Your 7-Day Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, Uzbekistan Itinerary
Hast-Imam Complex · Chorsu Bazaar · Tashkent Metro · Central Asian Plov Centre · Ulugh Beg Madrasah · Shah-i-Zinda
7-day Uzbekistan trip — Tashkent to Samarkand to Bukhara. Day-by-day route, attractions & food.
Part one
Is this trip for you?
Uzbekistan's Silk Road cities of Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara are chosen for their unparalleled concentration of Islamic Golden Age architecture and ancient trading history, which no other Central Asian route offers as intensely. Unlike simply focusing on one city like Tashkent, this itinerary provides the sweeping grandeur of Samarkand's Registan complex and Bukhara's preserved old city, whose madrassas and trading domes feel unchanged for centuries. A shorter trip to just Tashkent would miss the heart of Silk Road heritage, failing to deliver the spiritual immersion of Sufi pilgrimage sites or the visual spectacle of Timurid imperial art.
Your itinerary covers 12 must-have experiences
Historic Islamic Architecture
✓ Day 1: Explore the Hazrati Imam Complex
Vibrant Traditional Bazaars
✓ Day 1: Wander Chorsu Bozor
Soviet-era Architecture & Metro Art
✓ Day 1: Explore Tashkent Metro Stations
A Museum of Applied Arts & Craftsmanship
✓ Day 2: Museum of Applied Arts
Registan Square's Architectural Marvels
✓ Day 4: Registan Square: Explore Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori Madrasahs
Timurid Imperial Tombs & Necropolis
✓ Day 4: Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
Ancient Mosques & Astronomical Heritage
✓ Day 4: Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Bustling Silk Road Bazaars
✓ Day 4: Siyob Bazaar
Ancient Silk Road Cityscape
✓ Day 5: Lyab-i Hauz Complex at Night
Historic Bazaars and Trading Domes
✓ Day 5: Explore Toki Zargaron Trading Dome
Emir's Palaces and Residences
✓ Day 6: Sitorai Mohi Xosa Palace
Sufi Pilgrimage Sites
✓ Day 7: Magoki-Attori Mosque
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under Creative Commons licenses. Individual credits shown on each photo.
📅 Best Time to Visit
The best times to visit Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara are during spring (April to early June) and autumn (September to October). During these months, temperatures are pleasant, typically ranging from 15-25°C, making it ideal for sightseeing. Summers (July-August) can be extremely hot, often exceeding 35°C, while winters (November-March) are cold with temperatures dropping below freezing.
Part two
The plan, day by day
7-day trip
This extremely packed itinerary squeezes Uzbekistan's three essential Silk Road jewels—Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara—into 7 days, necessitating a full day of travel returning to Tashkent for international flights. This tight schedule provides only two full days in each major city, meaning you miss the opportunity for a full-day excursion to Shakhrisabz, Tamerlane's birthplace, with its towering Ak-Sarai Palace ruins. It also entirely bypasses the distant desert oasis of Khiva, where the walled city of Itchan Kala transports you to a truly immersive medieval caravanserai town, a depth of experience this rapid pace cannot accommodate.
Extend your trip by 3-4 days to include Khiva, adding a flight from Bukhara to Urgench for a shorter journey to this ancient walled city. Itchan Kala, Khiva's inner city, is a perfectly preserved open-air museum where you can walk among turquoise-domed mosques, towering minarets, and intricate madrassas, feeling completely immersed in the Silk Road's medieval trading past, which this tight trip barely skims.
- Morning🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
08:00 AM - Arrive at Tashkent International Airport (TAS) & Transfer· 1 hr 30 min
USD 15 09:30 AM - Hotel Check-in and Refresh· 30 min
FREECheck into your hotel in central Tashkent. Take some time to settle in and refresh after your international flight. Aim for an early check-in if possible.
- 🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
10:00 AM - Explore the Hazrati Imam Complex· 3 hrs
FREE - Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Palov near Hazrati Imam· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy a traditional Uzbek lunch, savoring Palov (Plov), the national dish made with rice, lamb or beef, and vegetables, at a local eatery in the Old Town area.
