As the title suggests, we were scammed. A lot. Multiple times, attempted in nearly every interaction. While we'd never want to discourage anyone from visiting Uzbekistan and experiencing its rich cultural heritage, we also want to be honest about our own journey. Our mistake? Trying to backpack through a country where organized tours are the norm—where busloads of tourists are guided around by locals and the backpacker path is a bit less straightforward.
In this guide, we’ll share essential tips, practical advice, from how many days you should spend in each city (we definitely overestimated) to the top sights, attractions, and, most importantly, reliable hotels. We’ve made the mistakes so you don’t have to. Learn from our experiences, avoid the scams, and have a smoother journey through this fascinating country.
Embarking on a backpacking adventure in Uzbekistan? Here are some essential tips to help you navigate your journey smoothly.
Time Management: A Common Mistake
One of the biggest mistakes we made during our trip was overestimating how much time we needed in each destination. As avid slow travellers, we thought it would be wise to allocate plenty of time to explore the top cities and local cafes. However, despite the rich culture and history found in places like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, we discovered that a couple of days in each city was more than sufficient to soak in the sights and experiences.
Train Travel: Plan Ahead
If you're considering traveling between cities, we highly recommend taking the train. It's efficient and offers a fantastic way to see the countryside. However, it's crucial to **book your tickets well in advance**—ideally a few weeks ahead of your travel dates. This ensures that you have a seat and prevents the risk of getting stuck in a city with no available transportation options. The distances between cities can be substantial, and buses may not be a reliable alternative.
Beware of Scams
We spent three weeks in Uzbekistan, and if I'm being honest, it felt like we were scammed at nearly every turn (no exaggeration). To save you the same frustration, here are a few common scams to look out for:
Taxi scams are extremely common, and as a foreigner traveling without a local, you're an easy target so be sure to always agree on a price before getting in. A tip: use Google Translate (or have the price written down) to make sure you’re both clear that the price is not per person. I’m speaking from experience here. Also, if they try to charge extra for your bags, just walk away. This might happen on buses, but never in taxis, so don’t let them pull that on you. If you can, use Yandex Taxi to avoid being overcharged, or just to get a rough estimate of the price—but keep in mind that it might not always be available near train stations. If you walk a little farther, though, you'll have better luck.
Be extra cautious when exchanging money. While some places offer better rates, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Stick to reputable exchange offices that are clearly marked and avoid changing money on the street or with unlicensed vendors.
Restaurants and markets near tourist sites will often try to overcharge, and in Uzbekistan, nearly every attraction is a “tourist site.” Bargain hard in markets, and don’t be afraid to walk away if you feel the price is too high. A solid rule of thumb: when they quote a price, offer about a third of it, then meet in the middle at half. It’s not foolproof, but you’ll often end up paying around 50% of the initial asking price.
Always double-check the menu and the bill before you pay and count your change. You’d be surprised how many times we encountered restaurants that suddenly “changed their prices.” One of the most common excuses: “The menu changed today.” Don’t buy it. If you don't catch this, you might end up with incorrect change or, worse, a surprise 50% “service charge” added to your bill. While some places do charge a service fee, it should never be more than 15%. To avoid this, check Google Reviews for any similar complaints before you go. If you feel you've been ripped off, don’t hesitate to stand your ground. We did, and more often than not, we got our money back.
Practical Information
Cash is King
Uzbekistan is still very much a cash-based economy, so always carry enough local currency (UZS) with you. ATMs are common, but they often charge hefty fees—usually between 150 to 200 UZS. To save a bit, we’d shop around for the ATM with the lowest fees before making a withdrawal. If you can, try to withdraw larger amounts at once to minimise the number of fees you’ll incur.
Dress Modestly
While Uzbekistan is more relaxed compared to some other Central Asian countries, it’s still a conservative society, especially in rural areas. Modesty is especially important when visiting religious sites like mosques or mausoleums. Men should cover their knees, and women should ensure both their knees and shoulders are covered. It’s a small effort that goes a long way in showing respect for local customs.
