Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s crown jewel, packed with ancient Silk Road cities, dazzling architecture, and landscapes that look straight out of a fantasy novel. Think blue-domed mosques, sprawling bazaars, and deserts that stretch forever.
If you’re hunting for the best places to visit in Uzbekistan this summer, you’re in luck. We’ve rounded up 18+ mind-blowing spots that’ll make your trip unforgettable.
From the turquoise-tiled wonders of Samarkand to the remote deserts of Karakalpakstan, Uzbekistan is packed with surprises.
Ready to explore? Let’s go!
1. Samarkand – The Jewel of the Silk Road

Samarkand is the stuff of legends—a city so beautiful it’ll make your heart skip a beat. The Registan Square, with its three towering madrasas covered in intricate tilework, is hands-down one of the most stunning sights in Uzbekistan.
Don’t miss the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, where the conqueror Tamerlane himself is buried. The interior is covered in gold leaf and lapis lazuli, making it look like a royal treasure chest.
For a real local experience, hit up Siyob Bazaar and snack on fresh non (bread) and juicy melons. Trust us, this is one of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan for history, culture, and Instagram gold.
2. Bukhara – A Living Museum

Step into Bukhara, and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled back in time. This UNESCO-listed city is packed with ancient mosques, madrasas, and caravanserais that have stood for centuries.
The Kalyan Minaret is a must-see—it’s so tall that Genghis Khan supposedly spared it because he was impressed. Climb to the top for epic views over the old city.
Wander through the trading domes where merchants once haggled over silk and spices. Today, you can still shop for handmade carpets, ceramics, and spices just like the Silk Road traders did.
3. Khiva – The Fairy-Tale City

Khiva is like a real-life Aladdin movie set. The entire old town, Itchan Kala, is a walled city packed with minarets, palaces, and maze-like alleyways.
The Kuhna Ark fortress gives you a glimpse into royal life, while the Tash Hauli Palace is covered in vibrant blue tiles and intricate wood carvings.
Climb the Islam Khodja Minaret at sunset—the view over the city is pure magic. Khiva is small but packs a punch, making it one of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan for photographers.
4. Tashkent – The Modern Metropolis

Uzbekistan’s capital, Tashkent, blends Soviet-era grandeur with modern energy. The Chorsu Bazaar is a feast for the senses, with stalls piled high with spices, dried fruits, and fresh bread.
Check out the Metro Stations—each one is a work of art, with chandeliers, mosaics, and marble columns. The Amir Timur Museum is another gem, dedicated to Uzbekistan’s most famous conqueror.
For a break from the city, head to Chimgan Mountains for hiking and fresh air. Tashkent is the perfect mix of old and new.
5. Nuratau Mountains – Off-the-Grid Adventure

If you’re craving wild landscapes and authentic village life, the Nuratau Mountains deliver. This remote region is home to traditional Uzbek villages where life hasn’t changed much in centuries.
Stay in a homestay, hike through walnut forests, and swim in Lake Aydarkul—a huge desert oasis perfect for cooling off in summer.
This is real Uzbekistan, far from the tourist crowds. If you love nature and culture, this is one of the best places to visit in Uzbekistan.
6. Yangiqishloq – The Underground Mosque Marvel

Ever seen a mosque that’s literally underground? Yangiqishloq is home to one of Uzbekistan’s most unique religious sites – a stunning subterranean mosque carved directly into the earth.
The temperature inside stays blissfully cool even during summer’s peak.
The surrounding village offers authentic glimpses of rural Uzbek life. Time your visit for early morning when the light creates magical patterns through the mosque’s skylights.
It’s a photographer’s dream and one of the most unique places to visit in Uzbekistan.
7. Zaamin National Park – Uzbekistan’s Alpine Escape

When the summer heat gets intense, locals head to Zaamin National Park, Uzbekistan’s answer to the Swiss Alps. At 2,000+ meters elevation, you’ll enjoy crisp mountain air and stunning juniper forests.
Stay in one of the Soviet-era sanatoriums (now renovated) and spend your days hiking to waterfalls or spotting rare wildlife like mountain goats.
The park’s newest attraction? A glass-bottomed observation deck with heart-stopping views.
8. Aidarkul Lake – Desert Oasis Paradise

Imagine crystal-clear waters surrounded by golden sands – that’s Aidarkul Lake, a massive artificial lake that’s become Uzbekistan’s best beach getaway. The contrast between desert and water creates surreal landscapes.
Go swimming, try your hand at fishing, or take a camel ride along the shore. Local yurt camps offer overnight stays where you can fall asleep under a blanket of stars. Pro tip: Visit at sunset when the water turns golden.
9. Sarmishsay Petroglyphs – Ancient Rock Art Gallery