- 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Wander Chorsu Bozor· 2 hrs 30 min
- Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner: Shashlik in Central Tashkent· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy a delicious dinner of Shashlik, grilled meat skewers, a popular Central Asian dish, at a local restaurant in central Tashkent. Pair it with fresh Uzbek bread and a local salad.
City Center
Staying in the City Center provides excellent access to Tashkent's metro system, making it easy to reach both the historic Old Town attractions and the more modern parts of the city. You'll also find a good selection of restaurants and amenities nearby.
- Morning
- 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AMConfirm hours on Maps
11:00 AM - Amir Temur Square· 1 hr
FREE - Afternoon
12:15 PM - Lunch: Lag'mon in Central Tashkent· 1 hr
USD 8Enjoy a hearty bowl of Lag'mon, a traditional Central Asian hand-pulled noodle dish served either as a rich soup or stir-fried, at a local eatery in central Tashkent.
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
01:30 PM - Minor Mosque· 1 hr
FREE - Closes 6 PM · 3.2h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:45 PM - Museum of Applied Arts· 2 hrs 30 min
- EveningCloses 8 PM · 2.8h here🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
05:15 PM - Alay Bazaar· 1 hr 30 min
07:30 PM - Dinner: Manti in Mirabad· 1 hr
USD 8Savor Manti, delicious steamed dumplings typically filled with spiced minced meat and onions, served with sour cream, in the lively Mirabad district.
City Center
Continues to provide excellent access to Tashkent's central attractions, diverse dining options, and public transport for exploring further.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
08:00 AM - Kukeldash Madrasah· 1 hr 30 min
- 🕐 Monday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:30 AM - House of Traditional Crafts· 1 hr 30 min
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Uzbek Shurpa in Central Tashkent· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy a hearty bowl of Shurpa, a clear, slow-simmered lamb soup with vegetables, a staple of Uzbek cuisine, near the Tashkent Railway Station before your journey.
01:30 PM - Train from Tashkent to Samarkand· 5 hrs
Embark on a comfortable 5-hour train journey from Tashkent to the ancient city of Samarkand, passing through scenic Uzbek landscapes.
- Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner: Samarkand Plov near Registan· 1 hr
USD 18Savor authentic Samarkand Plov, a local specialty known for its unique cooking style and use of yellow carrots, at a traditional restaurant close to Registan Square.
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
08:00 PM - Registan Square Exterior Illumination· 2 hrs
FREE
Near Registan Square
Staying near Registan Square provides unparalleled access to Samarkand's most iconic historical sites, allowing for easy exploration by foot. The area is vibrant and convenient for dining.
- Morning🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
08:30 AM - Registan Square: Explore Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori Madrasahs· 2 hrs 30 min
- 🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
11:00 AM - Bibi-Khanym Mosque· 2 hrs
- Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Uzbek Lagman near Siyob Bazaar· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy a hearty bowl of Lagman, a traditional Uzbek hand-pulled noodle soup, at a local eatery conveniently located near Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siyob Bazaar.
- ⚠️ Closed on Monday🕐 Monday: Closed; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Siyob Bazaar· 2 hrs
- 🕐 Monday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:20 PM - Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis· 3 hrs
- Evening
07:20 PM - Dinner: Samarkand Manty in a local eatery· 1 hr
USD 18Savor traditional Uzbek Manty, large steamed dumplings filled with spiced meat and onions, served with sour cream. Seek out a local eatery in a residential area for an authentic experience.
Near Registan Square
Ideal location for exploring the major historical sites like Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Siyob Bazaar on foot, with numerous local eateries nearby.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 7:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
08:00 AM - Gur-e Amir Mausoleum· 3 hrs
- 🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
11:00 AM - Bumazhnaya Fabrika "Meros" (Samarkand Paper Mill)· 1 hr
- Afternoon
12:00 PM - Lunch: Uzbek Plov near Samarkand Train Station· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy a traditional Samarkand plov, the hearty national dish, before your journey to Bukhara. This meal provides an authentic taste of local cuisine.
