Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – What to see in one week along the Silk Road

Part of the obscure and isolated region of Central Asia, which is made up of five former Soviet republics, Uzbekistan stands out as one of the most underrated emerging travel destinations in the world. While its neighboring countries are famous for their stunning natural landscapes, nomadic cultures and towering mountain ranges, Uzbekistan is often regarded as the cultural crown jewel of the region, thanks to its remarkable Islamic architecture.

While the country’s staggering beauty might fly under the radar of most travelers, Uzbekistan is arguably the most important historical gatekeeper of the legendary Silk Road, a route that was traveled by millions of merchants over the centuries and helped facilitate the very first cultural and commercial exchanges between Eastern and Western civilizations. This iconic trade route was so influential that entire cities were established and developed to accommodate the merchants and travelers of the Silk Road, with some of the most stunning examples located within the borders of present-day Uzbekistan.

So, if you’re planning a trip to this stunning destination, our ultimate Uzbekistan 8-day travel guide is here to help. In addition to practical information about hotels, restaurants, transportation and travel tips, we’ve also put together a comprehensive itinerary with all the places you must see and visit in Uzbekistan in one week.

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide, Central Asia

How to get to Uzbekistan – Flights from Ireland

Although there are 6 international airports scattered around the country, there’s a big chance you’ll be landing in the capital of Tashkent if you’re flying all the way from Europe. Naturally, the city is served by the biggest air hub in Uzbekistan: the Islam Karimov International Airport.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights between Ireland and Uzbekistan, so the only way to fly to Tashkent is by having a layover in one of several European or Middle Eastern cities. Turkish Airlines and Qatar Airways usually have the best deals for flights departing from Dublin, offering deals to the Uzbek capital starting from €600,00 (return), with a layover in either Istanbul or Doha.

How many days do I need to visit Uzbekistan?

Fortunately, visitors can see the very best of Uzbekistan in just 1 week. Although distances are quite big and the roads less than stellar, you won’t need to spend much time in each of the historical Uzbek cities, allowing to be constantly on the move!

That said, for those with limited time and/or budget, 8 days would be the bare minimum to experience the essentials in Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. On the other hand, if you’d also like to add to the mix the famous Aral Sea Ship Graveyard in Muynak, the amazing landscapes of the Fergana Valley or the Silk Road remnants in Shahrisabz, you’ll need to factor in at least 5 or 6 extra days.

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Best time to visit the country

Considering the country’s very specific location, near the vast and isolate territory of the central steppe, Uzbekistan is a land of extreme temperatures, with freezing Winters and scorching hot Summers. You may still visit the country during these seasons, but it will be far from a comfortable experience.

That said, you’ll be better off by visiting during the shoulder-season, especially between the months of March and May, in the Spring, and then from September to mid-November, in the Fall. Even so, temperatures may still reach 30ºC during some of these months, especially around the desert area. Finally, if you visit in March you’ll also get to experience Navruz, the Persian New Year celebrations which are sort of a big deal in Uzbekistan!

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Documents needed for your trip

In order to enter Uzbekistan, British and Irish travelers need to show their passport. The document should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into the country.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that passport holders from the UK/Ireland can stay in Uzbekistan without a visa for a period of 90 days.

On a final note, foreigners visiting Uzbekistan for more than 3 days should always register with the local police. Hotels will usually take care of the procedure for you, so this is something to keep in mind only if you’re either couchsurfing or staying over at some friend or relative.

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Internet and SIM Cards

Since there is no special agreement in place between Ireland and Uzbekistan regarding international communications and roaming fees, using your regular phone plan is a big no-no!

Therefore, our recommendation is that you get a SIM Card when traveling to Uzbekistan. However, and this is important – don’t buy your SIM card at the Tashkent Airport, as all the options are overpriced. Just wait until you’re in the city center and pay a visit to one of the many official stores. Currently, there are 3 big companies that pretty much run the mobile data market: UZTELECOM, Beeline e Ucell.

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – UZTELECOM SIM Card

• Barakali 111
  • Mobile Data: 100 GB during the day + 60 GB during the night
  • Locals calls: Unlimited
  • Validity: 28 days
  • Price: 111.000 SOM
• Barakali 55
  • Mobile Data: 40 GB during the day + 22 GB during the night
  • Locals calls: Unlimited
  • Validity: 28 days
  • Price: 55.000 SOM
• Barakali 22
  • Mobile Data: 12 GB during the day + 6 GB during the night
  • Locals calls: Unlimited
  • Validity: 28 days
  • Price: 22.000 SOM

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Ucell SIM Card

• Permanent 50
  • Mobile Data: 20 GB (unlimited social media)
  • Local calls: Unlimited
  • Validity: 30 days
  • Price: 50.000 SOM
• Permanent 70
  • Mobile Data: 35 GB (unlimited social media)
  • Local calls: Unlimited
  • Validity: 30 days
  • Price: 70.000 SOM

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Beeline SIM Card

• Yana To’rtta
  • Mobile Data: 35 GB during the day + 35 GB during the night (+75 GB social media)
  • Local calls: Unlimited
  • Validity: 28 days
  • Price: 70.000 SOM
• Yana Uchta
  • Mobile Data: 20 GB during the day + 20 GB during the night (+40 GB social media)
  • Local calls: Unlimited
  • Validity: 28 days
  • Price: 55.000 SOM
• Yana Bitta
  • Mobile Data: 5 GB during the day + 5 GB during the night (+10 GB social media)
  • Local calls: Unlimited
  • Validity: 28 days
  • Price: 24.000 SOM

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Withdrawals, banking fees and travel budget

With the Uzbek SOM (or SUM) as the country’s official currency, any withdrawal using an Irish bank card might incur in the payment of several different fees. Besides the percentual fee referring to the currency conversion, some Irish banks may also charge a flat commission for withdrawals made outside Ireland. In some instances, you may well end up paying 5%-6% of your original withdrawal in banking fees.

