Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is a treasure trove of ancient architecture, vibrant bazaars, and remarkable history. Known for its important role on the Silk Road, this destination is rich in heritage and scenic beauty.
I’m glad I visited Azerbaijan last year, as it makes Uzbekistan feel a bit more familiar.
There are a few must-visit cities in Uzbekistan, which is quite a large country. Our itinerary includes Tashkent, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand over a total of 11 days. Since there are no direct flights from Singapore, you’ll need to transit through Kuala Lumpur to reach Tashkent.
Tashkent, the capital city, is the main hub, and most travelers fly into Tashkent due to its wider flight options. However, some choose to fly directly into Khiva to start their journey there and then fly out from Tashkent.
We booked our flights through Trip.com, with the following route: flying from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur on Singapore Airlines (SIA), then continuing from KL to Tashkent with Batik Air. However, our SIA flight was delayed by two hours, causing us to miss our connection from KL to Tashkent.
Since there aren’t many flights to Tashkent during the week, we had to book the next available flight from KL to Almaty, the capital of Kazakhstan, and then continue onward to Tashkent.
Things to know
Visa:
Citizens of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia do not need a visa to enter Uzbekistan.
Currency:
The local currency is the Uzbekistani som, with an exchange rate of approximately 10,000 som to 10 SGD. Many places still require cash, so it’s best to exchange money at the airport upon arrival.
Best Time to Visit:
The ideal times to visit Uzbekistan are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), as the weather is mild and comfortable for travel.
Transportation Tips:
Download the Yandex app, as it functions like Uber or Grab for convenient rides. Be cautious of illegal taxis waiting outside the airport or bullet train stations; these drivers often charge highly inflated prices.
Here’s a refined version of your tips for arrival in Uzbekistan:
Upon Arrival at the Airport:
Exchange Money:
Make the currency exchange your first stop upon arrival, as lines can get long. Exchanging cash can take time because the Uzbekistani som is issued in large denominations, so travelers often take extra time to count.
Arrange Your Ride to the Hotel:
If you haven’t downloaded the Yandex app yet, you can purchase a taxi ticket at the airport transfer counter. We paid USD 16 (about SGD 20) for an airport taxi, but using Yandex could cost around SGD 5. Since we arrived at midnight and were too tired to locate the pickup area for Yandex, we opted for the airport taxi. Be aware that many unlicensed taxis are stationed outside the airport, trying to pick up customers.
In Uzbekistan, you can flag down almost any car and ask the driver to take you to your destination for a small fee. Many locals are open to offering rides for payment, making it a convenient and flexible option for getting around.
Tashkent: The Modern Capital with a Historic Soul
As the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is a fusion of ancient history and Soviet-era architecture. It’s a city of contrasts, where you’ll find bustling bazaars alongside gleaming new developments.
Chorsu Bazaar: This colorful bazaar is a feast for the senses, selling everything from spices and fruits to handcrafted goods. It’s a great spot to mingle with locals and try some traditional snacks.
Khast Imam Complex: Home to one of the world’s oldest Qurans, this religious complex is an essential stop for anyone interested in Islamic history.
Tashkent Metro: Known for its elaborate designs, the Tashkent Metro is worth exploring for its beautiful Soviet-era mosaics and chandeliers.
Where to stay: City Palace Hotel Tashkent
You need about 1 -2 days
From Tashkent to Khiva – internal flight (prebook online)
Khiva: A Step Back in Time
The ancient city of Khiva is an open-air museum, with the UNESCO-protected Itchan Kala (inner city) surrounded by towering walls. Its palaces, mosques, and minarets are incredibly well-preserved, giving you a glimpse into life centuries ago.
- Itchan Kala: This inner city, with its mud-brick walls and narrow alleys, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with historical treasures.
- Kalta Minor Minaret: Known for its blue-green tiles, this short yet striking minaret is a great photo spot.
- Kuhna Ark: This ancient fortress, once the seat of Khiva’s rulers, offers panoramic views of the city and is a fantastic spot to watch the sunset.
- Khorezm fortresses: Get a day tour, cost only USD 39 to 3 fortress in a private car can sit up 5 people.
You can choose to stay within the old town, which allows you to save on entrance fees to explore the area. While there are only guesthouses in the old town and no large hotels, I highly recommend staying there. This way, you can experience the local lifestyle and get a genuine feel for the neighborhood. The guesthouse I stayed at provided good lighting, warm water, and a hearty breakfast made with fresh local ingredients. The owner of the guesthouse was honest and found my handbag, which I had left on the sofa in the common area.
Check the google review for nice cafe and restaurant. Food are pretty affordable, we spend around USD10-20 per meal for 2 person in nice and fancy restaurant.
Where to stay: Shaherezada Boutique Hotel, in old town
You need 2 days in Khiva
Khiva to Bukhara -internal flight (prebook online)
Bukhara: The City of Ancient Wisdom
Bukhara’s charm lies in its well-preserved historical center, with over 2,000 years of history to explore. Wandering the city feels like stepping back in time, as many parts have been beautifully preserved.