01:00 PM - Transfer to Samarkand Train Station· 30 min
FREETransfer to the Samarkand Train Station for your journey to Bukhara.
01:30 PM - Train from Samarkand to Bukhara· 4 hrs
Enjoy a comfortable 4-hour train ride across the desert landscapes of Uzbekistan to the ancient city of Bukhara.
- Evening
05:30 PM - Hotel Check-in in Bukhara Old City· 30 min
FREECheck into your hotel in the historic heart of Bukhara, conveniently located for exploring the old town.
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
06:00 PM - Explore Toki Zargaron Trading Dome· 1 hr
FREE 07:00 PM - Dinner: Bukharian Shashlik in Old City· 1 hr
USD 18Savor tender grilled meat skewers (shashlik), a popular local specialty, in a traditional Bukharian eatery in the Old City.
- Closes 12 PM · 4h here🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AMConfirm hours on Maps
08:00 PM - Lyab-i Hauz Complex at Night· 2 hrs
FREE
Old City
Central to major attractions like Lyab-i Hauz and the historic trading domes, offering a walkable experience of Bukhara's authentic atmosphere and easy access to local eateries.
- Morning
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
11:00 AM - Toki Telpakfurushon Trading Dome· 1 hr
- Afternoon
12:30 PM - Lunch: Uzbek Plov near Lyab-i Hauz· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy a traditional Uzbek Plov, the national dish, at a local eatery near the charming Lyab-i Hauz complex, soaking in the serene pond-side atmosphere.
- 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
01:45 PM - Ismail Samani Mausoleum· 1 hr 30 min
- 🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 8:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
03:30 PM - Chor Minor Monument· 1 hr
- Closes 6 PM · 2h here🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
04:00 PM - Sitorai Mohi Xosa Palace· 2 hrs
- Evening
07:00 PM - Dinner: Bukharian Manti in New City· 1 hr
USD 18Savor a delicious dinner of Manti, steamed dumplings filled with meat or pumpkin, at a local restaurant in a different area of Bukhara, offering a taste of authentic regional cuisine.
Old City
Staying in the Old City provides excellent walkability to major attractions like Lyab-i Hauz, Poi Kalyan, and the historic trading domes, along with abundant access to local restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Morning🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM; Wednesday: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PMConfirm hours on Maps
09:00 AM - Ark of Bukhara· 4 hrs
- Afternoon
01:00 PM - Lunch: Bukharian Plov in Old City· 1 hr
USD 18Enjoy a traditional Bukharian Plov, a savory rice dish with lamb, carrots, and spices, at a local eatery in the historic Old City. A quintessential Central Asian culinary experience.
- ⚠️ Closed on Saturday, Sunday🕐 Monday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:30 – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:30 PM; Wednesday: 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 5:30 PMConfirm hours on Maps
02:00 PM - Fayzulla Khodjaev House Museum· 1 hr 30 min
- Closes 5 PM · 1.5h here⚠️ Closed on Wednesday, Sunday🕐 Monday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Tuesday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; Wednesday: ClosedConfirm hours on Maps
03:30 PM - Magoki-Attori Mosque· 1 hr
- 🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: Open 24 hoursConfirm hours on Maps
04:30 PM - Toki Sarrafon Trading Dome· 30 min
FREE - Evening
05:00 PM - Hotel Checkout & Luggage Collection· 30 min
FREECheck out from your hotel in Bukhara's Old City and collect any stored luggage before heading to the airport for your international departure.
- ⚠️ Closed on Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday🕐 Monday: Open 24 hours; Tuesday: Open 24 hours; Wednesday: ClosedConfirm hours on Maps
05:30 PM - Depart from Bukhara International Airport (BHK)· 3 hrs 30 min
FREE
Part three
Food, shopping & festivals
Across Uzbekistan, your culinary journey will be defined by hearty, communal meals, often centered around national staples like plov, samsa, and shashlik. Tashkent buzzes with dedicated plov centers and street food at Chorsu Bazaar, while Samarkand and Bukhara find their culinary heart in bustling bazaars and atmospheric chaikhanas, offering everything from shared Lag'mon and Manti to slow-cooked stews. Expect to linger over fragrant Palov by the kazan and enjoy fresh non, especially within Bukhara's ancient Silk Road courtytyards.