On the other hand, exchanging money before your trip is not a viable solution either. Besides not being any cheaper, it’s also not safe or wise to carry so much money on you during your trip. As such, we recommend using the services of online banking fintech companies such as Revolut, N26 or Monzo.

Although each have their own limitations and fees, they allow you to withdraw a certain amount in foreign currency without any fees involved. And even after that threshold is reached, costs are much smaller when compared to traditional banks. Keep in mind, though, this does not apply to fees issued by local banks for withdrawals made with foreign cards. Unfortunately, pretty much every single bank in Uzbekistan charges these fees, which usually take up between 1% to 3% of the total withdrawal value. Be that as it may, a message will always pop up every time there is a fee per withdrawal, so you will never be caught unaware. Sign up for Revolut for free >> to get 3 months of Premium.

Regarding payments, Uzbekistan is still a cash-based society, so it’s better to always have some money on you. If you prefer to take some of your local currency and exchange your money in Tashkent, you can easily find exchange offices and bureaus in many supermarkets, bazaars, hotels, airports and inside official bank buildings. Here are a few local financial institutions where you can exchange money in the Uzbek capital:

• Universal Bank
• KDB Bank Uzbekistan
• Garant bank

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Safety and travel scams

Although every single country whose name ends in “-stan” usually suffers from a terrible stigma, the truth of the matter is that Uzbekistan is a perfectly safe destination with extremely low crime rates and a very hospitable people. Be that as it may, as with any big (or small) city, it’s important to always use common sense and keep your wits about you. That means no accepting help from strangers when you’re using the ATM and always keeping an eye out for your stuff when you’re walking through busy areas. In fact, and when it comes to money, always use official offices (or banks) and refrain from exchanging any cash on the street/black market. Either way, and whether you exchange money or withdraw from the nearest ATM, get ready to handle huge piles of cash on a daily basis. Considering the local currency’s low value (1$ = 12.600 SOM) and small denominations – the largest bill in circulation is 200.000 SOM, but it’s common for banks and exchange offices to give out only 10.000 SOM notes – you’ll need to be extra cautious in all cash transactions, since Uzbeks are known for being incredibly fast at counting money and it’s easy for foreigners to lose track in the process.

Furthermore, only use taxis with running meters, since local cab drivers are infamously known for being quite sneaky. If you’d like to avoid the hassle of having to haggle for every single run, you’ll be better off by using Yandex, the most popular ride-sharing app in the former Soviet Union. Just type in your destination, add your card details (it’s perfectly safe) and the fare will be displayed before you confirm your request – just like Uber! Also, do not drink tap water. Additionally, since Uzbekistan is located in an area with high seismic activity, adhere to authorities’ instructions in the event of a natural disaster – after all, they’re the experts!

Where to sleep in Uzbekistan – Hotels and Accommodation

If you’re looking out for a place to stay on our Uzbekistan 8-day travel guide, then we got you covered!

Although flying into Uzbekistan can be pretty expensive, everything else in the country is quite cheap. Whether its transportation, restaurant menus, supermarkets and paid attractions, once you make it to Uzbekistan you can easily go on your way without breaking the bank! Fortunately, accommodation is no different, as tourists can easily find hotel rooms and apartments suited to every taste and every budget… even the tighter ones!

That being said, here are some options based on the cities we recommend you to stay at:

Uzbekistan 8-day Travel Guide – Hotels in Tashkent

• € – Art Royal Hotel
• €€ – Daniel Hill Hotel
• €€€ – The Royal Mezbon Hotel & SPA

Uzbekistan 8-day Travel Guide – Hotels in Samarkand

• € – BEX SUENO HOTEL
• €€ – GRAND HOTEL SOGDIANA
• €€€ – Shohjahon Palace Hotel & Spa

Uzbekistan 8-day Travel Guide – Hotels in Bukhara

• € – Hotel Nurafshon Boutique
• €€ – Hotel Asal Boutique
• €€€ – Wyndham Bukhara

Uzbekistan 8-day Travel Guide – Hotels in Khiva

• € – Qibla Tozabog
• €€ – Khans Palace Hotel
• €€€ – Farovon Khiva Hotel

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Transportation between the Tashkent Airport and the city center

Located just 8 km away from the city center, the best way to travel between Islam Karimov International Airport and downtown Tashkent is to use line 40 of the local bus network. These vehicles leave from the stop located immediately outside the domestic arrivals’ terminal and connect the country’s main air hub to the Tashkent Central Railway Station (where you can transfer to the metro to get to your final destination). The buses run from 06h00 to midnight, leaving every 30 minutes. Tickets cost 3000 SOM and can be purchased directly from the driver inside the bus. Apparently, there are also alternative lines that drop passengers in the actual city center, but online information is rather scarce and contradicting.

