Whether you have 10 days in Uzbekistan, two weeks or more, this Uzbekistan travel itinerary can be adapted to suit your needs!
Visiting Uzbekistan had been high on my travel bucket list for a long time. The incredible Islamic architecture and Silk Road history captivated me and I wanted to make sure that I had the a good block of time to explore the country really well. This meant I put the trip off for far too long.
While I consider myself lucky that I was able to spend one month in Uzbekistan, in reality you can very easily see a lot of this fascinating country in a much shorter time. I recommend 10 days in Uzbekistan as a minimum, but 2 weeks in Uzbekistan is the ideal.
This Uzbekistan travel itinerary is adaptable to how much time you have. It includes detailed outlines of the best things to see and do in each city, day trips, transport, food, and accommodation. If you have a little extra time and want to extend your Uzbekistan itinerary, there are ideas for that too.
Here is my ultimate Uzbekistan travel itinerary plan.
Uzbekistan travel itinerary overview
This Uzbekistan travel itinerary starts and ends in Tashkent.
From Tashkent, there is the longest journey of the trip, a 15 hour journey by train to Khiva.
After a few days exploring the ancient walled city and vast deserts of Khiva, we continue on to Bukhara. Bukhara is a beautiful, ancient city full of stunning mosques, madrasas, and lively bazaars.
After a few days in Bukhara, continue to Samarkand. Samarkand is the largest Silk Road city on this Uzbekistan travel itinerary with loads to do and see.
When you’ve finished exploring Samarkand, return to Tashkent for your flight home or onward travel.
Please note: Some of these links are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase (at no extra cost to you)
Can you do the trip in reverse?
You can do this Uzbekistan travel itinerary in reverse, but I wouldn’t recommend it. The main reason for this is the inconvenient train times. For example, when travelling from Bukhara to Khiva, your only option will be to take a train around 4AM.
If you travel Tashkent – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand – Tashkent, you will have better options and more comfortable train times. You also get the long 15 hour train journey between Tashkent and Khiva over and done with first. When travelling in this direction you can take the night train, so you can go to sleep in Tashkent and wake up in Khiva.
Uzbekistan travel itinerary: First stop Tashkent
Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, is a cool mix of Soviet-era architecture and vibrant Central Asian culture. A lot of people skip through Tashkent, using it as a mere entry and exit point for Uzbekistan, but I think they are mistaken. I really enjoyed my time in Tashkent and I recommend including a few days in Tashkent as part of your Uzbekistan travel itinerary.
Tashkent is surprisingly green with tree-lined streets and lots of parks, making it feel open and fresh despite the hustle. The mix of history and modernity gives the city a unique charm. I found it really interesting to people watch and see people out living their lives in a modern Central Asian city.
How much time do you need in Tashkent?
I recommend spending at least two full days in Tashkent. The city is easy to get around because of its beautiful Soviet-era metro system, which is an attraction in and of itself.
There are some must-see sights in the city of Tashkent, as well as some worthwhile day trips if you have the time.
Things to do in Tashkent
Explore Chorsu Bazaar
Tashkent is a fascinating mix of old and new, and there is no better place to get a glimpse into local life than Chorsu Bazaar. This bazaar, characterised by its brilliant blue dome, feels like it has a pulse of its own.
You can buy anything and everything at Chorsu Bazaar. If this is the first stop on your Uzbekistan itinerary, wandering around the bazaar will quickly get you up to speed on Uzbek food culture. From dried fruit and nuts, to the delicious and sacred non bread, you can learn a lot at Chorsu Bazaar. You can sample a lot, too!
Visit the Khast-Imam complex
Take a stroll around the expansive Khast-Imam complex, home to impressive Islamic monuments, mosques and museums. Apart from the stunning architecture, the highlight of the Khast-Imam complex is the Muyi Mubarak Library.
The Muyi Mubarak Library is home to one of the world’s oldest Qurans. Visiting the library to see the Quran and learning about the legends around this ancient book is absolutely fascinating.
Admire the Museum of Applied Arts
The Museum of Applied Arts is one of the most beautiful and ornate wooden buildings in Tashkent. The museum belongs on any Uzbekistan travel itinerary as a way to understand the rich, cultural and artistic heritage of Uzbekistan.
