Things to Do in Uzbekistan

1. Hike to Nuratau Mountains: When going on a hike to Nuratau Mountains, you will find walnut orchards, gushing streams with chilled water originating from the mountain spring, and hospitable locals toiling or relaxing in their mud houses in Uhum village. On the way, there are different images carved in the rocks by the ancestors portraying their rituals, daily life and animals. These images are known to be 2000 years old. It highlights the remarkable history of humanity. As you walk further, old apricot trees, desert oases, wild mulberries would welcome you in this stunning landscape. The mountains are virgin ones, and you can experience their purity. 

The standard route for reaching the mountains starts from Bukhara to Navoiy to Sarmysh petroglyphs to Nurata to Kyzylkum yurt camp all the way to Nuaratu mountains. The trail is easy to medium level and the mountains are situated south of Aidarkul Lake, between the towns of Jizzakh and Nurata.

2. Ride the Tashkent Metro: After the destruction of Tashkent city in 1966 due to an earthquake, the Soviet Union sent a team of artists to design the Tashkent metro that also doubles up as a nuclear bunker. You will find a different theme for every metro station. Station names like Alisher Navoily, named after Uzbek poet who penned the famous poem Laila Majnun during the 15th century, have poetic illustrations on the walls with dome-shaped ceilings.

Another station Kosmonavtlar, means cosmonauts, is designed for representing the galaxy. Riding in a metro is safe and cheap, and a ticket will cost 1200 som or less than 10 cents. The metro is operational from 5 am till 11 pm. You need to purchase a token for 15 dollar cents or 1200 som. The token is valid for any length of trip as long you are not exiting the station and hopping on and off the metro to visit different stations.

3. Pay a visit to Hazrati Imom Jome Masjidi: One of the top things to do in Uzbekistan is to get inside the magnificent Hazrati Imom June Masjid (the Friday mosque) built in the 16th century. The interiors of the mosque are breathtaking. If you want serenity, watch people pray inside the white walls, under the entangled ceilings, as sun rays pour through the domed windows.

The place is ideal for getting relief from the scorching heat of Tashkent city. Men and women pray in separate halls. However, you can freely walk and capture moments on your camera. Women do not need to cover their heads while entering the mosque. The mosque is situated in old Tashkent city within neighborhoods with the old intertwined and daub homes that had experienced an earthquake in 1966.

4. Witness Sunrise at Bukhara: When planning what to do in Uzbekistan, witnessing sunrise at Bukhara should be on your list. Although Bukhara is very hot and always buzzing with tourists; however, watching the sunrise in the early hours feeling cool is one of the best things to do in Uzbekistan.

The amazing Kalon Minaret built in the 12th century and the 16th-century Lab-i hauz looks marvellous with the rising sun. The perfect spot to watch the sunrise is to follow Lab-i Hauz's route to the Kalon Minaret and walk further towards the Abdul Aziz Khan Madrassa. The city is located in south-central Uzbekistan about 225 km west of Samarakand. Bukhara lies on the Shakhrud Canal in the delta of the Zeravshan River.

5. Visit the Old Mohallas of Tashkent: Tashkent city is the capital of Uzbekistan. It is pretty normal for tourists to believe that there would be busy streets, walkways with endless trees on both sides and extensive avenues. But, there is a different landscape waiting when you enter a small street.

You will be enchanted to witness that there are numerous mud and stone houses built around vine-covered courtyards. As you stroll, one can see kids playing with marbles and curious locals staring at you to know the reason to be in their country. After landing in the country, one of the top things to do in Uzbekistan is to pay a visit to Tashkent's old Mohallas.

6. Explore Samarkand: Samarkand city, a UNESCO World Heritage Center, is often termed as the crossroad of cultures and was one of the significant cities on the Silk Road. With stunning mausoleums and historical sites, this historic city is undoubtedly the country's number one destination.

The major attraction of the city is Registan Square. Every major road of Samarkand leads to Registan as it was once the centre of the Timurid dynasty. Another marvellous historical site is the Shahi-Zinda complex. It comprises spectacular mausoleums and rows of blue tombs lined along a narrow path. Never miss this place as it is one of the primary things to do in Uzbekistan. The city is located in east-central Uzbekistan, which is one of the oldest cities of Central Asia.

7. Go to Elliq-Qala: Ellie- Qala means Fifty Forts, situated on a desert oasis that showcases a valuable collection of anthropological and archaeological history. You will find ruins of countless towns and forts that make one of the most enthralling areas of ruin in the world. When making a list of what to do in Uzbekistan, Khwarezm should be on the list.

