Uzbekistan Tours and Travel for 2025 and 2026

YPT Tours to Uzbekistan

YPT’s Uzbekistan tours will take you deep into this fascinating destination, renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and fascinating culture. As a crossroads of civilizations for centuries, Uzbekistan boasts an unparalleled blend of Persian, Mongol, and Soviet influences, making it a truly unique place to explore.

Our Uzbekistan tours journey through some of the most important and well-preserved cities along the legendary Silk Road, including Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. These cities were once trade hubs, where merchants, scholars, and travelers from across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia converged. Today, they are UNESCO-listed gems filled with majestic madrasas and atmospheric old quarters that transport visitors back in time.

Group Tours to Uzbekistan

YPT specializes in Central Asia travel and offer group tours that pass through Uzbekistan specifically.

If you’re after a full silk road experience, we offer three trips per year. We have designed a hop-on hop-off model as well which include Tajikistan.

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – April 2nd – April 19th, 2025 – $345 / $2895

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – April 2025

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – June 2nd – June 19th, 2025 – $195 / $2895

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – June 2025

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – October 2nd – October 19th, 2025 – $195 / $2895

Five Stans Budget Tour: Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan & Kazakhstan – October 2025

Group B: Uzbekistan (Bukhara) & Tajikistan (Dushanbe)	5 days	$895	$160
Group C: Tajikistan (Dushanbe) & Uzbekistan (Tashkent)	3 days	$395	$140
Group D: Uzbekistan (Tashkent) & Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek)	3 days	$595	$210

Independent Tours to Uzbekistan

If group tours are not your style or the times do not work YPT offers private tours for a more personalized and intimate experience. We can tailor the experience to your interests, providing insights and recommendations based on your preferences.

If you want to make the most out of the region YPT can organise an extension to the neighbouring countries, particularly Turkmenistan. We can arrange a full transfer and crossing via the Konye-Urgench boarder. To learn more please visit our Turkmenistan Tour Page.

Example of an Uzbekistan Itinerary (5 days)

Day 1: Tashkent

Morning:

Arrive in Tashkent in the morning
Visit the old part of Tashkent with Khast-Imam Complex and see the world famous Quran of Caliph Uthman.
In Khast-Imam visit Madrasah of Barak-Khan, Tillya-Sheykh Mosque, Mausoleum of the Saint Abu Bakr Kaffal Shashi and the Islamic Institute of Imam al-Bukhari.

Afternoon:

Explore the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar.
Then take a ride on Tashkent Metro to the city center and take a walk through Amir Timur Square, Independence Square and the Applied Arts Museum.
Enjoy free time in the afternoon.
Overnight in Tashkent

Day 2: Tashkent – Samarkand

Morning:

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive towards Samarkand, enjoying the scenery on the way
Our tour will include opportunities to visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, Bibi Khanum mosque, Shahi-Zinda necropolis, Ulugbek observatory.

Afternoon:

Continue sightseeing in Samarkand
Dinner and overnight stay in the Silk Road city of Samarkand

Day 3: Samarkand – Bukhara

Morning:

Visit the famous Siab bazaar in Samarkand is early morning, the best time to see the market place in action.
Visit the old Afrosiab Museum and the Tomb of Saint Daniel

Afternoon:

Travel to Bukhara, another ancient city along the Silk Road, and visit the Ark of Bukhara, an ancient fortress that once served as the residence of the rulers of Bukhara.
Dinner and overnight stay in Bukhara

Day 4: Bukhara – Khiva

Morning:

After breakfast, we will explore the historic center of Bukhara, including landmarks such as the Kalon Mosque and Minaret, Lyab-i Hauz Complex, and Chor Minor
Depart for Khiva, a well-preserved medieval city known for its ancient walls, minarets, and mosques

Afternoon:

Arrive in Khiva
Explore the walled city of Khiva, visiting highlights such as the Ichon-Qala fortress, Kalta Minor Minaret, and Tash-Hauli Palace.
Enjoy a farewell dinner in Khiva and soak in the atmosphere of this historic city

Day 5: Khiva

Morning:

Enjoy the last breakfast for the trip
Depart from Khiva
Arrangements can be made to return to Tashkent International Airport

Bespoke Uzbekistan tours

Explore Registan Square: Marvel at the stunning architecture of the three madrasas that surround this iconic square in Samarkand.

Wander through the Old City of Khiva: Explore the narrow streets and ancient buildings of Khiva’s historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experience Uzbek Cuisine: Sample delicious Uzbek dishes such as plov (rice pilaf), shashlik (grilled meat skewers), and lagman (noodle soup) at local restaurants and cafes.

Observatory of Ulugh Beg: Built in the 15th century by the astronomer and ruler Ulugh Beg. Learn about the remarkable advances made in astronomy during the Timurid era and enjoy panoramic views of Samarkand from the observatory’s hilltop location.

Filming in Uzbekistan: Through our media arm Pioneer Media we can make arrangements for productions, journalists, or others to film within Uzbekistan.

Frequently asked Questions about travel to Uzbekistan

Do I need a visa to visit Uzbekistan?

Most nationalities from Europe, Australia, New Zealand can obtain a visa on arrival. To check your eligibility: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Uzbekistan Note: American nationals + others not included in visa exemption must obtain an e-visa. It must be submitted as an online application and takes a minimum of three working days. The consular fee for processing and issuing an e-visa is $20 USD and to be paid online. If you are completing the full 5 vStans tour, please ensure you apply for double entry for $40 USD. To apply: https://e-visa.gov.uz/main If you are not eligible, you need to apply for a tourist visa at an embassy or consulate. YPT will obtain an LOI if required.

Is it safe to visit Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan is a safe country with limited personal crime. That being said, like anywhere, pick-pocketing and crime against a person is rare but can happen. It is important to take care with your personal belongings and be cautious of your surroundings, particularly in markets and at touristic sites.

What currency do they use in Uzbekistan?

The currency used in Uzbekistan is the Uzbek Som. All cash payments on the territory of Uzbekistan are carried out only in national currency, you can either change money (USD, EUR, any major currencies) at banks or exchange offices. There are even ATM’S that directly take USD only and exchange it to local currency. Overall USD is much easier to exchange. Further, Uzbekistan has made major developments in terms of accepting foreign cards in the last few years. Cards are widely accepted now in lots of shops and restaurants however it is not always guaranteed.

What language do they speak in Uzbekistan?

There are two main languages spoken in Uzbekistan - Uzbek and Russian. Uzbek is a Turkic language of the Kipchak branch spoken in Central Asia. Most people in metropolitan or city areas also speak Russian. Persian and other Turkic languages are also spoken in Uzbekistan but to a much lesser extent.

What is the political situation in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan is currently going through a bit of a change politically; Islam Karimov, the President and another former Soviet leader who was able to continue his rule after the breakup of the Soviet Union, died in August 2016. A new president was then elected with 90% of the votes. Although the population of Uzbekistan looks optimistic about him so far, no one's quite sure what this means for the future of Uzbek politics. Essentially Uzbekistan is very similar to Turkmenistan politically, however, without the exact extent of social restrictions, though it does seem that a few things (such as the economy, for example) are moving in the right direction.

What is the food like in Uzbekistan?

The food in Uzbekistan is mostly meat based including horse, beef and lamb as the staple of many dishes. In most restaurants, you can also get vegetarian food such as salads and vegetables, however vegan food is almost non-existent. The most popular dish is pilav - usually with beef or horse it is oily rice accompanied by many vegetables, boiled over a long period of time. This dish is heavy but delicious!