Uzbekistan Tours & Small Group Trips in 2026
Oʻzbekistonga xush kelibsiz!
A perfect Silk Road adventure, Uzbekistan is full of wonders. Wander spice bazaars, admire glittering Silk Road architecture, and taste the kindness of Uzbek hospitality.

Things to do and see
Experiences that define Uzbekistan

Registan SquareVisit Registan Square—Samarkand’s dazzling tiled madrasas and one of Central Asia’s most iconic sights.

Shah-i-ZindaExplore Shah-i-Zinda—stunning mosaic mausoleums and sacred architecture in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Silk Road bazaarsShop Silk Road bazaars—spices, textiles, and local crafts in lively markets along ancient trade routes.

Yurt campingGo yurt camping—nomadic nights under stars with simple comforts and big-sky landscapes.
Bukhara City RailTravel to Bukhara by rail—easy access to Uzbekistan’s historic city of madrasas, minarets, and old bazaars.
Sunset at Aydar LakeWatch sunset at Aydar Lake—golden skies, quiet shores, and desert-lake calm in Uzbekistan.
Best time to travel
Silk & Spices Festival in Bukhara
Experience the Silk & Spices festival in Sep, laden with traditional carpet shows, music, and local crafts.
Most popular time
Silk Road sightseeing is popular April – May
Most budget-friendly
Extreme heat hits in June – August
Favourite season
Most people like to visit during April – May
Culturally significant times
Visit in March for Navruz and May for Silk and Spice Festival in Bukhara
Need to know
Uzbekistan at a glance
Time Zone
Uzbekistan Standard Time (UTC +5)
Climate
Varied with four distinct seasons
Currency
Uzbekistani Som (UZS)
Transportation
Trains, Tashkent metro, taxis, buses, and minivans
Local cuisine
Plov pilaf rice, shashlik skewers, and samsa pastries
Languages Spoken
Uzbek
Because planning should feel exciting, not exhausting
Frequently asked questions
Recommended vaccinations for Uzbekistan include hepatitis a, hepatitis b, typhoid, diphtheria, and tetanus. However, as advice can often change, you can check out our [Entry Requirements tool](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-and-visa-requirements/) for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Uzbekistan has a continental climate, characterised by hot, sunny summers and cold and dark winters. Summers (June to August) are very hot, particularly in desert regions, and temperatures can reach up to 40°C (104°F). Winters (December to February) can be very cold, particularly in the northern regions — with temperatures often dropping below freezing 0°C (32°F). Light snowfall can also occur during this time period. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) sees mild and pleasant weather, with temperatures ranging between 10 and 30°C (50 to 86°F).
The best time to visit Uzbekistan tends to be during Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November), when the weather tends to be at its most pleasant. Spring also sees blooming flowers so it’s incredibly pretty, and Autumn is the time to come for harvest festivals.
In Uzbekistan, it’s not customary to tip service providers such as waiters, but it is very much appreciated. Depending on the service we recommend 3-5%. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides or drivers we use. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping drivers and local guides would range from USD $2-$3 per person, per day depending on the quality and length of the service — ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances and culture.
Also, at the end of each trip if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is appreciated. The amount is entirely a personal preference, however as a guideline, USD $20-25 per person, per week can be used.
Internet service is widely available in urban areas in Uzbekistan, especially in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. However, in rural areas, you can expect it to be spotty or almost non-existent. Free Wi-Fi is often available in restaurants, cafes and some public spaces, but be aware that connection speeds may vary. You should also be aware that the government imposes significant restrictions on internet use. Certain websites, particularly those related to news and social media, may be blocked.
ATMs are commonly found in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, as well as at airports, banks, and hotels. Most accept international cards like Mastercard and Visa, though you should check with your bank before you travel just in case and to check whether you’ll be charged withdrawal fees. Be aware of withdrawal limits, which can vary by bank and ATM. You should also make sure you carry cash with you at all times in case you can’t access an ATM.
No — Uzbekistan isn’t considered LGBTQ+-friendly. The society is largely conservative, and LGBTQ+ individuals often face stigma and discrimination. LGBTQ+ individuals may face harassment or persecution, so it pays to be discreet here.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our [LGBTQ+ travel page](https://www.gadventures.com/about-us/lgbtq-travel/).
In Uzbekistan, the official language is Uzbek, which is a Turkic language. Russian, Tajik, and English are also spoken here, as are minority languages like Karakalpak, Kazakh, and Tatar.
In a word, no — the tap water in Uzbekistan isn’t generally safe to drink. You’re best sticking to bottled water which is widely available.
Please note however that all drinks provided on our tours are safe to drink (including drinks with ice), as well as the water in most hotels and restaurants visited on tour. If in doubt, please ask your CEO for further info.
In general, yes, Uzbekistan is a safe country in which to visit. Petty crime and particularly violent crime is very rare here, and public transportation is generally safe. You should be aware though that this is a Muslim country, so you should be aware of local customs and dress modestly — particularly at religious sites.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides to lead your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our [travel safety page](https://www.gadventures.com/travel-resources/safety/).
### Borneo