Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in
Tashkent, settle in, and enjoy a gentle introduction to Uzbek culture with a visit to the iconic Chorsu Bazaar and a traditional dinner.
Morning
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at
Tashkent International Airport (TAS). Take a pre-booked taxi or Yandex Go to your hotel in the city center. Take time to rest and acclimate after your flight.
Flexible
$5-10 (taxi)
Pre-book airport transfer for ease, or use Yandex Go app upon arrival.
Lunch
Central Asian Plov Center (Beshi Qozon)
Uzbek (Plov)
Budget
Afternoon
Chorsu Bazaar & Old City
Visit the iconic Chorsu Bazaar under its giant green dome. Explore the lively stalls of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and bread. Nearby, see the Kukeldash Madrasah and the Hast-Imam Complex, home to the world's oldest Quran.
3-4 hours
$5 (entrance fees, snacks)
Evening
Welcome Dinner
Dine at Caravan Restaurant for a classic Uzbek meal in a traditional setting, or try the modern Uzbek fusion at Nodirbek Devz.
Where to Stay Tonight
Amir Temur Square / Broadway area (Mid-range hotel (e.g., Hotel Uzbekistan or City Palace Hotel))
Central location, easy walking distance to major sights, metro stations, and restaurants.
Buy a local SIM card (Ucell or Beeline) at the airport or a city shop. It's cheap and essential for navigation and ride-hailing.
Day 1 Budget: $85
Explore
Tashkent's monumental Soviet-era architecture, its impressive metro system, and modern museums before an evening train to
Samarkand.
Morning
Ride the impressively decorated
Tashkent Metro (stations like Kosmonavtlar are must-sees). Emerge at Mustakillik Maydoni (Independence Square), a vast park with monuments, fountains, and the iconic Human Happiness monument.
2-3 hours
$0.20 (metro ticket)
Lunch
Lagman House near Amir Temur Museum
Uzbek/ Uyghur (Lagman noodles)
Budget
Afternoon
State Museum of History & Amir Temur Square
Visit the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan for a complete overview of the region's past. Afterwards, stroll through Amir Temur Square, the city's modern hub, and see the statue of the great conqueror.
2-3 hours
$5 (museum entrance)
Evening
Take the evening Afrosiyob high-speed train (approx 2 hours) to
Samarkand. Have a simple dinner near your hotel upon arrival.
Where to Stay Tonight
Registan Square area (Boutique hotel or guesthouse (e.g., Jahongir B&B or Emir Khan))
Staying within walking distance of Registan allows for magical early morning and evening views without the crowds.
Book Afrosiyob train tickets online via the official Uzbek Railways website (epay.railway.uz) as soon as your travel dates are fixed. They sell out fast.
Day 2 Budget: $90
A full day dedicated to the heart of
Samarkand, exploring the majestic Registan and the surrounding historic sites.
Morning
Registan Square
Visit Registan Square at opening time to avoid the largest crowds. Explore the three grand madrasahs—Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kori—marveling at their intricate tilework, arches, and golden interiors. Climb a minaret for a panoramic view.
3-4 hours
$10 (entrance fee)
Hire a licensed guide at the entrance for a deeper understanding of the history and symbolism.
Lunch
Old City Restaurant (near Bibi-Khanym Mosque)
Uzbek
Mid-range
Afternoon
Bibi-Khanym Mosque & Siyob Bazaar
Walk to the colossal ruins of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the Islamic world's largest. Then, spend time in the sensory overload of Siyob Bazaar next door, famous for its bread, sweets, and spices.
2-3 hours
$3 (mosque entrance)
Evening
Light Show & Dinner
Return to Registan for the spectacular evening light show (seasonal). Afterwards, enjoy dinner at Platan Restaurant with views of Registan.
Where to Stay Tonight
Registan Square area (Boutique hotel or guesthouse)
Convenience for multiple visits to Registan and central location for exploring.
At Siyob Bazaar, try the non (bread) from the vendors at the far end—it's baked in traditional clay ovens and is incredibly fresh.
Day 3 Budget: $95
Explore the necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, the astronomical legacy of Ulugbek, and the tomb of the prophet Daniel.
Morning
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
Visit the 'Avenue of Mausoleums,' a impressive complex of tombs adorned with some of the most beautiful majolica tilework in Central Asia. The site is a pilgrimage destination, containing tombs of Timur's family and nobles.
2-3 hours
$5 (entrance fee)
Go early for the best light for photography and to experience a more serene atmosphere.
Lunch
Karimbek
Uzbek
Mid-range
Afternoon
Ulugbek's Observatory & Tomb of Daniel
Visit the ruins of the 15th-century observatory of the astronomer-king Ulugbek and its insightful museum. Then, travel to the Tomb of Prophet Daniel (Doniyor), an unusually long sarcophagus in a peaceful riverside setting.
