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Usbekistan.
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Travelling to Usbekistan: what to know before you go

Uzbekistan is the heart of the old Silk Road, with the turquoise domes of Samarkand, the mud-brick lanes of Bukhara and the walled city of Khiva, linked by fast trains across the steppe. It suits history and architecture lovers and anyone curious about Central Asian food, crafts and hospitality.

Where to go

• Samarkand. The Registan, a square framed by three tiled madrasas, is one of the great sights of Central Asia.
• Bukhara. A largely intact old city of madrasas, caravanserais and covered bazaars.
• Khiva. The Itchan Kala, Khiva's inner walled town, is a UNESCO-listed ensemble of mosques, palaces and minarets in mud brick and blue tile.
• Tashkent. The capital has an ornate Soviet-era metro with decorated stations, the domed Chorsu Bazaar and the Hazrati Imam complex, where an early copy of the Quran is kept that is traditionally associated with Caliph Uthman.

Best time to visit

Spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to October) are the best times to visit, with warm, dry days and comfortable evenings. Summer is very hot, especially in Bukhara, Khiva and the desert, where temperatures often exceed 40°C.

Staying online in Usbekistan

Mobile coverage is good in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva and other cities, with 4G widely available. Along the railways and main roads coverage is mostly reasonable, but it thins out in the Kyzylkum desert, the mountains and parts of Karakalpakstan. Wi-Fi is common in hotels and guesthouses, though speeds vary. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land, so you can order a ride from the airport.