Uzbekistan in 10 days: a route along the Great Silk Road

Why 10 Days is Optimal

In 7 days you'll have to sacrifice either Khiva or details. In 14 days, there's excessive time. 10 days allow you to cover four key cities without rushing and without feeling stretched thin.

Days 1–2: Tashkent

Arrival at Tashkent International Airport. First day — acclimatization and city center.

• Khast-Imam Square and madrasa complex — the country's main religious center
• Chorsu Bazaar — the largest market, spices, dried fruits, tandoor samsa (~90 rubles each)
• Museum of the History of Uzbekistan — artifacts from Sogdiana and the Tamerlane era
• Tashkent Metro — Soviet mosaics, marble, unique architecture of each station

On the second day — Yunusabad district and modern Tashkent, evening flight or train to Samarkand.

Days 3–5: Samarkand

Samarkand is the semantic center of the route. The most convenient way to get from Tashkent is by high-speed train "Afrosiyab" (about 2 hours, ticket ~890 rubles).

• Registan — ensemble of three madrasas from the 15th–17th centuries, must-see in the evening with illumination
• Mausoleum of Gur-Emir — Tamerlane's tomb
• Shah-i-Zinda necropolis — 11 mausoleums with turquoise tiles
• Ulugbek Observatory on Chupan-Ata hill
• Siab Bazaar next to Bibi-Khanum Mosque

Days 6–7: Bukhara

From Samarkand to Bukhara — by train (~1.5 hours) or minibus (~3 hours, cheaper). Bukhara has preserved its medieval layout better than other cities.

• Ark Citadel — functioning museum inside a 7th-century fortress
• Bolo-Hauz — mosque with wooden columns opposite the Ark
• Lyabi-Hauz Quarter: pond, teahouse, Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa
• Kalyan Tower from the 12th century and the adjacent ensemble
• Craftsmen's workshops in trade domes (toki) — silk, jewelry, ceramics

Days 8–9: Khiva

From Bukhara to Khiva — domestic flight (~1 hour, from 4450 rubles) or night train. Khiva is the only completely preserved medieval fortress-city.

• Ichan-Kala (inner city) — the entire historic center within walls, paid entry (~445 rubles)
• Kalta-Minor Minaret — unfinished, the widest in Central Asia
• Tash-Hauli Palace with harem and ceremonial halls
• Sunset from the city walls — the best viewing point

Day 10: Return

Departure from Urgench Airport (nearest to Khiva, 35 km) to Tashkent, then international flight home.

Practical Tips

• MIR cards are accepted in Uzbekistan, but coverage is limited — bring cash rubles or dollars, exchange at exchange offices (official rate is better than banks)
• For communication, get an eSIM for Uzbekistan from 131 ₽ — internet works stably in cities
• Book intercity transport in advance during peak season (April–May, September–October)
• Dress code in madrasas and mosques: shoulders and knees covered, women — headscarf

Approximate Budget Per Person