While some destinations around the world are struggling to cope with overtourism, others remain hidden gems awaiting to be discovered. Combining history with living culture, the best way to explore Uzbekistan, as is usually the case when discovering a new country, is to try and do so like a local.
Whether it’s waking to the pastoral symphony of rural life, participating in age-old customs or exploring the unspoiled landscapes, Uzbekistan’s growing agro- and ethno- tourism scene makes it more than possible for visitors to immerse themselves with the locals.
With its rich tapestry of cultural experiences, Uzbekistan offers an authentic gateway to understanding not just a place, but a way of life. From the rolling steppes to the bustling village markets, each moment spent in the country weaves into the broader narrative of this fascinating country, offering a travel experience truly like a local.
1. Step into village life
Imagine starting your day to the sound of birds outside your window, followed by a breakfast of the freshest foods, straight from the farm. In Uzbekistan’s tourist villages, you can live alongside rural residents, seeing firsthand how traditional dishes like pilaf are prepared on an open fire or taking part in the daily routines of tending to livestock and harvesting crops.
The immersive experience extends to artisan crafts, where you can observe or participate in the creation of ceramics and silk, crafts honed over centuries and laden with history. Every activity and interaction here offers an authentic insight into the customs and traditions that are a cornerstone of Uzbek culture, preserved over generations and still thriving in the country’s villages.
To truly witness and experience the local spirit, visitors to Uzbekistan can often attend local festivities such as weddings or traditional holidays, which are vibrant displays of the country’s rich cultural tapestry. These celebrations are the best way to discover traditional music, dance and copious amounts of local cuisine in just a few hours.
2. Discover agrotourism
An invitation to connect with the land and its yields, agrotourism in Uzbekistan is a growing sector with the potential to boost rural economies by integrating agricultural activities with tourism. More than just getaways, agrotourism destinations combine promoting agricultural practices as attractions with engaging tourists in farm-based activities, which can provide practical knowledge and a unique rural experience.
Guests might find themselves in a village learning the ins and outs of organic farming, from tending vineyards to horse-breeding. This hands-on approach is not only educational but also deeply grounding, offering a unique perspective on the symbiotic relationship between the land and its people.
Some practices, like winemaking, are millennia old, the introduction of grapevines in the region dating back over 6,000 years. Speaking of Uzbek vineries, Marco Polo wrote during his travels through central Asia that “this wine was at least a dozen years old, and it amazed with its excellent quality”.
Modern visitors can explore wineries in the same way Marco Polo did centuries ago, discovering unique local varieties and learning about the wine production process first introduced by Professor M.A. Khovrenko in the 1920s, which continues to influence practices today.
3. Embrace the nomadic spirit at yurt camps
For those drawn to the romance of the Silk Road and the stark beauty of Uzbekistan’s landscapes, staying in a yurt camp is a must. These traditional felt tents are set up to mimic the nomadic settlements of the past, offering an eco-friendly way to stay in the heart of nature. Activities might include camel riding, enjoying folk performances by the fire or simply stargazing under the vast open skies.
Yurt camps like Aydar, near the serene Aydarkul Lake, Safari, near Nurata, and Muynak, on the shore of the Aral Sea, provide a base from which to explore nearby villages with their landmarks and ancient fortresses. These experiences not only connect you to Uzbekistan’s epic landscapes but also to its ancient history as a crossroads of civilizations.
