DOCA stands for Discover Oriental Central Asia.

At DOCA TOURS, we aim to share the rich oriental charm, traditions, and everyday life of the people in this region. Travel with us and experience it all!

DOCA TOURS officially launched in 2015, but its founder, Oybek, began his journey in tourism back in 2009 by organizing a tour for his German friends to Central Asia. Since then, he and his team have been expertly guiding travelers across the region.

As a theme-based travel agency, DOCA TOURS offers you a wide range of tours in Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan. Thanks to the experience and efficient cooperation of our team with other competent partners, we can offer you the following services:

Excursions for groups as well as individual travelers, tours in comfortable hotels in cities, or in guesthouses in the countryside, mountain trekking, or hiking tours to deserts, horseback and camelback rides.

Our tour groups have a maximum of 16 people.

We organize individual trips for 2 people or more.

VIP trips also from 2 to 10 people.

All foreign visitors require a visa to travel to Uzbekistan, but the specific requirements vary depending on your country of origin. For more details, visit our website or reach out to us at info@doca-tours.com.

Uzbekistan’s climate ranges from scorching summers of 40°C (104°F) to chilly winters reaching -23°C (-9°F). The best times to visit are from March to July and September to November, with pleasant temperatures between 20–30°C (68–86°F). However, if your goal is to explore the mountains, winter is the ideal season.

In Uzbekistan, modest clothing that covers the body is preferred because most of the sights and pilgrimage sites are very actively visited by locals and most of the pilgrimage sites are Islamic. Summers can be very hot, so lightweight, natural fabrics are ideal. Don’t forget essentials like sunglasses and a hat for sun protection. For rainy seasons or nighttime desert stays, pack a windproof jacket, a water bottle, and other travel essentials in a backpack.

You may bring medications for personal use, limited to a 7-day supply, with documentation from a medical institution in your country of residence or stay specifying the prescribed dosage for treatment. Psychotropic substances can be imported without documentation if limited to five different types, with no more than two packages of each.

At customs checkpoints, individuals must declare any narcotic or psychotropic substances. For narcotics, a document from a medical institution stating the drug's name, dosage, and required amount for treatment must be submitted. Any amounts exceeding the documented prescription will be seized and destroyed.

The import, sale, and use of any unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) by private individuals in Uzbekistan are strictly forbidden. Exceptions are made for foreign media using drones to capture photo and video content that promotes the country's tourism. To obtain permission, applicants must submit a request to the Ministries of Tourism, Culture, and Defense, as well as the Uzbekkino Agency and the State Inspectorate for Flight Safety, detailing the shooting locations and the responsible personnel.

Uzbekistan's official currency is the sum. To find the current exchange rate with the US dollar, refer to the table on the left. Foreign currency can be exchanged at all major banks across the country, with US dollars being the most commonly preferred form of cash. Currency exchange is particularly convenient in Tashkent, the capital city. For a smoother experience, you can ask your Uzbekistan travel guide for assistance. It’s advisable to carry cash for convenience, as US dollars can often be used for everyday transactions. Ensure that your banknotes are new and free from any damage.

As of May 2022, individuals can bring any amount of cash into Uzbekistan without restrictions. However, if the imported foreign currency exceeds the equivalent of 70 million sums (around $6,500), it must be declared in writing through a customs declaration. Failure to comply with this requirement will be considered a legal violation. For amounts below this threshold, a verbal declaration suffices. When departing the country, individuals must complete a declaration if they intend to export more than 100 million soums (approximately $9,000) or its equivalent in foreign currency, based on the current exchange rate.

Credit cards such as MasterCard and Visa are accepted in Uzbekistan's larger cities. However, in smaller towns, cash is the primary payment method. In non-tourist shops, transactions are typically made in the local currency, the som. ATMs in popular tourist destinations like Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva allow cash withdrawals, often in US dollars. It’s a good idea to carry enough cash for your expenses, just in case. While US dollars are the most convenient currency for withdrawals, euros, British pounds, and Japanese yen can also be exchanged at bank exchange offices.