History buffs, this one’s for you. The Sarmishsay Gorge contains over 10,000 ancient petroglyphs dating back to the Stone Age. These rock carvings depict hunting scenes, animals, and mysterious symbols that still puzzle archaeologists.
The best part? You’ll likely have this open-air museum all to yourself. Local guides can help interpret the carvings and share fascinating legends about the site. Wear good hiking shoes – the terrain is rugged but rewarding.
10. Boysun – Living Cultural Heritage

Recognized by UNESCO for its intangible cultural heritage, Boysun offers an authentic taste of traditional Uzbek mountain culture.
This remote region has preserved ancient music, dance, and crafts that have disappeared elsewhere.
Time your visit for one of their vibrant festivals where you’ll see breathtaking performances of epic storytelling and traditional games.
The surrounding mountains offer fantastic hiking through walnut forests and past crystal-clear streams.
11. Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve – Eco-Adventure Hub

This massive protected area combines the Nuratau Mountains and Kyzylkum Desert, offering incredible biodiversity.
Stay in an eco-friendly guesthouse and spend your days spotting rare species like the Severtsov sheep or golden eagle.
The reserve pioneered community-based tourism in Uzbekistan, meaning your visit directly supports local villages.
Don’t miss the chance to try your hand at traditional crafts like carpet weaving or bread making with local masters.
12. Tamerlane’s Cave – Legendary Hideout

History comes alive at Tamerlane’s Cave, where the great conqueror supposedly hid and received visions of his future empire. The site near Shakhrisabz has been a pilgrimage destination for centuries.
The cave itself is impressively large, with a small mosque built at its entrance. The surrounding area offers stunning views of the Kashkadarya Valley.
Local guides share captivating stories about Tamerlane’s life that you won’t find in history books.
13. Ustyurt Plateau – Mars on Earth

For truly otherworldly landscapes, head to the Ustyurt Plateau in western Uzbekistan. This vast limestone desert features dramatic cliffs, mysterious sinkholes, and strange rock formations that look like alien sculptures.
The area is rich in fossils and archaeological sites, including ancient caravan routes.
Visit the Barsa Kelmes (“Place of No Return”) depression for some of the most surreal scenery in Central Asia. Best explored by 4×4 with an experienced guide.
14. Gijduvan – Ceramics Capital

Move over, Rishton! Gijduvan is Uzbekistan’s other ceramics powerhouse, home to the sixth-generation Abdullayev ceramic workshop.
Watch masters create stunning blue-and-green patterned pottery using techniques unchanged for centuries.
The town’s Thursday market is a feast for the senses, with local artisans selling everything from handwoven textiles to traditional musical instruments.
Don’t leave without trying Gijduvan’s famous halva – it’s the perfect sweet souvenir.
15. Zarafshan Mountains – Hiker’s Paradise

The Zarafshan Range offers some of Uzbekistan’s most spectacular (and least-visited) trekking routes. Summer brings wildflower-covered meadows and gushing waterfalls to these rugged peaks.
Base yourself in the mountain village of Sentob, where community-run guesthouses offer warm hospitality.
Multi-day treks can take you to remote petroglyph sites, abandoned Soviet mining towns, and panoramic viewpoints few foreigners ever see.
16. The Nurota Astronomical Observatory – Stargazing in the Desert

For an out-of-this-world experience, head to the Nurota Astronomical Observatory, one of Central Asia’s best spots for stargazing.
Located in the Kyzylkum Desert, this remote facility offers unparalleled views of the Milky Way thanks to its zero light pollution.
The observatory’s giant telescopes let you see Saturn’s rings, Jupiter’s moons, and distant nebulae with stunning clarity.
Local astronomers guide night tours, sharing fascinating insights about Uzbekistan’s role in ancient astronomy (many star names actually come from Persian and Arabic scholars who worked in this region).
Final Thought
Uzbekistan is a mesmerizing blend of ancient history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, making it a perfect summer destination.
From the dazzling blue-tiled mosques of Samarkand and Bukhara to the bustling bazaars of Tashkent and the remote deserts of Karakalpakstan, every corner tells a story.
Whether you’re exploring Silk Road relics, savoring aromatic plov, or trekking the Chimgan Mountains, Uzbekistan offers an unforgettable adventure.