Planning a budget friendly trip to Uzbekistan from India? Discover a complete itinerary, visa fees, accommodation options, transportation costs, flight insights, must-eat cuisine, top attractions with fees, and affordable hostels. In this article, get all information you need to plan an unforgettable trip.
Are you an Indian traveller looking to explore the exciting country of Uzbekistan on a budget? There is no need to look any further! In this article, We’ll lead you through every step of planning a budget travel vacation to Uzbekistan. We will provide everything from creating a precise schedule to understanding visa fees, finding budget friendly accommodation, exploring modes of transportation, and enjoying the local food. Prepare for an amazing journey filled with cultural wonders and magnificent landscapes.
If you grew up watching Alladin (Arabian Nights) and have long wondered if something like Agrabah could ever exist, you should definitely explore Bukhara and explore the streets. With Dome-shaped markets, Minarets, Persian architecture, elegant smiling people, small eateries, and so on, you’ll feel like you’re in a magical world.
Budget friendly trip to Uzbekistan: Trip Itinerary
Uzbekistan is really pocket friendly country for a budget traveller. Most of your budget will be going on return airfare from India. In Uzbekistan,you will get cheaper accommodations to stay, budget friendly hotels or small eateries to enjoy local cuisine. Lets go for complete itinerary for your budget travel to Uzbekistan,
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Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
- Arrive at Tashkent International Airport.
- Check into a budget-friendly hostel.
- Explore the vibrant Chorsu Bazaar and Kukeldash Madrasa.
- Cost-effective street food sampling for dinner.
Day 2: Tashkent Exploration
- Visit the State Museum of Applied Arts.
- Explore Independence Square and Amir Timur Museum.
- Enjoy local flavors at affordable eateries.
- Overnight train to Samarkand.
Day 3-4: Samarkand Splendors
- Discover the Registan Square.
- Visit Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex.
- Explore Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar.
- Affordable local cafes for meals.
Day 5-6: Bukhara Adventures
- Explore the Ark of Bukhara and Kalon Minaret.
- Discover Poi Kalyan complex and Lyabi-Hauz.
- Try budget-friendly Plov, a traditional Uzbek dish.
- Overnight bus to Khiva.
Day 7-8: Khiva’s Charm
- Wander through Itchan Kala, the old city.
- Visit Tosh-Hovli Palace and Juma Mosque.
- Enjoy budget meals at local eateries.
- Return to Tashkent by train.
Visa Fees and Requirements
To visit Uzbekistan as an Indian traveller, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa. It is one of the most simplest e-visas you will get without any hurdle. Just upload your passport copy, photograph and pay USD 25 and you will get your visa with 30 days stay permit and travel period within 90 days. However, it is recommended to visit the official government websites for the most up-to-date information.
Currency
Uzbekistan is really affordable country for Indian tourists. 1 Indian Rupee roughly equals 140 Uz som and 1 USD will give approximately 12,000 Som. Most of the time you will get same currency exchange rate everywhere. You will find two ATMs at the Tashkent Airport, but losts of ATMs in all major cities of Uzbekistan. For your Budget friendly trip to Uzbekistan, always carry cash (USD) from India, as sometimes ATMs not working due to some problems.
Transportation
It is quite easy to get around in Uzbekistan on a budget. The country has a well-developed railroad system that connects major cities, and train tickets are affordable. For shorter distances, buses and shared cabs are also viable options. Local transport in cities, such as buses, trams, and the metro, is extremely affordable. Train tickets between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara starts at 70,000 som while Metro ride costs just 1400 Som. A taxi ride will never be above 20,000 som, that too only for airport transfers. The minimum fare for taxi is around 5000 som.
Airfare : Finding Budget-Friendly Flights
For your budget friendly trip to Uzbekistan, you need to plan as early as possible to get budgetfriendly flight tickets.
Consider these tips to save on airfare:
- Book in Advance: Aim to book your flights well in advance to get the best deals.
- Flexible Dates: Be flexible with your travel dates.
- Compare Prices: Use flight comparison websites like skyscanner makemytrip, goibibio etc to compare prices across different airlines.
- Use Points and Miles: If you’re a member of frequent flyer programs, consider using your points or miles to reduce airfare costs.
- Ticket Fare: Delhi to Tashkent with Uzbekistan airways costs you around INR 36k for return fare.
Must-Try Uzbek Cuisine: Budget-Friendly Eats
Uzbek cuisine is an really appealing combination of flavours and aromas. You will surely love the pocket friendly local delicacy in small eateries.
Here are some low-cost options to try:
- Plov: A hearty rice dish cooked with vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices.
- Samsa: Savory pastries are filled with meat, onions, and spices.
- Laghman: Its a Noodle soup with vegetables and tender chunks of meat.
- Shashlik: Grilled skewers of marinated meat or vegetables.
Veg restaurants and Indian restaurants are available in Tashkent and Samarkand, but Bukhara can be a problem for vegetarians as not much restaurants serves Veg Food. On your Budget friendly trip to Uzbekistan, you must try local delicacies.
Must-See Attractions
On your Budget friendly trip to Uzbekistan, here is the list of must see attractions;
- Tashkent: Amir temur square, Chorsu Bazaar, Hazrati Imam Complex, Minor Mosque and any of the parks you get a good vibe at.
- Bukhara: The whole city feels like walking in a living museum. Just roam around and you will able to see all the sites. Hotel Bibi Khnym, a small boutique hotel near the main area is really good place to stay.
- Samarkand: Its much bigger than Bukhara, but have lots to see. Visit Registan square in evening and wait till 9 PM for the light and sound show. The next best thing, Shah-i-Zinda, must be visited either in early morning at 7 am when it opens or around sunset. The whole day its full of tourists. If your budget permits, then try to stay in Minor hotel in samarkand for the best terrace view.
Budget Friendly Hostels
if your are on Budget friendly trip to Uzbekistan, then finding a budget-friendly and comfortable hostels is much easy. These hostels offer clean and cozy accommodations for a budget traveller:
- Topchan Hostel, Tashkent: A centrally located hostel with a relaxed atmosphere.
- Bahodir Hostel, Samarkand: Known for its friendly staff and great location.
- Amir Hostel, Bukhara: Offers a traditional Uzbek feel and excellent communal spaces.
Conclusion
Uzbekistan is really a budget friendly country for Indian tourists. If you plan the trip carefully, you will surely enjoy your budget friendly trip to Uzbekistan in your tight budget.