How to Backpack Uzbekistan: Budget Travel Itinerary

Tucked away in the heart of Central Asia, Uzbekistan is one of the most fascinating and underrated destinations for independent travellers. With its dazzling Silk Road cities, friendly locals, and affordable prices, it’s a dream for budget backpackers looking for adventure off the beaten path. In this Uzbekistan budget travel itinerary guide, you’ll find everything you need to know to plan your trip. It’ll cover the best backpacker itineraries and how to travel around by train, to tips on where to stay, what to eat, and how much to budget. Whether you’re travelling solo or with a friend, Uzbekistan is surprisingly easy, incredibly rewarding, and a lot more popular than you might expect.

What to Know Before You Go

Best Time to Visit

Uzbekistan has a continental climate, which means hot summers, cold winters, and relatively mild spring and autumn seasons. For budget backpackers and independent travellers, the best time to visit Uzbekistan is spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to mid-November). I was there in autumn 2022 and I thought the temperatures were perfect for sightseeing and walking around all day around the ancient Silk Road cities.

Visa

Uzbekistan has significantly relaxed its visa policy in recent years, making it much easier for independent travellers and backpackers to visit. Citizens from most countries can stay visa-free for 30 days. Travellers from countries not eligible for visa-free entry can apply for a 30-day e-visa online via e-visa.gov.uz for a small fee. Always check the latest visa requirements on an official government website before travelling, as policies can change.

How to Get to Uzbekistan

The easiest way to enter Uzbekistan is by flying into Tashkent International Airport. However, many backpackers exploring Central Asia choose to arrive overland using public transport, a budget-friendly and flexible option.

From Kyrgyzstan, there are affordable buses and shared taxis connecting Bishkek to Tashkent. Another popular route is from Osh into the Fergana Valley, which takes you into eastern Uzbekistan. These crossings are straightforward and commonly used by travellers.

From Tajikistan, the most popular and convenient border crossing into Uzbekistan is between Dushanbe and Samarkand. This crossing is fully open to foreigners and easy to do independently. You can take a shared taxi from Dushanbe to the border, and then catch another shared taxi or bus on the Uzbek side to Samarkand or Tashkent.

Coming from Kazakhstan is even easier. You can take buses or, even better, hop on a direct train from Almaty or Shymkent to cities like Tashkent or Samarkand. Trains are more comfortable, scenic, and ideal for long journeys. Border procedures on international trains are very smooth. The train stops briefly at both the Kazakh and Uzbek border checkpoints, where border guards come on board, scan your passport, and stamp it – no need to leave the train. You can check and book tickets for these trains online through platforms like Uzbek Railways or Tutu, though ticket availability can vary depending on the route and season.

Important Tip: Keep in mind to keep your hotel receipts because they might ask you when you leave the country. I think this is very rare these days but it’s better to hold on to those just in case.

How to Get Around in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is surprisingly easy to travel around independently, thanks to its well-connected train network, shared taxis, and decent roads. Here are your main options:

Trains: you can book them online here. The Afrosiyob high-speed trains connect Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and sometimes Khiva. They’re modern, fast, and ideal for backpackers who want to travel comfortably and efficiently. If you want the authentic local experience, I’d recommend you to take the cheaper, slower, old Soviet trains.

Shared Taxis: widely available and often faster than regular trains between cities without direct high-speed routes. They leave when full and are a good way to split costs with locals or other travellers. They can be found at taxi stands or outside train stations and prices are negotiable.

Buses & Marshrutkas: these minibuses and shared vans are used for shorter distances and local transport. They’re the cheapest option but less comfortable than trains or shared taxis.

Is Uzbekistan Safe for Backpackers?

Yes, Uzbekistan is generally very safe for travellers, including solo female backpackers. Violent crime is extremely rare, and locals are often warm, curious, and eager to help. Petty theft can happen in busy bazaars or on public transport, but it’s uncommon, just keep an eye on your belongings like you would anywhere. As always, carry a copy of your passport and store your valuables securely.

As a woman try to dress modestly (especially outside Tashkent). In addition, learn a few words of Russian or Uzbek, it goes a long way.

