Need a cheap international trip? Uzbekistan is your answer!
You can visit this Silk Road gem for under INR 30,000 from India. It is the cheapest international holiday option right now. This detailed budget guide shows you how to travel affordably.
Before You Board: The Indian Side
- Book Flights & Trains: Secure your round-trip flight (target January or February for the lowest fares). Immediately book your high-speed train tickets (Afrosiyob or Sharq) for Tashkent-Samarkand-Tashkent.
Budget Tip: Choose Economy Class and book well in advance (3+ months).
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Get E-Visa: Apply for the 30-day e-visa online. Pay the INR 2,500 fee. Carry a printout of the confirmation.
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Currency & Apps: Carry USD cash. You won’t find Uzbek Som (UZS) in India. Download the Yandex Go app (for cheap taxis) and Google Translate.
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First Night Stay: Pre-book your budget hostel or guesthouse in Tashkent, ideally near a Metro station.
5 Day Itinerary to Uzbekistan
Day 1: Arrival & Tashkent’s Old City
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Arrival & Exchange: Fly from India to Tashkent International Airport (TAS).
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Check-in & Lunch: Take the bus or a cheap Yandex Go taxi to your accommodation. Eat a local Samsa.
Budget Focus: Use Yandex Go or bus; avoid airport cabs.
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Evening Sightseeing: Take the Metro to Chorsu Bazaar. Explore the market and the historic Kukeldash Madrasah.
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Dinner & Overnight: Dinner: Eat local Plov at a canteen (very cheap). Stay in Tashkent.
Day 2: Tashkent’s Modern Side & Travel to Samarkand
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Morning Sightseeing: Start early. Ride the famous Tashkent Metro, stopping to admire the ornate stations like Kosmonavtlar.
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New City Walk: Visit Amir Temur Square and walk to Independence Square. Lunch: Grab cheap street food near the park.
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Afternoon Transfer: Take the Metro to Tashkent Train Station. Board your pre-booked high-speed train to Samarkand.
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Samarkand Night: Arrive and take a short Yandex Go to your guesthouse. Walk to the famous Registan Square to see the stunning night lights show (free from outside). Stay in Samarkand.
Day 3: Samarkand - The Silk Road Heart
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Morning Landmark: Visit Registan Square (Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, Tilya-Kori Madrasahs). This is your main entry fee expense today.
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Noon Walk & Lunch: Walk to the massive Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the adjacent Siab Bazaar. Lunch: Buy fresh bread (Non), fruits, and nuts at the bazaar for a very cheap picnic meal.
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Afternoon History: Walk to the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, the stunning “street” of blue-tiled mausoleums.
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Evening: Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (Amir Temur’s resting place). Dinner: Try a Shashlik (kebab) from a street vendor. Stay in Samarkand.
Day 4: Samarkand History & Return to Tashkent
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Morning Astronomy: Take a local bus or Yandex Go to the Ulugbek Observatory ruins and museum.
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Souvenirs & Market: Visit the Samarkand Paper Mill for a quick look. Do any final bargaining at Siab Bazaar.
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Afternoon Return: Check out of your stay. Head to the train station and take the afternoon train back to Tashkent.
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Last Supper: Check into your accommodation near the Tashkent Airport. Enjoy a final, budget-friendly Uzbek meal. Dinner: Find a well-rated local Plov centre for your farewell dinner. Stay in Tashkent.
Day 5: Departure to India
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Morning: Depending on your flight time, enjoy a slow morning walk or visit the Amir Temur Museum.
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Transfer: Check out of your hotel. Take the airport bus or cheap Yandex Go taxi to Tashkent International Airport (TAS).
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Departure: Complete check-in and security. Board your flight back to India, successfully completing your Uzbekistan trip under 30k!
Money Manual (INR 30,000 - INR 35,000)
| Category | Approx. budget | |
|---|---|---|
| Flights (Round Trip) | INR 13,000 – INR 18,000 | |
| Uzbekistan E-Visa Fee | INR 2,500 | |
| Accommodation & Transport | INR 6,500 | |
| Food & Fees (5 Days) | INR 5,000 | |
| Total Estimated Cost | INR 27,000 - INR 32,000 location |
NOTE: Prices vary by season and style of travel. The flight price given is for departures from Delhi only (may vary from other origin points).
The secret’s out!
Incredible history, stunning architecture, and a truly welcoming trip, all on a budget.
Stop dreaming, start booking! Have you been to Uzbek before? Let us know in the comments below 