The displays include fine silks, traditional wood carvings, Uzbek miniature paintings and jewellery. For me, the real highlight was the building itself.
Amir Timur Park and surrounds
Amir Timur Park is a large, green and leafy park in the middle of the city, home to some of Tashkent’s most famous attractions.
The iconic Hotel Uzbekistan towers over one side of the park, a symbol of luxury in the communist era. The park is also home to the State Museum of the Temurids. This museum is an important inclusion early on in your Uzbekistan travel itinerary. To understand Uzbekistan, it is necessary to understand who Amir Timur is and what impact he had on Uzbek history. After the museum, you can visit the Amir Timur statue at the centre of the park.
Enjoy the beautiful Tashkent Metro
The Soviets are known for creating metro systems admired for their efficiency, as well as their grandeur. The Tashkent metro system is one of the most beautiful and artistically designed subway systems in the world. Each station has its own unique design reflecting themes of significance to Uzbek history and culture.
For more ideas of things to do in Tashkent, read this 3 days in Tashkent itinerary!
Restaurants to try in Tashkent
The Central Asian Plov Centre
No Uzbekistan travel itinerary would be complete without a deep dive into the national food culture. Plov is considered the Uzbek national dish. While it is eaten in other countries around Central Asia, Uzbekistan really takes plov seriously.
While in Tashkent, visit the Central Asian Pilaf Centre or Plov Centre to watch plov be made in huge traditional kazans over a wood fire.
Qorasaroy Lagman
This local restaurant serves up the best lagman that I tried in Uzbekistan. Located near the Khast-Imam complex, Qorasaroy Lagman is a convenient local haunt that is worth a stop.
Where to stay in Tashkent
Budget – Our first time in Tashkent we stayed at Humo Family Home. It was spotlessly clean and located walking distance to a major shopping centre. The owner lives next door and is super friendly and helpful (and speaks perfect English).
Mid-range – The Hotel Uzbekistan is grand and imposing. If you’ve done any research on visiting Uzbekistan, you are sure to have come across pictures of this Uzbek icon. We decided to stay there for a few nights to check it out. While it certainly isn’t what it used to be, I do think it is worth staying there if you are interested in Soviet-era history. It could do with a bit of an update, but I think it was more than made up for by the touches of old-world charm like the grand piano serenade at breakfast.
High-end – The Mirzo Boutique Hotel is located a short walk from Chorsu Bazaar in a building reminiscent of an Uzbek palace. The perfect location and impeccable reviews, if this is in your budget it is the perfect place to stay in Tashkent.
Extending your stay in Tashkent
If you have a little longer to spend in Tashkent, consider taking a day trip outside of the city.
The Chimgan Mountains are a popular ski resort in winter but during the warmer months the snow gives way to some pretty epic mountain scenery.
If you are visiting Tashkent in summer, escaping the blistering heat with a day in the mountains might be just what you need.
Check out this Chimgan Mountains day trip here.
Uzbekistan travel itinerary: Second stop Khiva
The next stop on this epic Uzbekistan travel itinerary is the ancient city of Khiva. Khiva is a beautifully preserved and restored Silk Road outpost that today feels like an open-air museum. Visiting Khiva feels like you’ve stepped back in time.
The old city, known as Itchan Kala, is UNESCO World Heritage listed and packed with beautiful mosques, madrasas, and minarets that show off incredible Islamic architecture. The major attractions in Khiva are located within the city walls, making it compact and walkable.
Khiva tends to be left off of some Uzbekistan travel itineraries, solely because of the distance required to travel there. Don’t make this mistake. You have to visit Khiva!
How to get from Tashkent to Khiva
To get from Tashkent to Khiva, take the night train. The train departs Tashkent South train station at either 6:15pm or 9pm, depending on the day. The journey takes around 15 hours. You can check train times here.
You will have an option of a Sleeper or Coupe class ticket. The Sleeper ticket gets you a bed and bedding, but in a public setting. The Coupe class is a bed in a cabin of four with a door that closes to the outside hallway. The Coupe class also has air-conditioning which works to a varying degree depending on the train you get.
How much time do you need in Khiva?
I recommend including at least 3 days in Khiva on you Uzbekistan itinerary. If you are travelling at the peak of summer, you might want to consider an extra day so you have the time to go at a slower pace. You might want to sit the hottest part of the day out.
