Things To Do
in Iskandar
Iskandar is a small rural settlement in Uzbekistan where traditional Uzbek village life is still very visible. The town serves as a quiet base for exploring nearby fields, rivers and the foothills of regional mountains while offering friendly local hospitality. Daily life centers on the bazaar, tea houses and small workshops that preserve handicraft and culinary traditions.
Visiting Iskandar gives travelers a low-key, authentic experience away from large tourist centers, with easy access to larger regional cities by road.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to the iconic Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, where the stunning blue tiles and intricate mosaics will leave you in awe. As you wander through the ancient pathways, take in the rich history and architectural brilliance that surrounds you. Don't forget to capture the perfect photo of the stunning mausoleums as the morning light casts a beautiful glow.
After lunch at a local café, head over to the Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that showcases the grandeur of Timurid architecture. You can explore the impressive madrasahs and their beautiful courtyards, immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this historic area. Spend time at the local bazaar nearby, where you can shop for traditional crafts and sample delicious street food.
As dusk falls, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the illuminated Registan, where the stunning buildings are beautifully lit up against the night sky. Find a cozy restaurant nearby to savor authentic Uzbek dishes like plov and shashlik while watching traditional music performances. End your evening with a relaxing walk along the ancient city walls, reflecting on the rich culture and history of Iskandar.
Embark on an early morning drive to the breathtaking Chimgan Mountains, where you can soak in the fresh mountain air and stunning landscapes. Start your adventure with a scenic hike to the top of a nearby peak, where panoramic views of the surrounding valleys await. Keep your camera ready for the diverse flora and fauna that you might encounter along the trail.
After conquering the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by nature, taking in the serene atmosphere of the mountains. In the afternoon, try your hand at paragliding for an exhilarating experience that offers a bird's-eye view of the picturesque scenery. If you're feeling adventurous, explore the nearby waterfalls or take a gentle horseback ride through the lush meadows.
Return to Iskandar in the evening and unwind at a local café, where you can share stories of your adventures with fellow travelers. Enjoy a hearty dinner featuring local specialties while basking in the warmth of the Uzbek hospitality. As the night sets in, consider visiting a local performance showcasing traditional dance and music to celebrate the end of your adventurous day.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $15-30 |
| 🛏️Budget guesthouse / homestay per night | $15-40 |
| 🚕Local shared taxi / short ride | $0.50-3 |
| 💧Bottled water (1.5L) | $0.30-1.50 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Uzbek experience with strong local hospitality
- Low-cost travel and affordable local food
- Great opportunities for photography of traditional life and landscapes
- Easy access to nearby nature for day trips and outdoor activities
- Limited English and few tourist services in town
- Basic infrastructure and fewer amenities compared with regional cities
- Seasonal extremes (hot summers, cold winters) can limit comfort
- Public transport schedules may be infrequent — planning needed
- "Assalomu alaykum" - Hello / Peace be upon you
- "Rahmat" - Thank you
- "Iltimos" - Please / You're welcome
- "Qancha?" - How much?
- "Suratga olsam bo'ladimi?" - May I take a photo?
- "Xayr" - Goodbye
Places to Visit in Iskandar
Visit one of these nice places.
Vibrant early-morning stalls, colorful produce and market life provide dynamic street and portrait photography opportunities.
Old houses, wooden doors, charpoys (woven beds) and courtyard life offer intimate documentary-style photos of everyday Uzbek village life.
Sunrise/sunset over irrigated fields, poplar-lined canals and grazing livestock creates classic Central Asian rural landscapes.
Capture social rituals around tea, colorful teapots, and communal dining scenes that reveal local culture.
Food in Iskandar
Iskandar Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
The national dish of Uzbekistan — rice cooked with carrots, onions and lamb or beef; you’ll find variations at bazaars, family oshxonas and during local celebrations.
Must-Try!
Baked pastry pockets filled with minced meat, pumpkin or potato, sold at early-morning bazaars and street stalls — best fresh from a tandyr oven.