Top 10 dishes to try
USD 0-2Non (Uzbek Bread)
The staple flatbread, often decorated with a central indentation, baked fresh in a tandoor and served with every meal.
USD 1-3Halva
Dense, sweet confection made from tahini (sesame paste) or flour, sugar, and various nuts, often enjoyed with tea after a meal or as a sweet snack.
USD 1-3Samsa
Savory baked pastries with a flaky crust, typically triangular and filled with minced lamb, beef, pumpkin, or potato, often cooked in a tandoor oven.
USD 3-6Manty
Uzbekistan
Large steamed dumplings filled with spiced ground meat and onions, often served with a dollop of sour cream (smetana).
USD 3-6Shashlik
Skewers of marinated lamb, beef, or chicken, grilled over charcoal until tender and slightly charred, a ubiquitous street food and restaurant staple.
USD 3-7Manti
Steamed dumplings traditionally filled with spiced minced lamb or beef and onions, served with sour cream (smetana) or a tomato sauce.
Lag'mon
Hand-pulled noodles, stir-fried or served in a rich broth with tender meat (lamb or beef) and various vegetables like bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions.
📍 Chaikhanas across the city
USD 4-8Lagman
Hearty, hand-pulled noodle soup or stir-fry with lamb or beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and herbs — a staple across Central Asia, with regional variations.
USD 5-10Palov (Plov)
The national dish, a rich pilaf of rice, lamb or beef, yellow carrots, and onions, often cooked in a large kazan over an open fire.
USD 2-4Achichuk (Achchiq-Chuchuk) Salad
Samarkand
A refreshing and essential counterpoint to rich Uzbek dishes, made with thinly sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and sometimes bell peppers, dressed simply with salt and a hint of oil.
Markets & neighborhoods
A bustling ancient market for fresh produce, spices, dried fruits, and an array of street foods like samsa, shashlik, and freshly baked non.
Street food like samsa and shashlik, fresh non, dried fruits, nuts, and local sweets. Ideal for lunchtime exploration and snacks.
The largest and most vibrant bazaar, perfect for sampling fresh produce, spices, local bread (non), halva, and the renowned Samarkand plov.
The premier spot to experience authentic Uzbek plov, cooked in enormous kazans and served in a lively, communal atmosphere.
A central pond area surrounded by madrasahs, with many traditional chaikhanas (tea houses) offering plov, shashlik, and soups in a relaxed, historic setting.
Good to Know
Across Uzbekistan, shopping is primarily a bazaar experience, centered on vibrant markets like Tashkent's Chorsu and Samarkand's Siyob, where bargaining is expected for textiles, ceramics, and dried fruits. In Bukhara, exploration of the Old City's covered trading domes reveals artisan workshops offering everything from hand-painted plates to traditional knives and carpets. While modern malls in Tashkent offer fixed-price goods, the most authentic and value-rich finds come from engaging directly with artisans and negotiating in the bustling historic markets.
Top 10 souvenirs
Local Dried Fruits and Nuts
SamarkandUSD 3-3,000Uzbekistan offers an abundant selection of high-quality, flavorful dried apricots, raisins, pistachios, and almonds at significantly lower prices than abroad.
📍 Siyob Bazaar.
Hand-Painted Ceramic Plates & Bowls
BukharaUSD 10-80Beautifully hand-painted pottery featuring traditional blue and white motifs from Rishtan, or green/brown patterns unique to Bukhara, perfect for display or use.
📍 Trading Domes and individual ceramic workshops within the Old City, such as those near Chor Minor.
Samarkand Blue Pottery
SamarkandUSD 15-15KDistinctive blue and turquoise ceramics, often featuring intricate geometric or floral patterns, are unique to the region and reflect centuries of artisan tradition.
