How many days do you need in Uzbekistan?

This itinerary covers 8 days in Uzbekistan, which is a great amount of time to explore the main highlights. Depending on your pace and interests, you could extend or shorten the trip.

What is the best itinerary for Uzbekistan?

Plan your perfect 8 days trip to Uzbekistan. This detailed travel itinerary includes daily activities, local recommendations, and insider tips to make your journey unforgettable.

8-Day Cultural Loop: Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara → Khiva

Day 1: Tashkent Arrival

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on January 2, 2026

9:00am

Chorsu Bazaar

Historic central market under a blue dome selling produce, spices and local snacks — a great introduction to Uzbek daily life; arrive early to see busy trade.

UZS0, 1h0m

10:30am

Kukeldash Madrasah & Old City walk

Short walk through the old town to view a 16th-century madrasah and neighborhood teahouses — easy orientation to Tashkent's history.

UZS10000, 1h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Plov Center

Try traditional plov (rice with meat, carrots, and spices) at this popular local spot to experience Uzbekistan's national dish.

UZS70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Amir Timur Museum & Amir Timur Square

Museum and surrounding square dedicated to the conqueror Timur; offers context for the region's imperial history and artifacts.

UZS20000, 1h0m

3:00pm

Tashkent Metro tour

Explore ornately decorated stations (Chorsu, Kosmonavtlar) — metro open roughly 5:00am–0:00; stations are cultural art showcases.

UZS3000, 1h0m

6:30pm

Dinner at Caravan

Refined Uzbek cuisine with live music and traditional dishes in a comfortable setting — reservations recommended for evening service.

UZS150000, 1h30m

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Day 2: Tashkent → Samarkand

Samarkand, Uzbekistan on January 3, 2026

7:30am

High-speed train to Samarkand

Take Afrosiyob train from Tashkent to Samarkand (approx 2h10) for fast, comfortable travel; book tickets in advance.

UZS120000, 2h10m

10:00am

Registan Square

Samarkand's iconic trio of madrasahs with dazzling tilework; arrive early to avoid crowds and catch morning light on the mosaics — open ~9:00–18:00.

UZS80000, 1h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Platan

Contemporary Uzbek and international menu near Registan serving salads, lagman and local specialties — good for relaxing after sightseeing.

UZS110000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Gur-e-Amir (Timur's Mausoleum)

Impressive domed mausoleum of Timur with rich interior tiles; open daily, check seasonal hours but generally 9:00–17:00.

UZS60000, 45m

3:00pm

Bibi-Khanym Mosque & Siab Bazaar

Visit the grand mosque ruins then stroll Siab Bazaar to see local produce, breads and sweets — bazaars often open until evening.

UZS0, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Samarkand Restaurant

Traditional Uzbek restaurant offering shashlik and plov in a relaxed setting near central Samarkand.

UZS90000, 1h15m

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Day 3: Samarkand Exploration

Samarkand, Uzbekistan on January 4, 2026

8:30am

Shah-i-Zinda necropolis

Series of richly tiled mausoleums along a lane; stunning ceramics and mosaics — open ~9:00–18:00, best in morning light.

UZS60000, 1h0m

10:30am

Ulugh Beg Observatory & Museum

Visit the remains of the 15th-century observatory and its small museum explaining medieval astronomy in Central Asia.

UZS30000, 45m

12:30pm

Lunch at Old City Cafe

Light Uzbek fare and tea near tourist sites — a convenient midday stop before afternoon travel or museum visits.

UZS60000, 1h0m

2:00pm

State Museum of History of Samarkand

Houses artifacts from the Silk Road and local archaeology; useful for historical context — check opening hours, typically ~9:00–17:00.

UZS25000, 1h0m

4:30pm

Silk and ceramics workshop visit

See local craftsmen dye silk and paint ceramics; workshops often allow demonstrations and small purchases — confirm opening in advance.

UZS0, 1h0m

8:00pm

Dinner at Plov Center Samarkand

Sample regional variations of plov and other Uzbek specialties in a popular local venue.

UZS80000, 1h15m

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Day 4: Samarkand → Bukhara

Bukhara, Uzbekistan on January 5, 2026

8:00am

Morning coach/ train to Bukhara

Travel by train or comfortable shared coach (approx 3.5–4.5 hours) heading west to historic Bukhara; depart early to maximize sightseeing time.

UZS90000, 4h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Minzifa

Restaurant with traditional Bukharan dishes and pleasant courtyard — popular for first-time visitors to Bukhara.

UZS90000, 1h0m

2:00pm

Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble

Relax by the historic pond surrounded by 16th–17th-century madrasahs and teahouses — open all day and ideal for people-watching.

UZS0, 1h0m

3:30pm

Poi Kalyan complex

Visit the Kalyan Minaret, Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah — iconic architecture central to Bukhara's skyline; usually open to visitors daytime.

UZS50000, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Chinar

Modern Uzbek dining with local ingredients and a calm atmosphere near the old city.

