The heart of the Silk Road and Central Asia's most visited destination. Uzbekistan welcomed 11.7 million visitors in 2025 — a 47% year-on-year increase. A land of turquoise madrasas, bustling bazaars, thousand-year-old culinary traditions, and legendary hospitality. Visa-free for 94 countries, including the United States since January 2026.
Cities to Explore(3)
Samarkand
Founded in the 7th century BC, Samarkand is the jewel of the Silk Road and former capital of Tamerlane's empire. Registan Square — three grand 15th-17th century madrasas facing each other — is one of the most beautiful plazas in the Islamic world. The Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Gur-e-Amir mausoleum complete an ensemble listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
Bukhara
Nicknamed 'Noble Bukhara' and 'Dome of Islam,' this 2,500-year-old city was a major center of Islamic scholarship with over 140 historical monuments. The walkable old town features the Poi-Kalon complex with the 1127 Kalon Minaret (46 meters), the 5th-century Ark Fortress, the 10th-century Samanid Mausoleum, and the charming Lyabi-Hauz ensemble. UNESCO since 1993.
Khiva
Khiva houses Central Asia's best-preserved open-air museum within its walled Itchan Kala — 94 mosques and 63 madrasas inside ancient brick ramparts. The Islam Khodja Minaret (57m), Juma Mosque with 213 wooden columns, and Tosh-Hovli Palace are the jewels of Uzbekistan's first UNESCO site (1990). National Geographic named Khiva among its 'Best of the World 2026.'