Traveling through Uzbekistan on a two-week itinerary was like stepping into a living chapter of the Silk Road. This country, increasingly explored by mass tourism, holds a surprising cultural and historical wealth among its deserts and madrasas. From the turquoise tiles decorating the domes of Samarkand to the adobe alleys of Khiva, each city seems frozen in time, with a unique atmosphere that blends traditions and dazzling Islamic architecture.
On this itinerary through Uzbekistan, I visited three must-see gems: Samarkand, with its imposing Registan; Bukhara, an open-air museum steeped in spirituality and legend; and Khiva, a walled city that looks like something out of an oriental fairy tale. Throughout this trip, I share practical details, useful tips, and my personal experiences to help you plan your own adventure through this fascinating corner of Central Asia.
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Must see tourist areas to include in your itinerary in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan offers a diversity of landscapes and historic cities that deserve to be included on any itinerary. While this trip focused on the three cities mentioned in the introduction, Uzbekistan offers other regions well worth exploring, from its modern capital, Tashkent, to the remote Aral Sea and the traditional Fergana Valley.
If you want more information on traveling to Uzbekistan on your own, don't miss the travel guide I wrote, which is ideal for planning everything before your arrival.
These are the main tourist areas that you can't miss:
Samarkand
The country's most famous jewel and one of the key points on the ancient Silk Road. The Registan, the Mausoleum of Timur (Gur-e Amir), and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis are must-sees. Its Islamic architecture with blue mosaics is simply stunning.
Bukhara
A city that seems frozen in time, with more than 140 historical monuments. Stroll through the old town, visit Lyabi-Hauz Square, the Ark Fortress, and the madrasas that emerge from the adobe alleys. It's an ideal place to absorb the essence of Central Asia.
Khiva
A walled city that looks like something out of a Arabian Nights story. Its historic center, Itchan Kala, is a World Heritage Site and can be explored entirely on foot. It is the best-preserved ancient city in the country.
Tashkent
The country's capital and a gateway for many travelers. Although modern in appearance, it offers bazaars like Chorsu, mosques, museums, and a metro network with stations decorated like art galleries.
Fergana Valley
Less touristy, but ideal for those seeking a more authentic and local experience. It's the agricultural heart of the country and famous for its silk, ceramic, and traditional knife crafts. The cities of Kokand, Margilan, and Rishtan are key stops.
Aral Sea
A desolate yet intriguing area. The town of Moynaq, once a fishing port, now features rusty boats stranded on the sand, a testament to one of the greatest ecological catastrophes of the 20th century. Ideal for adventurous travelers and lovers of alternative tourism.
I didn't visit this region from the Uzbek side, but from Kazakhstan, a similar experience that shows another side of the environmental disaster.
My favorite places in Uzbekistan
Although every corner of Uzbekistan has something special, there were three places I'd like to highlight on this trip. Places where time seems to stand still, where history permeates the air, and every detail invites you to linger a little longer.
Registan Square – Samarkand
Few places have impressed me as much as the majestic Registan Square. Surrounded by three imposing madrasas covered in blue tiles and geometric mosaics, this square was for centuries the cultural and commercial heart of Samarkand. Whether during the day, when the sun brings out the colors, at dusk, when the shadows play on the domes, or at night, when colored lights are projected onto the facades, the Registan is simply unforgettable.
The caravanserai of Bukhara
In the middle of Bukhara's old town, discovering a restored ancient caravanserai was like stepping back in time. These spaces were resting places for Silk Road traders, and even today, although filled with souvenir shops, they retain that air of mysticism. Walking through its courtyards and alleyways, seeing how history coexists with modern life, was one of the most beautiful moments of the trip.
The alleys of Khiva
Within the walls of Itchan Kala, the small ancient city of Khiva, I got lost more than once in its narrow adobe alleys, which was what I liked most. During the day, the city is usually bustling with tourists, but at night, it empties out. Wandering aimlessly among carved doorways, solitary minarets, and silent mosques transports you to another era.
Uzbekistan Itinerary Map
2-week Uzbekistan Itinerary Details
Most organized tours of Uzbekistan typically last around 10 days and focus primarily on the three most iconic cities: Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. This is a comprehensive itinerary for those short on time, as it covers the highlights of the country's historical and cultural heritage.
However, if you have more days, it may be worth expanding your tour to include other areas such as Tashkent, the Fergana Valley, or even a trip to the Aral Sea, to get a deeper and more varied look at everything Uzbekistan has to offer.