However, if you really want to take the bus, you better be ready to ignore dozens of local cab drivers literally screaming in your face trying to get your attention as you exit the terminal. If you prefer to take one of these taxis, expect to pay around 100.000 SOM for the ride to the city center. While you used to be able to order a ride from Yandex (ride-sharing app) for just 25.000 SOM, local authorities have banned non-official vehicles from the airport’s premises. Pity, since this will make your trip substantially more expensive.

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Transportation and how to move around between cities

Considering the country’s size and the relatively long distances between its main tourist hotspots, it is fundamental for visitors to understand Uzbekistan’s transportation options.

Surprisingly, considering its isolate location, modest HDI and low economic growth, public transportation in Uzbekistan is actually fairly decent, although road conditions can at times be subpar. Be that as it may, and because you’ll definitely need it, here’s an overview of how to move around in Uzbekistan.

Trains in Uzbekistan

Although Soviet control brought significant challenges to the republics of the former superpower, if there’s something soviets excelled at was in the development of railway systems. As a result, many of these countries have maintained relatively good train networks for their current economic development, making it easier to travel across their territories by rail. In Uzbekistan’s case, the country not only preserved and upgraded the existing Soviet infrastructure but also introduced brand-new high-speed trains, like the Afrosiyob.

Standard Soviet trains are categorized into platzkart, an open carriage with rows of seats; kupe, compartments with four berths; and lyux, compartments with two berths. Usually, platzkart tickets are the most affordable. On the other hand, fast trains and the Afrosiyob use a more modern classification, with carriages divided into Economy (usually without air conditioning), Business (with air conditioning) and VIP (a private two-seat compartment). While the Soviet trains are slower, they are still quite comfortable, although delays are frequent. In contrast, the Afrosiyob trains are sleek, modern, clean, fast and efficient, with tickets including a drink and some sort of a snack. The intermediate options are called “fast trains”, a service which is quicker and more expensive than the Soviet trains, but slower and cheaper than the ultra-modern Afrosiyob.

Now for the tickets, the need to buy in advance will depend on your travel date. If you’re traveling during holiday seasons and on Friday and Sunday nights, same-day tickets may be hard to come by. In those cases, you must use the Uzbekistan Railways website to secure your tickets in advance. However, be advised that the platform is known for being highly unstable, and several users have reports issues processing payments with foreign cards. Don’t lose hope and keep trying until it works! If you find it too frustrating, you may also rely on 12GoAsia, though tickets may be slightly pricier to cover service fees. As a third option, consider Tickets.kz, a service from Kazakhstan. However, prices are shown in Kazakhstani Tenge and not all routes are available through this platform. Finally, it’s worth noting tickets are usually available online up to two months before departure.

While prices can vary depending on the train type and ticket class, here are some average fares for the most popular routes in the country:

• Tashkent – Samarkand: 134.000 SOM; 04h00 (soviet train) / 245.000 SOM; 02h20 (Afrosiyob)
• Samarkand – Bukhara: 121.000 SOM; 03h00 (soviet train) / 178.000 SOM; 01h45 (Afrosiyob)
• Bukhara – Khiva: 147.000 SOM; 06h30
• Khiva – Tashkent: 227.000 SOM; 15h00

Buses and shared taxis in Uzbekistan

If you’re unlucky enough not to find any available train tickets, then you’ll have to travel by road. Unfortunately, in Uzbekistan this often means extremely long and uncomfortable bus journeys, with the absolute certainty that you’ll arrive at your destination (especially on routes to/from Khiva) feeling completely drained.

Luckily, all major cities in Uzbekistan have a main bus station/terminal with several daily routes to major destinations at very affordable prices. Naturally, given the informal nature of most of these bus routes, finding reliable and up-to-date information on schedules and fares can be challenging, although the Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan has provided this list with information from 2021 for departures from the main bus station in Tashkent. Be that as it may, expect prices to hover at around 50%/60% of the cheapest train ticket prices for the same route.

Plus, if bus tickets are also sold out and there are no other public transportation alternatives, you can easily find independent taxi drivers near bus and train stations offering rides on specific routes. For example, if you need to travel between Tashkent and Bukhara and there are no more bus and train tickets, simply approach one of these drivers and you’ll be directed to a shared taxi for the trip. Then, you just have to wait for the car to fill up, with the cost split evenly among all passengers (the front seat may be slightly more expensive). In this case, fares are generally on par with train prices, and therefore much higher than the bus. On the other hand, the trip will be far more comfortable.

Internal flights in Uzbekistan

Lastly, and though not particularly popular among visitors, it’s also possible to fly between all the major tourist destinations in Uzbekistan. As expected, flight connections are managed by the country’s flag carrier: Uzbekistan Airways.

That said, the only route that can be of interest to tourists – allowing them to save some precious time and energy – would be the connection between Tashkent and Khiva through the nearby Urgench Airport, located 30 km away from the historical desert town. This flight takes just 1h30 and fares are available starting from 500.000 SOM. The only reason to even contemplate this option would be to avoid the excruciatingly long train alternative, which can take up to 15 hours. As for the bus, it’s even worse!

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Local food and traditional dishes

Food is always a touchy subject when it comes to Central Asia. On one hand, this region has seen so many peoples, tribes and empires pass through that it’s impossible not to notice the Slavic, Chinese, Turkish, Arab and Persian influences that have blended into the local cuisine, making it richer and more diverse. In fact, even Korean cuisine has found a place here, as many ethnic Koreans living in eastern Soviet Union were forcibly exiled to Central Asia by Stalin in the 1930s. However, and despite all this diversity, most travelers in Central Asia tend to point out the food as a downside. This is particularly true for the mountainous regions of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan, where the isolation of natural (and tourist) areas makes it difficult to obtain a variety of foods, leaving locals and visitors to have the same boring dishes throughout most of their trip. Still, Uzbekistan can be considered a small oasis in Central Asia’s otherwise lackluster food scene, not only because its main tourist spots are located in the cities (not in the mountains), facilitating transportation and supply chains, but also because it is home to the most iconic and beloved dish of the entire region: Plov!

