and the desert cities of Bukhara and Khiva.
However, much of the East of the country is mountainous, which can become chilly even in the summer. In winter, temperatures drop well below freezing everywhere, so be prepared for extremes and bring plenty of layers to adjust as needed.
The right footwear is essential:
- Hiking Boots: Durable, waterproof boots are useful for exploring Uzbekistan’s varied terrain, especially in Karakalpakstan and the mountains.
- Casual Shoes: Comfortable shoes or sandals for city tours and the Silk Road cities.
- Socks: Wool or cotton socks are a must for all seasons. This is both to wear in places of worship, as well as to keep warm in the winters and evenings.
For the warmer months, sandals or flip-flops can be useful, but make sure you have solid footwear for longer walks. If you are planning a day stomping around the monuments of Bukhara or Samarkand, consider that open-toed shoes may become very uncomfortable after a while.
If you are taking an overnight train, which we very highly recommend, wear sneakers or other footwear that can easily be slipped on and off. This is also useful for private homes, where you will be expected to remove outdoor shoes.
Pack a light jacket for those desert evenings:
Planning to pack your favourite summer outfits for a Silk Road adventure? Go for it, but don’t forget to bring a fleece, cardigan, or something warm too!
Even on days when it’s 35OC by lunchtime, the sun sets quickly in the desert. Enjoying cups of tea and dinner outside is one of the highlights of any visit to Uzbekistan. However, pack something in your day bag to wrap up in later, or else you’ll be shivering through the evening!
Consider a Soft-Shell Case:
Unless you make a trip out to the Aral Sea, you shouldn’t have to carry your luggage far. However, a soft-shell suitcase or backpack will make your life a lot easier in Uzbekistan.
On domestic flights within Uzbekistan, the luggage allowance can be as low as 15 kg, if it exists at all.
Furthermore, if you end up on a sleeper train, you must fit your luggage under your bed, which is much more difficult if your suitcase can’t be compressed. Keep in mind that your luggage may take a few knocks along the way, so use something that you wouldn’t mind getting a few scratches on.
Essential Accessories for Your Trip:
- Lip Balm: The dry climate will quickly leave your lips chapped, so keep this handy.
- Sunglasses: A good pair of sunglasses with UV protection is a must, for the same reasons why we tell you to bring sunscreen.
- Universal Adapter: Uzbekistan uses 220V Type C and F plugs, the same as in Europe. Bring an adapter if travelling from a country that uses a different system.
- Sunscreen: Uzbekistan’s combination of desert and mountains means that you will burn if you don’t take precautions. Depending on the time of year, it may be too hot for long-sleeved clothes, so bring plenty of high-SPF sunscreen.
Uzbekistan is a shopper’s paradise, and you will be able to find most things in the country. These few accessories, though, are worth having on hand for when you arrive, so add them to your Uzbekistan packing list!
Tashkent is very different to Margilan:
This article isn’t going to become a commentary on “Is Uzbekistan Conservative,” as that constitutes a blog post of its own.
However, remember that what is acceptable in large cities – especially Tashkent – may not be as well received in other regions. Tashkent is a large, Russianified city, where locals joke that “the only thing you may need to cover up is your eyes.”
The Ferghana Valley, though, is one of the most conservative places in Central Asia. Locals everywhere are pretty accepting and will have seen it all before, but maybe save that tank top for your favourite Tashkent night club!
Medication and Health Essentials:
Uzbekistan has plenty of pharmacies, clearly marked as DORIXONA (Uzbek Latin), ДОРИХОНА (Uzbek Cyrillic), or АПТЕКА (Russian), even in remote towns.
However, it’s always a good idea to bring any necessary medication with you, as certain products may not be readily available. If you’re prone to motion sickness or stomach upsets, bring appropriate medications, as long bus journeys are common.
Feminine hygiene products, like tampons, may not be easy to find, so it’s best to put them on your Uzbekistan packing list if you need them.
Add a scarf, pashmina, or similar to your Uzbekistan Packing List!
There are two reasons why you should pack a cheap yet versatile covering. Don’t worry if you forget, though – you’ll be spoilt for choice in Uzbekistan’s markets!
For women, you’ll want to enter the country’s many mosques and mausoleums, which will require the wearing of a simple head covering. While some places offer scarves to hire, this is not guaranteed and can off-put people due to hygiene reasons.
Uzbekistan also gets very dusty, especially in the summer and autumn. All visitors, therefore, will benefit from adding a simple covering to their Uzbekistan packing list. This can then be used to keep the excessive dust out. This becomes essential to visitors in Khorezm or Karakalpakstan, as well as if travelling anywhere by road.
Photography and Drone Use:
Uzbekistan is a dream destination for photographers, with its stunning architecture, vibrant markets, and natural beauty. Please note, however, that it is illegal to bring drones into Uzbekistan!
Not only can you bring a standalone camera into the country, but we actively encourage you to do so! While your smartphone can deal with most things, those unique, gorgeous shades of blue and vibrant market scenes will always be best expressed through the lens of a specialist camera.
It may also be prohibited to take photos of government and military installations, so ask an official if in doubt. Contrary to popular belief, however, photos have been allowed on the Tashkent Metro since 2018. As you should anywhere in the world, be courteous when taking photos of people, and ask local people for permission before snapping away!
Ready for your Uzbekistan Adventure now?
With this Uzbekistan packing list in hand, you should be all set for your journey! If you’re unsure where to start with planning your trip, however, we recommend checking out our landing page on this beautiful country.
Whether you’re interested in a city tour or a more specialized itinerary focusing on architecture, history, or culture, there are plenty of options to suit your needs. However, if these dates don’t suit your schedule or you would like something a bit more personal, send us an email and we’ll put together your dream itinerary!
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