Top 9 Activities to Experience in Uzbekistan

From admiring the stunning architecture of the Silk Road to indulging in wine tastings, heli-skiing in Amirsoy, and exploring a ship graveyard in the Aral Sea, Uzbekistan caters to every kind of traveler.

To assist you in planning your journey to this intriguing Central Asian country, here are my top recommendations for things to do in Uzbekistan.

1. Discover the skills of Uzbek artisans

This crossroads of the Silk Road has long been a hub for arts and crafts, and the contemporary art scene in Uzbekistan is thriving. Local artists and family legacies leave their mark in diverse creative fields, including fashion, ceramics, suzani embroidery, knife-making, fine art, and miniature paintings.

In Tashkent, the Fergana Valley, or Bukhara, you can explore local ceramic artisans in their workshops, where you can participate in a pottery masterclass, purchase a unique art piece, and, if fortunate, cook plov together or even spend the night. The Rishton Ceramic Museum, managed by master potter Rustam Usmanov, is a great starting point. 

To witness the traditional method of creating atlas (ikat)—a weaving technique where patterns are dyed directly into the fibers—visit the Yodgorlik Silk Factory in Margilan.

For insights into the ancient craft of silk paper making, check out the Meros Paper Mill in Samarkand.

The Bukhara School of Miniature Painting provides valuable insights into Uzbek life, and many visitors spend weeks here honing their skills in this distinctive art form. Numerous creative opportunities are available at local studios, craft centers, and artists' homes. 

Modern fine art is gaining popularity in Uzbekistan, with many young artists and contemporary galleries emerging in Tashkent. As a burgeoning art market, Uzbekistan is starting to draw the interest of major players like Christie’s and Sotheby’s, though it's still in its infancy. If you decide to purchase a painting, valuation and certification services are now offered by the Art Vernissage gallery, or you can ask an artist to obtain certification from the Ministry of Culture.

2. Appreciate the architectural wonders of the Silk Road 

The splendid cities of Samarkand, elegant Bukhara, and enchanting Khiva—all part of the legendary Silk Road—exude a unique charm. Historic figures like Alexander the Great, Chinggis (Genghis) Khan, and Amir Temur (Tamerlane) have all left their mark, uniting thinkers, merchants, and scholars from across the globe.

Local guides vividly animate these sites with captivating tales. Discover the wisdom of Amir Temur’s wife, Bibi-Khanum, in Samarkand; uncover the fate of the last Emir of Bukhara at the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa summer palace; and explore the harem life at Khiva’s Tosh-Hovli Palace.

Historical architecture can be discovered in every corner of Uzbekistan, from Soviet modernism and ancient mosques to the remnants of Buddhist temples in Termez.

Notable locations include Shakhrisabz with its dilapidated Ak Saray palace complex, the various towns of the Fergana Valley (especially Khudayar Khan’s grand palace in Kokand), and Tashkent, featuring its charming Soviet-era structures. 

Planning tip: Make sure to book high-speed trains from Tashkent to Samarkand, Bukhara, or Shakhrisabz in advance, as tickets tend to sell out quickly. For online reservations, check the Uzbekistan Railways website or use the national railways’ mobile app.

3. Savor various versions of plov at local chaikhana

In Uzbekistan, plov is the answer to any culinary question. This traditional rice dish is prepared for every occasion and represents national pride. Each region, city, and every oshpaz (master plov-maker) has their unique recipe and secrets for crafting this beloved dish. 

Uzbekistan boasts over 30 varieties of plov, with most sharing key ingredients such as rice, carrots, onions, meat, chickpeas, raisins, spices, and oil. Experiencing the different local preparations and the unique rice varieties from various regions is a delicious and fulfilling treat.

In Tashkent, visit the Besh Qozon plov center, where you can see massive pots filled with different kinds of plov, serving up to 500 portions at a time.

Samarkand and Bukhara each have their distinct plov variations, available in numerous local cafes. In Kokand or Rishtan in the Fergana Valley, drop by a chaikhana (teahouse) to relax in traditional wooden seats by the water, enjoying a leisurely plov meal followed by tea or freshly harvested watermelon in season.

Local tip: If it’s your first time trying plov, take it easy. In Uzbekistan, plov is typically a lunch dish, as it’s quite heavy for dinner. Pair a generous serving with vegetables or yogurt-based salads and green tea to aid digestion.

4. Explore the surreal scenery of the Aral Sea

One of the somber legacies of Soviet history in Uzbekistan is the desiccation of the Aral Sea. Once the fourth-largest lake globally, located in Karakalpakstan, the Aral Sea has diminished drastically after its waters were diverted for cotton irrigation. This has profoundly altered the region’s landscape and ecology. 

Today, adventurers can explore this remote region to witness the salty expanse at the base of the former inland sea. Notable attractions include the ship graveyard, the 'lakeside' towns of Muynak and Nukus, the former island of Barsakelmes, and the arid Ustyurt plateau.

