11 Insider Tips to visit Uzbekistan

1. Go beyond the Top Destinations

While Uzbekistan (Tours & Guides)’s major cities like Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva are exciting, it is also worthwhile to go outside the classic routes and visit some of the interesting, smaller attractions. There are lots of villages where you will like at the beginning of the 20^th century, lots of natural wonders which can differentiate your trip from ordinary tours.

2. The abandoned old village of Sentab

Sentab is a wonderful place for experiencing the local lifestyle, and hiking around a beautiful mountain village. But more than anything, seeing the abandoned old village of Sentab, and the ruined houses on the top of the mountains make this place extremely impressive.

3. The Plateau of Demons

On the road between Samarkand & Shahrisabz, there is an interesting valley of huge granite rocks which is called the Plateau of Demons. For thousands of years, the wind has perfectly changed the shape of the rocks and some of them look like rabbits, snakes, bears, etc. This can be an exceptional short visit for any traveler who goes from Samarkand to Urgut or to Shahrisabz.

The bonus: The Unique Desert Forest

Hike, Cycle, Ride a Horse, Enjoy a picnic, stay in a yurt surrounded with deers in unique Desert Forest. We are one of the few experts in Uzbekistan who can offer you an unforgettable trip to a Unique Desert Forest which will make you forget that you have actually arrived in Uzbekistan for its amazing architecture.

4. Take off your shoes before Entering a Mosque

During your trip to Uzbekistan, you will be asked to take off your footwear before entering some mosques. Even if no one asks you to take your shoes off, if you see carpet at the entrance of a mosque (also a mausoleum) you should take them off. You don’t need to worry about your shoes getting stolen. Uzbekistan is one of the safest places in the world.

5. Know how to Negotiate

Negotiating the price is a part of the oriental culture. In the markets, in the shops, we always negotiate to buy the products. But it’s not like in China where you can cut the price by 70%. In Uzbekistan, the sellers can be ready to sell their product for 15-20% less than the initial price. Finally, when you know the value of the product and the price seems OK, negotiating is a hard thing to do.

The bonus: in Uzbekistan, the superstitions are quite strong. The people believe that the first customer in the morning will bring a lucky day and they are glad to sell to the first client at much lower prices.

6. Vegetarians, Consider Going to Local Bazaars

Though you can find some vegetarian food in most of the restaurants, sometimes, in smaller towns or smaller eateries it will be hard to find vegetarian food. In that case, the best solution is to go to a local bazaar. In a bazaar, you will find fresh bread, fruits, vegetables, dry fruits, and even some snacks from vegetables.

7. Travel during Ramadan

Can you enjoy your trip to Uzbekistan during Ramadan? Surely, yes! Even if most of the population of Uzbekistan are Muslims, Islam is not the official religion of the government. People keep working during Ramadan. The shops, bazaars, restaurants, museums will be open.  The restaurants will have fewer visitors during that period and some smaller teahouses and restaurants can minimize the number of food from their menu. That’s the only difference you will see during the holy month.

Tip: It will be wise to check the local fasting hours in order to know when the restaurants will be full!

8. Is Friday a Workday?

The workweek in Uzbekistan is Monday to Saturday, Sunday is the only weekend for most of the organizations of Uzbekistan. Only in banks and in some private companies Saturday is also weekend. Friday is an ordinary day of the week where all businesses will be open. But still, people go to mosques around midday and you should plan to visit the mosques in a different part of the day.

9. Carry emergency cash

Though there are ATMs and banks everywhere, it is better to have some cash. Most of the restaurants & hotels don’t accept payment with credit

10. Is there enough space for your Luggage?

Before booking a car ask if it has enough space for your luggage. Most of the cars in Uzbekistan have 2 reservoirs of fuel, one for petrol and another one for gas. In that case,  if your car is equipped with a Methan gas reservoir (installed in the luggage room), there will be too small space for your luggage. That’s why you should ask about it before reserving your taxi or you should prepare smaller bags.

Note: in order to offer maximum comfort to our travelers, the cars of our agency are not equipped with Gas Reservoirs.

11. Learn basic phrases Uzbek

The locals will appreciate it and it will make your contact with them easier. Just a few expressions:

Hello – Salam

Goodbye - Khayr

Thank you - Rahmat

Good – Yaxshi