Home › Itineraries › 7 Days

Silk Road Splendor: A Week in Uzbekistan

From Samarkand's Registan to Bukhara's Ancient Lanes

Trip Overview

This 7-day journey through Uzbekistan immerses travelers in central Central Asia's most fabled Silk Road cities. You'll explore UNESCO World Heritage sites, wander through colorful bazaars bursting with spices and textiles, and experience legendary Islamic architecture. The itinerary balances iconic monuments with authentic local encounters—sipping tea in chaikhanas, learning about paper-making traditions, and tasting plov cooked over open flames. With efficient high-speed rail connections between cities, this moderate-paced trip maximizes your time while allowing moments to absorb the atmosphere of these living museums of history.

Pace
Moderate
Daily Budget
$80-120 per day (mid-range traveler)
Best Seasons
March to May & September to November (avoid summer heat)
Ideal For
First-time visitors to Central Asia, History and architecture ensoiasts, Cultural explorers, Photography lovers

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Tashkent & Soviet-Era Explorations

Tashkent
Land in Uzbekistan's capital and dive into its mix of Soviet architecture, modern parks, and traditional markets.
Morning
Independence Square & Amir Timur Square
Start with a walk through Independence Square (Mustaqillik Maydoni), seeing the government buildings and the iconic Monument of Courage earthquake memorial. Then stroll to nearby Amir Timur Square, centered around the equestrian statue of the great conqueror, surrounded by beautiful gardens and the imposing Hotel Uzbekistan.
2-3 hours $0
Lunch
Central Asian Plov Center (Besh Qozon)
Uzbek (famous plov) Budget
Afternoon
Chorsu Bazaar & Kukeldash Madrasah
Spend time in the sights and smells of Chorsu Bazaar, the city's oldest market, housed under a giant blue dome. Explore the stalls of spices, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional crafts. Visit the nearby 16th-century Kukeldash Madrasah, one of the city's oldest Islamic schools.
2-3 hours $5-10 (for snacks/souvenirs)
Evening
Dinner in the Broadway area
Try laghman (noodle soup) or shashlik at a local chaikhana along pedestrian-friendly Broadway, enjoying the lively street atmosphere.

Where to Stay Tonight

Near Amir Timur Square or Broadway (Mid-range hotel (e.g., Hotel Grand Orzu, City Palace Hotel))

Central location within walking distance of major sights and restaurants, with good access to the metro for the station tomorrow.

Exchange some money at the airport for immediate needs, but get a better rate at banks or exchange offices in the city center. Save your small bills for the bazaar.
Day 1 Budget: $90
2

High-Speed Rail to the Registan

Tashkent to Samarkand
Catch the modern Afrosiyob train to the legendary city of Samarkand and be awestruck by the Registan Square at sunset.
Morning
Afrosiyob Train to Samarkand
Take the efficient, high-speed Afrosiyob train from Tashkent to Samarkand (approx. 2 hours). Enjoy views of the countryside from your comfortable seat. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel to drop bags.
3-4 hours (including transfer) $25-35 (train ticket)
Book train tickets online via the official Uzbekistan Railways website at least 2-3 weeks in advance, in peak season.
Lunch
Samarkand Restaurant on Registan Street
Uzbek (try Samarkand non bread) Mid-range
Afternoon
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum & Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Visit the impressive Gur-e-Amir, the mausoleum of Timur (Tamerlane) with its majestic ribbed blue dome. Then walk to the ruins of the colossal Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the Islamic world's largest mosques, and explore the lively Siab Bazaar next door.
3 hours $8 (combined entry fees)
Hire a local guide at the entrance of Gur-e-Amir for a 1-hour tour (approx. $10) to understand the history.
Evening
Registan Square at golden hour
Return to Registan Square just before sunset. The three madrasahs (Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, Tilya-Kori) glow magnificently in the warm light. Stay for the evening light show if available.

Where to Stay Tonight

Near Registan Square (Guesthouse or boutique hotel (e.g., Jahongir B&B, Emir Han))

You can walk to the Registan and other central sights, and the area has a charming, historic atmosphere.

Buy a combination ticket ('Samarkand City Pass' if offered) at the first major site. It often provides discounted entry to multiple attractions.
Day 2 Budget: $110
3

Samarkand's Ancient Observatories & Paper Mills

Samarkand
Discover Timurid scientific genius and traditional craft villages on the outskirts of the city.
Morning
Ulugh Beg Observatory & Afrosiab Museum
Travel to the outskirts to see the remains of the 15th-century Ulugh Beg Observatory, where the great astronomer-king mapped the stars. Then visit the excellent Afrosiab Museum on the site of ancient Samarkand, housing the famous 7th-century Sogdian frescoes.
3 hours $10 (including taxi)
Arrange a taxi for 3-4 hours with your hotel or a driver (approx. $15-20 total) to cover both sites efficiently.
Lunch
Karimbek
Uzbek (excellent shurpa soup) Mid-range
Afternoon
Konigil Meros Paper Mill
Take a short drive to the Konigil village to visit the traditional paper mill. See the ancient process of making silk paper from mulberry bark, as used for centuries along the Silk Road. You can buy beautiful handmade paper and souvenirs.
2 hours $5 (entry + taxi)
Evening
Dinner with a view
Dine at the rooftop terrace of Restaurant Platan for impressive night views of the illuminated Registan Square.