The many attractions of Itchan-Kala require at least two days of your time.
Outside of the city are fascinating desert fortresses, some of which date back to the 4th Century. Uzbekistan as a country and Uzbek culture has long been shaped by its harsh desert landscapes. On this Uzbekistan itinerary, Khiva is the best place to truly experience the desert in all its vastness.
Things to do in Khiva
Explore Itchan Kala
Itchan Kala is the ancient walled city of Khiva. Khiva is not only UNESCO recognised, but is also the Tourism Capital of the Islamic World for 2024. These accolades are due primarily to Itchan Kala.
To visit the attractions of Itchan Kala, you need to purchase a ticket. The ticket is valid for 2 days and includes most of the major attractions inside the city walls. Be sure to visit Juma Mosque, the Kunya Ark museum and Pahlavon Mahmoud Mausoleum. If you stick around until the evening, there are often performances of local folk dances and songs inside Itchan Kala.
For more details on things to do in Itchan Kala, read this post about the best things to do in Khiva.
Day trip to the ancient desert fortresses
The most popular day trip from Khiva is the five fortresses tour. These fortresses, some of which date back as far as the 4th Century, are scattered throughout the desert around Khiva.
In various states of disrepair and restoration, these desert fortresses stand as reminders of the ancient civilizations that once thrived here.
You can organise a day trip to the five fortresses in Itchan Kala, or you can book a tour online in advance.
Restaurants to try in Khiva
Inside Itchan Kala in Khiva there is a restaurant called Terrassa Cafe and Restaurant.
Not only does this restaurant have one of the best views of any restaurant in Uzbekistan, overlooking Itchan Kala west gate, they do a dish where you can sample 8 different national foods in tapas size portions. This was the best food experience that I had in Khiva. Make sure you book a table ahead of time so you can get an uninterrupted view over the city walls and minarets at sunset.
Where to stay in Khiva
Budget – Central Park Hostel has to be the best budget accommodation option in Khiva. This is where we stayed during our time in Khiva and I would rebook in a heartbeat. The staff are super friendly and helpful with planning daytrips and onward travel, everything is spotlessly clean, the restaurant nextdoor is cheap and delicious and it is less than 5 minutes walk from the entrance to Itchan Kala. If you’re looking for a cheap place to stay, you really can’t beat this place!
Mid-range – Ulli Oy Hotel & Terrace is the best value hotel located within the walled city of Itchan Kala. This family run hotel offers breakfast, a terrace with views of Kalta Minor minaret and all at affordable prices.
Boutique – Madrasah Polvon-Qori Hotel provides the most unique and authentic accommodation experience in Khiva. Located inside an old madrasah just inside the East Gate of Itchan Kala, this hotel is a step above the rest in terms of old world charm.
Extending your stay in Khiva
If you have a little extra time to spend in and around Khiva, consider taking a trip to Moynaq to visit the Aral Sea Ship Graveyard.
Due to Soviet-era irrigation practices, the Aral Sea has dramatically shrunk in size over the decades. It is known as one of the greatest environmental disasters in recent history. The Aral Sea ship graveyard is a collection of rusted old ships that sit on the old shore line of the Aral Sea.
It is an ambitious day trip, but entirely possible. Most people opt to spend a night in the nearby town of Moynaq.
Uzbekistan travel itinerary: Third stop Bukhara
Bukhara is unique because its old town is well-preserved or restored, full of beautiful historic sites, mosques and madrasas. Bukhara has a special place in history as a major center for Islamic learning. Students would travel from all over the Islamic world to study in the madrasahs of Bukhara.
A lot of Bukhara was completely flattened when Genghis Khan invaded so most of the monuments we see in Bukhara today are from around the 15th and 16th Century onwards. This was towards the end of the Silk Road era, but the culture of craftmanship and trade lives on. If you want to do any souvenir shopping in Uzbekistan, Bukhara is the place to do it.
How to get from Khiva to Bukhara
To get from Khiva to Bukhara on the train takes about 7 hours. You can book tickets online at the Uzbek Railways website.
For a peek inside Uzbekistan trains, read this guide to the Khiva to Bukhara train.
How much time do you need in Bukhara?