📍 Siyob Bazaar; also workshops near Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Adras/Ikat Textiles
SamarkandUSD 15-20KHand-dyed and woven silk and cotton blend fabrics with unique, blurred patterns, perfect for scarves, cushion covers, or yardage.
📍 Siyob Bazaar; El Meros Silk Factory.
Ikat Silk Fabrics & Products
BukharaUSD 15-150Hand-dyed and woven silk or semi-silk fabrics (adras, shoyi) with blurred, vibrant patterns, excellent for scarves, dresses, or home decor.
📍 Trading Domes (Taqui Zargaron for fabric shops) and dedicated silk shops near Lyab-i Hauz.
Uzbek Pchak (Traditional Knife)
BukharaUSD 20-150A practical and decorative hand-forged knife with a distinctive curved blade and often ornate handle, essential in every Uzbek household and a true artisan piece.
📍 Artisan workshops in the Trading Domes area, especially Taqui Sarrafon.
Ikat Silk Fabric or Garments
TashkentUSD 30-20KVibrantly patterned, hand-woven silk or semi-silk fabrics reflecting centuries of Central Asian textile art, available for tailoring or as ready-to-wear items.
📍 Chorsu Bazaar; Uzbektourism shopping centers
Suzani Embroidery
SamarkandUSD 30-50KExquisite, hand-embroidered decorative textiles, traditionally made for dowries, featuring vibrant colors and elaborate motifs from flowers to ancient symbols.
📍 Siyob Bazaar; various artisan shops along Tashkent Road.
Bukhara Silk or Wool Carpets
BukharaUSD 80-20KHand-knotted wool or silk carpets featuring traditional geometric patterns and deep colors, renowned for their intricate craftsmanship and durability.
📍 Trading Domes (Taqui Sarrafon, Taqui Telpak Furushon, Taqui Zargaron) and individual artisan workshops near Lyab-i Hauz.
Pistachio Halva or Nugah
SamarkandUSD 4-1,500These local sweets, especially the nutty pistachio halva and nougat-like nugah, are rich in flavor and a delicious taste of Central Asian confectionery.
📍 Siyob Bazaar's sweet stalls.
Markets & districts
Carpets, suzanis, ceramics, silk products, traditional knives, spices, and jewelry.
Bustling historic market alleys, can feel touristy but still offers genuine artisan goods with bargaining expected.
Dried fruits, fresh produce, nuts, local sweets, and household goods.
A vibrant local market experience, less tourist-oriented, perfect for culinary finds and observing daily life.
Dried fruits, nuts, spices, Samarkand bread (non), local sweets (halva), ceramics, adras and suzani textiles.
A sprawling, bustling traditional market right next to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, vibrant and authentic, with moderate bargaining expected.
Suzanis, miniature paintings, silk scarves, and other fine crafts from individual artisan shops and galleries.
A picturesque central square surrounded by historic buildings and cafes, with many higher-end artisan shops and galleries, often with fixed or less flexible prices.
Suzani embroidery, miniature paintings, ceramics, silk scarves, and other handcrafted souvenirs.
Tourist-oriented shops and galleries lining the main thoroughfare and around the Registan complex, generally with fixed or slightly inflated prices.
Good to Know
Navruz
НаврузMarch 21 Persian New Year, biggest Uzbek holiday. Sumalak (germinated wheat paste) is cooked overnight in giant cauldrons in neighborhood courtyards. Traditional music, horseback games, and feasting.
Note: Book Samarkand hotel 4-6 weeks ahead
Uzbekistan Independence Day
September 1 marks 1991 independence from the Soviet Union. Tashkent's main celebrations include a military parade, cultural performances at Mustaqillik Square, and evening fireworks over the Ankhor Canal.
Note: Book Tashkent hotel 3-4 weeks ahead
Silk and Spices Festival (Bukhara)
Three-day festival in Bukhara's historic center celebrating the city's role on the Silk Road. Artisans demonstrate silk weaving, metalwork, and miniature painting. Lyabi-Hauz plaza hosts concerts.
