The September Story: More Flights, Perfect Weather
September 2026 marks a turning point for Indian tourists heading to Uzbekistan. The core of the story is access. Increased flight frequency and new direct routes are making the journey easier than ever. Just this month, Centrum Air launched a new direct service
from Hyderabad to Tashkent, operating twice weekly. This adds to their existing five weekly flights from Delhi, significantly improving connectivity for travellers from South India. This enhanced access arrives during one of the best times to visit the country. September marks the beginning of autumn, a season prized for its pleasant and mild weather. With daytime temperatures hovering in the comfortable mid-20s, it's the perfect climate for exploring the grand squares of Samarkand and the winding alleys of Bukhara without the intense heat of summer or the cold of winter.
An Effortless E-Visa Process
The days of complicated visa applications are long gone. For Indian citizens, Uzbekistan offers a straightforward electronic visa (e-visa) system that has made travel planning remarkably simple. Applicants can fill out the form online, upload a passport copy and photograph, and pay the fee (around $20 USD) electronically. The process is designed to be quick and efficient, making last-minute travel plans a real possibility. While there have been high-level discussions about a potential 30-day visa-free regime for Indians, as of September 2026, this has not yet been implemented. Therefore, all Indian passport holders should still secure an e-visa before their departure. Children under 16, however, can enter visa-free when travelling with a legal guardian.
What to See and Do This Month
Beyond the iconic cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, September offers unique cultural experiences. For food lovers, the Khans of Khorezm National Dishes Festival is scheduled for September 19-20 in Khiva, providing a fantastic window into the region's culinary traditions. For those interested in classical music, the world-renowned pianist Lang Lang will perform in an open-air concert at Samarkand's Registan Square on September 6. Autumn is also the harvest season, which means the country's famous bazaars, like Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, are overflowing with fresh fruits and produce. It's an excellent time for sightseeing and cultural immersion, as the pleasant weather allows for long days of exploring historical sites and engaging with local life.
Flights and Getting Around
Direct flights are a game-changer. Both Uzbekistan Airways and Indian carriers like IndiGo operate daily flights between Delhi and Tashkent, with a flight time of around three to four hours. The new Centrum Air route from Hyderabad now connects South India directly as well. Once in Uzbekistan, the country boasts an efficient and modern train network that connects all major tourist cities. High-speed trains make the journey from Tashkent to Samarkand and Bukhara comfortable and quick. For destinations like Khiva, overnight trains are a popular and memorable option. Taxis are readily available in cities and are very affordable, with ride-hailing apps like Yandex Go being widely used.
Budget and Practical Tips for Indians
Uzbekistan remains a highly affordable destination for Indian travellers. A daily budget of ₹3000-₹5000 can comfortably cover accommodation, meals, and local transport. The local currency is the Uzbek Som (UZS). While credit cards are accepted in high-end hotels and restaurants in major cities, it is essential to carry cash, especially for bazaars and smaller towns. ATMs are widely available in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. For connectivity, purchasing a local SIM card upon arrival is easy and cost-effective. Though English is not widely spoken outside of the tourism industry, people are famously hospitable, and translation apps can easily bridge any communication gaps.
