Uzbekistan Packing List: Exactly What to Bring (and What to Skip) in 2026
· 7 min read · Practical
Half the packing advice online for Uzbekistan is outdated or copy-pasted from blogs about Iran. Here's what actually matters in 2026.
Uzbekistan is a Muslim-majority but secular country. The dress code is more relaxed than most travelers expect — but the climate is brutal in both directions. Pack for the season, not the religion.
Spring/Autumn (Mar–May, Sep–Nov)
- Layers — mornings are cold, afternoons hit 25°C+.
- Light scarf (women) for entering active mosques.
- Comfortable walking shoes — stone pavements, expect 15k+ steps a day.
- Light rain jacket (April and October showers).
Summer (Jun–Aug)
- Wide-brim hat, sunglasses, SPF 50 — it hits 42°C regularly.
- Loose cotton/linen long-sleeves (sun protection > fashion).
- Electrolyte tablets — you will sweat like never before.
- Don't bother with rain gear, it doesn't rain.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Proper warm coat — Tashkent drops to -10°C, Khiva colder.
- Thermals if you're staying in older guesthouses (heating can be patchy).
- Waterproof shoes for slushy old town streets.
What to actually wear (women)
Same as you would in southern Italy. Knees and shoulders covered when entering active mosques (a scarf will do). Otherwise, jeans/dress/skirt are all fine. Local women in Tashkent dress in modern Western clothes daily.
What to wear (men)
Long shorts are fine in Tashkent in summer. Inside active mosques, long trousers.
Tech essentials
- Type C/F EU two-pin plugs.
- Power bank — train rides are long and outlets are unreliable.
- Offline Google Maps or maps.me downloads.
- Yandex Go app (Uzbekistan's Uber).
- Telegram — locals use it for everything, including guesthouse bookings.
What you don't need to bring
- Toilet paper — it's everywhere except remote villages.
- Water purifier — bottled water costs 4,000 UZS (~$0.30).
- Tampons (limited but available in big-city pharmacies — bring your preferred brand).
- Cash USD beyond $300 — ATMs work fine in major cities now.