This specialty, available in virtually every restaurant in Uzbekistan and neighboring countries, is a well-known aromatic rice dish cooked in a broth of meat (usually lamb) and vegetables. It is estimated that there are over 200 variations of the dish, so it’s pretty much impossible not to end up eating plov at least once throughout your visit! However, Uzbek cuisine offers way more than just plov, and there are other local delicacies you must try. These include Shashlik, marinated meat skewers grilled over charcoal; Lagman, a delicious noodle soup with tender meat adapted from Uyghur cuisine; Samsa, the Uzbek version of the famous Indian samosas; Shivit Oshi, green noodles (they get this color from a dill infusion) topped with meat cooked in a tomato sauce; and Manti, steamed dumplings filled with meat and served with Kaymak, a type of heavy cream (similar to sour cream or crème fraîche) that is used as a sauce/dip.

Finally, let’s end this virtual meal with the sweets and desserts. Unlike Western cultures that favor cakes, custards or mousses, Uzbek dessert culture is more aligned with Turkish/Ottoman traditions. As such, expect one-bite treats made with nuts and/or puff pastry – such as Pakhlava or Gozinaki – or with fried dough with honey, like Urama or Chak-Chak.

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Free walking tours in Tashkent and Samarkand

These tours, led by local guides or tour companies, offer guided visits to the historic center, sharing intriguing stories about each place and providing valuable cultural context. Even though these tours are technically free, it’s customary to show appreciation for the guide’s efforts by leaving a tip at the end. In Tashkent and Samarkand, a reasonable minimum tip would be around 70.000 SOM.

Free walking tours in Tashkent

• Guru Walk
• Strawberry Tours

Free walking tours in Samarkand

• Samarkand Tourist Information Center
• Fayoziddin – Guru Walk
• Free Tour

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide – Where to visit in Uzbekistan in 1 week

While Uzbekistan is a relatively large country, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at how well you can get to know it in just 8 days, even if you’re constantly on the move. From Tashkent all the way westward to Khiva, almost at the Turkmen border, you’ll be clocking in quite a few kilometers on the Uzbekistani roads and railways, though I promise this journey will be one to remember!

So, without further ado, here are the cities, places and tourist attractions you should visit in an 8-day itinerary through Uzbekistan:

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide: Day 1 – Tashkent

Due to the very limited international flights at other Uzbek airports, your journey through Uzbekistan will almost certainly begin in the capital Tashkent. Unlike the other cities on this guide, Tashkent isn’t particularly beautiful or ancient. It used to be, until a massive earthquake in 1966 destroyed much of its historical heritage, with Soviet authorities choosing to rebuild the city according to the modern and brutalist ideals of the time. As a result, Tashkent has very little pre-earthquake heritage and virtually no remnants of the famous Silk Road. However, as the nation’s capital, Tashkent is the most cosmopolitan and “Europeanized” city in Uzbekistan, offering shopping centers, trendy cafes, modern restaurants and a progressive atmosphere. Besides, and even from a tourist perspective, Tashkent has more than enough to keep you busy for at least one full day. That being said, you’ll kick things off at the Hazrat Imam Complex, one of the few places where you can still experience old Tashkent, and arguably the top attraction in the city. A religious complex featuring several mosques, mausoleums and historic madrasas – including a library that is said to house the oldest Quran in the world – this will be your first introduction to the traditional Islamic architecture you’ll see throughout the country. Nearby, you can also visit the Kokaldash Madrasa (10.000 SOM), one of the few historical buildings that were faithfully reconstructed after the earthquake.

Close to the madrasa, you’ll follow that up with pitstop at the iconic Chorsu Bazaar, probably the most famous market in all of Central Asia. Once limited to the giant UFO-shaped dome that dominates the landscape, the bazaar now extends into the surrounding streets and the nearest metro station. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs, sample local goods or grab lunch. After exploring the bazaar, head underground to discover the Tashkent Metro, which, much like its other soviet counterparts in Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan and Kyiv, is often regarded as one of the most beautiful in the world. Considering the fact that most citizens used the local metro systems, Soviet authorities took pride in creating grand stations adorned with elaborate designs and architectural elements that wouldn’t look out of place in a palace or important government building. In the case of Tashkent, platforms were built so deep underground that these also served as official shelters in the event of a nuclear attack! Cureently, a metro ticket costs just 2000 SOM, so grab one and explore some of the city’s most stunning stations:

• Alisher Navoi
• Chilonzor
• Mustaqillik Maydoni
• Paxtakor
• Kosmonavtlar
• Bunyodkor
• Bodomzor
• Tinchlik