While in Nukus, don't miss the Savitsky Museum, which showcases a distinctive collection of Russian avant-garde art, preserved by the art lover Savitsky during Soviet times. 

Planning tip: Set aside at least two days to explore the Aral Sea. You’ll need to fly into Nukus, the capital of the Karakalpakstan autonomous republic, and then embark on a 4WD tour to reach the Aral Sea. The journey may be challenging, but the memories and photos you capture will make it all worthwhile.

5. Embark on a treasure hunt in Uzbekistan’s vibrant bazaars and art studios

Given Uzbekistan’s rich culture and Silk Road heritage, along with the immense talent of local artists and craftsmen, it’s nearly impossible to depart without acquiring a handcrafted masterpiece as a keepsake. 

The finest places to purchase traditional crafts like ceramics, suzani, wood carvings, carpets, and textiles are artisans’ workshops and factories. For contemporary fashion, visit modern boutiques like Navruz Ethnopark in Tashkent, featuring local brands such as Azukar Moreno, Mursak, and Two Eagles, all of which create stylish outfits and accessories using traditional materials.

In Tashkent, you can also explore the newly opened concept store Teplo, a stylish hub for fashion labels like Dildora Kasymova, Maru, and Soondook, alongside emerging jewelry and home decor designers. On weekends, various art fairs and craft markets pop up in parks and cities throughout Uzbekistan, offering colorful chapan coats, traditional Uzbek hats, leather goods, ceramics, and other local handmade treasures.

6. Immerse yourself in the culture of Uzbek wine-making

A lesser-known gem in Uzbekistan is its wine tasting experience. While the poet Omar Khayyam praised local wines nearly a thousand years ago, Soviet times saw the dominance of Russian vodka. Nonetheless, Uzbekistan’s dessert wines continued to earn accolades in international competitions, leading to a remarkable revival in winemaking across various regions in recent years.

A highlight for wine enthusiasts is the Uzumfermer family winery, located just a 30-minute drive from Tashkent. Named after the Uzbek word for grape, uzum, the founding family offers guided tours of their expansive 20-hectare (49-acre) estate, which includes grapevines, beautiful gardens, and production facilities. After the tour, guests can enjoy a wine tasting accompanied by European cuisine at the terrace restaurant. Visitors can spend a leisurely afternoon here or stay overnight in cozy rooms to catch the sunrise.

To further explore Uzbekistan’s winemaking heritage, visit the Hovrenko factory in Samarkand, one of the country’s earliest hubs for alcohol production.

7. Discover the deserts, mountains, valleys, and rivers of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan boasts a stunning array of natural landscapes, from majestic mountains and foothills to vast deserts and striking valleys, along with the significant Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers, the Aral Sea, and various picturesque lakes. Zaamin National Park, located just three hours from Tashkent, stands out as one of the country’s premier natural retreats, especially since the opening of several international hotels and the introduction of the annual Zaamin Ultra Marathon, which has improved accessibility.

For exhilarating outdoor activities that also promote relaxation, consider hiking in the Chimgan mountains, stargazing at the Maidanak observatory, camping by Aydarkul Lake, or exploring the sand dunes near Moynaq in Karakalpakstan.

Planning tip: Spring is particularly beautiful and accessible for activities like hiking and stargazing in Zaamin.

8. Enjoy skiing adventures in the Amirsoy mountains  

The inauguration of the Amirsoy mountain resort in 2019 has positioned Uzbekistan as a key destination for skiing and snowboarding in the region. Still relatively new to international travelers, Amirsoy boasts top-notch infrastructure and ideal conditions for all kinds of winter sports. With the growth of aviation in Uzbekistan, skiing via helicopter adds an exhilarating way to explore the mountains.

Planning tip: If you seek a more natural setting for your mountain escapades, consider the Chatkal, Beldersoy, or Chimgan mountain areas near Tashkent, or Zaamin National Park in Jizzakh, all equipped with facilities for skiing.

9. Experience staying in a traditional yurt in Uzbekistan

For a taste of nomadic life, the deserts of Uzbekistan are an ideal destination. At various traditional festivals, you might encounter a sample yurt and receive an invitation for tea inside, but in regions like Karakalpakstan, some locals live in yurts year-round.

In Central Asia, the interiors of yurts are adorned with carpets, low seating, and a short wooden table positioned in the center. Setting up or dismantling a yurt can take up to three hours, and they can accommodate up to 15 people. Traditionally, yurts serve as spaces for family meals and sleeping; during winter, the table is replaced with a fire, and sleeping arrangements are made around it.

Yurts in tourist camps are typically equipped with comfortable mattresses, and washroom facilities are located in a separate building. A stay at a yurt camp often includes camel rides, opportunities to watch the sunrise or sunset—perhaps by a nearby lake—and meals accompanied by evening folklore performances around the campfire.

The most well-known yurt camps in Uzbekistan can be found in Nurata, Navoi region, as well as the Aidar and Muynak camps in Karakalpakstan. Accommodations may be basic, and the wildlife and natural surroundings can be unpredictable—prepare for an adventure!