Uzbekistan is one of only two doubly landlocked countries in the world, surrounded entirely by other landlocked nations. With borders touching Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, it lies at the very heart of Central Asia, a historic crossroads where cultures, trade routes and powerful empires have converged for centuries. Beyond the world-famous Silk Road cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, travellers will find dramatic national parks, vibrant music and cultural festivals, striking mountain scenery, UNESCO-listed architectural masterpieces, modern high-speed rail, winter sports resorts, and thriving centres of traditional arts and crafts.  This is a country where ancient heritage and contemporary innovation sit side by side.

Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic in north-western Uzbekistan, is one of the country’s most diverse and intriguing regions. Vast, remote and rich in natural and cultural treasures, it offers a side of Uzbekistan that feels truly off-the-beaten-path. This region is home to the world's newest desert, formed as a result of the dramatic shrinkage of the Aral Sea. What was once a thriving body of water is now an otherworldly landscape of salt plains, ship graveyards and stark desert beauty; a powerful reminder of nature’s fragility and resilience. Karakalpakstan also shelters rare wildlife, distinctive flora and fascinating geological features that attract nature lovers and adventure travellers alike. Scattered across its deserts and plateaus are the remnants of ancient civilizations: imposing fortress ruins, mysterious settlements and archaeological sites that tell stories dating back thousands of years.

From the ancient southern city of Termez to the hauntingly beautiful Aral Sea in the north, and from the fertile Fergana Valley in the east to the remote, lesser-visited Khorezm region in the west, Uzbekistan reveals a remarkable tapestry of landscapes and traditions. Khiva is a beautifully preserved Silk Road city, wrapped in ancient mudbrick walls and filled with minarets, madrasas, and narrow alleys. Its old town, Itchan Kala, feels like an open-air museum where time seems to stand still. Termez, one of Uzbekistan’s oldest cities, offers a fascinating blend of Buddhist, Islamic, and Central Asian heritage. Ancient monasteries, fortresses, and archaeological sites reflect its role as a cultural crossroads. Boysun is a mountain region known for its traditional crafts, folklore, and untouched rural culture. The Fergana Valley is the heart of Uzbekistan’s traditional crafts, especially renowned for its silk weaving and vibrant textiles. 

The capital city Tashkent is one of Central Asia’s oldest and largest urban centres. It became the capital in 1930 when it replaced Samarkand, and today reflects its rich past through a blend of Soviet-era grandeur, sleek post-Soviet modernity, and glimpses of its ancient roots. Chimgan, a scenic mountain retreat near Tashkent, is the perfect getaway for fresh alpine air, lush valleys, and panoramic views of the Tian Shan range.
 
Travelling across Uzbekistan means retracing the paths of legendary explorers, scholars and conquerors who once shaped the Silk Road. Journey comfortably on the modern Afrosiyob high-speed trains, wander through ancient caravanserais, shop in bustling bazaars filled with spices and handicrafts, and experience nomadic hospitality with a stay in a traditional yurt under star-filled skies. With its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage and an astonishing variety of experiences, Uzbekistan promises a journey like no other. Be it ancient history, adventure, natural beauty or authentic cultural encounters, this captivating nation delivers all the elements of a truly memorable visit.

Nuggets of information:

• The name “Uzbekistan” carries deep meaning. It combines the Turkic words “uz” (self) and “bek” (master) with the Persian suffix “stan” (land/country), translating to “land of the self-governed.”
• Samarkand earned global recognition as the 2023 World Tourism Capital. 
• Khiva was named the 2024 Tourism Capital of the Islamic World.
• Samarkand is one of Central Asia’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
• Plov (Palov) plays a central role in Uzbek hospitality and tradition. A cook earns the title of ‘master’ only when they can prepare enough Plov in a single cauldron to serve a thousand people.
• Uzbekistan is home to one of the world’s largest open-pit gold mines. This massive deposit makes the country a significant global gold producer.
• The Tashkent Metro is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Its stations feature ornate chandeliers, marble and granite pillars, engraved metalwork and intricately designed ceilings.
• Gold embroidery is among Uzbekistan’s most cherished traditional crafts. Its origins date back to the 1st–2nd centuries AD, when golden threads were used to adorn clothing.
• Cotton, known locally as “white gold,” plays a major role in the economy. It remains one of the country’s most important agricultural products.
• In the 1960s, the Aral Sea was the fourth-largest body of water on the planet. Today, it has shrunk dramatically and lost nearly 90% of its water. 
  

Check out our video showcasing Uzbekistan