Travel to Uzbekistan
During my first visit to Uzbekistan, I was taken aback by this mysterious destination with its many treasures. The country is home to some real architectural gems; it’s a feast for the eyes. Delve into the heart of world history through our itineraries in Uzbekistan.
Having been under the rule of the great Turkish, Persian, Greek, Mongol and then Russian empires, Uzbekistan is a country with an exceptional heritage. A Group Tour to Uzbekistan takes you to the heart of the history of these many and varied civilisations that succeeded one another before the country became a fully-fledged state. Through its many UNESCO World Heritage sites, you’ll travel back in time and walk along the ancient crossroads of the Silk Road. You’ll also explore the traces of one of the greatest empires of the East, forged by Tamerlane the Conqueror.
As the country remains largely untouched by mass tourism, the authenticity and hospitality of the Uzbek people are truly remarkable and are sure to charm you during your visit. Set off to discover the Pearl of the Orient and immerse yourself in its millennia-old culture. If you are someone seeking unique and memorable experiences, Uzbekistan is a country that will surprise and amaze you.
Browse our various tours in Uzbekistan and contact us for any bespoke travel enquiries!
| The climate in Uzbekistan | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average temperature in C° | 2 | 3 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 | 28 | 27 | 22 | 15 | 8 | 2 |
| Sunny days per month | 15 | 16 | 20 | 22 | 25 | 28 | 30 | 29 | 26 | 23 | 19 | 16 |
Travelling to Uzbekistan: everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip
A trip to Uzbekistan: 7 good reasons to go
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A world-renowned cultural heritage
Let yourself be captivated by the fascinating history of Uzbekistan, where every city is a treasure. Explore UNESCO World Heritage sites such as Bukhara, with its serene narrow streets and legendary mausoleums; Samarkand, the mythical jewel of the Silk Road; and Khiva, an open-air museum city. This tour of Uzbekistan is an immersion in a rich and timeless heritage. -
A precious craft: Suzani embroidery
Discover the ancient art of Suzani embroidery, a symbol of Uzbek heritage. Each piece is a work of art, distinguished by unrivalled quality and beauty. This craft offers a window into the soul and traditions of a talented people. -
Dazzling religious monuments
Marvel at the architectural masterpieces that dot the country: majestic madrasas, legendary mosques such as the splendid Kalon Mosque in Bukhara, slender minarets and domes with dazzling mosaics that reflect the desert light. These monuments bear witness to the grandeur and spirituality of Uzbekistan. -
Exploring the great outdoors: the Heavenly Mountains
Set off on an adventure into the heart of the Tian Shan mountains, also known as the Heavenly Mountains. Hikes, breathtaking views and fresh air await you in this wild and unspoilt region, ideal for nature lovers. -
Memorable encounters
The Uzbeks, renowned for their legendary hospitality, will welcome you with open arms. Whether in a traditional tea house, a bustling bazaar or a small village, every interaction is an opportunity to discover a warm-hearted people proud of their heritage. -
Sample delicious Uzbek cuisine
A trip to Uzbekistan is also a culinary adventure. Treat yourself to specialities such as obi non, bread baked in a traditional oven, manty, delicious ravioli, or delicately flavoured sweets like baklava. -
Picturesque and authentic: the village of Richtan
Visit Richtan, a craft centre famous for its sumptuous ceramics. These works, with their vibrant shades of blue, adorn many of the country’s iconic monuments and embody the essence of Uzbek art.
Uzbekistan: travel with a local agency
Uzbekistan, a mystery in itself, is a little-known country in Central Asia that has only recently opened up to tourism. It will dazzle you with its rich cultural and architectural heritage. Let yourself be captivated by this country along the legendary Silk Road and discover the heart of its breathtaking heritage.
At Shanti Travel, we design tailor-made tours to suit your preferences: family discovery tours, group trekking tours, train journeys, combined with neighbouring countries and much more.
Our travel packages are fully customisable; you can request the services of a local guide, add or remove nights, change a destination, and more. Browse the reviews on our website to get a feel for the experiences of our previous travellers. Then, let our Uzbekistan experts guide you in creating a holiday that suits you perfectly!
Uzbekistan: a tour to discover a country with a fascinating history
This landlocked Central Asian country has a history full of twists and turns: it has been ruled by the Turks, Persians, Arabs and Russians, as well as by the famous Greek commander Alexander the Great and the great Mongol conqueror Genghis Khan. Uzbekistan was once situated at the crossroads of the Silk Road between China and Europe, and its deep-rooted traditions bear witness to this privileged geographical position.
This former Soviet republic, independent since 1991, holds priceless traces of ancient civilisations. Stroll through the historic centre of the city of Bukhara, dating back over 2,000 years, and discover Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also explore Samarkand, known as the Eden of the East, a crossroads of arts and cultures from around the world.
Uzbekistan: a journey through a vibrant country
All over the world, Uzbek architecture and craftsmanship are renowned for their quality and unparalleled beauty. The shades of blue in the tiles covering the majestic buildings will leave you speechless. Lose yourself amongst the impressive madrasas, the higher Koranic schools; come and admire the suzani fabrics, meticulously embroidered using ancestral techniques; and stroll through the country’s many bazaars, each more rich in colour and fragrance than the last.
Uzbekistan tour: when is the best time to go?
Uzbekistan has a continental climate, characterised by cold winters and hot, dry summers. To make the most of your trip, you should ideally plan to visit in spring, early summer or autumn.
During this period, you’ll enjoy the best conditions for your trip, with mild temperatures during the day and pleasant nights. If you’re planning a trek in the mountains, July and August are the best months.
Head to Uzbekistan with Shanti Travel, your local agency! Embark on a memorable, tailor-made journey where you’ll discover a destination with breathtaking landscapes, a rich history and traditions dating back thousands of years.
