The ultimate Uzbekistan itinerary: Discover the highlights in 10 - 14 days

Uzbekistan is a fascinating blend of old Silk Road heritage and modern-day Central Asian life. In this itinerary, we’ll cover the country’s must-see cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, along with a few off-the-beaten-path spots. We loved our time in Uzbekistan - think grand mosques, busy bazaars, and friendly locals ready to share their culture.

What to know before you travel

Visas are simpler now

Uzbekistan used to have a reputation for tough visa rules, but things have improved recently. Many travelers can now apply for an e-visa, or in some cases, visit visa-free. Check the latest details for your passport online — it's usually a straightforward process.

You’ll need to register

Be aware that you need to register your stay if you’re in the country for more than three days. Hotels and hostels typically do this for you, but if you’re staying in a guesthouse or Airbnb, confirm that they can handle the registration. It’s a small step, but it’s required by law. You will get a piece of paper that confirms your registration. Don't loose this! You need to be able to show it if it's being requested.

Bring enough cash

Uzbekistan is still pretty cash-based. While credit cards are becoming more common in big cities like Tashkent, it’s wise to carry enough US dollars or euros — people often exchange them for Uzbek som at local banks or exchange offices. Don’t count on ATMs everywhere, especially outside major cities. The Uzbek som is crazy inflationary and it's simply not practical to carry bags of cash with you everywhere you go. I am unfortunately not exaggerating, we brought a bag to the ATM once when we went to get money.

Dress comfortably but modestly

Uzbekistan is a largely Muslim country, so it’s respectful to dress on the conservative side — especially when visiting mosques or rural areas. Regular jeans and T-shirts are totally fine, but you might pack a scarf or light jacket for extra coverage in certain places.

Mind the climate

Winters can be harsh, and summers get extremely hot, especially in desert areas like Khiva or Bukhara. Spring and autumn are generally the most pleasant times to visit. Pack layers if you’re traveling between different regions, since temperatures can vary a lot.

Language basics help

Russian is still widely spoken along with Uzbek. Knowing a few Russian phrases (or even some basic Uzbek) can go a long way, especially if you’re venturing outside big cities. It shows respect, and locals usually are very happy if they hear you attempting to speak a bit of Uzbek.

Don’t forget local etiquette

Uzbek culture is warm and welcoming, and people might invite you into their homes for tea. Accepting these invitations can lead to some of your best memories. Just remember to remove your shoes when entering someone’s home and offer small gifts as a thank you if you can.

How to travel around Uzbekistan?

This itinerary works whether you’re taking the train, driving yourself, or hiring a driver. We'd recommend you take the train - it's the easiest way to get around the country if you are visiting the major tourist spots like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. The trains are also very modern and a very comfortable way to see the country.

If you’d rather go by car, keep in mind that road conditions can vary, and signage might be sparse in some regions—hiring a local driver can make life easier. Either way, be prepared for some long stretches of open road in between cities.

Check out our article about train travel in Uzbekistan to learn why we recommend the rails and what to expect

Day 1 & 2: Tashkent

Arrive in Tashkent on day 1 and wander around the city for a bit. We suggest you check out Chorsu Bazaar, visit the State Museum of applied Art, the Ko'kaldosh Madrasasi and the Minor Mosque.

On your second day, spend the time until you catch the overnight train exploring the gorgeous Metro stations of Tashkent. They're really worth your time marvelling at the different art pieces and you can take gorgeous pictures in there. In the evening, make your way to Khiva, e.g. by taking the overnight sleeper train that leaves daily at 9PM (duration 13:58 hours, arrives in Khiva at 11AM).

Where to eat and stay in Tashkent

For a full list of the best places - not only in Tashkent, but all of Uzbekistan - head to our travel guide!

• Cafe Forn Lebnen: Great Lebanese food!
• Chinor Garden Hotel: 25-30EUR/night/room
• Corner Hotel: 55-60EUR/night

Day 3 & 4: Khiva

After you arrive in the morning, check into your hotel and head for lunch (e.g. at Terrassa Cafe). Spend two days you have here wandering the gorgeous old town. There is so much to discover! Make sure you do not to miss the following:

• Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum
• Islam Khoja Minaret
• Toshhovli
• Juma Mosque
• Allakuli Khan Tim Market
• Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrassah
• Kuhna Ark
• Kalta Minor Minaret

You will have a great sunset view from Terrassa Cafe on the Kuhna Ark, and from the Kuhna Ark on the whole rest of the city.

In the afternoon of day 4, take the train at 4PM towards Bukhara, arriving at 00.15AM.

