Uzbekistan captivates travelers with its unique ability to blend historical exploration and architectural marvels with breathtaking natural landscapes. In this guide, we will highlight ten remarkable locations across Uzbekistan, featuring both well-known tourist attractions and hidden gems that promise to enrich your journey.
1. Shah-i-Zinda, Samarkand
The Shah-i-Zinda necropolis is a stunning ensemble of mausoleums that serve as the final resting place for many noble figures, including relatives of Tamerlane. This complex consists of 11 intricately designed mausoleums located in the ancient city of Samarkand. It is believed that one of these mausoleums houses Qusam ibn Abbas, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, who was the first to preach Islam in this region. The buildings are adorned with beautiful turquoise and blue tiles featuring intricate patterns, making it especially enchanting at sunset.
- Ticket Price: 50,000 sums (approximately 346 rubles)
- Opening Hours: Daily from 07:00 to 19:00
- Getting There: Take the Afrosiab train from Tashkent for about two hours, then a 15-minute taxi ride from the station for around 25,000 sums (170 rubles) or a 1-hour walk.
2. Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Bukhara
Founded in 1417 under the orders of the renowned politician and scholar Ulugh Beg, this madrasah was intended to establish Bukhara as a center of science and education. Here, students studied theology, philosophy, astronomy, and mathematics. It is important not to confuse Ulugh Beg Madrasah in Bukhara with its namesake in Samarkand, although both were constructed by Tamerlane’s grandson in the same year.
- Ticket Price: Free entry, but the museum access costs 5,000 sums (35 rubles)
- Getting There: You can reach Bukhara by regular or high-speed train, or by bus, although the bus takes about 12 hours (ticket costs approximately 450 rubles). From the train station, a 20-minute taxi ride to the madrasah costs around 20,000 sums (140 rubles).
3. Chimgan National Park
Located about 80 km from Tashkent, Ugam-Chatkal National Park features stunning natural beauty, with the towering Big Chimgan mountain reaching 3,309 meters. However, less experienced hikers may prefer the easier ascent of Small Chimgan at 2,100 meters, which takes about four hours. From its summit, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Charvak Lake, lush meadows, and the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. You can visit through guided tours, trekking expeditions, or independently by car or public transport.
- Getting There: Take a bus or train to the town of Gazalkent. From there, you can take a taxi, or two buses run daily to Chimgan at 10:30 and 14:30, with return trips at 06:30 and 13:30, taking around 50 minutes.
4. Yodgorlik Silk Factory, Margilan
The art of silk weaving is a vital part of the heritage of Uzbekistan's mountainous villages, and the country remains the third-largest producer of raw silk in the world. The small village of Margilan in the Fergana Valley is where Uzbekistan's silk heritage began. The Yodgorlik factory is a popular tourist destination where visitors can witness the entire process, from silk production to traditional weaving methods. While in Margilan, don’t miss the Pirmuhammad complex and the Said Ahmad-Khodja madrasah.
- Ticket Price: Approximately 300 rubles, including a guided tour
- Opening Hours: 08:00 to 17:00
- Getting There: First, take a train to Fergana, then a 30-minute taxi ride to the factory.
5. Registan, Samarkand
The Registan Square, adorned with three magnificent madrasahs, has historically served as a center for celebrations, market trading, proclamations, and public executions. Once buried under sand, the name Registan translates to "place covered with sand."
- The Tilya-Kari Madrasah, located in the center, functioned as both a school and a mosque. To its left lies the oldest madrasah in Samarkand, built by Ulugh Beg in 1417, while the Sherdor Madrasah is to the right. In the evenings, laser and musical shows illuminate the square, and for an extra fee, visitors can climb the 40-meter minaret of Ulugh Beg Madrasah.
- Ticket Price: 65,000 sums (450 rubles)
- Opening Hours: Daily from 08:00 to 20:00; hours may vary from November to March.
- Getting There: Take the Afrosiab train from Tashkent for about two hours, then a 10-minute taxi ride from the station for approximately 20,000 sums (140 rubles), or use buses No. 3 and 75.
6. Jami Mosque, Kokand
Kokand has historically been recognized as one of Uzbekistan’s prominent craft centers. The Jami Mosque was established by Umar Khan in 1822 at Chorsu Square. Within the complex, numerous workshops showcase artisans engaged in ceramics, silk, woodwork, and the creation of traditional Kokand knives. While in Kokand, be sure to also visit the more modern Khudoyar Khan Palace.
- Ticket Price: 25,000 sums (170 rubles)
- Opening Hours: Until 16:00
- Getting There: Travel to Kokand by train, which takes about four hours, and from the train station, it’s a 30-minute walk to the mosque, with minibus options available.
7. Tash-Khauli Palace, Khiva
Every detail of the Tash-Khauli Palace, meaning "stone house," has been meticulously crafted. This 19th-century palace complex served as the summer residence for the khan of Khiva. Its rooms are filled with exquisite carved furniture, and a thorough exploration will take a couple of hours. Nearby is the Juma Mosque, built in the 18th century on the ruins of a 10th-century structure.
- Ticket Price: Included in the general ticket for Itchan Kala at 250,000 sums (1,700 rubles)
- Opening Hours: 09:00 to 19:00
- Getting There: Take an overnight train to Khiva, which takes about 14 hours; from the station, it’s an 8-minute taxi ride or a 30-minute walk.
8. Ak-Saray Palace, Shakhrisabz
The Ak-Saray Palace in Shakhrisabz was commissioned by Tamerlane following his victory in 1380. The name Ak-Saray translates to "white, bright, magnificent." Tamerlane passed away shortly after its completion in 1404. Some towers reached heights of around 80 meters, but today, only a part of the entrance portal remains. Visitors can access the site through the city gates, and nearby is the Dorut Tilovat memorial complex.
- Ticket Price: 30,000 sums (200 rubles)
- Getting There: Travel by train to Shakhrisabz for about 4.5 hours, then take a 15-minute taxi ride to the palace.
9. Chor-Chinor Garden, Urgut
The Chor-Chinor Garden, translating to "four plane trees," is home to millennia-old chinars. The circumference of some trunks exceeds 10 meters, and the tallest chinar reaches 35 meters, with a prayer room hidden among its roots. Urgut is located approximately 40 km from Samarkand, with the garden just 3 km further.
- Ticket Price: 25,000 sums (170 rubles)
- Opening Hours: 06:00 to 22:00
- Getting There: First, take a high-speed train to Samarkand for 2 hours, then a minibus or bus to Urgut.
10. Chilpik, Karakalpakstan
Near the Kyzylkum Desert, over a dozen ancient fortresses were erected. Archaeological excavations have revealed ruins of fortresses, palaces, and houses from Khorezm. The Zoroastrian burial tower Chilpik stands atop a hill by the Amu Darya River, also known as the "Tower of Silence." Among the Khorezm fortresses, Toprak-Kala and Ayaz-Kala are must-visit sites.
- Ticket Price: 15,000 sums (100 rubles)
- Opening Hours: Toprak-Kala is open from 09:00 to 17:00
- Getting There: First, travel to Nukus or Khiva by overnight train, then hire a driver to take you to the Khorezm fortresses.
These ten destinations showcase the rich cultural tapestry and stunning landscapes of Uzbekistan, providing an unforgettable experience for any traveler in 2025. Whether you seek historical insights, architectural wonders, or natural beauty, Uzbekistan has something to offer everyone.