Learning Basic Uzbek Phrases
While Russian is widely spoken, knowing a few words in Uzbek can go a long way in connecting with locals. Even if it’s just “Assalomu alaykum” (hello) or “Rahmat” (thank you), it’ll be appreciated. For everything else, we relied on Google Translate to read signs, menus, and communicate with locals when needed. Trust me, it helps!
SIM Cards and Internet Access
Getting a local SIM card is your best bet for avoiding steep roaming charges and making navigation easier with Google Maps and Translate. It’s easy to buy a SIM card at the airport, but be prepared to pay a little extra for the convenience. If you’re looking to save, head to a store in Tashkent or your city of arrival for a better deal. Just be sure to visit an official provider store—trust me, we learned the hard way when we bought ours from a reseller and our month-long plan was canceled after just a week. Ucell and Beeline are the main providers, and while their data is pretty cheap, don’t expect blazing-fast Wi-Fi in remote areas. In bigger cities, you’ll find decent service, especially at hotels.
We started our journey into Uzbekistan from Kyrgyzstan, crossing the border at Osh. The trip was relatively easy, and if you're planning to visit Kyrgyzstan too, be sure to check out our free Kyrgyzstan guide (linked in our profile!). However, most of you will likely be entering Uzbekistan through Tashkent, the capital.
We recommend spending three days, two nights in Tashkent. The city is a huge metropolis, so like most big cities, it feels busy and bustling. However, it's also packed with plenty of dining options (which we’ll cover in this guide) and interesting sights to check out. Don't miss Amir Temur Square, Chorsu Bazaar, and Magic City Park—which is a fun little spot that reminded me of a mini Disney theme park, complete with a neat aquarium.
You could easily spend more than three days here, but honestly, you can hit most of the major sights in just a couple of days. Tashkent isn’t too sprawling, and the metro is quick and reliable, so getting around is a breeze.
Samarkand is a must-see on any Uzbekistan itinerary, packed with some of the country’s most iconic attractions. Highlights include the stunning Registan, the mystical Shah-i-Zinda complex, the grand Gur Emir Mausoleum, and the historic Ulugbek Madrasah, just to name a few. While there’s plenty to explore, two days is usually enough to cover the main sights—though you could stretch it to three if you prefer a more relaxed pace.
I also recommend getting a guide. I did a ton of research beforehand, reading multiple guidebooks to try and do a self-guided tour, but after speaking to other travelers, I felt like we missed out on some valuable insights. Guides can be pricey, though, so it’s worth shopping around before committing. If anything, consider hiring a guide for just one or two key sights rather than for each stop. There’s a lot of information online, but you’ll need the time to sift through it all if you go that route.
We stayed at a hotel just behind the Registan, which not only gave us fantastic views in the morning but also put us in the heart of the action, making it easy to walk to all the key sites. Just a heads-up: it can get pretty hot in the afternoons, especially in summer, so it’s best to start your day early to avoid the heat.
Bukhara was one of my favourite places in Uzbekistan, partly because of its manageable size. In just two days and one night, you can visit all the main attractions without feeling rushed. Much like Khiva, everything is conveniently located in one area, with a handful of restaurants and shops scattered around the center.
Before committing to a restaurant, take some time to wander. You’ll find that some spots offer rooftop terraces with better views of the city. Whether you're enjoying a drink or just exploring, Bukhara has a relaxed vibe that invites you to slow down and take it all in.
Khiva was hands down our favorite city in Uzbekistan. Like Bukhara, its small size makes it easy to explore all the main sights in just a couple of days. Everything, from shops to restaurants, is conveniently located within the city walls, making it feel cozy and walkable.
However, our favourite experience in Khiva wasn’t within the city centre—it was a day trip to the ancient fortresses just outside Khiva (also linked in this guide). These remote ruins were a true highlight of our trip, offering a fascinating glimpse into the past away from the crowds.
While Khiva’s main sights draw most visitors, a hidden gem lies just outside the city—ancient fortresses in the Khorezm Desert. Offering day trips from a local hotel just in front of the main gate, these 5-7 hour tours take you to explore ruins over 2,000 years old, many of which are barely visited by tourists.