Back at the surface through the Mustaqillik Maydoni station, you’ll take a moment to explore the vast Amir Timur Square, considered the heart of Tashkent and a popular spot for public gatherings. At the very center of the square stands a statue of Timur, the founder of the Timurid Empire, who is celebrated as a national hero (he was born in present-day Uzbekistan). While his name might be unfamiliar to those of us who were educated from a Western perspective, Timur was one of the most powerful and ruthless leaders in Asian history, uniting an empire that spanned Central Asia, Persia, the Caucasus, parts of the Middle East, South Asia (including Pakistan and northern India) and even parts of what is now Turkish territory. A legacy nurtured through conquests and military strategies that are often compared to those of the legendary Genghis Khan, of whom Timur claimed to a descendent and heir. To learn more about this legendary ruler and how he shaped Uzbekistan – he was a brutal, bloodthirsty conqueror but also a patron of arts, culture and science – visit the State Museum of the Temurids (30.000 SOM), located near the square. Finally, you’ll end your first day in Uzbekistan at the Navoi Theater, one of the few historical buildings that actually survived the earthquake. As Tashkent’s main concert hall, the beautiful classical theater offers a chance to enjoy ballet or opera performances at absurdly low prices (tickets starting at just 20.000 SOM).

First day wrap-up:

• Hazrat Imam Complex
• Kokaldash Madrasa
• Chorsu Bazaar
• Tashkent Metro
  • Alisher Navoi
  • Chilonzor
  • Mustaqillik Maydoni
  • Paxtakor
  • Kosmonavtlar
  • Bunyodkor
  • Bodomzor
  • Tinchlik
• Amir Timur Square
• State Museum of the Temurids
• Navoi Theater

Where to eat in Uzbekistan – Best restaurants in Tashkent

• Café 1991 (Uzbek traditional)
• Caravan (Uzbek traditional)
• Afsona (Uzbek traditional)
• Besh Qozon – Central Asian Plov Center (plov)
• Köşebaşı (Turkish)
• Actor Restaurant (Azerbaijani)
• 한식당 ALFA & bakery (Korean)
• Resto Forn Lebnen & Chillax Lounge (Lebanese)
• Jumanji (varied)
• Chorsu bazaar (market)

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide: Day 2 – Samarkand: Afrasiyab Museum, Shah-i-Zinda and the Ulugbek Observatory

Waking up in Tashkent, you’ll want to rise early and make your way to Samarkand, often considered the crown jewel of Uzbekistan. It’s easy to see why, since the country’s second-largest city feels like a huge open-air museum, packed with monument after monument, where the grand tiled domes of mausoleums glisten under the sun and the towering minarets of historic mosques seem to rip through the skies. Get ready, because you’re about to witness some of the most photogenic architecture you’ll ever see. Once the capital of the wealthy and powerful Timurid Empire we mentioned earlier, this is a sublime destination and the most impressive city along the Silk Road. To get there, and in order to save some much precious time, we recommend taking the ultramodern Afrosiyob train, which connects Tashkent to Samarkand in just two hours (more information about it in the transportation section). Once you finally arrive in the city and drop your luggage off at your accommodation, you’ll begin your journey at the extraordinary necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda (30.000 SOM). Originally established over a millennium ago, this monumental cemetery became the resting place of many historical figures over the centuries – including members of Amir Timur’s own family. However, we aren’t talking about your boring, run-off-the-mill, ordinary graves, but rather a set of monumental tombs adorned with some of the world’s most intricate and vivid tile work. After the Registan (don’t worry, we’ll get there), this is probably Samarkand’s most iconic landmark.

To the surprise of many, Samarkand used to be home to a large and vibrant Jewish community that totaled more than 100.000 members at its peak, with most residents even choosing to stay during the Soviet era. However, following the collapse of the Soviet Union and Uzbekistan’s consequent independence, most of them emigrated to Israel, leaving nothing behind but their historic legacy. While not much remains, a few synagogues are still functioning in Samarkand’s old Jewish quarter, with the Gumbaz Synagogue – located just 1 km south of Shah-i-Zinda – being the definite standout. From here, head north towards the Afrasiyab Museum (22.000 SOM), an important archaeological site that preserves the remains of the ancient city of Afrasiyab, a major Persian settlement controlled by the Sogdians. In fact, this civilization was instrumental in developing the Silk Road across Uzbek lands until the Mongol invasion under Genghis Khan, which, as they always did, razed everything to the ground. Now, you can explore the site and visit the adjacent museum, where excavated artifacts are on display. Not far from here, it’s also worth taking a short detour to visit the Mausoleum of Khoja Daniyar, a sacred site that serves as final resting place to the Prophet Daniel, who is revered in all three Abrahamic religions. Legend has it that even after his death the body of Daniel continued to grow, with locals keeping up with the tradition of extending his sarcophagus. The current length? An astonishing 18 meters! Shifting from religion to science, you’ll finish your day with a visit to the Ulugbek Observatory (40.000 SOM), the place where the greatest astronomical minds in the Islamic world gathered to observe the stars and debate theories. Now transformed into a museum (the building is stunning), you can visit the site, step inside a model of the original observatory and learn about the incredible discoveries made here… over two centuries before the telescope was even invented!

