Exploring Uzbekistan over 7 days offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and stunning architecture. The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, Uzbekistan is the proud home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. In terms of sights alone, Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s biggest draw and most impressive showstopper.

Best times to visit

The best time to visit Uzbekistan is from March to mid-June and September to October. Most of Uzbekistan has an extreme continental climate with sweltering summers and freezing winters, so you’ll avoid extreme weather by visiting during these periods. However, we visited in mid March and the temperatures were still quite low. On a good day, we got sunny weather and around 8-12 degrees, but on a bay day, it started raining or even snowing, with temperatures dropping to -4 degrees.

Here’s a suggested 7 day itinerary to Uzbekistan:

Day 1: Tashkent

• ✈Arrive in Tashkent, the capital city.
• ✈Explore the Old City, including Chorsu Bazaar, where you can photograph vibrant displays of fruits, spices, and textiles.
• ✈Visit Independence Square and Amir Timur Square for some architectural photography.
• ✈Overnight in Tashkent.

Day 2: Samarkand

• ✈Take a morning high-speed train to Samarkand.
• ✈Explore Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage site with its stunning madrasas.
• ✈Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis for more architectural wonders.
• ✈Capture the sunset at Ulugbek Observatory.
• ✈Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 3: Samarkand

• ✈Spend another day in Samarkand to delve deeper into its history and architecture.
• ✈Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Timur.
• ✈Explore the Afrosiab Museum and site of ancient Samarkand.
• ✈Visit the Siab Bazaar for more local flavor and photo opportunities.
• ✈Overnight in Samarkand.

Day 4: Bukhara

• ✈Travel to Bukhara by train or car.
• ✈Explore the historic center of Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• ✈Visit the Kalon Mosque and Kalon Minaret.
• ✈Wander through the narrow streets of the old town, capturing the unique atmosphere.
• ✈Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 5: Bukhara

• ✈Spend a full day exploring more of Bukhara’s architectural wonders.
• ✈Visit the Ark Fortress, Poi Kalyan Complex, and the Samanid Mausoleum.
• ✈Explore local workshops and capture artisans at work.
• ✈Enjoy sunset at the Chor Minor Mosque.
• ✈Overnight in Bukhara.

Day 6: Khiva

• ✈Travel to Khiva, another UNESCO World Heritage site, by train or car.
• ✈Explore the ancient walled city of Khiva, with its well-preserved mosques, madrasas, and palaces.
• ✈Wander through the labyrinthine streets of the old town, capturing the essence of medieval Central Asia.
• ✈Overnight in Khiva.

Day 7: Khiva

• ✈Spend your last day in Uzbekistan exploring more of Khiva’s landmarks, such as the Kalta Minor Minaret and Tash Hauli Palace.
• ✈Visit local workshops to capture artisans at work, producing traditional crafts.
• ✈Depart from Khiva, or extend your stay if you have more time to explore.

Additional cities to visit if you have more time

The storied cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva may boast some of the Islamic world’s most magnificent architecture but after a few days of staring at mosques, medressas and minarets you might well be itching for a different kind of experience. Refresh your travel senses by driving north from Samarkand into the remote mountains of the Nuratau-Kyzylkum Biosphere Reserve.

The Fergana Valley is also one of the best places to see traditional Uzbek crafts. Visit the town of Chust to pick up a typical Central Asian knife (perfect for slicing up the region’s delicious melons!) or head to Rishton where several family workshops produce Central Asia’s finest ceramics.

Karakalpakstan – the ‘Stan Within a ‘Stan’

A Russian-doll style ‘stan within a stan’, this autonomous republic inside Uzbekistan is home to the Karakalpak (Black Hat) ethnic group and is a superb place to get off the beaten track. The big draw is the collection of more than 50 ruined forts that pepper the terrain and dunes north of Urgench.