I recommend spending 2 to 3 days in Bukhara. Bukhara is a beautiful city, but is very walkable and compact meaning you can see and do most things in a couple of days.
Things to do in Bukhara
Take a walking tour of the Old Town
The Old Town of Bukhara is a bit of a maze of caravanserais, mosques, madrasahs and narrow streets. If you’re going it alone, you could very easily miss something interesting and impressive. That’s why I recommend to take a walking tour in Bukhara.
We took the free walking tour in Bukhara, and to be honest, it wasn’t great. I have done some amazing free walking tours through Europe, Central and South America so usually advocate for free tours. However, tourism is still emerging throughout Central Asia and a lot of the free walking tours that we did there were not quite at that standard. They’ll get there, but just aren’t there yet.
In the end, we ended up paying for city tours to make sure we got an experienced and knowledgeable guide with decent English skills. Here are some of the best walking tours in Bukhara to add to your Uzbekistan travel itinerary.
Visit the Ismail Samani Mausoleum
The Ismail Samanis Mausoleum sits in a peaceful, tree-filled park with little canals and a small pond. It’s one of the few buildings left from the Persian Samanid dynasty that ruled Central Asia up until the 10th century.
When Genghis Khan invaded the city he destroyed most of the old buildings and monuments. This survived because it had been buried in mud from a recent flood. This makes it one of the oldest surviving buildings in the city. Some of the symbols in the brickwork are from ancient zoroastrian, pre-Islamic traditions.
Bolo Hauz Mosque
Bolo Hauz mosque is one of the most unique mosques in Uzbekistan and deserves a spot on your Uzbekistan itinerary. It is famous for its 20 wooden pillars, each intricately carved and distinctive.
The mosque is beautiful inside and out. Be sure to dress modestly if you want to enter inside.
Marvel at Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace
In 1912, the last Emir of Bukhara decided to build himself a Summer Palace. The result is this lavish and oppulent display of wealth. Geometric patterns, wooden carvings, Venetian mirrors, mosaics, stained-glass windows and every colour you can imagine. There are exhibits showing traditional clothing and artworks, but the real star of the show is the buildings themselves.
Peacocks wander freely throughout the gardens. There’s the smell of jasmine in the air and covered walkways with grape vines full of fruit. You can see why the Emir of Bukhara liked it here!
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Summer Palace offers something a little different to other attractions in Uzbekistan so it is must-do for your Uzbekistan travel itinerary.
Restaurants to try in Bukhara
My favourite place to eat in Bukhara was JOY Chaikhana Lounge. Sometimes you find a restaurant when you’re travelling that you like so much you just keep coming back to. For me, that was Joy Chaikhana.
The food was delicious, the atmosphere was great, the staff were super friendly and the decor constantly reminded you that you were in an old caravanserai of the Silk Road. I would definitely recommend!
Where to stay in Bukhara
Budget – Zarin Guest House is a great budget accommodation for Bukhara. All rooms come with air-conditioning (a crucial thing to check for if you’re visiting Uzbekistan in summer), and their own bathroom. You can also hire bikes from the front desk which is a great way to explore the city as Bukhara is very flat.
Mid-range – For a bit of a step up, check out Central Asia Hotel. This hotel offers apartment-style rooms decorated in traditional Uzbek style and a substantial free breakfast. It is just outside of the main tourist area making it quiet and local, but just a short walk to the main attractions.
High-end – Shohnishin Boutique Hotel has everything you could want in a place to stay. Centrally located with a rooftop that overlooks the city, perfect for a sunset drink! The rooms are stunningly decorated in local Uzbek style. You will feel like you’re sleeping in a palace.
Uzbekistan travel itinerary: Final stop Samarkand
No Uzbekistan travel itinerary is complete without a stop in the remarkable Silk Road city of Samarkand. For many, Samarkand is the highlight of their trip to Uzbekistan.
There is no shortage of things to do in Samarkand! Its Silk Road history has created a fascinating blend of cultures, architecture, bustling bazaars and UNESCO World Heritage sites will keep you busy.
How to get from Bukhara to Samarkand
The best way to get from Bukhara to Samarkand is by train. For this particular route, you have a few train options that aren’t available for the longer journeys.