Where to Stay Tonight

Near Registan Square (Same as previous night)

Consistency and convenience for exploring.

At the paper mill, ask to see the small workshops where they also demonstrate traditional ceramics and carpet weaving.
Day 3 Budget: $95
4

The Holy City of Shah-i-Zinda

Samarkand to Bukhara (by train)
Visit Samarkand's most sacred necropolis before a scenic train journey to the holy city of Bukhara.
Morning
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
Explore this impressive avenue of mausoleums, the most important pilgrimage site in Samarkand. The impressive tilework in blues, turquoises, and whites along the narrow corridor creates an memorable visual experience. It contains tombs of Timur's family and nobles.
2 hours $5
Go as early as possible (right at opening) to avoid the crowds and tour groups for the best photos.
Lunch
Old City Samarkand near the necropolis
Uzbek (somsa pastries) Budget
Afternoon
Train to Bukhara & Lyab-i Hauz
Take the afternoon Afrosiyob train to Bukhara (approx. 1.5-2 hours). After checking in, head straight to the historic heart: Lyab-i Hauz, a plaza centered around a 17th-century pool. Relax at a nearby chaikhana with tea and observe local life.
4-5 hours (travel + settling in) $20 (train ticket)
Book the Samarkand-Bukhara train ticket in advance alongside your Tashkent-Samarkand ticket.
Evening
Evening stroll & dinner by the pool
Enjoy dinner at one of the restaurants surrounding Lyab-i Hauz, like Chayxana Nodir Devon Begi, watching the pool and the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah light up.

Where to Stay Tonight

Lyab-i Hauz or near the Ark (Traditional guesthouse in a historic home (e.g., Amelia Boutique Hotel, Komil Bukhara))

Staying in the old city means you're steps away from the main attractions and can experience the authentic atmosphere.

In Bukhara, many guesthouses offer dinner 'at home' with the family. It's a fantastic way to try home-cooked Uzbek food and connect with locals.
Day 4 Budget: $100
5

Bukhara's Trading Domes & Minarets

Bukhara
A full day exploring the well preserved old city, from its ancient fortress to covered bazaars.
Morning
The Ark Fortress & Bolo Hauz Mosque
Start at the massive Ark Fortress, the ancient citadel of the Emirs of Bukhara. Explore its museums and courtyards. Across the square, admire the elegant wooden columns of the 18th-century Bolo Hauz Mosque, the Emir's Friday mosque.
2.5 hours $8
Lunch
Minzifa Restaurant
Uzbek with a modern twist Mid-range
Afternoon
Trading Domes & Kalyan Minaret
Wander through the series of 16th-century covered bazaars (Toki Sarrofon, Toki Telpak Furushon, Toki Zargaron). Each dome once specialized in a trade (money exchange, hats, jewelry). Finish at the Po-i-Kalyan complex, dominated by the 47m-high Kalyan Minaret (the 'Tower of Death') and the vast Kalyan Mosque.
3 hours $6 (for Kalyan complex)
The trading domes are free to wander; the real cost is in the beautiful handicrafts you'll be tempted to buy!
Evening
Cultural show at Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah
Book an evening folk show in the courtyard of the madrasah at Lyab-i Hauz, featuring traditional music and dance. Follow with a late dinner.

Where to Stay Tonight

Lyab-i Hauz or near the Ark (Same traditional guesthouse)

Remaining in the historic center.

For the best photo of the Kalyan Minaret, go to the rooftop terrace of the nearby Silk Road Spices tea shop.
Day 5 Budget: $105
6

Palaces & Pilgrimage Sites

Bukhara
Visit the Emir's summer palace and important religious sites on the outskirts of the old city.
Morning
Sitorai Mohi Hosa (Summer Palace)
Take a short taxi ride to the last Emir's extravagant summer palace, a fascinating blend of Russian and traditional Bukharan architecture. Marvel at the ornate White Hall and the harem courtyard, showing the opulence of the late Bukharan court.
2 hours $8 (including taxi)
Lunch
Old Bukhara near Chor Minor
Uzbek Budget
Afternoon
Chor Minor & Samanid Mausoleum
Seek out the charming, quirky Chor Minor ('Four Minarets') madrasah gateway. Then visit the beautiful, brickwork masterpiece of the 10th-century Samanid Mausoleum in the park—one of Central Asia's oldest and most architecturally significant monuments.
2 hours $5
These sites are a pleasant 20-25 minute walk from Lyab-i Hauz through local neighborhoods.
Evening
Farewell dinner and last-minute shopping
Enjoy a final plov dinner. Then do some last shopping for souvenirs like embroidered suzani, ceramics, or spices in the trading domes, which are less crowded in the evening.