The fortresses, some well-preserved and others little more than dust mounds, allow you to wander freely and connect with the past. Some structures have withstood centuries of desert winds, and the lack of crowds makes this a rare, intimate experience.
These ancient sites are astonishingly under-protected and largely untouched, making it feel like you’re stepping into a forgotten world. For those looking to go beyond the typical tourist trail, this desert adventure is a must-see—you won’t regret it.
Nurota was an unexpected but welcome last-minute choice on our trip. We had overestimated the time we needed in the main cities and decided to get away from the hustle and reconnect with nature. While there’s not much to see in the city itself—aside from the Chashma spring, considered sacred by locals—Nurota makes a great base for day trips to nearby gems like Aydar Lake and Sentyab.
If you’re craving a quieter, more rural experience, Nurota offers just that—a chance to slow down, explore the natural beauty of Uzbekistan, and escape the crowds of the bigger cities.
If you're in the area, I highly recommend visiting Sentyab. It’s a bit tricky to find accommodation, and I wouldn’t suggest the place we stayed at, but if you manage to find somewhere, it’s well worth the effort. Sentyab offers an authentic rural experience in Uzbekistan, perfect for those looking to get off the beaten path.
Be aware that there’s no phone service in the area, so be sure to arrange with your taxi driver when you want to be picked up and let your family know ahead of time how long you'll be unreachable. Once you’re there, though, the highlight is the stunning trekking opportunities—plenty of trails to explore and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the region. If you’re after peace, adventure, and a real sense of isolation, Sentyab is a hidden gem.
If you're staying in Nurota, I highly recommend taking a day trip to Aydar Lake. It’s, well, just a lake—but when we visited, there was no one around, which made it feel incredibly peaceful. After a few busy days in the cities, we really needed some quiet and space to clear our heads, and Aydar Lake was the perfect place for that.
The water was cold, but that didn’t stop us from jumping in for a swim—and it felt refreshing after the heat. It’s a simple, serene spot to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, so if you’re after a peaceful escape, this is definitely worth a visit.
Okay, I'll be honest—this wasn’t the best place we stayed in Uzbekistan, but it definitely wasn’t the worst either. The location was quite central, so we could easily walk to the center and explore some of the more residential areas, which was a nice change of pace.
For the price, it was great value—especially considering the size of the room and the friendly, accommodating staff. It may not have been perfect, but it served its purpose well, and we appreciated the comfort and convenience it offered during our time in Bukhara.
There’s no other place I’d recommend booking in Khiva except for this hotel. The staff were superb—genuinely caring and eager to make our time in Khiva memorable, and it really showed. The price we paid was an absolute steal, especially with breakfast included and a taxi to and from the station.
While it’s a bit outside the main sights, it’s only a 15-minute walk to the heart of the city, making it a perfect balance of quiet and convenience. If you're looking for a welcoming, value-for-money stay in Khiva, this hotel is a no-brainer.
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Hi there!
We’re Niclas and Laura, two adventurous souls on a mission to explore the world while sharing the tips, stories, and lessons we’ve picked up along the way. Currently in India, our journey started after years of saving and working in London. We sold everything, packed up two (pretty big) backpacks, and set off with a simple but challenging goal: travel the world with a budget of $100/day, including everything from flights to food, visas to souvenirs.
Our first destination? Kyrgyzstan. With no maps or solid info about transportation or accommodations, we learned fast—often by trial and error. From there, we journeyed through Southeast Asia, sticking to our budget and documenting every step of the way. It was a challenge, but it was also where our passion for creating travel guides and itineraries was born.
Now, we’re here to make your travels easier by sharing everything we’ve learned—whether it’s through meticulously crafted itineraries, detailed guides, or personalized travel planning services. Our aim is to take the hours we’ve spent reading blogs, flipping through travel books, and figuring things out in places like Kyrgyzstan, and turn them into easy-to-follow resources that save you time and effort.
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