Note: Book Bukhara hotel 6-8 weeks ahead
Uzbekistan Constitution Day
December 8 marks the 1992 adoption of Uzbekistan's constitution. Tashkent's Independence Square hosts official ceremonies; free entry to state museums and cultural performances.
Note: Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak periods
Public Holidays(8)
Part four
Costs & booking
- Total for a couple — 7 days mid-range trip, excludes international flights
- Accommodation assumes 1 shared room
- Rough estimates — actual prices vary by season and availability
Local Transport
Accommodation
AI estimated based on typical hotel costs
Food
Activities
Uzbekistan is cheap overall — expect $60/night for mid-range hotels for a couple and $10 per person for sit-down meals. While tap water is potable in major cities, many visitors prefer bottled water; opt for busy food stalls with high turnover for safe and delicious local fare.
To save significantly on inter-city transport, utilize shared taxis for routes like Samarkand to Bukhara, which typically cost around $8-12 per person, offering a notable saving compared to last-minute Afrosiyob train tickets which can be more expensive or sold out.
Eat at local 'Plov Centres' or 'Oshmarkaz' for authentic and budget-friendly meals; a generous plate of plov, Uzbekistan's national dish, often costs only $3-5 per person, keeping your food budget in check.
Budget around $2-5 per person for entry fees to individual historical sites in Samarkand and Bukhara; some major complexes offer combined tickets for key sites like Registan Square, costing approximately $4-5 per person.
When shopping in the bazaars for textiles, ceramics, or spices, always bargain politely; expect to negotiate prices down by 20-30% from the initial offer, especially for tourist-oriented items.
Airport transfer from Tashkent International Airport (TAS) to hotelDay 1
Book 1 week ahead — Pre-arrange a private transfer for a smooth arrival and to avoid airport taxi touts.
Afrosiyob high-speed train ticket from Tashkent to SamarkandDay 3
Book 1 week ahead — Afrosiyob train tickets can sell out quickly, especially for preferred timings and during peak season. Purchase via the official Uzbekistan Railways website or a reputable agent.
Afrosiyob high-speed train ticket from Samarkand to BukharaDay 5
Book 1 week ahead — Afrosiyob train tickets can sell out quickly, especially for preferred timings and during peak season. Purchase via the official Uzbekistan Railways website or a reputable agent.
Airport transfer from hotel to Bukhara International Airport (BHK)Day 7
Book 1 week ahead — Pre-arrange a private transfer for a smooth departure.
The practical bits — connectivity, getting around, and flights. These are partner links; we may earn a commission, at no cost to you.
Part five
Before you go
Tashkent has metro; Afrosiyob high-speed train
Tashkent metro token/card
Afrosiyob train connects Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara. Book in advance.
- Always treat elderly people with great respect; be deferent to them in all situations, particularly in public interactions or when seeking assistance.
- Be polite with women and avoid open flirting, as it is traditionally not welcomed in Uzbek culture.
- When crossing streets in Tashkent, be extremely cautious of traffic; always use designated crossings and watch for fast-moving vehicles.
- In markets and main shopping districts, especially in Khiva, watch out for children approaching for gifts like pens; they might be shooed away by locals.
- Be wary of 'suave locals' approaching you with overly friendly offers or conversation in Tashkent; this can often be a setup for a scam.
- Avoid getting involved in local politics, demonstrations, or any large public gatherings to prevent unforeseen complications.
- Southern Uzbekistan travelers, especially women, should dress conservatively to minimize potential harassment due to cultural differences and fewer tourists.
- Avoid areas bordering Afghanistan and the Ferghana Valley regions bordering Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan for all but essential travel due to safety concerns.
- 1Lightweight scarf (for women to cover head/shoulders at mosques)
- 2Loose, long-sleeved tops (for women, for conservative dress at religious sites)
- 3Long pants or skirts (for women, for conservative dress at religious sites)
- 4Slip-on shoes (for easy removal at mosques, madrasahs, homes)
- 5Small denominations of Uzbekistani Som (for markets, small vendors)
- 6Basic first-aid kit (pharmacies might have limited international options)
- 7Anti-dust face mask (if prone to respiratory issues; dust can be prevalent)
- 8Hand sanitizer (public restrooms often lack soap/water)
- 9Modest swimwear (for hotel pools, less common for public use)
- 10Layered clothing (for day-night temperature swings in spring/autumn)
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details — such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options — closer to your travel date.
