Overview
Many friends often ask me: "What was your favorite trip?"
I always say that every trip holds a special place in my heart for various reasons.
But you know what? Every time I talk about Uzbekistan, I feel something in my stomach, like an engine running at high RPM.
In these few lines, I’d like to briefly summarize my trip to Uzbekistan, honestly noting the must-see sights and what you might consider skipping, from my point of view, of course.
Whether you choose to travel solo, with a customized tour, or join a group tour, there are cities and experiences you should never miss. Here’s a list of must-sees:
Route summary
Tashkent
Flight +Taxi to Khiva
Car to Bukhara
Car to Uzbek desert Kizilkum
Car to Samarkand
Train to Tashkent
Itinerary and Tips
DAY -1
My Uzbekistan tour started in Tashkent, where many people land and immediately move on... well, they’re missing out. A day in the capital is a must.
Visiting the Khast Imam Complex is the perfect start to your journey and a great introduction to the (unique) Uzbek culture.
Why unique? Because once you arrive, you’ll find an unexpected blend of Arabic and Russian influences. Uzbekistan was part of the USSR until 1991, and you can feel the architectural and social influences from that period.
You’ll go from a madrasa to Soviet-style buildings in just 50 meters.
DAY -2
The next day, from the comfortable and modern Tashkent airport, I flew to Urgench and then, in under an hour (and just a bit over 10 dollars), to the incredible Khiva.
I’ll dedicate a post to this marvelous gem. Getting lost in its streets makes you feel like Aladdin might appear on his magic carpet at any moment. Dining on one of the rooftop restaurants makes it all magical.
If you have the chance, stay within the city walls, like at Hotel Khiva Mandrasan, and treat yourself to a dawn stroll through the dusty streets.
A full day is sufficient, though.
DAY -3 and -4
The following day, the destination was the ancient city of Bukhara. You can reach it in 7-8 hours by car through the Kizilkum Desert, or in 4-5 hours by train.
Bukhara needs a full two days to explore properly, and I’ll also dedicate a post to it.
The two madrasas, Ulugbek Madrassah and Abdulazizkhan Madrassa, are worth any effort to reach this city. But they’re not the only attractions; just outside the city, you can visit the stunning Baghautdin Nakhshbandi Mausoleum and the Emir’s summer residence.
DAY -5
There’s one stop along my journey that, in hindsight, I wouldn’t recommend: Yurt Camp on Uzbek desert. Let me explain:
I’ve had the fortune of staying in various deserts around the world, and this one is a bit different from what a tourist might expect.
There are few dunes and sand; instead, you'll find more stones and patches of dry grass. The road to get there is long, full of potholes, and quite dull. I wouldn’t do it again; choose other deserts for your overnight experience.
DAY -6 and -7
The trip continues to the famous Samarkand, a key stop for all Silk Road traders.
Here, you can see well-preserved caravanserais and enjoy the view from the minaret over the Registan Square.
There are many other things to see in Samarkand, like the Gur Emir Mausoleum, but we'll talk about those in a dedicated post.
DAY -8
From here, it’s a 2-hour train ride back to Tashkent, where you can comfortably catch your return flight.
This article is just a brief touch on this wonderful country. With every line I write, I feel the urge to dive deeper into each stop, and I will.
Hard to write the top picks, let me try:
Accommodation
The accommodations in Uzbekistan are generally quite nice and clean. In larger cities like Tashkent and Samarkand, you'll find many international hotel chains offering high-quality services at very affordable prices. However, when traveling to smaller cities like Khiva and Bukhara, I recommend staying in boutique hotels or traditional Uzbek guesthouses. The unique atmosphere in these places will truly enhance your travel experience.
Food
Uzbek cuisine is very diverse, rich, and full of contrasts. It’s a mix of Arab and Russian influences. The signature dish is Plov, a rice dish with fried meat, onions, raisins, peas, and various vegetables. Kebab, or Shashlyk, is found almost everywhere, and for lamb lovers, it's amazing! Cheese, yogurt, and dried fruits are top-notch here. A special mention goes to Nan bread, often sold roadside, still warm—an absolute delight!
My impressions
Amazement—returning from this trip, I realized it would be one of those memorable journeys, worth telling and remembering.
The country and its people are hospitable.
Arab-like faces blend with serious Russian expressions, but all share a grand hospitality.
And what about the architecture!
When I think of this country, I can’t help but think of the blue mosaics of the madrasas or the unfinished minaret of Khiva.
Top Picks:
- Kalta Minor Minaret (Khiva)
- the square between Ulugbek Madrassah and Abdulazizkhan Madrassah (Bukhara)
-Regista Square, in the evening, when the turn on the lights
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