Yes, visitors aged 18 and older with a valid International Driving License can rent a car. However, hiring a personal driver along with the car is often a more convenient choice, helping you navigate unfamiliar areas with ease. This is a service our company proudly provides.

Traveling to Asian countries with DOCA TOURS is a secure experience. However, it is advisable to obtain travel insurance from a local provider in your home country for added peace of mind. If you require further details on this topic, feel free to reach out to our team.

Islam is the predominant religion among the local population. Additionally, there are communities of Christians, Jews, Buddhists, and adherents of various other faiths.

While Uzbek is the official language, Russian is widely spoken by many. In regions like Samarkand and Bukhara, Tadjik is also commonly used. Additionally, many young people have a good understanding of English.

Uzbek cuisine is renowned worldwide for its rich flavors and unique dishes. In addition to traditional local restaurants, you’ll also find establishments offering Russian, European, and Korean cuisine. It's worth noting that tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for boiled or purified water instead. If you're a coffee enthusiast, consider bringing some with you, as coffee is not widely consumed or readily available in the country.

Osh (Pilaf): A signature dish with regional variations, made with rice, meat, and carrots.

Dimlama: A hearty dish of steamed and fried vegetables, with or without meat.

Manty: Dumplings filled with vegetables and meat, wrapped in dough.

Shurpa: A traditional soup with vegetables and meat, available in varieties like noodle soup, vegetarian, chicken, pea soup, and more.

Kebab: Skewers of grilled meat, often accompanied by vegetables.

Samsa: Savory pastries filled with various types of meat.

Tandoor Kebab: Lamb roasted in a tandoor, a traditional clay oven.

Chuchvara: Similar to ravioli, this dish features small dumplings in a flavorful broth.

Stuffed Peppers: Peppers filled with a mixture of meat, rice, and fried vegetables, sometimes including cabbage.

Lagman: A dish of handmade noodles served with a rich, flavorful sauce.

Tea holds the top spot as the most cherished drink at every gathering, while coffee is steadily growing in popularity. During the warmer months, refreshing options like juices, nectars, compotes, lemonades, and sparkling water from vending machines are in high demand. Additionally, organic dairy beverages such as ayran, koumiss, and guzha are widely enjoyed for their natural taste. Alcohol consumption is permitted in the country.

Pastries, cookies, ice cream, and fresh fruits.

Traditional treats like baklava and halva.

Assorted dried fruits.

Unique local confections.

When you travel to Uzbekistan with our company, you can relax and leave all the worries to us. We'll provide support every step of the way. Should you need any travel tips or guidance, feel free to reach out to us anytime.

Uzbekistan boasts a network of passenger trains connecting its key tourist destinations, including high-speed options like "Afrosiab," "Shark," and "Uzbekistan." Smoking is strictly prohibited on all trains.

Afrosiab High-Speed Train

Operating daily on routes such as Tashkent–Samarkand–Karshi and Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara, this train offers:

Comfortable reclining seats with footrests.

Tables, reading lamps, multimedia systems, and climate control.

Monitors displaying route details.

Luggage shelves and clothes hangers.

Accessibility features for passengers with disabilities.

A bistro car serving national and European cuisine, along with tea, coffee, and soft drinks.

Speeds of up to 210 km/h.

Shark Train

This train regularly connects Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, featuring:

Comfortable first-class, second-class, and buffet cars.

Air-conditioned cars ensuring a pleasant climate.

TVs playing movies and music clips, along with an audio system for music and radio.

Complimentary light breakfast and a wide selection of purchasable drinks.

Speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Uzbekistan Express Train

Running the Tashkent–Pap–Kokand–Margilan–Andijan route, this electrified train offers:

Economy, Business, and VIP classes with heating, ventilation, and air conditioning to maintain temperatures between +20 and +25°C.

A bistro car selling food and drinks.

Speeds of up to 160 km/h.

