Uzbekistan is a doubly landlocked country in Central Asia famous for its stunning mosques, mausoleums, madrasahs and other sites linked to the Silk Road, the ancient trade route between China and the Mediterranean. The country is bordered by five other countries: Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, measuring 1450 km West to East and 930 km North to South. It was a republic of the former Soviet Union until 1991. Many famous conquerors have passed through its territory, and their influence is palpable.

The first thing you want to know if you want to visit Uzbekistan is how to get there. The most common transits from Europe are via Istanbul and Russia. For the time being, the most convenient route is via Istanbul. Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is only a four-and-a-half-hour flight away from Istanbul. There are some flights from New York City if you are coming from the United States. Otherwise, you'll probably have to go through Istanbul as well.

Visa may be one of the most important things to know before traveling to Uzbekistan. Actually, it all comes down to your nationality. Some nationalities must apply for a visa online, while others do not require one at all. On the basis of visa support, foreign citizens and stateless persons can obtain visas from the Republic of Uzbekistan's diplomatic representations and consular missions around the world (confirmation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan).

To travel to Uzbekistan, all nationalities must have a valid passport. In fact, Uzbekistan only recently introduced visa-free travel for most nationalities. Please keep in mind that this is a 30-day visa. When it comes to Europeans, the vast majority (if not all) do not require a visa to enter Uzbekistan. But other nationalities do, like Americans, Indians, etc. These countries are eligible to apply for an e-visa. In any case, always check with your embassy or the official website of the country you want to visit for the most up-to-date information.

If you decide to visit Uzbekistan, you will have to accept the fact that the internet is slow! WiFi is available in most hotels and some shops, but you can also purchase a local Sim Card. Although the internet is slow, you can still do the basics, such as responding to e-mails, sending messages back home, or uploading an Instagram story.

In terms of currency, the Uzbek Sum is the local currency, which is undervalued, as 10,000 sum equals about 0.80 euro cents. You won't have to worry about ATMs because there are plenty of them in Uzbekistan. Credit cards are accepted in some tourist shops, restaurants, and hotels. However, it is strongly advised that you bring some cash with you because not all establishments accept credit cards. It is illegal to exchange money on the black market, and those caught doing so will face harsh penalties. Banknotes that are damaged or marked will not be accepted at official exchange locations.

To get the most out of a trip to Uzbekistan, it is important to visit when the weather conditions are pleasant. Let's see which month is the best to visit Uzbekistan. The best months are mid-May to June or mid-September to October. During these times, temperatures will be pleasant, with no suffocating heat or cold. Because of the country's climate, location, and morphology, extreme temperatures are possible in Uzbekistan. It's too hot in the summer because it's essentially a desert, and it can get really cold in the winter.

If you don't have a flexible schedule and must travel during these times, such as January or August, you should be prepared. The best advice for visiting Uzbekistan during this period is to add a few extra days to your itinerary to account for weather-related delays. For example, if it is extremely hot, you can go exploring early in the morning and again in the afternoon, while you can relax at your hotel at noon. You may need to add 1-2 days to your itinerary, but you will most likely enjoy your trip more.

If you want to visit Uzbekistan, you should research how to get around because the points of interest are spread out across the country. There is no need to be concerned because there is a well-organized train network that connects cities. But first, let's cover the fundamentals. In Tashkent, the capital (and only there), you can use an app similar to Uber called Yandex Go to get around the city. It functions similarly to Uber and is very inexpensive. Another option for getting around Tashkent is the metro, which is very convenient and has beautiful interiors.

Trains are the most convenient way to travel from one city to another in Uzbekistan. A popular train route is from Tashkent to Samarkand, and then from Samarkand to Bukhara. The Afrosiyob train, which connects Tashkent with Samarkand and Bukhara, is the fastest and most modern. To guarantee a seat, purchase your tickets online in advance. The cost was reasonable – around $50 for a 5-hour drive. This is unquestinably one of the important things to know before traveling to Uzbekistan.