A hand-pulled noodle soup/stir-fry with vegetables and meat, popular in central and eastern Uzbekistan and common in small local restaurants.
Steamed dumplings usually stuffed with lamb or beef and onion; hearty and often served with a dollop of yogurt or sauce.
Tea is served constantly and bread from local tandyr ovens is central to every meal — both are best sampled at a chaikhana or bakery stall.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
The town bazaar is the hub for fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, breads and street snacks; try freshly baked samsa, kebabs and bowls of plov prepared for market-goers.
Small tea houses near the bazaar serve tea, bread, soups and quick meat dishes and are social centers where you can watch and join locals.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Greet people with Assalomu alaykum and a handshake when appropriate; use both hands when offering or receiving small gifts. Elders are shown formal respect.
Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites — shoulders and knees covered for both men and women helps avoid offense.
Remove shoes when entering homes and some traditional guest areas; wait to be invited into the main living spaces.
Ask permission before photographing people, particularly women and religious ceremonies; some may decline and that should be respected.
Bargaining is expected at bazaars for non-fixed-price goods — be polite and smile during negotiations.
Safety
Tipping in Iskandar
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. In restaurants, a small tip (5–10% or rounding up) is common; give small change to porters, guides and drivers. For homestays, a modest thank-you gift or tip is welcomed.
Cash (Uzbekistani som) is king in small towns like Iskandar; ATMs and card acceptance are limited, so withdraw cash in larger regional cities. Major cards work in some hotels and larger businesses, but keep small bills and change for markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Hot and dry — daytime temperatures can be high, especially inland; dress in light clothing, stay hydrated and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Pleasant temperatures and clear skies make it one of the best times to visit; harvest time brings colorful markets and good food.
Cold with possible snow and frosts; services in small towns can be reduced, and some rural roads may be icy — pack warm clothing and check transport availability.
Flowering orchards and milder weather make spring beautiful for hiking and photography; occasional rain is possible in April–May.
Iskandar at Night
Hiking in Iskandar
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short trails through irrigated fields, riverbanks and low hills offer easy day hikes close to Iskandar and are ideal for nature and birdwatching.
Depending on your exact location and travel plans, the Nuratau and Zarafshan foothills provide options for half- and full-day hiking with scenic views, traditional villages and opportunities to see mountain flora and fauna.
If you travel toward the Tashkent or Fergana regions, the Chatkal and Ugam ranges offer more challenging hikes and multi-day routes — organized guides are recommended for these areas.
Airports
How to reach Iskandar by plane.
The main international gateway to Uzbekistan with frequent domestic connections; from Tashkent you can reach Iskandar by bus, marshrutka or taxi — expect several hours by road depending on distance.
Serves Samarkand and nearby regions with increasing international flights; good option if visiting central Uzbekistan before traveling by road to Iskandar.
Smaller regional airports serving the Fergana Valley area — useful if Iskandar is located in the east; ground transport (shared taxis, marshrutkas) connect these airports to nearby towns.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority of residents identify as ethnic Uzbek, speaking Uzbek and following local cultural traditions.
Smaller communities of Tajik and Russian speakers may be present, especially in regional centers; bilingualism (Uzbek/Russian) is common among older generations.
Many residents are engaged in agriculture, orcharding and local crafts — family-run operations define much of the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport across Uzbekistan; local pickup games on fields and in schoolyards are common.
Traditional wrestling and other folk sports are practiced at festivals and community gatherings.
Horse riding and traditional equestrian games have cultural importance in rural areas and are sometimes practiced or demonstrated at events.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Iskandar.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (vegetable lagman, samsa with pumpkin/potato, salads), but many traditional dishes center on meat — make your needs clear and look for vegetable-based eateries or ask for plov without meat.
Most meat in Uzbekistan is prepared according to Islamic practices and is effectively halal; if you have strict requirements, ask the host or vendor directly.
Wheat is ubiquitous (bread, noodles, dumplings); gluten-free travelers should bring staples and communicate needs clearly — rice-based dishes like plain plov are safer choices.