Where to eat and stay in Khiva

• Terrassa Cafe: Uzbek cuisine with a view of Kuhna Ark from the restaurants many terraces.
• Islam Khodja Guest House: 25-30EUR/night/room (This is where we stayed, and can totally recommend! Clean, beautiful view out the window, lovely owners.)
• Zukhro Boutique Hotel: 35-45EUR/night

Day 5, 6 & 7: Bukhara

Once you arrive during the night of day 5, head to your hotel to sleep in :-) After a late breakfast, make your way to Samanid Mausoleum and explore it and the surrounding Samonids Recreation Park. Make your way back to the city center, stopping at Bolo Hauz Mosque, Ark of Bukhara and Ulugbek Madrassa. If you still have time, explore Kalan Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasa.

On day 6, get up really early and head to Mir-i-Arab Madrasa for the sunrise. Believe me, it is worth it! (I am usually very reluctant to get up early myself!) If you feel tired, go back for a quick nap after your breakfast at your homestay (we did :-D ). Then head out to stroll through the bazaar at Toqi Telpak Furushon - this is a great palce to buy some souvenirs!

We found a beautiful hand-stitched silk tablecloth that we absolutely fell in love with - but after thinking it through concluded that even though beautiful, it was simply not practical. You cannot wash the silk stitches, and the tablecloths are usually not meant for usage, but to hang as an artwork. There are also cotton ones that you can wash, but we did not like the designs as much.

Continue exploring the area around Lyabi Khause - make sure not to miss Chor Minor Madrassah and Khoja-Gaukushan Madrasa, before heading to Ayvan restaurant for a delicious dinner.

On day 7, after breakfast, do a small excursion to Sitori-i-Mokhi Khosa palace before catching the train to Samarkand in the afternoon (at 3.20PM). You will arrive in Samarkand at 5PM, giving you plenty of time to check into your hotel and head for dinner.

Where to eat and stay in Bukhara

For a full list of the best places head to our travel guide!

• Ayvan: Whatever you do, don't miss a dinner at Ayvan. It was the best meal we had in our whole trip in Uzbekistan and the restaurant is simply lovely. Ask a bit about the history of the building and the waiter or owner will launch into the fascinating stories associated with it!
• Hotel Old Bukhara: 35-55EUR/night/room (We were very happy with our choice of this hotel - not only is the patio lovely and the owners very friendly, the rooms are very pretty, too!)
• Yasmin: 32-42EUR/night/room

Day 8 & 9: Samarkand

On day 8, get up early to catch the Registan in the morning light and without too many people. Spend your day exploring the main sights of Samarkand - Amir Temur Mausoleum Gur-i Amir Сomplex, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Hazrat Khizr Mosque and Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble.

After breakfast on day 9, make a trip to the mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari, located around 30min by car outside of Samarkand. Upon reaching back to the city, browse through the stalls at Siab Bazaar and make sure you visit Happy Bird Art Gallery after - it's a beautiful shop full of antiques and gorgeous clothes. Laura fell in love with a onesie there, but couldn't possibly come up with an occasion on which she would wear it and, alas, did not end up buying it. Let us know in the comments whether that was the right decision :-D

Where to eat and stay in Samarkand

• Sogdiana Cafe: The food was nothing to write home about, but we ended up eating here twice, as it was not too far from our hotel and the food was decent.
• Registon Saroy Hotel: 55-75EUR/night/room (This is were we stayed, and the hotel is not only super central but also very clean and comfortable. Recommended!)
• Samarkand City Center Hotel: 20-30EUR/night/room

Day 10: Travel back to Tashkent and fly out

On day 10, take the train back to Tashkent and fly out. The way back to the city will take approximately 1.5h with the fast train, and another 15min by taxi to the airport.

14 day itinerary: Adding Nukus, Aral Sea and two ancient palaces

If you would like to extend your stay in Uzbekistan, you can follow the itinerary above, but instead of traveling to Bukhara from Khiva, stay another night and spend a day trip exploring the ancient palaces of Topraq-Kala and Ayoz qalʼa in the Khorzem. Unfortunately, we did not have the time to do this, but the palaces looks mystical: half covered in sand and half washed away by time. They are more than 2000 years old! We'll inlcude it in our itinerary if we ever go back - and if you have information on this part of the journey you would like us to include here, let us know via Instagram or Email!

For more information on how to visit, you can check this travel blog.

After Khiva, you can continue your journey to Nukus. Spend one day in the city and then another 1-2 days exploring the Aral sea from Nukus.