Standard trains make the journey, but the Afrosiyob fast train travels between Bukhara and Samarkand in under 2 hours. It leaves a few times a day but can sell out so best to get tickets early.
How much time do you need in Samarkand?
There is so much to do in Samarkand and a lot of great day trips in the nearby area. I would recommend 3-4 days as a minimum amount of time to spend in Samarkand.
However, if you have a few days to spare on your Uzbekistan travel itinerary, Samarkand is a great place to spend them!
Things to do in Samarkand
Explore the Registan complex
One of the key images of Uzbekistan is Registan Square, surrounded on three sides by towering madrasahs complete with blue-tiled domes and minarets. Registan Square is the epitome Uzbek Islamic architecture.
Each madrasah has its own style and history. The Ulugh-Beg madrasah is adorned with stars to honour the legacy of the great 15th Century ruler and astronomer. In the inner courtyard of the Ulugh-Beg madrasah you can climb the stairs to the small shops and cafe above. Other madrasahs host small museums and shops.
The ticket covers entry to all three madrasahs. You will need at least a few hours to explore all the nooks and crannies of the Registan complex. It is worth returning at night to watch the light show.
Stop by the Amir Timur Mausoleum
The Amir Timur Mausoleum is the final resting place of Tamerlane, the 14th-century conqueror and founder of the Timurid Empire.
This imposing mausoluem is fascinating. Museums inside tell some of the story, but I think this is a place best explored with a guide.
Visit the Shah-i-Zinda complex
Exploring the Shah-i-Zinda complex was actually one of my favourite things that we did on our Uzbekistan trip. Although Samarkand is filled with architecture that will take your breath away, there is something about Shah-i-Zinda that sets it apart from the rest.
Shah-i-Zinda is a street lined with ancient tombs and mausoleums that house the remains of royalty and nobility. Many of Amir Timur’s relatives have tombs here along with some other important Islamic scholars such as Kusam-ibn-Abbas.
I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Shah-i-Zinda so much that I almost went back for a second visit. If you can, visit early in the morning when it first opens to beat some of the crowds.
Read this for more ideas of the best things to do in Samarkand.
Restaurants to try in Samarkand
Old City Restaurant is an institution in Samarkand. It serves up the best Uzbek food, with loads of vegetarian options. The prices are great for the quality of the meal and service.
If you’re looking for more of a date night restaurant, head to Emirhan Restaurant. This beautiful restaurant has rooftop seating that overlooks the blue-tiled domes of Registan Square. Everything here was fantastic; the food, the wine, the view, the service. I would definitely recommend heading to Emirhan Restaurant for a sunset dinner before heading to Registan for the nightly light show at 9pm.
Where to stay in Samarkand
Budget – Sitora Star Samarkand is where we stayed for our 10 days in Samarkand. I can’t say enough good things about this place. It is centrally-located a few minutes walk from the Amir Timur Mausoleum, has a kitchen you can use and the owner is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. It is everything you could want or need from budget accommodation.
Mid-Range – Darvozai Samarkand Boutique Hotel is in a great location, has super friendly staff and rooms that are decorated with local Uzbek suzani silks.
High-end – For something a little more luxurious, check out Silk Road Empire Hotel. Spacious rooms, an exceptional breakfast and super hospitable staff are just some of the reasons this hotel has a near perfect review score. It also has nice little features like free bike rental that set it apart from the rest.
Extending your time in Samarkand
All around Samarkand are fantastic day trip opportunities. Consider visiting the nearby city of Shahrisabz, famous for being the birth place of Amir Timur. It is a fascinating place to learn all about this ruthless conquerer and his empire.
Read more about the best day trips from Samarkand.
Returning to Tashkent
The train journey between Tashkent and Samarkand is one of the most travelled routes in the country. The regular train takes approximately 4 hours, but the Afrosiyob fast train takes just under 2 and half hours.
This is a popular route not just for tourists, but for locals too so these trains can sell out weeks in advance. If you’re flexible with which time you want to leave, and book as far in advance as you can, you will be fine. If not, there is always room on the slow train.
Check Uzbekistan train times and availability here.
Like it? Pin for later!
Looking for more inspiration for travelling in Uzbekistan?
The Best Day Trips from Samarkand
How to Cross the Border from Uzbekistan to Kyrgyzstan