UZS120000, 1h15m

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Day 5: Bukhara Sights

Bukhara, Uzbekistan on January 6, 2026

9:00am

Ark Fortress

Ancient fortress that was the residence of Bukhara's emirs with museums inside explaining local governance and history — open typically 8:30–17:00.

UZS60000, 1h0m

10:30am

Samanid Mausoleum

One of Central Asia's oldest standing brick monuments (9th–10th century) showcasing early Islamic architecture — small site but historically important.

UZS20000, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Lyabi House

Casual spot near Lyab-i Hauz serving local soups and kebabs with courtyard seating — good midpoint for the day.

UZS70000, 1h0m

1:30pm

Bukhara Handicraft Quarter

Stroll through artisan stalls for carpets, suzanis and leather goods; workshops often open mid-morning to early evening — haggle politely.

UZS0, 1h30m

4:00pm

Chor Minor

Small, distinctive madrasa with four turquoise towers — exterior is main attraction; visit before sunset for photos.

UZS10000, 30m

8:00pm

Dinner at Old Bukhara Restaurant

Experience traditional Bukharan multi-course meals, often served with live local music — check dinner hours and reserve.

UZS140000, 1h30m

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Day 6: Bukhara → Khiva

Khiva, Uzbekistan on January 7, 2026

7:00am

Drive or coach to Khiva

Longer road transfer (approx 6–7 hours) across Kyzylkum Desert to Khiva; consider private transfer with stops or an internal flight if available for comfort.

UZS180000, 6h0m

2:00pm

Lunch in Khiva Old Town

Light lunch near the Ichan-Kala gate after arrival; many cafes serve soups, kebabs and tea to refuel after travel.

UZS60000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Ichan-Kala (Old City) walk

Explore the walled inner town — narrow lanes, madrasahs, and workshops; open all day but aim for late afternoon light and fewer crowds.

UZS50000, 1h30m

5:30pm

Kalta Minor and Kuhna Ark

See the iconic unfinished Kalta Minor with its turquoise tiles and the Kuhna Ark fortress complex with views over Ichan-Kala.

UZS40000, 45m

8:00pm

Dinner at Khiva Terrace Restaurant

Dinner on a rooftop terrace offering views over the illuminated madrasahs — pleasant way to end the day; confirm seasonal hours.

UZS80000, 1h15m

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Day 7: Khiva Deep Dive

Khiva, Uzbekistan on January 8, 2026

8:30am

Juma Mosque

Visit the mosque famous for its forest of carved wooden columns and tranquil courtyard; typically open in daytime.

UZS20000, 30m

9:30am

Tash Khauli Palace

Explore the richly decorated palace rooms and courtyards inside Ichan-Kala for insight into Khivan court life.

UZS30000, 45m

11:00am

Khiva workshops & souvenirs

Visit local artisans making carved wood, ceramics and ikat textiles; many workshops open late morning for demonstrations.

UZS0, 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Zarafshan

Local restaurant with hearty soups and grilled meats, serving both locals and visitors.

UZS60000, 1h0m

2:30pm

Sunset from Islam Khodja Minaret

Climb the minaret for panoramic views of Ichan-Kala at golden hour; confirm opening as access can be limited to certain hours.

UZS30000, 45m

7:30pm

Dinner at Old City Guesthouse

Family-run guesthouse dinner offering home-cooked regional specialties in a warm setting — reserve in advance.

UZS70000, 1h15m

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Day 8: Khiva → Tashkent Return

Tashkent, Uzbekistan on January 9, 2026

7:00am

Flight or overnight train to Tashkent

Take a morning domestic flight (recommended) or train back to Tashkent; flights save substantial time compared to road transfer.

UZS200000, 1h30m

10:30am

Free time in Tashkent / shopping

Arrive in Tashkent and use morning for last-minute shopping at Alay Bazaar or for a museum revisit — bazaars and many shops open from ~9:00.

UZS0, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Central Asian Plov House

Final meal to savor plov and regional treats before departure; many central restaurants open through early afternoon.

UZS80000, 1h0m

3:30pm

Depart Tashkent International Airport

Transfer to Tashkent International Airport (TAS) for onward flight; allow at least 2–3 hours buffer before international departures.

UZS0, —

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Step 1 Outline Preview:

8-Day Cultural Loop: Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara → Khiva — Uzbekistan Highlights

Day 1: Tashkent Arrival

9:00am

10:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

6:30pm

Day 2: Tashkent → Samarkand

7:30am

10:00am

12:00pm

1:30pm

3:00pm

7:00pm

Day 3: Samarkand Exploration

8:30am

10:30am

12:30pm

2:00pm

4:30pm

8:00pm

Day 4: Samarkand → Bukhara

8:00am

12:30pm

2:00pm

3:30pm

7:30pm

Day 5: Bukhara Sights

9:00am

10:30am

12:00pm

1:30pm

4:00pm

8:00pm

Day 6: Bukhara → Khiva

7:00am

2:00pm

3:30pm

5:30pm

8:00pm

Day 7: Khiva Deep Dive

8:30am

9:30am

11:00am

12:30pm

2:30pm

7:30pm

Day 8: Khiva → Tashkent Return

7:00am

10:30am

1:00pm

3:30pm

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