7 Days in Uzbekistan

This seven-day route links Tashkent, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Bukhara and Khiva, bringing together Timur's legacy, blue-tiled madrasas and walled Silk Road towns. High-speed trains make the classic circuit manageable in one trip.

Overview

This route follows Uzbekistan's classic line: Tashkent, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Bukhara and Khiva. Seven days is short for any of these places, but enough to see the key monuments of each.

Much of the travel between cities can be done by high-speed train. Check timetables and ticket conditions before you go.

Day 1: Tashkent

Start in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital and Central Asia's most populous city, at Chorsu Bazaar. Stalls of spices, dried fruit, bread and fresh produce sit beside old-town streets and madrasas that show the city's historic side.

The Amir Timur Museum tells the story of Timur and the Timurid era, and the rebuilt modern centre has broad squares, parks and Soviet-era buildings. The metro stations are worth seeing, but check the current photography rules. Metro, buses, taxis and ride-hailing apps are all in use.

Day 2: Samarkand

Take the high-speed train to Samarkand, about 275 km southwest of Tashkent. Check timetables and ticket conditions in advance.

The main monuments in the old city are fairly close together. Spend the afternoon at the Registan, and consider returning in the evening light.

Day 3: Samarkand

On your second day, visit Gur-e Amir, where Timur and members of his family are buried, Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis of tilework-lined tombs along a narrow lane, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, which shows the scale of Timurid building. The Ulugh Beg Observatory helps explain the astronomy pursued by Timur's grandson.

If time allows, browse the bazaars. Entry rules and hours can change, so check before you go. Walk between nearby sights; for farther spots use taxis and agree the fare first if there is no meter.

Day 4: Shahrisabz

Shahrisabz, Timur's birthplace, lies about 80 km south of Samarkand and works well as a day trip. The road crosses a mountain pass, and most travellers go by taxi, shared car or organised tour.

Ak-Saray, begun in 1380 as Timur's summer palace, survives only in parts of its gate-towers, about 65 metres high, still showing blue, white and gold mosaic. Also see the Kok Gumbaz Mosque, built by Ulugh Beg in 1437, Dorut Tilovat, and the Dorus-Saodat complex with the tomb of Jahangir. Large-scale demolition in 2015 worried UNESCO, so the old town may look different from older photos. Return to Samarkand in the evening.

Day 5: Bukhara

Take the high-speed train to Bukhara, which has rail links with Tashkent and Samarkand. Check schedules and ticket details before you go. The airport is relatively close to the centre.

Once you arrive, wander the old town on foot. Lab-i Hauz, a gathering place around a large tree-shaded pool, makes a good evening stop.

Day 6: Bukhara

The Ark, the old fortress of the city's rulers, stands on an artificial mound. The Po-i-Kalyan complex sits at the foot of the Karakhanid-era Kalyan Minaret, with a mosque and madrasa beside it.

The Samanid Mausoleum, from the 9th to 10th century, is among the city's oldest and best-known monuments, and Chor Minor is a small building with four towers. Check entry conditions and visiting hours before you go. Most sights are walkable; agree taxi fares beforehand.

Day 7: Khiva

Khiva is far from Bukhara and may need an extra night in your plan. You can go by train or fly to Urgench and continue to Khiva; Khiva also has its own railway station. Check current services before you go.

Itchan Kala is called a city within a city, with brick walls about 10 metres high and gates on four sides. The main monuments line the road between the western and eastern gates, including the unfinished, blue-tiled Kalta Minor, the Djuma Mosque with its 112 columns and the Ak Sheikh Bobo observation tower. Inside the walls you go on foot; check access conditions before you go.

Practical tips

Check train and flight schedules before you go, and book early in busy periods. Museum and monument entry rules can change.

Main sights in each city are walkable. Agree taxi fares beforehand if there is no meter. When adding Khiva, allow for the long journey and an extra night if needed.