Discover Uzbekistan: Cities, Museums and Mountain Landscapes

The History of Samarkand and Khiva

The historic city of Samarkand in northeastern Uzbekistan is considered a crossroads of world cultures and has a history spanning more than two and a half millennia. Registan Square is one of the country’s world-famous architectural monuments. Afrosiab, the site of the ancient city, lies north of Samarkand: preserved as an archaeological reserve, it is considered one of Central Asia’s most significant archaeological sites. In Samarkand, you can encounter both a renowned urban landmark and a place connected with the history of ancient settlements.

Khiva is also more than 2,500 years old. Within the inner fortress of Itchan Kala, 51 ancient monumental buildings stand alongside 250 houses. Historically, Itchan Kala was the caravans’ final resting place before they crossed the desert to Persia. Conservative estimates date Khiva’s puppet theater to around 2,000 years ago. This estimate remains an approximate historical assessment.

Museums, a Park and Palov

Museums in Uzbekistan make millions of exhibits, spanning the period from ancient civilizations to the present day, accessible to the public; visiting options vary by museum. In Tashkent, the Islamic Civilization Center, which opened in March 2026, includes a museum with a Quran Hall where the Uthman Quran is displayed. The State Museum of Nature of Uzbekistan is divided into four sections. Exhibits there include mammoth remains as well as birds and animals that are threatened with extinction.

At the Tashkent Railway Museum, visitors can explore the trains on their own or take a guided tour train, during which the historic museum trains are explained in detail. Check the latest opening hours before your visit. New Uzbekistan Park in the suburbs of Tashkent offers a different focus: its facilities include artificial lakes, playgrounds, cafés, restaurants and pavilions. Palov has a special place among the country’s culinary traditions. The dish is prepared and shared in rural and urban communities alike.

Mountains and Desert Landscapes

Chimgan is characterized by birch and walnut groves, waterfalls, lakes and narrow gorges. During the warmer part of the year, visitors can paraglide or climb Greater Chimgan; conditions and operators may vary by season. An experienced mountain guide familiar with safety matters should accompany you on a hike through Gulkam Gorge. As local trail conditions may change, check the latest situation before setting out. The Chimgan area also has the Amirsoy, Beldersay and Chimgan ski resorts, with chairlifts and drag lifts. The operation of individual ski resorts may change.

The Cold Winter Deserts of Turan are a very different kind of landscape, extending across Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. Uzbek components include South Ustyurt National Park and the Saigachy-Duana, Saigachy-Zhidely and Saigachy-Beleuli components, which are managed as wilderness areas by the Saigachy Landscape Reserve. Across the transboundary area as a whole, threatened mammals such as goitered gazelles, saiga antelopes and urials find habitat.

Experiences to Help You Choose Where to Stay

Connections between cities can also factor into your plans: the Afrosiab high-speed train connects Tashkent and Samarkand as part of a tourist journey through Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities. Check the latest timetable and train operations when planning your trip. In Uzbekistan, the Silk Roads: Zarafshan-Karakum Corridor includes Rabati Malik Caravanserai; many sections of the corridor continue to be used for transport as they were in the past.

When choosing a holiday rental, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: historic sites in Samarkand or Khiva, museums and parks in Tashkent, or nature and mountain experiences in the Chimgan area. If you want to combine Tashkent and Samarkand, factor the current train connection into your plans. This way, your choice of where to stay can reflect the experiences that matter most to you.

Discover more destinations: Tashkent, Samarkand Region, Bukhara Region, Fergana Province, Republic of Karakalpakstan, Khorezm, Navoiy Province, Jizzakh Region, Surxondaryo Region, Andijan Province, Bukhara, Navoiy Region, Qashqadaryo Region.