Uzbekistan in 7 Days: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, Khiva
A week along the Silk Road with a desert crossing and a return by plane or night train. How to split the days, transport options and pacing advice.
Seven days let you cover all four main Silk Road cities in Uzbekistan: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. It is a busy but realistic route, leaving time for both monuments and rest. Below is a day-by-day plan that accounts for the long transfers.
The overall scheme
| Day | City | Main focus |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Tashkent | First look at the city, transfer to Samarkand |
| Day 2 | Samarkand | Registan, Gur-Emir, Bibi-Khanym |
| Day 3 | Samarkand | Shah-i-Zinda, Afrasiab, transfer to Bukhara |
| Day 4 | Bukhara | The old town |
| Day 5 | Bukhara | The suburbs and the desert crossing |
| Day 6 | Khiva | Ichan-Kala |
| Day 7 | Khiva to Tashkent | Return by air |
The order can be changed, but the east-to-west direction is the most logical: the climate and atmosphere change gradually.
Day 1: Tashkent
After arrival you will have time to get to know the city. See the Khast-Imam complex and Chorsu Bazaar, then move on to Samarkand. If your flight is late, spend the night in the capital and continue in the morning.
Days 2 to 3: Samarkand
This is the heart of the route. Two days let you walk without hurry.
- Day 2: the Registan (morning), Gur-Emir, Bibi-Khanym and Siab, the evening lighting of the Registan.
- Day 3: Shah-i-Zinda, Afrasiab, the Ulugh Beg Observatory. In the afternoon the transfer to Bukhara.
The road from Tashkent to Samarkand takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Trips on the Samarkand — Bukhara route take the same, and on that page drivers post trips with different departure times.
Days 4 to 5: Bukhara
Bukhara needs two days.
- Day 4: Lyabi-Hauz, the trading domes, the Kalon complex, the Ark, the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, Chor-Minor.
- Day 5: morning in the suburbs (Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa or Naqshbandi), or workshops and museums. After lunch the transfer to Khiva.
The desert crossing: Bukhara to Khiva
This is the longest and most unusual stretch. The distance is about 450 kilometres, around 6 to 7 hours by car. The road runs through the Kyzylkum Desert, and the window shows almost no settlements. For comfort bring water and a snack, dress loosely and plan the departure for the morning.
On the Bukhara — Khiva page drivers post trips. An alternative is the train, which also crosses the desert but runs on a schedule. Choose whatever is more convenient. Read more about food and water on the road in our article on the Kyzylkum road.
Day 6: Khiva
One day is enough for Khiva.
- Morning: Kalta Minor, Kunya-Ark, the Islam Khoja Minaret.
- Lunch and rest in the heat.
- Afternoon: the Juma Mosque, Tash-Khauli, the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum.
- Evening: sunset on the city walls.
More in our article on Khiva in one day.
Day 7: return to Tashkent
From Khiva to Urgench airport is about 35 kilometres, taking around 40 to 50 minutes. It is better to leave early. The flight from Urgench to Tashkent takes a little under two hours. If you prefer ground transport, there is a night train, but it takes a long time. On the Urgench — Tashkent page drivers post trips for those going by car. It is a long route, so leave with a time margin.
Where to sleep
- Tashkent: a hotel near the metro, to reach the station quickly.
- Samarkand: a guesthouse near the Registan.
- Bukhara: a guesthouse in the old town.
- Khiva: a guesthouse inside or near Ichan-Kala.
Book lodging in advance, especially in spring and autumn.
When to go
The best time is April, May, September and October. Summer is very hot in desert areas, while winter can be cold. If you travel in the heat, take a break at midday and plan activity for morning and evening.
Ways to travel
- The high-speed train suits the Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara section.
- A plane is convenient for the return from Urgench to Tashkent.
- A car and shared rides give flexibility, especially on the Bukhara to Khiva stretch.
On long legs shared rides are convenient because you can choose the departure time. You book a seat in the Yo'ldosh app, drivers are verified, and the price is usually lower than a taxi. See all directions on the all routes page.
What to bring
- Light modest clothing, a hat and sunglasses.
- Comfortable shoes.
- Cash in local currency.
- Sunscreen and water.
- A warm top for evenings and early-morning departures.
- A socket adapter and a charger.
What you can skip
If you feel tired:
- the observatory and Afrasiab in Samarkand;
- the suburban sights of Bukhara;
- Tashkent museums.
The core: the Registan, Gur-Emir, Shah-i-Zinda, Kalon, the Ark, Lyabi-Hauz and Ichan-Kala.
The takeaway
A week along the Silk Road is a journey in which each city has its own character: broad Tashkent, ceremonial Samarkand, quiet Bukhara and clay-built Khiva. Do not try to see everything: leave time for tea, walks and conversations. At this rhythm the trip is remembered best.
Cover photo: AIDEPCUL, CC BY 4.0, Wikimedia Commons.