Second day wrap-up:

• Shah-i-Zinda
• Gumbaz Synagogue
• Afrasiyab Museum
• Mausoleum of Khoja Daniyar
• Ulugbek Observatory

Where to eat in Uzbekistan – Best restaurants in Samarkand

• Emirhan (Uzbek traditional)
• Karimbek (Uzbek traditional)
• Old City Restaurant (Uzbek traditional)
• Platan (Uzbek traditional)
• Samarkand Restaurant (Uzbek traditional)
• Ulfatlar Osh (plov)
• Ikrom Shashlik (shashlik)
• Roni Pizza Napoletana (pizza)
• Sirius Restaurant (varied)
• Bazar Siyob (market)

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide: Day 3 – Samarkand: Registan, Gur-e-Amir and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque

After checking out the more secondary attractions of Samarkand (with the exception of Shah-i-Zinda), today you’ll fully understand why this is such a legendary city! Without further ado, start off at the Gur-e-Amir (30.000 SOM), the name given to the grand mausoleum of Timur, the iconic emperor. Naturally, this is the most magnificent mausoleum in all of Uzbekistan, a country already famous for its countless cemeteries, necropolises and tombs, that can leave even the most seasoned of travelers in awe. Could it be any different? After all, we’re talking about Uzbekistan’s greatest national hero and one of the most powerful rulers in Asia, so it’s only fitting that his final resting place reflects all the might and splendor of his legacy. Fun fact: the Taj Mahal in India – one of the Seven Wonders of the World – was actually inspired by the design of this mausoleum! Nonetheless, the true highlight of Samarkand goes beyond Timur’s mausoleum. Considered the most important attraction in Uzbekistan and all of Central Asia, as well as the city’s crown jewel and one of the most beautiful squares in the world, the time has finally come for you to visit the Registan. A vast architectonic complex, this square is home to some of the most intricate and awe-inspiring architecture in human history, and more likely than not it was its portrait that first sparked your interest in visiting Uzbekistan. Unsurprisingly – I must say – as it’s almost certain that an image of Registan popped up whenever you searched for anything related to the country’s history and tourism.

Historically, this was the heart of Timur’s great empire, and it certainly reflected the crucial roles that faith and education played in its development, as the square is flanked by three monumental Islamic schools: the Sher-Dor Madrasa, the Tilya-Kori Madrasa and the Ulugbek Madrasa. While the exteriors of these madrasas are spectacular, the interiors are even more impressive, featuring stunningly intricate designs that look as if they were created with modern technology. In fact, this is something that applies to pretty much every single ancient monument in Uzbekistan (or Iran, which has the same style of architecture), where attention to detail was one of the most important features. Hey, at least you know stepping inside is always worth the admission fee! And speaking of fees, you actually need a ticket to be allowed inside the Registan square. This is currently priced at 50.000 SOM and also allows you to visit all the madrasas. After exploring Registan, and though it’s definitely hard to top the experience, at least you can still treat your eyes to the stunning beauty of the Bibi Khanym Mosque (25.000 SOM). Built by Timur in honor of his wife, this mosque, along with the Registan, the Gur-e-Amir and Shah-i-Zinda, completes Samarkand’s “Fantastic Four” when it comes to must-visit tourist attractions. Finally, you’ll head off to the bustling Siyob Bazaar, the main market in Samarkand, before bidding farewell to this extraordinary city with a visit to the President’s Tomb (20.000 SOM). The fall of the Soviet Union brought to power quite the collection of colorful dictators in the newly independent Central Asian republics, and Uzbekistan was certainly no exception! In the Uzbek case, the “chosen one” was Islam Karimov, who ruled the country until his death in 2016. However, Karimov’s eccentricities didn’t end with his life, as the president ordered the construction of a grand mausoleum for himself, built in the ancient Timurid style, where his body could receive visits from the people. Right here in Samarkand, at the heart of the former empire, a stone-throw away from the tombs of the nation’s greatest historical figures (like Timur himself). The tale of a man and his larger-than-life ego!

Third day wrap-up:

• Gur-e-Amir
• Registan
  • Sher-Dor Madrasa
  • Tilya-Kori Madrasa
  • Ulugbek Madrasa
• Bibi Khanym Mosque
• Siyob Bazaar
• President’s Tomb

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide: Day 4 – Bukhara: Po-i-Kalyan and the Old City

After spending one more night in Samarkand, you’ll want to rise at the crack of dawn and catch the train (preferably the Afrosiyob, which takes about 1h45) to Bukhara, another of the iconic stops along the Silk Road. In fact, while Samarkand may boast the most famous and spectacular monuments, many travelers actually prefer the quainter, more peaceful atmosphere of Bukhara or Khiva. After all, Samarkand is a pretty big and modern city, with its grand monuments scattered among commie blocks and lacking a clearly demarked historic center. On the other hand, Bukhara had a well-preserved Old Town, a quarter where pretty much every street and building dates back centuries. Regardless, and once you’ve checked in, you’ll spend the entire day exploring Bukhara’s remarkable Old City, starting with the Ismail Samani Mausoleum (10.000 SOM), an historic building that served as final resting place for members of the royal family of the Samanid Empire, whose capital was established in Bukhara. Officially, this is also the oldest structure in the city! Afterwards, as you enter the historic quarter, you’ll come across the Ark of Bukhara (40.000 SOM), a citadel where the city’s rulers used to reside. Inside, you can visit a history museum and an ancient mosque, although the fortress itself is already quite the vision from the outside.