Tashkent–Bukhara Night Train

Ideal for overnight travel, this train is often chosen by tourists to maximize daytime for sightseeing. It features:

Low speeds of up to 140 km/h for a comfortable sleeping experience.

SV class double suites with TVs, standard class, and reserved-seat cars.

A restaurant car serving both European and national dishes.

Whether traveling by day or night, Uzbekistan's trains offer a reliable and comfortable way to explore the country's rich heritage and vibrant cities.

The duty-free import limits for goods entering Uzbekistan vary depending on the type of checkpoint:

Airports: The highest allowance is at international airports, where goods worth up to $2000 can be brought in duty-free.

Railway and River Checkpoints: The threshold is lower, permitting duty-free imports up to $1000.

Road (Pedestrian) Checkpoints: The lowest limit applies here, allowing goods valued up to $300 to be imported without duty.

Yes, specific restrictions apply to duty-free imports of certain items:

Alcohol (including beer): Up to 2 liters.

Tobacco products (all types): A maximum of 10 packs.

Perfumes containing alcohol: Limited to 3 units.

Jewelry with precious stones: Up to 65 grams.

The following items are not allowed to be imported into Uzbekistan:

Drugs and Substances: Narcotic and psychotropic drugs.

Explosives and Hazardous Materials: Items harmful to public safety or promoting war, terrorism, violence, extremism, or pornography.

Alcohol and Equipment: Ethyl alcohol, laser beam distributors, unmanned aerial vehicles, and pyrotechnics.

Vehicles:

Used vehicles in categories “M2,” “M3,” and “N2.”

New vehicles not meeting “Euro-3” environmental standards for gasoline or diesel engines.

Electrical Appliances: Household appliances with energy efficiency ratings "G" or "F," and incandescent light bulbs exceeding 40 watts.

Gambling Devices: Slot machines tied to cash winnings.

These restrictions aim to protect the country's safety, environment, and energy standards.

Goods valued at up to $5,000 can be exported from Uzbekistan without the need for a Customs Declaration.

The following restrictions apply to the export of certain goods from Uzbekistan:

Flour products: Maximum of 5 kg.

Rice: Up to 3 kg.

Fresh or dried fruits and vegetables: Limited to 40 kg.

Meat products, sugar, and vegetable oil: Up to 2 kg each.

Importing or exporting wild animals and plants, including species listed under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), requires a special permit. This permit must be obtained from the State Committee of Uzbekistan for Ecology and Environmental Protection.

If a patient within Uzbekistan requires continued treatment involving narcotic or psychotropic medications, these can be provided based on a prescription issued locally. This prescription is granted following a medical examination and verification of the diagnosis necessitating such treatment. The prescribed medications must be purchased by the patient at their own expense from designated pharmacies.

Individuals traveling to and from Uzbekistan are permitted to bring up to two pets (dogs, cats, or other animals) and up to ten birds without requiring approval from the Chief State Veterinary Inspector, provided they have a valid veterinary certificate. These animals are granted priority passage at the state border.

For more than two pets, the veterinary certificate must be issued with the Chief State Veterinary Inspector’s approval. When transporting animals or birds by air, compliance with the regulations of the departure, transit, and destination countries is mandatory, alongside appropriate certificates and veterinary permits.

Animals and birds are excluded from the free baggage allowance and are subject to excess baggage fees. Pets weighing up to 8 kg (including their container or cage) may travel in the aircraft cabin. Heavier animals are transported in the luggage compartment.

Guide dogs accompanying visually or hearing-impaired passengers are exempt from weight limits and excess baggage fees. These dogs must wear a collar and muzzle, and the passenger must present a valid health certificate.

Small pets and birds can also be transported on passenger trains, provided a veterinary certificate is presented.

The fastest way to get to Uzbekistan is by air. Most international flights land in Tashkent, the capital city, making it an ideal starting point for exploring the key cities along the Great Silk Road. From there, you can continue your journey using domestic flights, trains, or cars—whichever suits your travel preferences.

