Uzbekistan

Central Station of Tashkent

Alexander the Great at the Battle of Issus. Mosaic in the National Archaeological Museum, Naples.

The Afrosiyob high-speed train

Triumphant crowd at Registan, Sher-Dor Madrasah. The Emir of Bukhara viewing the severed heads of Russian soldiers on poles. Painting by Vasily Vereshchagin (1872).

Uzbek troops during a cooperative operation exercise

Russian troops taking Samarkand in 1868, by Nikolay Karazin

Traditional Uzbek pottery

Two Sart men and two Sart boys in Samarkand, c. 1910

Navoi Opera Theater in Tashkent

Cotton picking near Kyzyl-Kala, Karakalpakstan

How To Reach Uzbekistan

To reach Uzbekistan, the primary gateway is Tashkent International Airport (TAS), which connects to numerous international destinations through airlines like Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines, and Emirates. There are also international train routes, such as the "Afrosiab" high-speed train between Tashkent and Samarkand, and connections to neighboring countries like Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. Key border crossings include Oybek, Dustlik, and Druzhba. However, there are no direct water routes to Uzbekistan, as it is a landlocked country.

Reaching Uzbekistan by Air

Tashkent International Airport (TAS), also known as Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport, is the primary gateway to Uzbekistan. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country and serves as a major hub for international and domestic flights. Numerous airlines operate flights to Tashkent, including Uzbekistan Airways (the national carrier), as well as international carriers like Aeroflot, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, and more.

Other international airports in Uzbekistan include Samarkand International Airport (SKD) and Urgench International Airport (UGC). These airports mainly handle regional and international flights, making them convenient entry points for travelers visiting specific regions of Uzbekistan.

Reaching Uzbekistan by Bus

Uzbekistan shares border crossings with several neighboring countries. Notable border crossings include:

Oybek (also known as Gisht-Kuprik) on the Uzbek-Kazakh border.

Dustlik (also known as Farap) on the Uzbek-Turkmen border.

Druzhba (also known as Kuyungryk) on the Uzbek-Kyrgyz border.

Traveling to Uzbekistan by road often involves using these border crossings. Ensure that you have the necessary visas and documents, and check for any travel advisories or restrictions, especially when crossing international borders.

Reaching Uzbekistan by Rail

Uzbekistan's rail network connects with neighboring countries via various routes. One notable international train route is the "Afrosiab" high-speed train that connects Tashkent with Samarkand. This comfortable and modern train service offers a convenient and relatively fast way to travel between these two major cities.

There are also international train routes connecting Uzbekistan with countries like Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Russia. For example, you can take the "Sharq" train from Tashkent to Almaty in Kazakhstan or the "Turkistan" train from Tashkent to Turkmenabat in Turkmenistan. These trains offer sleeper and seating options, allowing for a comfortable and scenic journey.