Photo credit: Connecting with Locals in Uzbekistan MIR Corp
Discovering Uzbekistan: A Journey Defined by Its People
See why even the most seasoned travel experts were surprised by the heart of Uzbekistan
At the conclusion of a journey through Uzbekistan with a group of seasoned travel professionals, I asked them: “What was the highlight of your experience?” The answer came quickly and consistently: “The people made it special.” From the expert tour professionals they encountered to the friendly locals who welcomed them, these travelers all agreed that the human connection was the most unexpected surprise of their Uzbekistan travel experience, a highlight that rivaled even the fascinating Silk Road history and legendary monuments.
MIR Corporation hosted sixteen travel agents on two Uzbekistan familiarization (FAM) trips for 2025. Many of these experts, several of whom have visited more than 100 countries, arrived with little prior knowledge of Uzbekistan as a travel destination. Yet, every one of them left impressed, and even surprised, by this developing Central Asian ‘Stan’. They were struck by its deep historical roots, its masterful artisans, and a complete sense of safety and hospitality. By the end of the trip, many asked the same question: “Why didn’t I come here sooner?”
The feedback from these seasoned professionals was consistent: the destination exceeded every expectation. “Uzbekistan is a gem,” shared Bill Bradfield of LB Tours. “We were surprised by the friendliness of the people and felt very safe everywhere we went.” Trissa Garvis of Escape Artists Travel agreed, commenting: “The opportunity to experience the local culture and interact with the Uzbek people was a true highlight for me.”
Simple interactions set the tone for the many friendly connections we experienced throughout our journey. While walking through the neighborhood just outside the historic walled town of Khiva, we were warmly welcomed into a community gathering to cook sumalak – a sweet paste that is a cornerstone of the spring Navruz festival. This spontaneous moment of shared tradition was a perfect introduction to the genuine hospitality we would encounter across the country.
In addition to the friendly and welcoming interaction with residents and the grandeur of the country’s historic monuments, a local tour manager or guide can elevate a compelling destination into an amazing experience. Through storytelling and local insight, they reveal the nuances and depth that an independent traveler might never discover. It is with this philosophy in mind that MIR takes great pride in the quality of its tour managers and local guides. On this journey, the impact of Abdugolib (Abdu) Samadov was unmistakable – he acted as a vital cultural bridge, with the group consistently noting that the personal connections he facilitated were a defining element of the trip.
Victoria Starr of Escape Artists Travel reflected on his contribution: “I really appreciated Abdu’s deep knowledge of the history of Uzbekistan, his ability to connect with the locals, and his avid storytelling.”
When asked why it seems second nature for the people of Uzbekistan to be so friendly and welcoming to strangers, Abdu explained: “Hospitality is at the heart of our culture. For centuries, travelers crossing deserts and mountains relied on the kindness of locals, and that tradition continues today. It’s not just politeness; it’s a deep cultural value rooted in the Silk Road spirit of exchange and friendship.”
Another aspect that FAM guests consistently gave great feedback on was the impeccable organization throughout the journey, a result of the expertise within MIR’s local operations team in Tashkent. With more than 30 years of on-the-ground experience in the region, this team is highly respected and deeply knowledgeable, possessing the connections necessary to ensure every detail runs smoothly. Bill Bradfield of LB Tours noted the impact of this preparation: “This entire experience, from end to end, was extremely well planned and executed. Uzbekistan will soon be on many travelers’ bucket lists.” It is especially rewarding to see such well-traveled professionals develop a newfound appreciation for the extraordinary hospitality and rich cultural heritage of the Uzbek people.
Uzbekistan is currently experiencing a rapid increase in global awareness and an influx of travelers. As our FAM participants discovered, while Uzbekistan offers stunning architecture, rich artisan traditions, and cultural influence from its Silk Road heritage, the country’s greatest reward and beauty lies in the genuine hospitality of its people.
