Multi Day Journeys From Tashkent

November 5, 2026

Tashkent works as the start of several longer journeys, but it fills only two or three days by itself. This page lays out the options in order of how well the details are settled, from the Silk Road rail loop down to outlines that need a local operator.

Option 1: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara by train

The Afrosiyob high-speed trains make the classic circuit easy.

Tashkent to Samarkand: about 2 hours 15 to 30 minutes.
Samarkand to Bukhara: about 1 hour 30 to 50 minutes.
Bukhara to Tashkent: about 4 hours.

Plan on four or five nights: two or three in Samarkand, two in Bukhara. Tickets are released about 45 days ahead, and popular trains sell out. Foreign travellers book with a passport number through the railway portal or the app. Departure times change, so check the live timetable. Details of the sights are on the Samarkand and Bukhara pages.

Khiva lies further west on a different route. It is not served by the Afrosiyob.

Option 2: A weekend in Shakhrisabz

Since 27 March 2026, an Afrosiyob has run between Tashkent and Shakhrisabz on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The town has the ruined Ak-Saray gateway and the tomb complexes at Dorut Tilavat and Dorus Saodat. One night is enough, because the monuments are close together.

Option 3: Fergana Valley circuit

The valley is reached by rail through the Kamchik tunnel, about 19 km long. Visitors usually stop in Kokand, Rishton and Margilan for a palace, ceramics and silk. Allow at least three days. Timetables and workshop visits differ by season and operator, so plan these with a local company.

Option 4: Karakalpakstan and the Aral Sea

Nukus has the Savitsky Museum, and the Aral Sea area around Muynak lies beyond it. Reaching it takes a flight plus rough roads, and the desert can be very hot. This suits a longer trip arranged with a specialist.

Choosing between them

A first trip to Uzbekistan usually suits Option 1, because the trains are fast and the main sights are close to the stations. Add Option 2 if you want a quieter Timurid town and can travel on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday. Options 3 and 4 add distance and need more preparation, so leave them for a second visit or a longer holiday. Whichever you pick, start the day early in summer, drink plenty of water and keep a day spare for delays.

Before you go

UK citizens can stay up to 30 days without a visa and must register within 3 days, which hotels normally do. Details: UK entry requirements .
Carry travel insurance. If you fly through the Gulf, check your airline, as the Middle East escalation has caused disruption.
Bring cash in UZS for smaller towns.
Search accommodation on Booking.com .