Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is the hidden gem of Central Asia. The historic center of the silk road, this often overlooked country is known for its stunning architecture, beautiful nature, and delicious cuisine.

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Uzbekistan Travel Info

Language

Uzbekistan’s official language is Uzbek, spoken by around 85% of the population. Russian is also widely spoken, particularly in urban areas, with about 14% of the population using it. Other languages, like Tajik, are spoken by smaller communities, primarily in the region of Samarkand and Bukhara. In the past, Cyrillic was used for the written language, but recently has shifted to the Latin alphabet in the post-soviet era.

Demographics

Uzbekistan has a population of around 35 million people, with ethnic Uzbeks making up about 80% of the population. There are also large groups of Russians, Tajiks, Kazakhs, and Uyghurs. Uzbekistan is a landlocked country, with vast deserts in the center and mountains and valleys along the southern border. Historically, this geography has pushed the majority of the population south, where the silk road was established. The majority of people in Uzbekistan live in ancient silk road cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.

Weather

Uzbekistan experiences a wide range climates, with scorching summers and bone chilling winters. In the summer, temperatures can soar above 40°C (104°F) in desert regions, while the winters can drop below freezing, particularly in the mountains. The spring and autumn seasons are more moderate, with pleasant temperatures. Due to its inland desert climate, the country experiences little rain, with nearly no rain in the summer, and modest rain in the spring and fall.

Public Transit

Public transit in Uzbekistan is varied, with Tashkent offering a clean and modern subway system that connects key areas of the city. For longer distances, the Afrosiyob high-speed train links major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, offering fast and comfortable travel. Additionally, Yandex Go taxis provide an affordable and convenient option for getting around urban areas. These options make it easy to explore the country both locally and between cities.

Uzbekistan FAQ

Uzbekistan is an emerging economy, and therefore has cheaper prices than developed western countries. Additionally, Uzbekistan does not have a large tourism industry, so you do not need to worry about being upcharged for being a foreigner. In general, Uzbekistan is a very affordable country for travel.

Uzbekistan is a safe country for travel. It has very low rates of violent crime, and scores well on the Human Development Index and Global Peace Index. Petty crime is also low, and although it is an Islamic nation, it does not strictly follow Islamic laws like in neighboring countries, so non-Muslim tourists do not need to worry about following Islamic law. Major urban areas are well developed, and all main tourist attractions in most cities have tourist police stationed nearby, adding to the safety.

English speaking in Uzbekistan is mixed. While some people in Tashkent have basic English comprehension, the further you go from the capital the lower it becomes. We found in Bukhara and Samarkand, especially in less tourist heavy areas, people had little to no English speaking skills. That being said, we had no problem communicating using translate, and people in Uzbekistan are very friendly and willing to work with travelers.

Uzbekistan experiences scorching desert summers and frigid winters, especially in the north. Since it is a desert, there is no need to worry about a rainy season. We recommend spring or fall for seasonable weather. Thankfully, crowd size is not an issue since travel to Uzbekistan is low among international travelers.

Using cash in Uzbekistan is a must. Some places in Tashkent accept card, but most establishments prefer or only take cash. Until a few years ago, there was no official way to exchange currency in Uzbekistan, although there are official money exchanges at the airports. Be aware that these exchanges will only take certain currencies, so arriving with USD, Euros, or Kazakh dollars is highly recommended.

In Uzbekistan, all of the major tourist spots are located on a line from east to west. The main cities for tourism are Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and Tashkent. Khiva is only accessible by slow train or bus, making it much harder to get to. Bukhara and Samarkand are accessible by the bullet train which makes them much easier destinations. If you only have time to spend in one location, we think Samarkand is a great mix between the city life of Tashkent, and the history of Bukhara. We think Samarkand’s architecture is the best in the country as well.

Travel Diaries

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