New Year in Uzbekistan from Almaty: tours

New Year in Uzbekistan is a short winter holiday: festivities start on the evening of December 31, and life returns to normal by January 2. Plan your holiday from December 30 to January 3. The weather is mild: in Tashkent around +2…+5 during the day, in Samarkand and Bukhara frosts at night, in Khiva it is windy. From Almaty to Tashkent the flight takes about two hours.

Holidays in Uzbekistan

The main celebration in Uzbekistan is short but bright. Festivities here begin on the evening of December thirty-first and wind down quickly. A tourist from Almaty should understand in advance which dates to plan the trip for and what rhythm to expect.

Dates and duration of holidays

A holiday in Uzbekistan should be planned from December 30 to January 3. January first is an official day off, and festivities begin on the evening of December thirty-first. The main celebrations take place in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. By January second, life returns to normal. The holiday week is short, so it is better to arrive at its beginning. Many cafes and shops operate at increased capacity until guests leave. If you want to catch the New Year trees and fairs, arrive before January fourth. Later, decorations begin to be taken down.

Weather and city occupancy in early January

Early January in Uzbekistan is a mild winter without severe frosts. During the day in Tashkent it is usually around zero or slightly above. In Samarkand and Bukhara there are frosts at night. In Khiva it is noticeably windy, so the cold feels stronger. Snow falls rarely and melts quickly. City occupancy during these days is uneven: the capital receives the most guests. Samarkand and Bukhara are calmer, and Khiva is almost empty. The low season in Khiva means available hotels and quiet streets. Here is how the comparison by city looks.

How to get there and move around the country in winter

Winter logistics within Uzbekistan are simple. Trains and planes run between the main cities.

Trains and domestic flights between cities

The Afrosiyob high-speed train connects Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. This is a convenient alternative to taxi and bus. In winter, tickets sell out faster than it seems. Domestic flights operate between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Urgench. Urgench is the nearest airport to Khiva. In three or four days, you can cover several cities this way. Here is a comparison of travel options.

Flight from Almaty and first steps on the ground

Direct flights operate from Almaty to Tashkent, and the journey takes about two hours. In winter, the schedule is denser than in summer, and tickets for the holidays are booked in advance. From the airport to the center, it is more convenient to get there by taxi or via an app. A local SIM card will be useful right away: maps, messengers, and ride-hailing work via the internet. It is better to exchange some cash at the airport. The first day in Uzbekistan should be left without transfers. This makes it easier to get used to the rhythm and not freeze with suitcases.

What should a tourist keep in mind during the holidays?

Holidays change the rhythm of cities. Some services operate on a reduced schedule.

Banks and exchange offices, card payment

Banks and exchange offices in Uzbekistan may be closed on January first and second. Cash should be prepared in advance, back in December. Rubles and tenge are not exchanged everywhere; it is safer to bring dollars. Mir or UnionPay cards can be used at ATMs in major cities. In Tashkent there are more terminals than in Bukhara or Khiva. Small chaikhanas and bazaars accept only cash. Keep a supply of small bills for taxi and tips. This will save you from unnecessary searches for an exchange office on a holiday.

Booking tables and accommodation in advance

On New Year's Eve, restaurants in Tashkent and Samarkand operate by advance reservation. The menu is often fixed, and tables are booked weeks ahead. Accommodation in Uzbekistan is also better booked in advance. In Bukhara and Khiva, winter is the low season, and prices are lower than in spring and autumn. But some guesthouses close for renovations. Therefore, choice is limited even with a small flow of guests. Book with free cancellation to leave room for maneuver. Check the heating in the room before paying. A warm room is more important than the view from the window.

Winter impressions and gastronomy

A winter trip to Uzbekistan is about food, bazaars, and unhurried walks. Frosty air makes the cities especially cozy.

Bazaars and seasonal fruits

In winter, the bazaars of Uzbekistan are in season for pomegranates, persimmons, quinces, and dried apricots. Chorsu in Tashkent and Siab in Samarkand especially delight with their selection. Pomegranates here are sweet and cheap. Persimmons are good both for the table and as a gift. Dried apricots and raisins are convenient to take home. Quince is good for tea and home preserves. Bargaining at the bazaar is appropriate, but without pressure. Sellers willingly give you a taste of the goods. Morning is the best time for fresh fruit.

Chaikhanas, pilaf, and warming dishes

Uzbek cuisine warms especially well in winter. Pilaf, shurpa, manti, lagman, and samsa are the main dishes of the season. Portions are large, and prices in chaikhanas are noticeably lower than in restaurants. Pilaf in Tashkent is cooked in the morning and sold out by lunch. Shurpa and lagman warm you up after a long walk. Manti and samsa are filling, and they are enough for half a day. In Bukhara and Khiva, it is worth trying the local versions of pilaf. Tea is served hot and often, and with it the meal lasts longer. Dinner in a chaikhana costs less than in a restaurant.

How to prepare for the trip practically?

Packing for Uzbekistan in winter requires attention to detail. Warm clothes and connectivity decide a lot.

Clothing for frosty evenings and wind

For a trip to Uzbekistan in winter, warm clothing is needed. In Samarkand and Bukhara, frosts are possible at night. In Khiva it is windy, so it blows right through you. Take a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and scarf. Thermal underwear will come in handy for long walks. Comfortable shoes with non-slip soles are essential. During the day the sun warms things up, so dress in layers. This makes it easier to adapt to temperature swings. In the evening in Uzbekistan it is colder than it seems during the day.

Communication, insurance, and tips

Kazakhstani operators work in Uzbekistan in roaming. It is more economical to buy a local SIM card from Ucell, Beeline, or Uzmobile with a passport. Medical insurance for the trip is not mandatory, but it is recommended. Especially if travel between cities is planned. Tips in Uzbekistan are not mandatory, but in restaurants and taxis they are often expected. In taxis, it is better to agree on the price before the ride or use an app. This will save you from arguments at the end of the route. Always keep small change on hand.

Visa and entry rules change: check with the primary source — the MFA of the Republic of Uzbekistan, https://gov.uz/en/mfa/activity_page/o-zbekiston-respublikasi-vizasi. The information on this page was verified on 14.09.2026.

In brief

• Holidays in Uzbekistan last from December 30 to January 3, and the festivities start on the evening of the thirty-first.
• The weather is mild, but in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva there are frosts and wind at night.
• Between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara it is convenient to travel by the Afrosiyob high-speed train.
• In winter, the bazaars have pomegranate, persimmon, and quince season, while pilaf and shurpa warm you up after walks.
• Take warm clothing and shoes with non-slip soles, and book tables and accommodation in advance.