Our holiday packages in Uzbekistan include iconic destinations such as Samarkand, Tashkent, Bukhara, Khiva and the Kyzyl Kum Desert, as well as lesser-known sites hand-picked by our local Uzbekistan travel expert! Our tours aim to immerse you in Uzbek life, helping you discover their culture and the richness of their sites.
Whether you’re travelling in a group, solo, with your family and children, as a couple, or with friends, and whether you’re looking for culture or nature, our Uzbekistan travel experts will tailor the trip to suit you. Please feel free to contact us by email or phone, or come and meet us at our agency in Paris.
Travelling to Uzbekistan: how to prepare for your trip?
A captivating Central Asian destination, Uzbekistan promises you an unforgettable stay, rich in cultural discoveries and spectacular landscapes. Here is our useful information and advice to help you prepare for your trip to Uzbekistan:
Flight tickets
To travel to Uzbekistan, direct flights are available from Paris to Tashkent, the Uzbek capital. Uzbekistan Airways is the airline offering direct flights from Paris to Tashkent. Compare flight prices online and book your flight well in advance to get the best possible price.
Packing your bags
Once you have booked your flight, pack your luggage, including light clothing if you are travelling in spring, summer or autumn. If you are going on a mountain excursion, remember to pack warm clothes. Don’t forget to pack sun cream, sunglasses and a hat.
In winter, make sure you have warm enough clothes to cope with temperatures that can drop to -30°C. Also take good walking shoes, particularly if your tour includes trekking on mountain trails. Remember to bring any medication you are taking and to pack a basic first-aid kit in your suitcase.
Entry requirements and vaccinations
For French, Belgian and Swiss nationals, and for stays of less than 30 days, a passport is sufficient to enter Uzbekistan. Your passport must be valid for at least three months after your return date. If you are travelling with children, they must also have their own passport.
No compulsory vaccinations are required for entry into Uzbekistan, except for travellers coming from high-risk areas. However, it is advisable to ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
Once you arrive in Uzbekistan
Once there, you will find a range of quality accommodation options, including very comfortable hotels for a restful night’s sleep during your stay. From hostels and B&Bs to luxury hotels, there is accommodation to suit every budget.
In rural areas, staying with local families is common. In the desert, make the most of the opportunity to experience a night in a yurt – a memory you’ll cherish forever. When it comes to transport during your stay, opt for taxis, trains or a private vehicle with a driver.
As for the food, get ready to treat yourself – traditional Uzbek dishes are truly delicious. Must-try dishes include och (a mutton-based dish), manti (steamed meat-filled dumplings) and shashlik (meat skewers). Dishes are usually served with salads and obi non (traditional Uzbek bread). Tea is the drink of choice in Uzbekistan.
Contact our specialists to plan your bespoke itinerary to the Pearl of the Orient: Uzbekistan! Make the most of your stay to visit the country’s iconic cities: Samarkand, Khiva, Bukhara, Tashkent, etc., as well as its exceptional natural sites: the Fergana Valley, the Chimgan Mountains, Lake Aydarkul, the Kyzylkum Desert, etc.
Our tours are suitable for families with children, groups and individual travellers. Let our Uzbekistan Travel experts guide you for a total immersion in the land of the Silk Road!
Travelling to Uzbekistan: why discover this unique destination?
Explore the Silk Road
Uzbekistan is the country that best represents the ancient Silk Road. Here you will discover the city of Khiva, with its magnificent adobe ramparts, its mosques and its minarets covered in blue ceramics. You can explore Samarkand with its famous Registan Square, Tamerlane’s mausoleum and imposing madrasas, or the city of Bukhara with its mausoleums dedicated to the great saints of Islam. Make the most of this immersion in the Silk Road to pick up some beautiful natural silk fabrics or traditional embroidery.
Meet a warm and welcoming people
Uzbeks are renowned for their friendliness and kindness; wherever you are in the country, you’ll receive a warm welcome. During your stay, take the time to appreciate the legendary hospitality of the Uzbeks, which is an integral part of their culture. This tradition of hospitality, found throughout Central Asia, is present in villages as well as in major cities. Expect to be invited to eat or have a cup of tea with local residents.
Explore the Soviet legacy on a trip to Uzbekistan
From 1924 to 1991, Uzbekistan was one of the republics of the USSR. This Soviet influence, blended with nomadic culture and Persian traditions, creates a truly unique cultural mix. The capital, Tashkent, perfectly illustrates this diversity, with its Soviet-era buildings and its typically Uzbek atmosphere. During your visit to Uzbekistan, discover this Soviet heritage to gain a better understanding of the history and culture of the Uzbek people.
Venturing into the desert and the mountains
Stretching across the northern part of the country, the Kyzylkum Desert is one of the largest deserts in the world. The desert is home to many hidden treasures, including Lake Aydarkul, an ideal spot for swimming and watching migratory birds. A yurt camp near the lake offers the chance to spend the night in this exceptional setting. Uzbekistan also boasts stunning mountainous landscapes, such as the Chimgan Mountains in the Tian Shan range. This area offers a wide variety of hiking and mountaineering trails, suitable for all levels.
Visit the major historical sites on a tour of Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan boasts a rich cultural and architectural heritage, recognised throughout the world. In the city of Samarkand, you can stroll across Registan Square, flanked by two magnificent mosques, or explore the mausoleum of the conqueror Tamerlane. With its 350 mosques, 100 madrasas and the Ark Citadel, the city of Bukhara is equally iconic. As for Khiva, immerse yourself in ancient Central Asia, with its labyrinth of minarets, domes, mosques and more. You must also be sure to visit Tashkent, the capital, with its Soviet monuments, religious sites and the Great Madrasah.