3 hours
$6 (combined entrance fees)
A taxi is needed to reach both sites from the city center. Agree on a round-trip price with waiting time.
Evening
Free Evening & Local Crafts
Enjoy a leisurely evening. Visit the Meros Paper Mill to see traditional silk paper-making, or explore souvenir shops for handmade ceramics and suzani embroidery.
Where to Stay Tonight
Registan Square area (Boutique hotel or guesthouse)
Continuity and convenience.
At the Tomb of Daniel, walk three times around the sarcophagus (a local tradition for blessings) and drink from the holy spring nearby.
Day 4 Budget: $85
Morning train to Bukhara, followed by a gentle introduction to the city's historic center and its iconic pool.
Morning
Travel to Bukhara
Take a morning Afrosiyob high-speed train from
Samarkand to Bukhara (approx 1.5-2 hours). Enjoy the views of the desert landscape. Check into your hotel in the historic center upon arrival.
3-4 hours (including transfer)
$15 (train ticket)
Book train tickets in advance. Choose a morning departure to maximize your time in Bukhara.
Lunch
Chayxana near Lyab-i Hauz
Uzbek
Budget
Afternoon
Lyab-i Hauz & Trading Domes
Begin your exploration at the serene Lyab-i Hauz, a pond shaded by ancient mulberry trees, surrounded by madrasahs and a caravanserai. Wander through the nearby trading domes (Toki Zargaron, Toki Telpak Furushon) still housing artisan shops.
2-3 hours
Free (walking)
Evening
Dinner by the Pool
Dine at one of the restaurants with tables set around Lyab-i Hauz, such as Chayxana Nodir Devon Begi, for a magical evening ambiance.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lyab-i Hauz / Historic Center (Traditional guesthouse or boutique hotel (e.g., Amelia Hotel or Komil Boutique Hotel))
Staying in central the historic district allows you to step out your door and be immersed in ancient Bukhara.
For the best photos of Lyab-i Hauz, visit in the late afternoon when the light is golden and the area is lively with locals and tourists.
Day 5 Budget: $90
Explore the mighty Ark Fortress, witness the towering Kalon Minaret, and look into the city's rich Jewish history.
Morning
Ark Fortress & Bolo Hauz Mosque
Visit the Ark, the ancient citadel that was the residence of Bukhara's emirs. Explore its museums and climb the walls for views. Opposite, admire the beautifully carved wooden columns of the Bolo Hauz Mosque.
2-3 hours
$8 (Ark entrance)
Hire a guide at the entrance to understand the fortress's complex history.
Lunch
Old Bukhara Restaurant
Uzbek
Mid-range
Afternoon
Poi Kalon Complex & Jewish Quarter
Stand in awe of the Kalon Minaret, the 'Tower of Death,' and visit the grand Kalon Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. Then, walk to the Jewish Quarter to see the historic synagogues and learn about Bukhara's Jewish community.
3 hours
$8 (Poi Kalon complex entrance)
Evening
Cultural Show & Dinner
Attend a folk music and dance performance at the Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah. Afterwards, have dinner at Minzifa Restaurant with rooftop views.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lyab-i Hauz / Historic Center (Traditional guesthouse or boutique hotel)
Central location for evening strolls and dining.
Visit the Chor Minor ('Four Minarets'), a charming and unique madrasah entrance hidden in a residential area—a short walk from Lyab-i Hauz.
Day 6 Budget: $95
A day exploring the Emir's summer palace, ancient caravan stops, and a final evening soaking in Bukhara's atmosphere.
Morning
Sitorai Mohi-Hosa Palace
Take a taxi to the Emir's Summer Palace, a blend of Russian and traditional Uzbek architecture. Explore the ornate reception halls, harem, and beautiful gardens, offering a glimpse into the late Emirate period.
2-3 hours
$5 (entrance) + $10 (round-trip taxi)
Negotiate a taxi fare for a round trip with 1-2 hours of waiting time.
Lunch
Chayxana near the palace or back in the city center
Uzbek
Budget
Afternoon
Chor Bakr & Bahauddin Naqshband Complex
Visit the necropolis of Chor Bakr, the 'Town of the Dead,' with its serene atmosphere. Then, travel to the mausoleum complex of Bahauddin Naqshband, a founder of a major Sufi order and patron saint of Bukhara.
3 hours
Free (donations appreciated) + $15 (taxi tour)
Combine these two out-of-center sites in one taxi trip. Agree on a total price beforehand.
Evening
Farewell to Bukhara
Enjoy a final leisurely walk through the lit-up historic center. Have a special farewell dinner at Doston House, known for its authentic home-cooked feel.
Where to Stay Tonight
Lyab-i Hauz / Historic Center (Traditional guesthouse or boutique hotel)
One last night in the atmospheric heart of the city.
