{"id":39176,"date":"2024-12-16T08:01:46","date_gmt":"2024-12-16T08:01:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/?p=39176"},"modified":"2025-05-28T11:57:45","modified_gmt":"2025-05-28T11:57:45","slug":"uzbekistan-plan-your-own-itinerary-11-days","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thinkerten.com\/wordpress\/2024\/12\/uzbekistan-plan-your-own-itinerary-11-days\/","title":{"rendered":"Uzbekistan -plan your own itinerary 11 days"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"UzbekistanNestled 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.<\/p>\n

I\u2019m glad I visited Azerbaijan last year, as it makes Uzbekistan feel a bit more familiar.<\/p>\n

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\u2019ll need to transit through Kuala Lumpur to reach Tashkent.<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

Since there aren\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

Things to know<\/h3>\n

Visa:<\/h3>\n

Citizens of Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia do not need a visa to enter Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n

Currency:<\/h3>\n

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\u2019s best to exchange money at the airport upon arrival.<\/p>\n

Best Time to Visit:<\/h3>\n

The ideal times to visit Uzbekistan are in spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October), as the weather is mild and comfortable for travel.<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

Transportation Tips:<\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a refined version of your tips for arrival in Uzbekistan:<\/p>\n

Upon Arrival at the Airport:<\/h3>\n

Exchange Money:
\nMake 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.<\/p>\n

Arrange Your Ride to the Hotel:
\nIf you haven\u2019t 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

Tashkent: The Modern Capital with a Historic Soul<\/h3>\n

As the capital of Uzbekistan, Tashkent is a fusion of ancient history and Soviet-era architecture. It\u2019s a city of contrasts, where you\u2019ll find bustling bazaars alongside gleaming new developments.<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

Chorsu Bazaar: This colorful bazaar is a feast for the senses, selling everything from spices and fruits to handcrafted goods. It\u2019s a great spot to mingle with locals and try some traditional snacks.
\nKhast Imam Complex: Home to one of the world\u2019s oldest Qurans, this religious complex is an essential stop for anyone interested in Islamic history.<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan
\nTashkent Metro: Known for its elaborate designs, the Tashkent Metro is worth exploring for its beautiful Soviet-era mosaics and chandeliers.<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

Where to stay: City Palace Hotel Tashkent<\/a><\/h3>\n

You need about 1 -2 days<\/p>\n

From Tashkent to Khiva – internal flight (prebook online)<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n

Khiva: A Step Back in Time<\/strong><\/h3>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\"Uzbekistan<\/p>\n