Essential tips

Getting Money in Uzbekistan

Getting cash in Uzbekistan is much easier than it used to be. ATMs are now widely available in cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. However, sometimes some ATMs don’t take foreign cards and the ones that do mostly only accept Visa. In addition, it might happen that sometimes they’re out of cash or they have a very low limit on the amount you can withdraw. Once I could only withdraw a maximum of 40.000 Uzbek Som (around 4€) from the ATM and it was 40 bills of a thousand.

Therefore, it’s a good idea to carry some USD or EUR in cash, that you can exchange if you don’t have any other option. Uzbekistan is still a cash-based society, so don’t expect to pay with card everywhere. While Tashkent has more card-friendly cafes and shops, you’ll need to pay in cash most of the time, including for transport, guesthouses, and food.

Booking Platforms and Best Travel Apps in Uzbekistan

To make your backpacking trip through Uzbekistan smoother, here are some handy platforms and apps:

Food in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s food is a rich tapestry of flavours shaped by centuries of Silk Road influences. Hearty and fragrant, Uzbek cuisine is built around staples like rice, meat (especially lamb), and fresh vegetables.

For a truly authentic Uzbek experience, you can’t miss trying plov (a rice and meat dish cooked with carrots and onions), shashlik (grilled skewers of marinated meat), and samsa (flaky pastries filled with meat or vegetables). Warm, crusty bread called non is served with every meal, often alongside plates of juicy kebabs, savoury dumplings (manti), and crisp, tangy salads. Meals are usually accompanied by endless cups of green tea, and hospitality is a central part of dining culture, with guests often treated to generous spreads of food.

1-Week Itinerary: Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara

Uzbekistan is a land of silk-road splendour, ancient cities, and architectural wonders that seem straight out of a fairytale. With just one week to explore this fascinating country, you’ll need to be selective but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on its most iconic sights. This 1-week itinerary takes you through the cultural heart of Uzbekistan: from the buzzing capital of Tashkent to the majestic domes of Samarkand and the timeless charm of Bukhara.

While the historic desert city of Khiva is a favourite for many travellers, its remote location in the far west of the country makes it a challenge to fit into a short itinerary without rushing. If you’re short on time and prefer a more relaxed pace, it’s best saved for a longer trip.

Day 1 – Tashkent

Tashkent, Uzbekistan’s vibrant capital, is often overlooked but it’s well worth a day or two. From the intricate tile-work of the Khast Imam Complex to the buzzing atmosphere of Chorsu Bazaar, the city offers a unique blend of Soviet-era architecture, leafy boulevards, and ancient Islamic heritage. Don’t miss a ride on the Tashkent Metro, one of the most beautiful in the world, and make time to wander through local teahouses and leafy parks that give the city its laid-back charm.

For more details on what to see, where to stay, how to get around, and where to eat in the capital, check out my detailed guide to Tashkent. It covers everything you need to know to make the most of your time in the city, whether you’re into history, local life, or just want to ease into your Uzbekistan adventure.

Days 2, 3, 4 – Samarkand

Samarkand is the crown jewel of Uzbekistan. Once a thriving hub along the Silk Road, it dazzles visitors with its grandiose architecture and rich history. Stand in awe at Registan Square, with its trio of majestic madrasas, wander through the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis lined with turquoise tombs, and watch the sunset over the iconic Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Samarkand effortlessly blends the grandeur of a bygone empire with the warmth of modern Uzbek hospitality.

If you’re curious about how to make the most of your time in Samarkand, I’ve written a separate, in-depth guide covering all the must-see sights, where to stay, and practical travel tips. You can find it here: Samarkand Travel Guide.

Days 5, 6 – Bukhara

Bukhara feels like stepping into the past. With over 2,000 years of history and an old town that’s remarkably well preserved, it’s one of the most atmospheric cities in Central Asia. Lose yourself in a maze of sand-coloured alleyways, sip tea in centuries-old caravanserais, and marvel at the graceful arches of the Kalon Mosque and Minaret. Highlights include the Lyabi-Hauz ensemble, the Ark Fortress, and the many domed bazaars that still echo with the spirit of the Silk Road.

For a deeper dive into what makes Bukhara so special, along with tips on where to stay and how to get around check out my detailed Bukhara Travel Guide.