Tourists will get to witness the foundations of the large structures of the city buildings and walls. Crumbled underground tunnels, basements and rampant leading from city to fort and city to city are being unearthed daily. This means, Elliq- Qala has become one of the fascinating archaeological sites in the present era. The fortresses are located east and north of Buston which is 75 km northeast of Khiva.

8. Explore some museums in Khiva: Khiva is an eccentric city with a centuries-old history, where numerous streets still correspond to an oriental city of the 17th to 19th centuries. You will find some exotic mausoleums that should not be missed when planning for things to do in Uzbekistan. For instance, Makhmud Pakhlavan Mausoleum was built in the 17th century, which is covered with blue glazed tiles. The walls are decorated with awe-inspiring majolica. People come here to pray and consume the holy water. 

Another mausoleum namely Syed Allauddin Mausoleum is renowned for its architecture that comprises the domes, brick walls, and building constructed in Spartan style without any attractive elements. Due to the mausoleum's simple look, several pilgrims within the country and other countries visit every year.

1. Ride on a camel in the Kyzylkum Desert: Want to experience the life of the Silk Road caravans? Just ride on one of the Bactrian camels and head up to Nurata and visit one of the Yurt Camps in the desert.

2. Riding the Akhal Tekke horses: Whether you have experienced horse riding in any part of the world, do not miss the opportunity of sitting on the Akhal Tekke horses that are the national wealth and pride of Turkmenistan.

3. Trek in the heavenly mountains of Tajikistan: Tajikistan remains Central Asia's most untouched region, and trekking here will offer you memorable experiences with the local and breathtaking landscapes. Explore the Berloga and Techkitosh caves in the valleys beyond the Dark Star or Derbent and spend the night at Machay. Visit the Chatkal national park for rafting or hiking.

1. Opera Nightclub: One of the best disco clubs is situated on Rashidov Street in Tashkent. The bar offers a mix of European and Asian cuisines and will give you the experience of a lifetime. The club is located at 71 Sharaf Rashidov Street and opens from 6 pm till 4 am.

2. Pasha Bar and Restaurant: The Grand Mir Hotel situated in Tashkent has a famous bar and restaurant, Pasha. A great place to unwind and is known for exotic food and drinks. Enjoy the evening by shaking your legs on the dance numbers.

3. York Pub: Whenever you look for Uzbekistan's best nightclubs, York Pub's name will appear on the list. Relax on the chairs, sip your favorite drink with mouth-watering non-veg food and enjoy a live dance show performed by professionals.

4. CMI Afterparty Bar: The bar has earned its reputation for its extravagant menu, which comprises 50 varieties of cocktails. To keep your spirits high, famous DJs will be playing rock music along with the dance numbers. 

The country is famous for its architecture, arts and crafts, archaeology, and bazaars. Go to Registan  where you will find Central Asia's most magnificent ensemble consisting of three large madrasas covered in beautiful tile work. Central Asia's best ceramics are made in Fergana valley and has Rishton ceramic museum where visitors can attend workshops. Head towards Ellik Kala, where you see numerous ruined forts, city walls and palaces in the desert located outside Urgench.

If you are interested to see the ruins of a Buddhist monastery, visit Fayoz-Tepe, located on the banks of the Amu-Darya. The famous bazaars of Uzbekistan – Siyob Bazaar located at Samarkand and Jahon Bazaar outside Andijon will offer you a once in a lifetime experience.

1. Gur Emir Mausoleum, Samarkand: During the 14th and 15th centuries, the mausoleum was dedicated to the Turco-Mongol conqueror Tamerlane and his sons and grandsons. It comprises a mix of Mongolian and Persian styles, serving as a predecessor for various Mughal tombs throughout central Asia--many of them were built by Tamerlane's descendants. 9 to 6

2. Itchan Kala, Khiva: This walled city is a World Heritage-listed open-air museum. Spanning across 64 acres, this marvel features more than 250 old houses and over 50 tourist attractions within its 2 km long brick wall. To reach Itchan Kala, hire a taxi from the regional capital of Urgench, and from there it is a 40 minute drive. However, please negotiate the price of the ride.

3. Ark of Bukhara: Roam around the 5th-century complex of Ark of Bukhara which was once a vibrant town and home of the Bukhara Khans. The place is famous for its cone-shaped, massive walls.

4. Samanid Mausoleum, Bukhara: This 9th-century mausoleum is heavily ornamented with different geometric shapes that feature few Zoroastrian elements from Sasanian and Sogdian traditions built during the Samanid dynasty. It is located in the central location of Bukhara, in the city park which is famous for the celebration of festivals and holidays and for organizing public shows.