Things to do in Uzbekistan

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30 Best Things to Do in Uzbekistan (Updated for 2026)

Uzbekistan’s Silk Road heritage shines through stunning architecture, vibrant culture, rich cuisine, and dramatic history—from ancient conquerors to modern ecological challenges. As of 2026, tourism is booming, with visa-free entry for up to 30 days for many nationalities (including U.S. citizens starting January 1, 2026). Here’s an updated list of the top 30 experiences:

  1. Respect the Dead at Shah-i-Zinda
    Explore this breathtaking necropolis in Samarkand, with intricately tiled mausoleums from the 9th–14th centuries.
  2. Swim in the Remains of the Aral Sea
    Visit the shrunken southern portion from Nukus—a stark reminder of one of history’s worst ecological disasters, with ongoing regional restoration efforts.
  3. Walk Toxic Sands at the Moynaq Ship Graveyard
    See rusting ships stranded in the desert, symbolizing the Aral Sea’s tragic decline.
  4. Eat Your Weight in Plov at Besh Qozon, Tashkent
    Savor Uzbekistan’s national dish—rice, carrots, and mutton cooked in massive cauldrons.
  5. Visit Ulugbek Observatory, Samarkand
    Marvel at this 1420s astronomical masterpiece by the Timurid scientist.
  6. Attend the Remote Stihia Festival
    Experience electronic music, art, and eco-awareness at the Moynaq ship graveyard (planned for May 2026; check stihia.org for updates).
  7. Climb Kalyan Minaret (Tower of Death), Bukhara
    Ascend this iconic structure with a dark medieval history.
  8. Visit Chor Minor, Bukhara
    Admire the quirky four-minaret mosque, now a gift shop.
  9. Explore Khorezm’s Crumbling Qala Castles
    Wander ancient desert fortresses near Khiva, often tourist-free.
  10. Escape Crowds at Katta Langar
    Discover underrated Silk Road gems in southeast Uzbekistan.
  11. Walk Itchan Kala Walls, Khiva
    Gain panoramic views over this living museum city.
  12. Visit Conservative Namangan
    Experience Uzbekistan’s Islamic heartland.
  13. See Khudayur Khan’s Mausoleum, Kokand
    Admire ornate tiles from the Kokand Khanate’s last ruler.
  14. Admire Tashkent’s Subway Stations
    Photograph the ornate, chandelier-lit metro art.
  15. Visit Gur-e-Amir, Samarkand
    See Timur’s unintended tomb with stunning interiors.
  16. Explore Savitsky Museum, Nukus
    View banned Soviet avant-garde and Karakalpak art.
  17. Watch Silk Production in Margilan
    Tour Yodgorlik Factory for traditional processes.
  18. Explore Dark Star Cave, Boysun Mountains
    Venture into potentially the world’s deepest cave system.
  19. Wander Samarkand’s Registan
    Lose yourself amid three majestic madrasas.
  20. See Carpet Crafting
    Observe master weavers at factories like Hujum in Samarkand.
  21. Visit Rabat Malik Caravanserai
    Step back into Silk Road history on the Samarkand–Bukhara route.
  22. Explore Qarshi’s History
    Trace empires in this underrated city.
  23. Stroll Labi Havz, Bukhara
    Relax by historic ponds surrounded by landmarks.
  24. Trek in Chimgan Mountains
    Hike with community homestays near Tashkent.
  25. Shop Ceramics at Gijduvan Museum
    Buy renowned works from the Narzullaev family.
  26. Visit Chashma Complex & Nur Fortress
    Break your journey with ancient sites near Nurata.
  27. Yurt Camp at Aydarkul
    Stargaze in the Kyzylkum Desert.
  28. Ski at Beldersay
    Hit Central Asia’s longest lifts in winter.
  29. Explore Khiva’s Living Museum
    Wander the perfectly preserved Itchan Kala.
  30. Celebrate Nowruz
    Join Persian New Year festivities on March 21 nationwide.

Uzbekistan blends timeless wonders with accessible adventure—perfect for 2026 with eased visa rules. Focus on Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva for classics, or venture to Karakalpakstan for off-beat experiences like the Aral Sea. Safe travels!

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