Ark Fortress: This ancient citadel was once a royal residence and is now a museum showcasing Bukhara’s rich past. The fortress towers over the city and is especially photogenic at sunset.
Kalon Minaret and Mosque: Known as the “Tower of Death” for its past use as an execution site, the 47-meter-high minaret is an iconic symbol of Bukhara.
Lyabi-Hauz Complex: This complex, surrounding a peaceful pond, is a lovely place to relax after exploring the bustling city streets. The area is lined with cafes, so it’s perfect for a late-afternoon tea.
Where to stay: Wyndham Bukhara
You need 2 days in Bukhara
From Bukhara to Samarkand – Bullet train (prebook online)
Samarkand: The Jewel of the Silk Road
Samarkand is perhaps the most famous of Uzbekistan’s cities, known worldwide for its stunning Islamic architecture and storied past. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is home to some of the world’s most impressive historical landmarks.
Registan Square: This iconic square, with its three intricately decorated madrasahs, is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The blue-tiled facades and mosaics will leave you in awe, especially when they’re illuminated at dusk.
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis: A series of mausoleums covered in blue and turquoise tiles, Shah-i-Zinda is an architectural marvel dedicated to the relatives of Prophet Muhammad.
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum: The resting place of Tamerlane, the great conqueror, is another must-see with its stunning blue dome and intricate mosaics.
Where to stay: Shohjahon Palace Hotel & Spa
You need 2 days in Samarkand
From Samarkand take a bullet train to Tashkent (5pm and arriving in Tashkent at 8pm +) go straight to airport and flying back to Singapore via India (Indigo Air)
Here’s a list of delicious foods to try in Uzbekistan:
- Plov (Pilaf)
This iconic dish is a must-try. It’s a hearty rice dish cooked with meat (usually lamb or beef), carrots, and spices. Each region has its own variation, but it’s always flavorful and satisfying.
- Samsa
These are savory pastries filled with meat (often lamb) and onions, then baked until golden. They make for a delicious snack or appetizer. - Lagman
A hearty noodle soup that combines hand-pulled noodles with vegetables and meat, flavored with a rich broth. It’s a comforting dish, especially on cooler days. - Manti
These steamed dumplings are typically filled with spiced meat (lamb or beef) and served with yogurt or a tomato sauce. They are a popular dish in Uzbek cuisine. - Shashlik
Skewered and grilled meat (often lamb or chicken), shashlik is a popular street food. It’s usually marinated and cooked over an open flame, resulting in tender and smoky flavors.
- Chuchvara
Similar to manti, these are small dumplings filled with meat and served in broth. They are often enjoyed as a comforting dish, especially in colder months. - Naan
This traditional bread is a staple in Uzbekistan, often served with every meal. It’s baked in a tandoor oven, giving it a unique flavor and texture. - Bukhara Chai
Uzbek tea is an essential part of the dining experience. Bukhara chai, typically served in small bowls, is fragrant and can be enjoyed with sweets or savory snacks. - Halva
A popular dessert made from nuts, sugar, and flour, halva comes in various forms and flavors. It’s sweet and satisfying, perfect for ending a meal. - Fried Dough (Laghman)
These are fried dough balls, often served with a sweet or savory filling. They can be a delightful snack or appetizer.
The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek, which is a Turkic language. Russian is also widely spoken, especially in urban areas and among older generations, due to the country’s history as part of the Soviet Union. Additionally, you may encounter other minority languages, such as Tajik, Kazakh, and Karakalpak, in various regions. English is becoming increasingly popular, particularly among the younger generation and in tourist areas, but it may not be widely understood outside major cities.
Total expenditure for 2 person
Uzberkistan 11-20 Oct 2024
Air Tickets – 1254.00 + 236.80 + 202.80 + 576 = SGD 2269.60
Hotel Booking – 267.82 + 226.66 + 292.6 = 787.08
Train Tickets – 53.88 + 73.75 = 127.63
Payment by Credit Card – 262.53
Payment by Cash – 470 USD = 616.95
Total 4063.79 (SGD 2031.90 per person)
Due to miss flight, there are extra cost for below.
Extra Flight & Hotel Cost
Flight & Hotel – 1777.44
Total 5841.23 (2920.62 per person)
It’s wise to book air tickets with insurance or options for changes. This gives you the flexibility to modify your itinerary or cancel if needed.
Final thoughts:
One thing I love about Uzbekistan is that everything is really affordable. Taxi rides usually cost between 1 to 3 SGD. Food is inexpensive as well, but I always check Google for well-reviewed restaurants before dining. The hotels I chose are 4-star establishments, with an average cost of about 90 SGD per night, including breakfast for twin sharing.
The people in Uzbekistan are very friendly, and you can always ask them for help; they enjoy talking to foreigners. The food is delicious and features a variety of dishes, including rice, naan, samsa, and kebabs made from beef, lamb, and chicken.e
Uzbekistan is one of the key countries along the Silk Road in Central Asia. I’ve traveled to Turkey, Azerbaijan, Xinjiang in China, and now Uzbekistan, and I’ve found that they all share a deep historical connection.