Where to Stay Tonight

Lyab-i Hauz or near the Ark (Same traditional guesthouse)

Last night in the magical old city.

At the Samanid Mausoleum, walk around it slowly at different times of day. The intricate brick patterns change dramatically with the shifting sunlight.
Day 6 Budget: $90
7

Departure from the Silk Road

Bukhara to Tashkent (by flight or train) & Departure
Return to Tashkent for your international flight home, with optional last-minute exploration.
Morning
Transfer to Tashkent
Take a morning flight (approx. 1.5 hours) or the high-speed train (approx. 3.5 hours) from Bukhara back to Tashkent. This is the most efficient way to ensure you make your international connection. Store your luggage at the airport or a left luggage facility if you have time.
4-5 hours (door to door) $40-80 (flight is faster but more expensive; train is cheaper)
Book the return transport in advance. If flying, Uzbekistan Airways has multiple daily flights. Allow ample buffer time for international check-in.
Lunch
Tashkent International Airport or nearby cafe
International/Uzbek Mid-range
Afternoon
Optional: State Museum of History or last-minute souvenir shopping
If you have 3+ hours before your flight, consider a quick taxi to the impressive State Museum of History of Uzbekistan for a final overview, or visit the TSUM Department Store for fixed-price souvenirs.
2 hours (optional) $10 (museum entry + taxi)
Only attempt this if you have a very long layover (at least 5-6 hours before international flight).
Evening
Departure
Check in for your international flight from Tashkent International Airport (TAS).

Where to Stay Tonight

N/A (in transit) (N/A)

Departure day.

Spend your remaining Uzbek Som on snacks, water, or last-minute souvenirs at the airport before clearing passport control, as the currency is difficult to exchange outside the country.
Day 7 Budget: $120

Practical Information

Getting Around

The itinerary relies on Uzbekistan's excellent high-speed Afrosiyob trains between Tashkent-Samarkand-Bukhara. Book these online well in advance. Within cities, use Yandex Go app for affordable, metered taxis. In Samarkand/Bukhara old towns, most sights are walkable, but hire a taxi for half-day trips to outlying sites (e.g., observatory, paper mill, summer palace).

Book Ahead

1. Afrosiyob train tickets for Tashkent-Samarkand and Samarkand-Bukhara. 2. Accommodation in Samarkand and Bukhara (guesthouses fill fast). 3. Return flight/train from Bukhara to Tashkent on your final day. 4. International flights.

Packing Essentials

Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection (hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen), a scarf/shawl for entering mosques, a reusable water bottle, power adapter (European 2-pin round), cash in USD for exchange (new, unmarked bills), and layers for cool evenings.

Total Budget

$700-850 (excluding international flights)

Customize Your Trip

Budget Version

Stay in hostel dorms or budget guesthouses ($15-25/night), eat primarily at local chaikhanas and markets, use shared taxis instead of private ones, and skip the internal flight by taking an overnight train from Bukhara back to Tashkent (saves on a night's accommodation). Focus on free sights like wandering bazaars and city squares.

Luxury Upgrade

Stay in boutique hotels like the historic Orient Star in Bukhara or the luxury L'Argamak in Samarkand. Hire a private guide with a driver for the entire week for in-depth insights and smooth logistics. Book a table at high-end restaurants like Art Café in Samarkand. Consider a hot air balloon ride over the Registan at sunrise.

Family-Friendly

Slow the pace, focusing on one major site per morning. Kids will love the bazaars (tasting dried fruits), the paper mill demonstration, and climbing the Ark Fortress walls. Ensure accommodations have air conditioning. Pack familiar snacks. Consider adding a day at the Samarkand Eco Park or a camel ride near Bukhara for variety.

Book Activities for Your Trip

Tours, tickets, and experiences in Uzbekistan

Continue Planning Your Trip

Things to Do

Top attractions and activities for Uzbekistan

Budget Guide

Trip costs and money tips for Uzbekistan

Getting Around

Transport options and tips for Uzbekistan

Where to Stay

Accommodation guide for Uzbekistan

Plan Your Perfect Trip

Get insider tips and travel guides delivered to your inbox

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe anytime.