At the Naqshband complex, observe local pilgrims and, if you wish, tie a ribbon on a holy tree for a wish—a common practice.
Day 7 Budget: $100
A long but scenic drive across the Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva, with a stop at the ancient fortress of Ayaz-Qala for a night in a yurt camp.
Morning
Desert Drive & Amu Darya River
Depart early by pre-arranged private car or shared taxi for the journey to Khiva. Enjoy the vast landscapes of the Kyzylkum ('Red Sand') Desert and cross the mighty Amu Darya River.
4-5 hours driving
$40-60 (share of car)
Arrange transport through your hotel or a tour operator. A private car allows for stops.
Lunch
Roadside chaikhana
Simple Uzbek (shashlik, lagman)
Budget
Afternoon
Ayaz-Qala Desert Fortress & Yurt Camp
Detour to the impressive desert fortress of Ayaz-Qala. Climb the 2,000-year-old walls for panoramic desert views. Continue to a nearby yurt camp for an overnight stay, experiencing traditional nomadic hospitality.
3-4 hours (including visit and settle-in)
$50-70 (includes dinner, breakfast, yurt stay)
Book the yurt camp stay in advance, in peak season.
Evening
Desert Night
Enjoy a traditional dinner at the camp, watch the spectacular desert sunset, and stargaze in the incredibly clear night sky. Some camps offer folk music.
Where to Stay Tonight
Kyzylkum Desert (near Ayaz-Qala) (Traditional Yurt Camp)
A unique and memorable Silk Road experience, breaking up the long journey to Khiva.
Pack a small overnight bag for the yurt camp. Leave your main luggage secured in the transport vehicle for the drive to Khiva the next day.
Day 8 Budget: $110
Arrive in the well preserved museum-city of Khiva and begin exploring the fairy-tale architecture within the Ichon-Qala walls.
Morning
Travel to Khiva & Check-in
After breakfast at the yurt camp, continue the drive to Khiva (approx 2 hours). Enter through the city gates and check into your hotel inside the ancient Ichon-Qala (inner walled city).
3 hours total
Included in previous day's transport
Lunch
Terassa Cafe
Uzbek & European
Mid-range
Afternoon
Ichon-Qala First Impressions
Start exploring Khiva's compact historic center. Visit the Kuhna Ark (old fortress), climb the Islam Khoja Minaret for the best views, and see the impressive blue-tiled Juma Mosque with its forest of wooden columns.
3-4 hours
$15 (combined entrance ticket for all Khiva sites)
Buy the main ticket at the first major site you visit. It grants access to most monuments.
Evening
Sunset from the Walls
Walk along the ancient city walls as the sun sets, casting a golden glow on the city. For dinner, try Khiva Moon Restaurant with views of the Pakhlavan Mahmud Mausoleum.
Where to Stay Tonight
Inside Ichon-Qala (Walled City) (Traditional guesthouse (e.g., Orient Star Khiva or Bek Khiva))
There's nothing like staying within the walls. You'll have the magical experience of having the ancient city almost to yourself early in the morning and late at night.
The combined ticket is valid for two days. Keep it safe. The best light for photography inside Ichon-Qala is early morning and late afternoon.
Day 9 Budget: $85
Look closer into Khiva's history at the Tash Hauli Palace, admire intricate tilework, and visit local artisan workshops.
Morning
Tash Hauli Palace & Tilework Marvels
Included in combined ticket.
3 hours
Lunch
Bir Gumbaz Chayxana
Uzbek
Budget
Afternoon
Artisan Workshops & Free Exploration
Visit a traditional woodcarving workshop and a carpet weaving center to see craftspeople at work. Use the rest of the afternoon to get lost in the quiet lanes, revisit favorite sites, or shop for souvenirs.
2-3 hours
Free (shopping optional)
Evening
Final Night in Khiva
Enjoy a farewell dinner at a guesthouse or restaurant with a rooftop terrace, such as the one at Hotel Islambek, for a final panoramic view of the illuminated city.
Where to Stay Tonight
Inside Ichon-Qala (Walled City) (Traditional guesthouse)
To maximize the unique experience of staying inside the ancient walls.
For a unique souvenir, buy a traditional Khiva knife (pichok) from a reputable workshop. Ensure you pack it in your checked luggage for the flight home.
Day 10 Budget: $80
Morning flight back to
Tashkent, followed by a relaxed afternoon exploring the city's more modern or alternative sights.
Morning
Take a morning flight from Urgench Airport (UGC) to
Tashkent (TAS). The flight is about 1.5 hours. Transfer to your hotel in
Tashkent and drop off your luggage.
4-5 hours (including transfer, flight, and airport time)
$60-100 (flight)
Book domestic flights in advance with Uzbekistan Airways or a low-cost carrier. Urgench is a 30-minute taxi from Khiva.