Visa & Entry Requirements
Most nationalities, including US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada, can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. Indian citizens typically need an e-Visa, which can be obtained online via the official e-visa portal and usually takes a few business days for approval. All travelers should ensure their passport is valid for at least six months beyond their intended departure date. Other nationalities should check the official Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for specific requirements.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
📍 Official Ucell stores or kiosks in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara.
📍 Official Beeline stores or kiosks in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara.
📍 Official MTS stores or kiosks in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara.
📍 Official Perfectum Mobile stores or kiosks in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara.
Mobile connection is widespread with 4G available from all Uzbek carriers in Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, including approach highways. Tashkent city center has 5G from Ucell and Uzmobile, and Samarkand city center has 5G from Uzmobile. Bukhara, Fergana, Shakhrisabz, and Termez do not yet have 5G as of September 2024. Hotel and guesthouse WiFi is common, but public free WiFi may be less reliable.
Foreigners can get a SIM card, but expect a registration process at official provider stores. Data services are generally affordable.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Two round pins (most of Europe, South America)
Two round pins + side earth clips (Germany, Europe)
220V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
10% at tourist restaurants
Round up
UZS 10,000–20,000 per bag
Tipping is appreciated in tourist areas.
Emergency Numbers
102
103
101
Emergency services may have limited English
Payments
Cash is widely used; UZS is the currency
Accepted at some hotels and restaurants
Limited
Carry Uzbekistani som. USD can be exchanged easily. Cards increasingly accepted.
Many nationalities, including citizens from the US, UK, EU, Australia, and Canada, can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 30 days. Indian citizens typically require an e-Visa. Always verify the latest requirements for your specific nationality on the official Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before travel.
Uzbekistan is generally considered safe for tourists, especially in major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Violent crime is rare. The main concerns are minor scams, traffic safety, and pickpockets in crowded markets. Avoid sensitive border regions with Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
The local currency is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). While credit cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants in major cities, it's advisable to carry cash (UZS) for smaller purchases, markets, local transport, and in more rural areas. ATMs are available in cities.
Tipping is not a customary practice in Uzbekistan and is generally not expected in restaurants, taxis, or hotels. Service charges are sometimes included in restaurant bills. While not required, a small gesture of appreciation for exceptional service in tourist-focused venues might be accepted.
Pack conservative, modest clothing, especially for visiting religious sites. Long pants or skirts and tops that cover shoulders and knees are recommended for both men and women. Women may find a lightweight scarf useful for covering their heads when entering mosques. Comfortable, slip-on walking shoes are also advisable for frequent removal.
The ideal times to visit are spring (April-early June) and autumn (September-October) when the weather is mild and pleasant, ranging from 15-25°C. These seasons offer comfortable conditions for exploring the historical sites. Summers are very hot, often exceeding 35°C, and winters are cold.
From Tashkent International Airport (TAS), you can take a taxi directly to the city center. Ensure you negotiate the fare beforehand or use a ride-hailing app if available, as unmetered taxis might overcharge. Public buses also connect the airport to various parts of the city, offering a more budget-friendly option.
Yes, always show great respect to the elderly and be polite to women. When visiting mosques or traditional homes, remember to remove your shoes at the entrance. Avoid open flirting. In some areas, particularly in southern Uzbekistan, women should dress conservatively to prevent unwanted attention.
These 2 experiences didn't make it into this itinerary
🍲Authentic Uzbek Plov & Local Delicacies
e.g., Central Asian Plov Centre, National Food Restaurant "Navruz"
🗺️Day Trip to Shakhrisabz - Tamerlane's Birthplace
e.g., Ak-Sarai Palace Ruins, Dorut Tilovat Complex
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