Uzbekistan 7 Day Itinerary

7-Day Uzbekistan Itinerary:

This itinerary focuses on exploring the historical Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. It can be adapted for different interests and travel styles.

Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent & Modern Exploration

  • Morning: Arrive at Tashkent International Airport (TAS). Ensure you have a valid visa (see details below).
  • Afternoon: Settle into your accommodation in Tashkent. Explore the modern side of Tashkent, visiting attractions like:
    • Amir Timur Square: The heart of the city, admire the impressive architecture and monuments.
    • Chorsu Bazaar: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this traditional market.
  • Evening: Enjoy a delicious Uzbek dinner at one of the local restaurants near the bazaar.

Day 2: Tashkent’s Treasures & Silk Road History

  • Morning: Visit the Uzbekistan History Museum, showcasing the country’s rich past from ancient times to the present.
  • Afternoon: Explore the modern city, including the Hazrat Imam Complex, the State Museum of Applied Arts and the Chilanzar Bazaar.
  • Evening: Take a stroll through Amir Timur Park and enjoy the vibrant nightlife scene in the city.

Day 3: Tashkent to Bukhara & Ancient Architecture

  • Morning: Travel from Tashkent to Bukhara by high-speed train or domestic flight.
  • Afternoon: Explore the historic architecture of Bukkent, including:
    • Poi Kalyan Complex: The heart of ancient Samarkand, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with stunning mosques and religious schools.
    • The Registan: A must-see landmark! Wander through this iconic plaza and admire its intricate tilework and majestic architecture.

Day 4: The Silk Road Continues & Local Culture

  • Morning: Enjoy a traditional breakfast in the city of Samarkand, then explore the ancient bazaars and markets within the old city walls.
    • Afternoon: Travel to the Mausoleum of the Samanids, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture.

Day 5: Exploring the Old City & Traditional Crafts

  • Morning: Visit Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, experience the bustling market and explore the traditional crafts available for purchase.
  • Afternoon: Travel to the ancient city of Khiva, another beautiful Silk Road gem. Immerse yourself in the history and architecture of this ancient walled city.

Day 6: The Ancient City of Khiva

  • Day Trip: Spend the day exploring the historic sites within the walls of Itchan Kala, the walled city of Khiva.
    • Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely afternoon exploring Lyabi-Hauz Square in Bukhara.

Day 7: Departure from Khiva

  • Morning: Visit the ancient city of Bukhara and explore its historical landmarks.
  • Afternoon: Travel back to Tashkent.
  • Evening: Enjoy a final Uzbek dinner in Tashkent, before heading to the airport for your departure.

Things to Know:

  • Visa Requirements: Most nationalities require a visa to enter Uzbekistan. Apply for an e-visa online or through the embassy for ease of travel (https://evisa.gov.uz/).
  • Currency: The local currency is the Uzbek Som (UZS).
  • Language: Uzbek is the official language, but Russian is widely spoken and English is becoming increasingly common.

Things to Consider for your Itinerary:

  • Transportation: Uzbekistan offers a variety of transportation options. While this itinerary focuses on flights and exploring the modern cities, you can also consider taking trains or buses between cities for a more authentic Silk Road experience.
  • Accommodation: You’ll have a choice of accommodation types in Tashkent: traditional guesthouses, budget-friendly hostels, and comfortable hotels.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the history of the Silk Road: This itinerary focuses on the cultural centers of Uzbekistan.
    • Uzbek cuisine: Indulge in delicious local dishes like pilaf, shashlik (grilled kebabs), and samsa (savory pastries).
  • Visit ancient mosques and madrasahs:

Things to Know (continued):

  • Sights & Sounds:** Immerse yourself in the history and beauty of the Silk Road cities.

  • Culture & Cuisine:

  • Experience the vibrant culture of Uzbekistan through its traditional architecture, music, and dance.

  • Explore the bustling bazaars and markets, known for their unique crafts and wares.

