Top Must-Visit Places in Uzbekistan for First-Time Travelers

Uzbekistan is a colorful country at the very heart of Central Asia filled with the history of the Silk Road, the Islamic world architecture, busy bazaars, and beautiful desert sceneries. With its grand blue-domed mosques and centuries-old madrasahs, places in Uzbekistan offer a dream come true for history lovers and those interested in culture. Experienced travelers will discover a goldmine of cultural pleasures, warm hospitality, and unforgettable scenes that make Uzbekistan one of the most enriching destinations in the region.

The good news to the Indian travelers is that the Uzbekistan tourist visa to Indians is cheap and easy to acquire. You may want to be impressed by the magnificence of Samarkand, explore the ancient streets of Bukhara, or feel the modern atmosphere of Tashkent, but in any case, this guide will take you through the process of applying for the Uzbekistan visa and show you the best places that cannot be missed in your travel itinerary. 

Here are the Top Must-Visit Places in Uzbekistan for First-Time Travelers 

1. Tashkent The City of Contrast

Tashkent is the capital city and economic center of Uzbekistan and is usually the starting point of most of the travelers. This contemporary city is an interesting comparison of the Soviet architecture and old Islamic style. Don’t miss: 

• Amir Timur Square Amir Timur Square is a landmark in the middle of the city devoted to the great conqueror. 

• Chorsu Bazaar – it is one of the oldest markets in Central Asia where you can understand local life. 

• Khast Imam Complex: It is the place of one of the oldest Qurans in the world. 

• Tashkent Metro beautiful decorated, every station is a work of art. 

• You can also fly to Tashkent, which is a convenient place to use as the starting point of your journey. The city is also an important place to finish your application process of the Uzbekistan visa at the immigration desk of the airport in case you arrive with an e-visa. 

2. Samarkand Jewel of the Silk Road

Samarkand is arguably the most beautiful city in the country of Uzbekistan and one of the oldest continually populated cities in Central Asia. The latter UNESCO World Heritage Site has impressive Islamic architecture and Silk Road traditions. 

The most popular ones are: 

• Registan Square- A mouth-opening complex of three madrasahs with their fancy mosaics and magnificent arches. 

• Shah-i-Zinda – A cemetery that has turquoised-tiled tombs of the ancient kings. 

• Bibi-Khanym Mosque – This was once one of the largest mosques around the world. 

• Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum The grave of Tamerlane (Amir Timur). 

• Samarkand can be accessed by high-speed train easily and quickly enough, so anyone interested in history and photography should visit it. 

3. Bukhara the City of a Thousand Monuments

Bukhara is a living museum and more than 140 monuments which date back to the 9 th and 10 th centuries have been preserved there. This is a desert city that will take you back in history through its caravanserais, madrasahs and trading domes. 

The best of Bukhara: 

• Ark of Bukhara- It is a fortress that used to accommodate emirs and provides panoramas of the old city. 

• Kalon Minaret and Mosque- A religious complex which is particularly picturesque at sunset. 

• Lyab-i Hauz-A quiet pond that is encircled by cafes and madrasahs. 

• Chor Minor- a distinctive building having four minarets which looks like Indian pagodas. 

• The stroll through the ancient streets of Bukhara is one that should be enjoyed by every tourist visiting Uzbekistan the first time. 

4. Khiva The Open-Air Museum

Visiting Khiva is entering a fairy tale. This is a lovely well preserved walled city that is not as popular but does provide a piece of Silk Road life. 

The places that you must visit in Khiva: 

• Itchan Kala – inner town, the walls around which are listed as UNESCO property. 

• Kalta Minor Minaret- This is a colorful minaret that is unfinished and it dominates the skyline. 

• Kunya-Ark Citadel -It was once the home of the rulers of Khiva. 

• Tash Khauli Palace- Amazing interiors with ceramic tiles and wood carvings. 

• Khiva can be visited by foot and it is better to do it in the early morning or late evening, when the desert light produces the magic effect on the architecture of the city. 

5. The Heartland of Craftsmanship Fergana Valley

To the travelers interested in going off the beaten path, Fergana Valley presents a closer look at the Uzbek life. It is a land of textile and pottery enthusiasts because of the rich culture and fertile lands coupled with the artisan tradition. 

Fergana: what to do: 

• Take a trip to Margilan – The place of silk and the Yodgorlik Silk Factory. 

• Visit Rishtan – Famous blue pottery glazed. 

• Visit local markets – These are the places where you can communicate with natives and buy original Uzbek products. 

• The valley is also very beautiful in nature, and it has greenery hills and old settlements in the background. 

What You Need to Know About Uzbekistan Tourist Visa to Indians 

To enter Uzbekistan, Indian citizens should obtain a Uzbekistan tourist visa, and the procedure is now possible online via an e-visa system. 

Uzbekistan Visa Application Process: Step-by-Step 

• Complete the application form by providing personal information, passport details and traveling schedule. 

• Submit scanned copies of your passport bio page and passport size photo. 

• Visa fee can be paid online and it is of a range of USD 20-25. 

• In 3 working days, you will receive your e-visa through email. 

• The e-visa is a 30-days single-entry visa. Ensure that you have a valid passport with at least 6 months after your scheduled stay. 

Travel Advice to First-Time Visitors to Uzbekistan 

• Currency: The national money is the Uzbek Som (UZS). In big cities, you can find ATMs, but bring money in the country. 

• Language: The official language is Uzbek, and Russian is spoken broadly. Tourist regions speak English. 

• Food: Do not forget to taste plov (rice dish), samsa (stuffed pastries) and shashlik (kebabs). 

• Transport: Domestic trains are well-organized and are suitable to travel between cities. Taxis are cheap, however, negotiate the prices first. 

• Safety: Uzbekistan is safe, but there is low crime rate among travelers. 

Conclusion 

Uzbekistan is a magical land crossed with the magic of the Silk Road and the Central Asian hospitality. History, culture, and adventure make a great combination of exploring the iconic cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva, and Tashkent, which are the first-time destinations. The country has become more accessible to Indian tourists than before by its smooth process of Uzbekistan visa application.