When to go
April–May and September–October are easiest with children: warm days, cool evenings. In July and August the desert cities reach 40 °C, which is hard for small kids. See when to go.
Getting around
- Fast trains are the most comfortable way between cities: about 2 hours Tashkent–Samarkand, 1.5–2 hours on to Bukhara. Book early; see the train guide.
- Taxis rarely have child seats. If you need one, bring your own or book a private transfer and ask in advance.
- Strollers struggle on cobbles and steps in old towns; a carrier is easier for toddlers.
- Plan the long leg back from Khiva by plane: see the 7-day route.
Food
Uzbek food is not spicy, and most children like plov, samsa, manti, flatbread, kebabs, noodle soups and fresh fruit. Ask for dishes without onion or pepper if needed. Drink bottled water. More in food in Uzbekistan.
Make this plan yours
UzGidAI builds a day plan around your start time, pace and food wishes, and replans tomorrow from what you managed to see.
Plan my dayTickets and sights
- Many museums have cheaper children's tickets; for example the Savitsky Museum in Nukus charges foreigners 60,000 som for children under 12 and 100,000 for adults.
- Kids usually enjoy the Registan light show in Samarkand, the walls and minarets of Khiva, bazaars and the decorated Tashkent metro stations.
- In Tashkent: Magic City amusement park, the botanical garden, parks with playgrounds and, in summer, water parks.
Health and safety
- Pharmacies are everywhere in cities; bring the child's usual medicines and a thermometer.
- Sun: hat, sunscreen and water in every bag from April to October.
- Emergency number: 103 (ambulance); tourist hotline 1173.
- People will often want to talk to or touch your children; it is a sign of warmth. Say no politely if your child does not like it.