However, the real highlight of Bukhara can be found a short walk to the east, when you visit the breathtaking Po-i-Kalyan, the city’s main ancient square. Think of it as Bukhara’s version of the Registan, as this is the town’s centerpiece and the place you’ll see in most postcards or promotional images of the city. Similarly to its Samarkand counterpart, the square is also flanked by religious buildings: the Kalon Mosque (15.000 SOM), the city’s main place of worship; the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, a 500-year-old Islamic school; and the more recent (1915) Amir Olim Khan Madrasa. However, the square’s most striking feature is the Kalon Minaret, the imposing tower built smacked at the center of the square. Legend has it that Genghis Khan was so captivated by the minaret’s beauty that he ordered it to be spared during his conquests. On a not-so-pretty-note, the tower is also infamous for its use as an execution method, as the city’s most violent criminals would be trialed and then thrown from atop this 48-meter structure (yikes!).  Near this grand complex, be sure to visit the two other important madrasas in the city. Standing directly across from one another, you can start off at the Ulugbek Madrasa, an ancient school that once attracted poets, scientists and astronomers from across the Islamic world, before crossing the street and checking out the Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa (15.000 SOM), now repurposed as a market for local souvenirs. The architecture of both is undeniably impressive.

After crossing Bukhara’s most famous landmarks off your list, it’s now time to wander through the charming streets, squares and alleys of the Old City, where every corner was taken over by an impromptu bazaar/street market, and most cafés and restaurants seem to have been taken straight out of the book “One Thousand and One Nights”. Speaking of bazaars, make sure to check out the Trading Domes, a series of four ancient domed structures, each housing a different mini-market specializing in a specific product or craft. This area of the city is also home to several hammams, the name given to traditional Arab bathhouses. If you’d like to partake in a medieval bathing ritual housed inside a centuries-old building, consider visiting Hammam Bozori Kord, where you can enjoy a bath and massage package (1h10) for 200,000 SOM. With little time remaining in the day, take a moment to relax and do some people-watching at the Lyabi-Hauz Square, one of the city’s most popular gathering spots, before wrapping up your day with a visit to Chor Minor, a mysterious structure with four towers whose purpose is still largely unknown. However, the most widely accepted theory states that this was once the gate to a mosque that was later destroyed, leaving the emblematic Chor Minor as the only remnant of its legacy.

Fourth day wrap-up:

• Ismail Samani Mausoleum
• Ark of Bukhara
• Po-i-Kalyan
  • Kalon Mosque
  • Mir-i-Arab Madrasa
  • Amir Olim Khan Madrasa
  • Kalon Minaret
• Ulugbek Madrasa
• Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa
• Trading Domes
• Hammam Bozori Kord
• Lyabi-Hauz Square
• Chor Minor

Where to eat in Uzbekistan – Best restaurants in Bukhara

• Chasmai-Mirob Restaurant (Uzbek traditional)
• Old Bukhara (Uzbek traditional)
• Chalet (Uzbek traditional)
• Temir’s (Uzbek traditional ue)
• Mavrigi Restaurant (Uzbek traditional)
• JOY Chaikhana Lounge (Uzbek traditional)
• Minzifa (Uzbek traditional)
• Zaytoon (Middle Eastern)
• The Plov (plov)
• Silk Road Teahouse (tea and traditional sweets)

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide: Day 5 – Bukhara: Mausoleums in the outskirts

As you prepare for the long journey to Khiva, the final stop on this itinerary, we’ve included an extra day in Bukhara to give you some time to relax and slow down. While you’ve already seen the main attractions, the city offers a pretty decent diversity of historical sites in the outskirts, so your best option is to hire a taxi for the entire day, allowing you to visit all of these locations comfortably. Since there’s not much you can do to escape the “tourist tax”, expect to pay around 200.000 to 250.000 SOM for the whole day, which covers the rides + waiting time. Alternatively, you could try using Yandex – the local equivalent of Uber – for each individual trip. While this may be cheaper, there’s a serious risk you won’t be able to find a car when requesting a ride far away from the city center. Best case scenario, you’ll surely have to wait quite a bit to find a car willing to take you. Be that as it may, and now that the logistics are settled, your first stop will be the Fayzulla Khujayev House (40.000 SOM), the old aristocratic residence of a former prominent Bukhara leader. However, beyond the history of the family or local politics, the main reason to visit is the beautiful architecture and its many Uzbek and Islamic cultural elements.

Next, head outside the city center to the Chor Bakr Memorial Complex (40.000 SOM), a vast necropolis where an entire dynasty of religious leaders from Bukhara, direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad, are buried. Nicknamed the “City of the Dead”, the complex forms yet another of Uzbekistan’s architectural treasures, featuring 25 historic buildings connected by many gardens and courtyards. It’s a site well worth the detour, since UNESCO has recognized it as a World Heritage Site! Back in the cab, you’ll make your way up north to the Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace (40,000 SOM), also known as the Emir’s Summer Palace. The name is pretty self-explanatory, since this was the vacation home of Bukhara’s last ruler, having been designed by Russian architects in the 1910s. In fact, the European influence is striking, with the palace blending both Eastern and Western styles, making it one of Bukhara’s best kept secrets. Finally, you’ll round off your tour before getting back to the city center (you’ll cover about 50 km in total) with a visit to the Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum, dedicated to the founder of one of the world’s most important Sufi orders (a branch of Islam). While the site is an important pilgrimage destination for Sufi followers, its monumental architecture is the definite highlight for secular visitors.

Fifth day wrap-up:

• Fayzulla Khujayev House
• Chor Bakr Memorial Complex
• Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace
• Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide: Day 6 – Train to Khiva

“With Great Effort, Comes Great Reward”… well, this is definitely something you’ll want to keep in mind today, as the journey to Khiva is a long, strenuous, boring one! Located near the border with Turkmenistan, Khiva is about 400 km away from Bukhara. However, with the old roads and slow Soviet-era trains (the Afrosiyob doesn’t reach this area yet), you’ll be looking at a 6h30 journey that will take up most of your day.