Lunch
Anjir for modern Uzbek cuisine
Uzbek Fusion
Mid-range
Afternoon
Minor Mosque & Broadway Walk
Visit the impressively beautiful, newly built Minor Mosque, made entirely of white marble. Then, take a leisurely stroll down Broadway (Salar),
Tashkent's lively pedestrian street, enjoying the fountains, street art, and cafes.
2-3 hours
Free
Evening
Evening at Leisure
Enjoy a relaxed dinner. Optionally, visit the Navoi Opera and Ballet Theatre for a performance if there's a show, or simply unwind at your hotel.
Where to Stay Tonight
Amir Temur Square / Broadway area (Mid-range hotel)
Convenient location for your final full day and easy access to the airport for departure.
If you have energy, visit the
Tashkent TV Tower's observation deck in the evening for a 360-degree view of the illuminated city.
Day 11 Budget: $120
A day trip to the scenic Chimgan Mountains for fresh air and views, or an alternative day exploring
Tashkent's applied arts.
Morning
Option A: Drive to Chimgan Mountains
Take a shared taxi or pre-booked car (approx 2 hours) to the Chimgan area in the western Tian Shan mountains. Enjoy the scenic drive and fresh mountain air. Take the chairlift (in season) for panoramic views.
3-4 hours (travel and activity)
$30-40 (transport + chairlift)
Arrange a shared taxi from the Sobir Rahimov bus station or book a tour. Check chairlift operating seasons (typically summer).
Lunch
Option A: Guesthouse in Chimgan village
Uzbek (often with trout)
Budget
Afternoon
Enjoy a short hike in the area (like to the nearby waterfall) before heading back to
Tashkent in the late afternoon.
3-4 hours
Included in transport
Evening
Option A: Return & Relax
Back in
Tashkent, enjoy a casual dinner near your hotel.
Where to Stay Tonight
Amir Temur Square / Broadway area (Mid-range hotel)
Base for the day trip or alternative city exploration.
Alternative (Option B): If not into mountains, spend the day at the Applied Arts Museum and the nearby Rakhimov Ceramics Studio to see and buy high-quality handicrafts.
Day 12 Budget: $90
An early flight to Nukus, followed by a sobering and impactful journey to the dried-up Aral Sea shore at Muynak.
Morning
Flight to Nukus & Savitsky Museum
Take an early flight to Nukus. Visit the exceptional Savitsky Karakalpakstan Art Museum, home to a excellent collection of Russian avant-garde art, rescued and preserved in the desert.
4-5 hours (flight and museum)
$80-120 (flight) + $5 (museum)
Book flights to Nukus (NCU) well in advance as they are limited. The museum is closed on Mondays.
Lunch
Local restaurant in Nukus
Karakalpak / Uzbek
Budget
Afternoon
Journey to Muynak & Ship Cemetery
Take a pre-arranged car (approx 2 hours each way) to the town of Muynak, once a fishing port on the Aral Sea. Stand among the haunting 'Ship Cemetery' of rusting hulls stranded in the desert, a powerful testament to an ecological disaster.
5-6 hours (round trip and visit)
$50-70 (car hire)
Arrange the car and driver through your Nukus hotel or a local tour operator in advance.
Evening
Dinner in Nukus
Return to Nukus for a simple dinner. Try local Karakalpak dishes if available.
Where to Stay Tonight
Nukus City Center (Hotel (e.g., Jipek Joli or Jigerem))
The only practical base for visiting Muynak and the Savitsky Museum.
This is a long, emotional day. Bring water, snacks, and sun protection for the Muynak trip. The landscape is stark and moving.
Day 13 Budget: $180
Final morning in Nukus, flight back to
Tashkent, and departure from Uzbekistan.
Morning
Mizdakhan Necropolis & Return Flight
If time allows before your flight, visit the ancient Mizdakhan Necropolis, a Zoroastrian and later Muslim burial site with a fascinating atmosphere. Then, take your flight from Nukus back to
Tashkent.
3-4 hours
$80-120 (flight) + $5 (taxi to Mizdakhan)
Coordinate your Nukus-
Tashkent flight timing with your international departure. Allow at least 4-5 hours between landing in
Tashkent and your international flight check-in.
Afternoon
Final Souvenirs & Departure
If you have a long layover, you can do some last-minute souvenir shopping near the Chorsu Bazaar or relax at a cafe. Then, transfer to
Tashkent International Airport for your departure flight.
Flexible
$10 (taxi to airport)
Be at the airport at least 3 hours before your international flight.
Evening
Departure
Check in for your flight home, reflecting on an incredible journey along the Silk Road.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (Departure) (N/A)
End of itinerary.
Use any leftover Uzbek Som to buy final snacks or souvenirs at the airport. You cannot exchange it back to major currencies outside Uzbekistan easily.
Day 14 Budget: $130