I have just come back after a visit of 10 days in Uzbekistan, and I can state that it is probably one of the most underestimated places in the world. The country seems to be a living museum, starting with the neon-lit subways of Tashkent to the glittering blue tiles of Samarkand. Uzbekistan must be on your list of destinations in case you are seeking a place that optimizes both ancient history and mythical hospitality with what seems to be surprisingly contemporary infrastructure.
To travel in 2026, one will have to overcome the entry requirements as the initial step. Here, I will give my notes, a perfect 10-day itinerary, and all the information about the Uzbekistan eVisa procedure.
Is Uzbekistan safe for tourists in 2026?
One of my biggest observations was just how safe I felt. Uzbekistan is incredibly welcoming to foreigners. The “Tourist Police” are visible in major hubs and are genuinely helpful. Whether I was walking through the narrow alleys of Bukhara at night or navigating the Tashkent metro, I never felt uneasy. It is a country that takes its reputation for safety very seriously.
How many days is enough for Uzbekistan?
While you could spend weeks exploring the Fergana Valley, 10 days is the perfect duration to see the “Golden Triangle” of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. This timeframe allows you to travel at a steady pace without feeling rushed, with enough time to enjoy long lunches of plov and tea.
The Ultimate 10-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary: A Detailed Silk Road Route
If you want to experience the true essence of the Silk Road, this is the most efficient and culturally rich route to follow.
Day 1: Welcome to Tashkent and Tashkent Underground.
Begin in the capital. The first afternoon in Tashkent should be spent exploring the Tashkent Metro. All the stations are artworks, but certainly not to be overlooked are the soviet-cosmonaut themed Kosmosnautlar station or the palace like Alisher Navoi. Evening Walking around the Independence Square, eat your first real Uzbek dinner in one of the local Chaikhana (tea houses).
Day 2: Chorsu Bazaar and the Old City.
Go to the Chorsu Bazaar, with its great turquoise dome. Here is the very core of Tashkent life. There is fruit and spices in the mountains, the traditional ceramics, everything. Close by, go to the Hast Imam Complex where the oldest Quran in the world is located. It is a serene precursor to the Islamic architecture which you will experience in Samarkand.
Day 3: Samarkand The Jewel of the Silk Road.
Board the morning train to Samarkand Afrosiyob. The first place that you need to visit is Registan Square. When one is in the midst of the three huge madrasahs (Islamic school) it is a humbling experience. The afternoon at Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of Tamerlane, the conqueror of the world, with its golden leaf cover.
Day 4: Necropolises and Silk Paper.
Tour Shah-i-Zinda, the Avenue of Mausoleums. This blue tile work is the most elaborate in the country. Then go to the Bibi-Khanym Mosque that was the largest at one time in the Islamic world. In the case of something special, it is worth making a little trip to the Konigil Meros Paper Mill to watch the manufacture of traditional mulberry paper that has been prepared by hand over centuries.
Day 5: The Road to Noble Bukhara
Travel westward to Bukhara. On arrival, go directly to Lyabi-Hauz which is a 16 th-century plaza constructed around a central pond. The ideal place is to have tea in the evening under old mulberry trees. The feeling here is more distinctly more relaxed and medieval than Samarkand.
Day 6: The Living Museum of Bukhara.
Spend the day on foot. Visit the Po-i-Kalyan complex, whose Kalyan Minaret was so great that Genghis Khan has left it intact. See the old fortress of the Emirs, the Bolo Haouz Mosque and its beautiful 20 meters high wooden pillars.
Day 7: Trading Domes and Gold Embroidery.
Bukhara was a gigantic trade centre. Stroll the Trading Domes (Toki Sarrofon, Toki Zargaron) where one may still purchase silk carpets, Suzani (textiles, embroidered with hands), and renowned Bukhara knives. The Summer Palace of the former Emir, the Sitorai Mohi Hosa, is a blend of Oriental and European architecture, and should be seen in the afternoon.
Day 8: Border Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva.
It is a lengthy commutative trip of 6-7 hours by road or train across the desert of the Red Sand. The huge rugged sceneries of Central Asian territories are a wonderful sight to view. Reach Khiva in the evening and enjoy the evening sunset with the city walls.
Day 9: Itchan Kala -The Walled City.
Khiva is an open-air museum. The inner city, Itchan Kala is completely on foot. See the Kalta Minor Minaret (the stump-shaped tower of turquoise) and the Juma Mosque that has 218 carved wooden columns that are unique. It is as though this city is stuck in time, particularly when the Muslim prayers reverberate against the mud-brick walls at dusk.
Day 10: Tashkent and Last Souvenirs.
Board a domestic plane at Urgench (near Khiva) and fly back to Tashkent. Spend this last day at the Applied Arts Museum where you can find any last minute high quality souvenirs such as Ikat silks or miniature paintings. Have a farewell celebratory Plov before your home flight abroad.
Is the Afrosiyob high-speed train worth it?
Absolutely. My hint: reserve these tickets at least 4-6 weeks before. They sell out instantly. The train makes the long three-hour drive between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara in a quarter of the time of driving, and the Economy compartment is more comfortable than the majority of European trains.
Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan in 2026?
Visa-free access for 30 days is now a privilege of many nationalities. Nevertheless, several passengers still need an authorised permit. Luckily, the government has substituted the formerly cumbersome procedure with a straight forward Uzbekistan e Visa. All can be done on line without having to visit the embassy(s) or send letters of invitation.
How long does it take to process an Uzbekistan eVisa?
Speed is one of the best features of the existing system.
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Normal Processing: The majority of eVisas are processed in 3 Working Days.
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Observation: Do not wait till the end of the day. Although it is prompt, I would suggest at least 10 days prior to your flight to allow time in case there are any public holidays in Uzbekistan.
What are the different types of Uzbekistan eVisas?
Through the online portal, you can choose the option that best fits your travel plans:
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Single-Entry eVisa: Perfect for a standard 10-day trip.
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Double-Entry eVisa: Ideal if you plan to pop over to Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan and return to Uzbekistan.
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Multiple-Entry eVisa: Best for business travelers or those exploring the wider Silk Road region.
What documents are required for the Uzbekistan eVisa?
The document list is refreshingly short. You will need:
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A clear scan of your Passport Bio-Page (valid for at least 6 months).
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A digital Passport-style Photograph (white background, looking straight at the camera).
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A valid Email Address to receive your visa PDF.
Can I use credit cards in Uzbekistan?
My observation: Uzbekistan is still very much a cash-heavy society. While high-end hotels and restaurants in Tashkent and Samarkand accept Visa and Mastercard, the smaller stalls in the bazaars and many guesthouses only take Uzbek Som. Always carry a stash of USD or Euros to exchange at the ubiquitous bank kiosks.
Why choose us for your application?
Navigating government sites can sometimes result in “payment failed” errors or confusion over photo specifications. By using uzbekistan-evisa.com, you benefit from:
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Error-Free Applications: Experts review your data and photos to ensure they meet the specific requirements.
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Secure Payment: Multiple payment options that work globally.
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Customer Support: Real humans available to answer questions about your status.
What is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?
Avoid the peak of summer (July/August) when it can hit 45°C. The “sweet spots” are Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to early November). I traveled in October, and the weather was a perfect 22°C during the day with crisp, cool evenings.
Final Travel Tip: Eat the Plov!
Every region in Uzbekistan claims to have the best plov (a hearty rice, meat, and carrot dish). My observation? The Plov Center in Tashkent is an absolute must-visit. Seeing the massive cauldrons cooking for thousands of people is a spectacle in itself.