Day 7 – Back to Tashkent

After soaking in the history and charm of Bukhara, it’s time to make your way back to Tashkent. The most convenient option is the high-speed train, which offers a comfortable and scenic journey of around 4 to 5 hours.

2-Weeks Itinerary: Adding Khiva and the Aral Sea

If you have a little more time, a 2-week itinerary opens the door to explore even more of Uzbekistan’s rich heritage most notably the stunning walled city of Khiva. Adding Khiva to your trip means a bit more travel, but it’s well worth it for the chance to step back in time and experience one of Central Asia’s most magical places without rushing.

In addition, you also have the option to venture even further off the beaten path like a trip to the hauntingly beautiful Aral Sea. Once one of the world’s largest lakes, the Aral Sea has largely dried up, leaving behind a surreal desert landscape scattered with rusting shipwrecks and abandoned fishing villages. Visiting this remote region is a fascinating experience that offers insight into one of the world’s most dramatic environmental disasters. It’s a long journey, typically requiring an overnight trip from Nukus or Moynaq, but for adventurous travellers, it’s a powerful and unforgettable addition to your itinerary.

Day 1-7 – Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara

Same as before but you can do it in a more relaxed pace and add an extra day in Bukhara.

Day 8, 9, 10 – Khiva

Khiva is like something out of a storybook. Encircled by thick adobe walls, its old town, known as Itchan Kala, is a beautifully preserved slice of Silk Road history. Stroll through narrow cobbled lanes, climb the winding staircase of the Kalta Minor Minaret, and explore ancient mosques, madrasas, and palaces that seem frozen in time. Unlike the bustle of Samarkand and Bukhara, Khiva moves at a slower, dreamlike pace, especially in the early morning or at sunset when the day-trippers are gone and the golden light bathes the mud-brick city in a magical glow.

For everything you need to know about planning your visit – from how to get there, where to stay on a budget, and which hidden corners to explore, have a look at my detailed Khiva Travel Guide.

Days 11, 12 – Nukus and the Aral Sea (Moynaq)

Moynaq, once a thriving fishing port on the edge of the Aral Sea, now stands as a poignant reminder of one of the greatest environmental catastrophes of the 20th century. The sea has long receded, leaving behind a ghostly “cemetery of ships” where rusted fishing boats lie stranded in the desert sands. Walking among these silent relics and visiting the small but moving museum in town offers a powerful glimpse into the region’s past. It’s a raw, humbling experience that adds a very different layer to your journey through Uzbekistan.

This journey is quite off the beaten path compared with the silk road cities. It’ll be time consuming to reach Nukus and consequently to Moynaq and the Aral Sea using public transport (marshrutkas), but it’ll make for a great adventure. If you have camping gear considerer camping in the Aral Sea next to the ship graveyard for some incredible stargazing.

Days 13, 14 – It depends: what’s your plan?

If you want to go back to Tashkent, you can take the soviet train from Nukus. It’s a long 30h journey but you’ll get to slowly appreciate the vast desert landscape of Uzbekistan.

But you can also take advantage of the fact that you’re already this far west and cross the border and explore Kazakhstan. From Nukus you can take a soviet train to Beyneu in Kazakhstan.

More Time? Check out the Fergana Valley

If you have more time in Uzbekistan and want to explore beyond the classic Silk Road circuit, consider adding the Fergana Valley to your itinerary. This lesser-visited region in the east of the country offers a completely different atmosphere: more rural, more traditional, and rich with crafts, culture, and hospitality. It’s a great way to experience a deeper, more local side of Uzbekistan that most travellers miss.

The Fergana Valley is known as the agricultural heartland of the country, with lush landscapes, colourful bazaars, and towns famed for their artisan traditions. In Margilan, you can visit centuries-old silk workshops and see how traditional ikat fabric is made. Rishtan is renowned for its beautiful blue ceramics, while Kokand boasts impressive architecture like the Khudayar Khan Palace. The valley also offers a more intimate travel experience, with welcoming locals and a slower pace that allows you to connect with the daily life of rural Uzbekistan. Here’s a more detailed guide about the Fergana valley by Against the Compass.