Uzbekistan is a relatively safe country, particularly when compared to the countries with which it shares borders, such as Afghanistan. However, it is not without risk. There have been reports of an increase in street and violent crime, particularly in Tashkent. Muggings, pickpocketing, snatch-and-grab robberies, theft of unattended bags, and purse snatching are all common, especially in crowded places (bazaars, public transportation). Even in more affluent neighborhoods, home burglaries and break-ins occur.

When visiting Uzbekistan, you should exercise caution and take precautions to protect your personal security. In the same vein, be wary of strangers who offer to show you the nightlife. To be honest, having travel insurance is a good idea for your trip to Uzbekistan – and for all of your trips. It is not expensive, and you will be less concerned if anything goes wrong. Besides, many cities in Uzbekistan like Samarkand and Bukhara have touristic police dedicated to the safety of foreigners visiting the country.

Staying, one of the things to know before traveling to Uzbekistan, used to be difficult due to a strange registration system, but rules have been relaxed in recent years. Accommodation in Uzbekistan is not difficult to come by, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

• In Uzbekistan, hotels, and guesthouses should still provide you with registration slips. The dates of your stay will be written on these slips, which are usually given to you when you check out. You may need them to exit the country, but officials have become much laxer about this in recent times; they just want to see if you have enough registration slips to (loosely) show how long you were in the country.

• Hostels exist, but they fill up quickly in high season... as do hotels. Make reservations in advance for popular hostels and hotels in major cities. Booking.com and other similar websites allow you to make reservations online.

• Couchsurfing is technically not allowed. Some people host or are hosted, but it can’t be officially recommended, as you could potentially get your host in trouble. It’s up to you to use your discretion, of course. Homestays are becoming more popular in Uzbekistan these days if you’re interested in getting a local experience.

One of the most important things to know before traveling to Uzbekistan is about the culture and how to dress. Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan. It is a Turkic language written in Latin letters. If you know a little Turkish, you might be able to understand some of the dialogue! Russian is a second language for many Uzbeks, and it is the primary language of 14% of the population. Knowing the Cyrillic alphabet or some Russian phrases is useful in Uzbekistan.

There isn't much of a dress code for women visiting major sights in Uzbekistan. Despite being an Islamic country, many women enter major Islamic sites wearing shorter dresses and skirts and without headscarves. That isn't to say that girls should show up in hot pants and tube tops—modest attire is always appreciated. Even in major mosques, headscarves are not required, though it is prudent to bring one for less touristy mosques.

While there aren't many fruits and vegetables available in Uzbekistan, there are plenty of meat dishes, as well as traditional Uzbek cuisine, of which the locals are very proud. The following are some of the most common Uzbek foods:

• Plov– The main traditional dish is known as 'Plov.' This is a rice dish with lamb or beef mince, onions, carrots, and possibly other minor ingredients depending on where you eat.
• Manti – A dumpling filled with minced beef or lamb and onions. It may also be filled with pumpkin at times.
• Lagman Soup – the consistency varies by restaurant, but it is similar to a lamb stew with noodles and vegetables.
• Fried Lagman – Fried noodles covered in a tomato-based sauce. Frequently served with a fried egg on top.

Bread and noodles are Uzbek staples. Many vendors on the side of the road will most likely sell bread indented with traditional patterns. Because the food is relatively inexpensive here, eating out does not break the bank.

A trip to Uzbekistan will provide you with once-in-a-lifetime experiences – as well as several questions! For example, the only cars you see are mostly white Chevrolets, and despite the fact that 98 percent of the population is Muslim, vodka is a popular drink. However, you must keep in mind that this is a former Soviet country. Furthermore, while it is a safe country for visitors, it has one of the highest levels of corruption.

Uzbekistan is a country with natural wealth, such as uranium and gold, something that is not reflected in the daily life of the citizens, with an annual per capita income of $3000. At the same time, you're wandering around these wonderful, well-preserved places, such as the majestic Registan in Samarkand, the old towns of Bukhara and Khiva, and you can't believe your eyes. A country full of contrasts! A trip well worth taking.