British holidaymakers are shaking off the familiar and venturing further afield. From January to May 2025, there was a 23.8% year-on-year rise in British tourists visiting Uzbekistan (source: Uzbekistan Tourism Committee). UK travellers are searching beyond the usual Mediterranean hotspots, with Uzbekistan and neighbouring Kyrgyzstan standing out as some of the most intriguing new destinations.
According to ABTA, in 2024 alone, UK residents made a record 94.6 million trips overseas, showing that our appetite for travel is not just returning post-pandemic—it’s stronger than ever.
The draw of Uzbekistan lies in its history, architecture and adventure it offers. Located at the heart of the legendary Silk Road, Uzbekistan represents a crossroads of civilisations that connected East and West for centuries. Its cities offer a rare combination of awe-inspiring Islamic architecture, atmospheric old towns, and striking natural beauty—from endless desert landscapes to dramatic mountain ranges.
UNESCO heritage sites include the ancient city of Bukhara – at more than 2,000 years old, it preserves almost intact the medieval layout of its historic centre. Walking its narrow lanes feels like stepping into a living history book.
Samarkand is the crown jewel of the Silk Road, dazzling visitors with turquoise domes, monumental madrasas, and intricate mosaics. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001, it reflects centuries of Persian, Turkic, Mongol, Arab, and Russian influences deeply woven into its cultural fabric.
Khiva is smaller but perhaps the most atmospheric of all, lying on the edge of the Kyzylkum Desert. Founded as early as the 6th century, it became a vital Silk Road caravan stop. Its UNESCO-listed Itchan Kala, encircled by 10-metre-high adobe walls, feels like a perfectly preserved medieval city. Highlights include Kunya-Ark, a fortress and royal residence, The Juma Mosque, with 218 carved wooden columns—some dating back to the 10th century, Tash-Khauli Palace, famed for its richly decorated courtyards and The Islam Khodja Minaret, Khiva’s tallest structure, offering panoramic city views.
But there’s more to Uzbekistan than ancient cities and history, as the country promotes new tourism niches including green & eco-tourism, with yurt stays and mountain treks, cultural festivals like the Flower Festival, Sharq Taronalari and music celebration, Maqom, and Boysun Bahori, alongside gastronomy tourism and pilgrimage routes.
Neighbouring Kyrgyzstan this year launched a Sustainable Tourism Development Program which aims to protect and enhance cultural, historical, and natural assets while maintaining ecological balance, promoting eco-friendly practices and upgrading transport networks. This destination is beginning to catch the attention of adventurous travellers – sharing a border with Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan offers a very different but complementary experience. Around 90% of the country is mountainous, making it a paradise for hikers, horse riders and nature lovers.
The jewel in its crown is Lake Issyk-Kul, one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, framed by stunning snowy peaks. Visitors can stay in traditional yurts, experience nomadic hospitality, and explore alpine valleys that remain largely untouched by mass tourism.
With visa-free entry for many nationalities and a strong focus on community-based and eco-tourism, Kyrgyzstan appeals to those looking for off-the-beaten-path adventures in Central Asia. Solo travel specialist WeRoad has reported surging demand for its Uzbekistan 360° trip, which covers Khiva, Bukhara, Samarkand, and the modern capital of Tashkent. The itinerary even includes a night in a traditional yurt.
Clarissa Cappelletti, UK Country Manager at WeRoad, says:
“We have seen a 380% year-on-year increase in bookings so far in 2025 for Uzbekistan and 350% for Kyrgyzstan. These are unique, emerging destinations filled with ancient stories, desert adventures, and a timeless allure.”
WeRoad also offers a 9-day trip to Kyrgyzstan, discovering Kyrgyz culture and history firsthand while exploring the country’s breathtaking landscapes.
For British travellers hungry for something different, the Silk Road is calling louder than ever.
Note: This article was supplied by WeRoad.