Uzbekistan is a cultural center at a crossroads of trade routes in the very heart of Asia. In this small country, the size of California, unique examples of oriental architecture are displayed, the Tian Shan mountains rise, the Kyzylkum desert recedes from the horizon, and juicy vegetables and fruits are grown on its soil. And in Uzbekistan, there are warm, generous, and gifted people, with amazing customs and worldviews.
Traveling to Uzbekistan from the USA will allow you to see all the splendor of this historic country, which was once visited by Alexander the Great and Marco Polo. You will see the fabled sites of Samarkand and Bukhara, sample Uzbek cuisine, and have the opportunity to purchase genuine works of art from regional artisans, including clothing, carpets, knives, and pottery. Learn about all the benefits and characteristics of traveling to Uzbekistan from the US!
Uzbekistan is located in the second part of the world, and the time difference is 10 hours from the eastern coast and 14 hours from the western coast. The journey takes a full day, and a stopover or refueling is necessary at one of the European cities, most frequently Frankfurt. At the airport of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, planes of many major European and Asian airlines arrive daily.
US citizens need a visa to enter Uzbekistan. But getting it is quite simple - through the e-visa portal. Its price starts from $20 USD. Additionally, US nationals under the age of sixteen and those who are 55 years old or older are eligible for entry to Uzbekistan without a visa.
Uzbekistan has a distinctly continental climate, which means that there are significant daily and yearly temperature variations. A journey to Uzbekistan will feel like a trip to Wyoming with a +10 °F temperature adjustment, according to the weather forecasts. Although Tashkent and New York are at the same latitude, due to the absence of the ocean in Uzbekistan, the air is very dry in summer and wet in winter. Therefore, the most comfortable time for a tour to Uzbekistan from the United States – is April, May, September, and October.
The nature of Uzbekistan is diverse, but mostly it is a desert in the west, mountains in the east, and fertile valleys in the foothills. Nevertheless, the nation is also home to several breathtaking locations, such as Lake Urungach, the Derbent Canyons, and the salt marsh Barsa-kelmes. The Aral Sea, which has decreased by almost 10 times in 50 years, attracts a lot of people as well. Aral is the biggest ecological catastrophe ever.
Tours to Uzbekistan from the United States cannot be imagined without visiting the ancient cities of the Silk Road, which connected Europe and Asia a thousand years ago. Samarkand is an ancient capital with huge madrasahs and richly decorated mausoleums. Bukhara is a holy city with tens of mosques and a colossal minaret of Kalyan. Having entered these cities, you will immediately feel like a hero of eastern fairy tales. And if you want something more ancient, then be sure to visit the fortresses of Khwarazm - Toprak-Kala, Ayaz-Kala, and others.
With all these advantages of nature and architecture, the main highlight of Uzbekistan is still its people. Many tourists, after a trip to Uzbekistan, believe that the most interesting discovery for them was the simple inhabitants of this sunny country. The Uzbek people have long-standing customs that combine Islamic and Zoroastrian aspects. The philosophy of friendliness is nearly universal among them, and despite numerous challenges in daily life, they regard themselves as happy people.
Along with this, Uzbeks are excellent cooks, and the national cuisine differs from region to region. The main dish of Uzbek cuisine is pilaf, and every city prepares it in its way. So, in Uzbekistan, there is an excellent opportunity to arrange a real gastronomic tour to try such dishes as shashlik, Samsa, Lagman, Mohora soup, and others.
Uzbekistan is quite far away, but that shouldn't stop you from accepting new opportunities. In addition, there are many fascinating nations nearby, and you can spend a few weeks in Georgia on the route (yes, there is a country with a name like the state of Georgia). A trip to Uzbekistan from the United States is a fantastic chance to explore a new culture. It will take several months to experience all the beauty, sample all the cuisine, and learn about all the traditions of Uzbekistan. We advise starting small for the time being, and you can find several intriguing trips in Uzbekistan above.
Exotics of the East Tour from the USA
After a long flight from the USA, immerse yourself in an exciting adventure imbued with the romance of the East. Two weeks of travel will give you magnificent views of ancient cities, peaceful landscapes of mountains and deserts, acquaintance with the hospitable Uzbek people. As a Westerner, discover the appeal of the East.
Tashkent, Nukus, Muynak, Khiva, Bukhara, Sentyab village, Samarkand
Details15 Days | Spring, summer, autumn from US$ 1,760 per person
The Five Stans Tour from the USA
This in-depth tour from the USA covers all five Central Asian countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Though each of the Five Stans has a lot in common with their neighbors, you’ll be able to experience their own unique flavors and sights.
Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan
Details23 Days | Spring, autumn from US$ 4,740 per person
Silk Road from Fergana to Khiva Tour from the USA
From the bold patterns of wool carpets to the intricate designs of ceramics to the grandiosity of tiled mosques and madrassas, see the best of Uzbekistan’s master craftsmen and applied artists.
Tashkent, Kokand, Fergana, Margilan, Rishtan, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
Details10 Days | All year round from US$ 1,480 per person
