Discover My Journey: Uncovering Uzbekistan's cities, deserts, and mountains

Editor Alex Butler from Dinogo Planet embarked on an exciting journey through Uzbekistan, exploring some of the nation’s highlights and the wonders beyond the Silk Road cities. Here, she offers tips and insights for anyone looking to plan a similar adventure.

Uzbekistan has always been a dream destination for me. The captivating images of intricate blue tiles adorning grand medressas and markets overflowing with spices and handmade ceramics filled me with wonder. I longed to see the stunning mosaics of the Registan up close and to experience the aroma of cumin in the bustling markets. This year, that dream finally became a reality.

Experiencing the 12th-century minarets and the dazzling beauty of the Tilla-Kari Medressa was breathtaking, but I was equally amazed by Uzbekistan’s natural landscapes, from majestic mountains to vast deserts. Now is the perfect time to start planning your own trip to this remarkable country. Dinogo Planet has just released its annual Best in Travel list, and Uzbekistan has been named one of the top destinations to visit in 2024. Here are some of my unforgettable experiences.

What was the most touristy experience you had?

The most touristy experience I enjoyed was visiting the Kalon Mosque and Miri Arab Madrasah in Bukhara, my favorite city during the trip. Under the blazing afternoon sun—when most locals and wise tourists sought refuge indoors or in the shade—I stood in the square, marveling at the grandeur of these architectural wonders. The Kalon Minaret, erected in 1127, has inspired awe for centuries and was likely the tallest structure in Central Asia at its completion. Its beautifully intricate design continues to captivate visitors today.

What was your favorite activity during the trip?

While Uzbekistan's historic cities draw the most visitors, my favorite experience was stargazing at the Milky Way from the Kyzylkum Desert.

I stayed at the Kyzylkum Safari Yurt Camp, a 3-4 hour drive from either Bukhara or Samarkand. Nestled near Lake Aidarkul, a vast Soviet-era reservoir, I enjoyed swimming in its salty waters to cool off from the searing desert heat. Back at the yurt camp, I hiked to the top of a sand dune to capture the best view of the sunset over the dunes. After sunset, we gathered around a campfire to enjoy the soothing melodies of a folk performer singing traditional Kazakh songs.

But the true enchantment unfolded after dark. We ventured away from the fire into the desert, where the clear skies and absence of light pollution revealed a breathtaking expanse of stars overhead.

What was the most hidden gem activity you experienced?

I visited Shirin Ethno Village to immerse myself in local Uzbek traditions, cuisine, and farming practices. Situated 27 miles from Bukhara, this village is home to around 1,500 residents and features about 300 houses. In 2022, a new cultural and agrotourism facility was launched to promote rural tourism and provide accommodations for visitors.

The accommodations, including rooms and yurts, are nestled within a garden draped in grapevines, complete with a swimming pool to escape the midday heat. As a functioning farm, the meals we enjoyed were prepared with fresh produce harvested on-site — including eggplant, carrots, basil, mint, corn, grapes, tomatoes, watermelon, and pumpkin. The farm also sells its surplus at the market.

Throughout the day, I learned to bake bread and make samosas (stuffed bread) in a tandir (a round oven heated by burning cotton stalks). Gaining insights into rural life offered a refreshing contrast to my city visits. I also savored a delightful lunch, featuring my freshly baked bread, enjoyed beneath the apricot tree that yielded the fruit for my dessert.

What was the most breathtaking experience of the trip?

I enjoyed a horseback ride through the Nuratau Mountains, allowing me to truly appreciate the vastness of the landscape. We trotted alongside the Hayat National Park Preserve, where we spotted Severtsov argali, an endangered species of wild sheep that is safeguarded within the park.

These mountains feature a series of ecotourism villages spanning approximately 70 km, each hosting several guest houses and attracting travelers for hiking holidays. I stayed at Hayat Guest House, one of the more established accommodations in the region, which was founded in the 90s as domestic tourism for fresh mountain air took off, along with hiking and trekking activities. After the arid desert, the verdant trees and stream surrounding the house felt like a true oasis.

What was the best dish you tasted?

I was already acquainted with plov — a traditional Uzbek meal featuring rice, meat, and spices — from my travels in Siberia 15 years ago. It quickly became one of my favorite dishes there, and I eagerly anticipated tasting it in Uzbekistan, where it is celebrated as the national dish. It certainly lived up to my expectations. Plov is rich, expertly spiced, and incredibly satisfying. In Samarkand, I visited a spice market and purchased 'plov spice,' observing the blending of barberries, cumin, coriander, and a variety of aromatic spices essential for crafting the perfect plov. Now back in Ireland, I plan to recreate this delightful, comforting dish throughout the winter.

What’s your top tip for someone planning a similar journey?

Make sure to book your train tickets ahead of time. The high-speed Afrisoyob train links Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, making it convenient to travel between these major cities. This service is expected to expand to Khiva in the near future, facilitating travel throughout the country. However, during peak seasons, demand is high, so it's wise to reserve your tickets as soon as they go on sale, which is 45 days before your travel date. If you can’t get tickets for your preferred dates, consider checking with a tour operator.

One of my biggest oversights was failing to get a local SIM card. Although there are free public Wi-Fi hotspots at popular tourist sites, you need to receive an SMS to connect to them. This means you can't access public Wi-Fi without activating your phone data. It’s a good idea to grab a SIM from a kiosk at the airport or a local store. If your phone supports eSIMs, you can arrange that beforehand as well.

Alex's travels were supported by Uzbekistan Airways and Peopletravel. Dinogo Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for favorable coverage.