  • Things to remember:

    • Respect local customs: Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or interacting with elderly people.
    • Currency exchange: Exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices for the best rates.
    • Bargaining: In markets, bargaining is expected.

Important Note: This itinerary focuses on a few key attractions in Tashkent and Khiva. Remember to adjust it based on your interests and travel plans.

Day 4-5: Days of Discovery

  • Day 4:

  • Explore the ancient city of Samarkand.

    • The Registan: This iconic landmark is a must-see for any visitor. Allow plenty of time to enjoy its beauty and history.

  • Day 5:

  • Visit the Mausoleum of the Samanids in the afternoon, which offers stunning architecture and a tranquil atmosphere.

  • Explore the Silk Road markets: Wander through the markets of Tashkent, Bukhara, or Samarkand, enjoying the vibrant colors and exotic smells.

  • Travel to the ancient city of Khiva by train or car.

Day 6: A Day in Time

  • Morning: Enjoy a traditional breakfast, such as non (bread), halim (wheat porridge), or samsa (meat pastries) and try your hand at bartering for souvenirs and spices.

  • Enjoy the experience of the Silk Road.

  • Uzbekistan’s unique history: This itinerary focuses on the historical aspects of the region.

Things to Do (continued):

  • Samsa: You can’t leave Uzbekistan without trying their famous samsa!

  • Explore the ancient city of Khiva with its historic mosques and minarets, or visit the ancient city of Samarkent, both are renowned for their historical significance.

  • Travel to other locations:

  • Consider a trip to the Shah-i-Zinda (Avenue of the Dead) in Tashkent.

Day 6: Explore the Bazaar:

  • Day 6:

  • Afternoon: Enjoy the unique atmosphere of the ancient city of Tashkent. Spend time exploring the local bazaars and markets.

  • Tip:

  • The Ark Citadel: Remember to visit the historic sites in the heart of the “Silk Road.”

Day 7: A Farewell to the Silk Road:

  • Explore the ancient city’s:

  • Hidden markets: Discover the unique goods and flavors of the “Silk Road”, like silk, carpets, spices, and ceramics.

Things to Note:

  • Bargaining: Prices in local markets are often negotiable. Don’t be afraid to haggle!

  • Respect for Culture: Be mindful of local customs while traveling. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or interacting with locals who are following traditional dress codes.

  • Travel:

  • Transportation:

  • Day 7: Arrive in Tashkent, explore the city’s architecture and visit its historical markets.

  • Things to do:

    • The Amir Timur Museum: Explore the history and legacy of Timur, a famous ruler from the “Silk Road” era.
    • Shah-i-Zinda complex: Enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic site and admire the intricate tilework on the mausoleums.

  • Respect for Culture:

Things to see in the historical sites:

  • The Old City: Explore the ancient city center, a bustling area with traditional vendors and crafts.

  • Food & Drink:

    • Traditional Uzbek Cuisine: Indulge in the local flavors of Samarkent, known for its delicious food stalls offering freshly cooked dishes like plov (pilaf), shashlik (meat skewers), and samsa (pastries filled with meat and vegetables) - a great way to experience the cultural heritage of the region.

  • The Silk Road:

    • Travel:

  • Explore: Travel through the ancient cities along the Silk Road, like Bukhara, Samarkent, Khiva, and Tashkent, exploring their historical sites.

  • Respect for local customs:

  • Travelers: Remember to be respectful of local customs. *

Things to Enjoy in “Silk Road” Cities:

  • The Registan: Visit the heart of the ancient city and witness the traditional bazaars.

  • Other destinations: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, unique architecture, and diverse offerings (cultural experiences, handicrafts, food) found in the old cities of Samarkent (like the bustling Siyob Bazaar) or at a variety of historical sites.

  • Enjoy

Remember that this is just a suggestion for your itinerary. You can customize it based on your interests and time available.