Uzbekistan is gem in central Asia known for its historic cities, breathtaking Islamic architecture and its rich cultural heritage. Travellers from Dubai can enjoy an exotic tour to discover the rich history and marvel at the beautiful sceneries. From the modern capital of Tashkent to the sacred city of Bukhara, Uzbekistan offers you a variety of experiences that make for a memorable tour. Thanks to the seamless flight connections and straightforward visa processed, many UAE residents are increasingly choosing Uzbekistan travel from Dubai as their holiday destination.
In this insightful guide we will show you all you need to know about the Uzbekistan tour packages from Dubai including the visa details, travelling guide, the best places to visit and also the best time to go there.
UAE citizens are eligible for visa free entry to Uzbekistan from Dubai and stay for up to 30 days. Residents of the UAE who are citizens of any GCC country also qualify for visa free entry to Uzbekistan. Some UAE residents with passports from certain countries like Bahrain and Thailand can travel to Uzbekistan visa free and obtain a visa on arrival at the Tashkent International Airport. other nationalities need to apply for the tourist visa online also called the E-Visa to travel to Uzbekistan.
When applying for visa you will need documents like a passport valid for more than six months, a passport sized photograph, confirmation of your hotel and flight bookings and a fully filled application form. You can apply for the visa online through the government website and it takes 3 to 5 business days to get processed.
Uzbekistan has a continental climate which means hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit the country is during autumn which lasts from September to October and spring which lasts from April to early June, when the temperatures are moderate and weather pleasant for sightseeing. During spring the landscapes are blooming offering you stunning views the crowds are also fewer. If you are looking to attend the cultural festivals in Uzbekistan, the best time to visit is in March for the Navruz and august for the Sharq Taronalari.
Uzbekistan is close to the UAE and well connected with almost daily flights between Dubai and Tashkent. FlyDubai and Uzbekistan Airways are the popular airlines operating the Dubai Uzbekistan route.
When in Uzbekistan there are domestic flights connecting the major cities in the country. You may alternatively use the high-speed trains that connect Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Other transport means include taxis and private cars and public buses. The metro is efficient for travels within Tashkent so when travelling to other cities you need to choose other transport modes.
Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and it is also one of the largest cities in the country. The buildings in the city are made of beautiful architecture making them unique. Go for a tour to Chorsu Bazaar where they handicrafts and other local products. After there go and enjoy an authentic Uzbekistani meal from Hotel Uzbekistan such as the Central Asian Plov, which is a rice dish. Do not leave without visiting the Amir Timur Square for a leisure stroll and to also learn about the history of the region.
Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in Central Asian and has recently adopted modern cultures. The city has many beautiful historic monuments and sacred places making it a popular destination for pilgrims. Enjoy views of Gur-e-amir Mausoleum, which many compare it to the Taj Mahal of India. Do not leave out the famous Registan Square where you can take walks and also check out the madrassah which dates back to the 15th and 17th centuries. Take leisure walks along the narrow paths of the city and admire the blue tombs and mausoleums.
This semi-artificial lake, also known as the ‘turquoise sea in the sands’ is found at the heart of Kyzylkum desert in Northern Uzbekistan. Enjoy swimming, fishing excursions and even go for a boat ride across the Aydarkul lake. Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while on a boat ride and spot the wildlife and various birds species flying around. You can even go for an overnight camp experience at the Yurt camps, made of wood by the lake.
Go to Nurota town where you will find stunning mountain ranges that stretch from Nurota to Dizzak. You will see many valleys and rivers and you can also visit the Nurota Nature Reserve to see wildlife. You will spot endangered species of mountain sheep, rare tulips and spot a wide variety of bird species. Go for trekking tours between the villages in the region and discover the historic fortresses.
Khiva is an open-air museum and in the ancient days it used to be the capital of Khorezm Shakhs. At the heart of khiva, is the Ichan Kala, meaning ‘inner city’ which is home to many architectural attractions of the region. Tour the serene Juma mosque, the Tosh-Hovli Palace and the Kalta Minor minaret to experience the architectural grandeur of the Middle Ages. Some of historic building in Khiva have been converted ro boutique hotels so you can stay overnight there to experience the medieval features combined with modern amenities.
Discover the unspoiled beauty of this gem that was in the past off bounds for foreign tourists. It is said that the air of Zaamin has some healing properties and the nature there is pure and in abundance. You will find some very unique flora and fauna including, black bears, snow leopards, lynx and black storks. There is also a picturesque lake like reservoir in the park and stunning trails for hiking.
Trip to Uzbekistan from Dubai offers culinary delights that is a combination of central Asian flavors with Persian, Turkic and Russian influences. The food here is known for its rich flavors and aromatic spices whether it’s the traditional dishes or the street foods. Enjoy Plov (Osh) which is the national dish of Uzbekistan and is a fragrant rice dish made with lamb, onions, carrots and spices and served in a large kazan.
Try out the delicious Lagman, a noodle soup with meat and veggies, Shashlik, made from marinated lamb, beef or chicken grilled over charcoal or a Manti dish which a steam dumpling with minced lamb, onions and fat. Other delicacies you should not miss out on include the Samsa, Dimlama, Chuchvara and Shurpa and meat and vegetable soup. The best street foods are Norin, Qazi, Halva and Pashmark. For the beverages, try out Aryan, a refreshing salty yoghurt drink, the Uzbekistani Green tea and Kumis, a fermented Mare’s milk. Go for wine tastings by visiting wineries in Samarkand and Tashkent and sample the popular local beers like Sarbast and Baltika.