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Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is in Central Asia and until 1991 was part of the Soviet Union. One of only two double-landlocked countries in the world, it’s right in the centre of Central Asia, bordering Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Afghanistan.
Becoming an independent country in 1991, Uzbekistan’s First President was Islam Karimov, who died in September 2016. His successor, Shavkat Mirziyoyev , who was elected with 90% of the votes, has been very popular and does seem to be making a lot of positive reform in the country. Largely though, Uzbekistan is still very similar to Turkmenistan politically, but without the same extent of social restrictions. It does seem however, that a few things (such as the economy for example) are moving in the right direction.
Tashkent is the capital city of Uzbekistan and is by far the largest city in Central Asia. Samarqand, Bukhara and Khiva though are much more famous names around the world, with the unique and iconic Silk Road remnants, such as the Registan, Amir Timur’s Mausoleum and Bibi Khanum’s Mosque.
Like in the other Central Asia countries, although Russians made up a large percentage of the population until the early 90s, Uzbeks now account for about 70% of the population, followed by Tajiks, Kazakhs, Karakalpaks, Russians, and other ethnic groups from the region.
With the visa restrictions easing in the last couple of years, Uzbekistan has become a lot easier to visit and is attracting more different types of people. Don’t worry though, it still definitely ticks the box for somewhere off the beaten path, and there’s plenty to explore that the average traveller might not come across.
If our group tour dates don't work for you, we also organise customised independent tours to Uzbekistan, so why not get in touch!
More Information
Tours
4 Stans Spring Tour
A 17 day adventure through Silk Road settlements, vast mountain ranges, winding valleys, and some of the coolest Soviet stuff that's still around.
5 Stans Spring Budget Tour
From Almaty to Ashgabat, we'll venture into nature, immerse ourselves in culture, explore cities, delve into recent and ancient history, and have a lot of fun doing it!
5 Stans Spring Tour
This is the tour for anyone who wants to get a great snapshot of what Central Asia has to offer. Can be done all in one whack, or in smaller sections, whatever you like!
5 Stans Summer Tour
Looking for somewhere fun and exciting to spend your summer? Join us on this epic road trip from Ashgabat to Almaty, visiting Silk Road cities, unbelievable mountains, modern cosmopolitan cities, and everything in between.
4 Stans Summer Tour
From Bukhara to Almaty, with yurt camps, Soviet relics, mountains, and cosmopolitan cities along the way.
4 Stans Autumn Tour
Old and new, big and small, up and down, this itinerary has something for everyone.
5 Stans Autumn Whirlwind Tour
A great snapshot into 5 amazing countries.
5 Stans Autumn Original Tour
Taking the scenic route from Almaty to Ashgabat, this tour covers everything that makes Central Asia so special, from mountains, canyons and gorges, to buzzing modern cities, and of course, the Gates of Hell.
5 Stans Autumn Mega Tour
An in-depth expedition through all of Central Asia, from Bishkek to Ashgabat, through five of the most fascinating countries in the world.
4 Stans Spring Tour
A 17 day adventure through Silk Road settlements, vast mountain ranges, winding valleys, and some of the coolest Soviet stuff that's still around.
5 Stans Spring Budget Tour
From Almaty to Ashgabat, we'll venture into nature, immerse ourselves in culture, explore cities, delve into recent and ancient history, and have a lot of fun doing it!
5 Stans Spring Tour
Almaty to Ashgabat, via some of the best preserved Silk Road sites that exist today, out of this world Soviet architecture, cool modern cities and tons of awesome nature.
5 Stans Spring Mega Tour
Yurts and mountains, cities and sanatoriums, and ending with the incredibly Turkmen experience of Carpet Day.