Absolutely! To purchase a SIM card from a local operator, you'll need your passport and hotel registration. The initial connection fee typically starts at $1 (paid in the local currency, Uzbek sum). You can then add additional services, such as an internet package.

Upon arrival, you can buy UMS SIM cards at the airports in Tashkent and Bukhara. Other mobile operators like Uzmobile, Ucell, and Beeline have outlets in central city locations, including Tashkent's train station.

While exploring historical sites, keep an eye out for WI-FI signs—free internet access is widely available for visitors. Additionally, most guesthouses, even smaller ones, are equipped with WI-FI routers, offering complimentary access for their guests.

There are a few restrictions on photography in Uzbekistan, similar to those in many other countries. For security reasons, taking photos at airports, military installations, and strategic facilities is strictly prohibited. Additionally, photographing certain relics, like the original Osman’s Koran, and religious ceremonies is not allowed.

In all other cases, photography is generally permitted. However, some historical and architectural sites, such as the Bibi-Khanym Mosque in Samarkand, may require a small fee (around $1–2) for taking photos. This symbolic charge helps fund the preservation of these monuments. The stunning photos you can capture at such sites are well worth the fee!

If you’re not interested in photography, a regular entrance ticket is sufficient, unless your tour package already includes the cost.

Uzbekistan has 173 emergency medical departments nationwide, with an average response time of about 15 minutes. Emergency care is provided free of charge. In 5-star hotels, a medical office operates 24/7.

Medications can be purchased at pharmacies, identified by the sign "Dorixona," some of which are open around the clock. The general helpline is (998 71) 140 19 19. Assistance from someone fluent in local languages may be necessary, as pharmacy staff and medication instructions are typically in Uzbek or Russian.

If you’re traveling with Dolores Travel, your guide will assist you with any medical needs. Most medications, except those containing psychotropic or narcotic substances, are available without a prescription.

In the event of hospitalization, it’s advisable to inform your country’s diplomatic mission in Uzbekistan. Entry into the country does not require mandatory vaccinations.

When purchasing valuable souvenirs such as carpets, ensure you obtain an official certificate confirming that the item is not an antique. Without this documentation, airport customs may detain you, confiscate the item, or, in some cases, initiate legal proceedings.

Explore Uzbekistan’s rich craftsmanship: Silk carpets in Samarkand and Bukhara, gold embroidery and Suzani textiles in Bukhara, traditional headgear in Khiva, and intricate embroidery in Shakhrisabz. In the Fergana Valley, discover Margilan silk and Rishtan ceramics, while Bukhara offers exquisite copper chasing and Gijduvan ceramics. Tashkent is the place for miniature paintings, wooden souvenirs, and jewelry crafted from silver, gold, and copper adorned with stones—especially notable in Bukhara.

Khiva: Enjoy a traditional folklore performance at the Tosh Khovli Palace and a captivating circus show at the Feruz Madrasah.

Bukhara: Experience a folklore show at the Nodir Devanbegi Madrasah or immerse yourself in classical music at the Modarikhan Madrasah.

Samarkand: Participate in hands-on masterclasses at local artisan houses and enjoy ritual performances.

Tashkent: Attend theatrical performances at the Alisher Navoi Theater.

Nurata: Delight in Kazakh folklore featuring a bard’s mesmerizing participation.

Uzbekistan is rich in historical and cultural treasures, many of which are highlighted on our website. The most remarkable destinations are the cities along the legendary Great Silk Road. These cities—Bukhara, Khiva, Tashkent, Samarkand, and those in the Fergana Valley—boast stunning architecture dating back to the 13th–16th centuries, preserving the legacy of this ancient trade route.

To get an idea of costs, browse the tour prices offered by our company. Please note that these prices do not include airfare. You can check flight costs with your local airline or consult our Uzbekistan travel agent, who can help you calculate the total expenses. This includes airfare, the tour package, visa fees, additional services, and anticipated local expenses.