TRAVEL BASICS
WHAT TO WEAR IN UZBEKISTAN
The predominant religion in Uzbekistan is Muslim, but the country overall is not overly conservative. Most of the younger women do not cover their heads and you won’t be expected to cover yours either, even in religious sites.
However, most Uzbek women do keep their knees and shoulders covered so you’ll probably feel more comfortable if you do as well. The women also tend to wear beautiful, colorful dresses and jackets, no matter where they are going. So you may feel a bit out of place in yoga pants, a puffy coat, and tennis shoes.
WEATHER IN UZBEKISTAN
Winters in Uzbekistan can be quite cold, and summer temperatures can be blazing hot. The most ideal and temperate time of the year to visit is during the spring and fall months (April to June and September through October).
Regardless of the time of year that you visit, evenings can be quite cold. And since many of the restaurants in Uzbekistan are in outdoor courtyards, you’ll have a chilly dining experience if you don’t bundle up.
CLOTHING, SHOES, AND ACCESSORIES
You’ll find that men and women in Uzbekistan tend to dress up, no matter what the date or occasion. Most of the women wear long dresses or velour pants with matching tunics with long velour coats over the top. You’ll probably feel a bit out of place if you only pack yoga pants and puffy coats.
WARM JACKET
Evenings in Uzbekistan can get very chilly, even in the spring and fall months. Check the weather before you go and pack a warm jacket, just in case. Silk and embroidered jackets are some of the most popular items to purchase in Uzbekistan but they won’t provide a lot of warmth. Make sure you leave some room in your bag to bring one home with you!
LONG PANTS
Regardless of the time of year that you visit Uzbekistan, you’ll probably feel more comfortable if you have your knees and shoulders covered. Most of the locals dress fairly conservatively as it is a predominantly Muslim country.
In the spring and fall months, you’ll want to pack thicker pants, such as jeans, that can be dressed up or down depending on your preference. And lightweight, breathable pants if you are traveling in the summertime. You’ll probably want to pack both if the weather looks like it’s fluctuating.
OTHER CLOTHING ITEMS TO ADD TO YOUR UZBEKISTAN PACKING LIST
- A light sweater
- A swimsuit if you plan on visiting a hammam
- One pair of underwear per day
- Two bras
- One pair of socks per day
- Nylons to wear under your pants or dress if the weather looks really cold
COMFORTABLE WALKING SHOES
You’ll be walking a lot in Uzbekistan! Especially in Bukhara and Khiva where most of the sites are in the pedestrian-friendly area where cars are not allowed. Pack two pairs of shoes – one that you can walk several miles in each day without getting blisters, and one that is comfortable for walking but can also be dressed up for a night out!
OTHER ACCESSORIES TO PACK
- Knit hat, gloves, and scarf if the weather looks really cold
- Flip flops if the weather will be really hot
- Sunglasses
- Small crossbody bag