It may be a long trek, but it’s well worth it – just wait and you’ll see!

Sixth day wrap-up:

• Trip from Bukhara to Khiva

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide: Day 7 – Khiva

After a long journey and a good night’s rest, you’ll be refreshed and ready to explore Khiva, the final stop on your Silk Road adventure. While Khiva wasn’t always a popular destination due to its remote location, social media and travel blogs have turned this small town into an essential stage for anyone visiting Uzbekistan. Though smaller than Bukhara or Samarkand, Khiva is a true gem hidden in the desert and – if I may say so – one of the most beautiful and atmospheric places I’ve ever seen. That said, you’ll spend your day within the walls of Itchan Kala, the ancient walled quarter that makes up the Old City. It’s not only the most mystical and picturesque spot in the country, but also the only Old Town in Uzbekistan where no cars or motorcycles are allowed, turning Khiva into a true open-air museum that almost makes you believe you’ve just stepped back in time. It’s also worth noting that although there’s officially an entrance fee to Itchan Kala, it’s pretty much impossible to monitor everyone all the time, so if you avoid the main gates and use one of the secondary entrances, you probably won’t need to pay. On the other hand, if you’re staying inside the Old City, a ticket is not required. Nevertheless, a standard entrance-only ticket costs 50.000 SOM, while a VIP ticket (150.000 SOM) grants access to all the paid attractions inside the city walls. Both tickets are valid for 2 days.

Once inside, and though wandering aimlessly is the best way to explore, there are plenty of must-see sites. Right by the main entrance, at the Western Gate, you’ll find the unique Kalta Minor Minaret, considered the town’s most iconic symbol. When it was first built, the local ruler had envisioned it as the tallest and most impressive minaret in the region, but after his untimely death in battle, the project stopped at just 1/3 (29 meters) of the planned height. Despite this, the community covered the exterior with stunning blue tiles, ensuring the unfinished minaret continues to attract visitors 170 years later. Adjacent to the minaret, you can also peek into the Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa, now turned into a luxury hotel. Across the gate, don’t miss the Ark of Kuhna, a small fortress where the Khans of Khiva used to live, alongside the nobility, the clergy and the most important merchants who lived in the Itchan Kala. As for the regular folk, they were only allowed outside the old city walls! Inside the ark, you can explore the old palace, a mosque, the harem and even the ancient prison, and you may also climb the watchtower for one of the best views of the city. Back outside, as you continue down the main street, stop midway to visit the Juma Mosque, known for its 200+ wooden pillars, before reaching the bustling bazaar near the Ak Mosque and the Allakuli Khan Madrasa.

As you then explore the narrow streets and alleys, it’s time to climb the Islam Khoja Minaret, Khiva’s most famous viewpoint and one of its main tourist experiences. The view – as one might expect – couldn’t be any better, with the city’s colorful domes standing against the historic building’s otherwise homogenous hues. Right next to the minaret, you’ll find the beautiful Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, the final resting place of the poet and wrestler who is one of Khiva’s most prodigal sons. The interior are just mind-blowingly beautiful, rivalling the grandeur of Samarkand’s famous mosques, tombs and palaces. As the sun begins to set, make sure to visit Tash-Khauli Palace, a 19th-century complex with more than 150 rooms and interconnected terraces linked by hidden corridors, before saying goodbye to Uzbekistan by taking a walk along the Walls of Khiva. Accessible from the North Gate, this wall stretch allows you to stroll for a few hundred meters and take in one last, breathtaking view over the ancient Itchan Kala.

Seventh day wrap-up:

• Itchan Kala – Old Town
• Kalta Minor Minaret
• Mohammed Amin Khan Madrasa
• Ark of Kuhna
• Juma Mosque
• Bazaars of Khiva
• Ak Mosque
• Allakuli Khan Madrasa
• Islam Khoja Minaret
• Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum
• Tash-Khauli Palace
• Khiva City Walls

Where to eat in Uzbekistan – Best restaurants in Khiva

• Sultan (Uzbek traditional)
• Yasavul Boshi Restaurant (Uzbek traditional)
• Cafe Zarafshon (Uzbek traditional)
• Terrassa Cafe & Restaurant (Uzbek traditional)
• Tea House Bir Gumbaz (Uzbek traditional)
• Restaurant Xiva Kafe Milliy taomlar (Uzbek traditional)
• Khiva Moon (Uzbek traditional)
• Khorezm Art Restaurant (Uzbek traditional)
• Sofra Restaurant (shashlik and grilled meats)
• Ayvon (varied)

Uzbekistan 8-Day Travel Guide: Day 8 – The way back to Tashkent

Unfortunately for you, the final day of your journey will also be the worst and most boring of all. With no international airports near Khiva offering good connections to foreign countries, you’ll have to complete the long way back to Tashkent, nearly 1000 km away. Unsurprisingly, this will eat up your entire day, as the train ride lasts an exhausting 15 hours. As for the bus – take it from experience – it’s even longer and far less comfortable, so best not to consider that option.

Alternatively, as described above in the transport section, you can opt for a quick 90-minute domestic flight from the nearby city of Urgench with Uzbekistan Airways (starting at around 500.000 SOM). If you go this route, you may even save a day on your itinerary and do Uzbekistan in just 7 days. Whichever way you choose, we guarantee it’ll be a trip to remember!

Eight day wrap-up:

• Trip from Khiva to Tashkent