Central Asian Plov Center — Near the TV Tower; try Tashkent-style plov, about 1 hour; meal: $5–10.
Estimated day total: $43–83, excluding your paid international flight.
Fly from Muscat International Airport to Tashkent International Airport; a nonstop flight, if that’s what your booking uses, takes roughly 3½ hours, while connecting itineraries can take considerably longer. Your flight time and arrival hour depend on your ticket, so keep the first day flexible: allow time for immigration, baggage and exchanging a little cash or withdrawing Uzbek som. The international flight is $0 (already paid). From the airport, take an official taxi or use a ride-hailing app to reach your hotel; agree on the destination before setting off.
Choose a 3-star hotel near a Metro station so tomorrow’s sightseeing is easy; budget $35–65 for a solo room. After check-in, head to Chorsu Bazaar in the Old City for around 1–1½ hours of browsing—look for dried fruit, bread and market snacks, budgeting $3–8. Then walk or take a short taxi toward the Minor Mosque by the Ankhor Canal for a quiet 45-minute visit; entry is free, and it’s most pleasant if you arrive before dusk. Dress modestly and check locally for prayer-time access.
Finish at the Central Asian Plov Center near the TV Tower for Tashkent-style plov; allow about an hour and budget $5–10. Plov is often served as a substantial lunch and can sell out, so check that the center is serving when you arrive; if your flight lands late, don’t rush across town—save this meal for an earlier day. Estimated day total: $43–83, excluding your paid international flight.
Tashkent 3-star hotel — Second night in the city; $35–65.
Estimated day total: $45–88, including lodging.
Start at Amir Timur Square for an easy 45-minute wander around the monument and gardens; it’s free, and the morning is a comfortable time for photos before the square gets busier. Next door, the State Museum of the Temurids gives useful context for what you’ll see elsewhere in Uzbekistan. Allow 1–1.5 hours and roughly $2–5 for entry. Check the day’s opening hours at the entrance, as museum schedules can change.
Use the Tashkent Metro to get across town and make the journey part of the day: stations such as Kosmonavtlar and Alisher Navoi are worth a look. Set aside 1–1.5 hours to ride and explore, with about $1–3 for fares. Then continue to the Museum of Applied Arts in Yakkasaray for Uzbek textiles, ceramics, and carved woodwork inside a historic house. Allow another 1–1.5 hours and $2–5 for entry; check closing time before setting off, since museum hours vary.
Head to Besh Qozon (Minor) near the TV Tower for plov; a shared portion or simple meal should come to about $5–10. From there, take a taxi or ride-hailing car back to your Tashkent 3-star hotel for your second night, budgeted at $35–65. Estimated day total, including sights, local transport, dinner, and lodging: $45–88.
Siab Bazaar — Next to Bibi-Khanym Mosque; browse dried fruit, spices, and bread, about 1 hour; snacks: $2–6.
Estimated day total: $58–118, including train, lodging, and listed entries.
Take the planned morning Afrosiyob service from Tashkent; allow about 2–2.5 hours, plus time to reach the station and arrive early for boarding. Tickets are roughly $15–30—book ahead through the Uzbekistan Railways website or app, as popular departures can sell out. On arrival, take a taxi or Yandex Go to a 3-star hotel near Samarkand’s historic center (about $30–60 for a solo room). Ask the hotel to hold your bag if your room isn’t ready.
After settling in, give Registan Square around 1.5–2 hours to explore its madrasa courtyards and tiled façades; entry is approximately $5–10. Then walk to Bibikhanum Teahouse for a relaxed Uzbek lunch—allow about an hour and $6–12. From there, continue on foot to Siab Bazaar, next to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, for dried fruit, spices and fresh bread. Set aside about an hour and $2–6 for snacks; it’s best to reach the market before late afternoon, when stalls may begin closing.
| Item | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Afrosiyob train | $15–30 |
| 3-star hotel | $30–60 |
| Registan Square entry | $5–10 |
| Lunch at Bibikhanum Teahouse | $6–12 |
| Siab Bazaar snacks | $2–6 |
| Estimated total | $58–118 |
Samarkand 3-star hotel — Second night; $30–60.
Estimated day total: $41–84, including lodging.
Start at Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, a short walk south of Registan. Give the richly tiled tomb complex about 1–1½ hours; it’s best to arrive in the morning, before tour groups build. Allow roughly $3–6 for entry. From here, walk a few minutes to Rukhobod Mausoleum for a quieter 30–45-minute visit; admission is about $1–3. Check posted opening hours when you arrive, as timings and ticket arrangements can vary.
Take a taxi or walk toward the city center for lunch at Samarqand Osh Markazi. Order the local plov while it’s available—many places serve it mainly around lunchtime—and budget $5–10 for a meal. Afterward, visit the Samarkand Regional Studies Museum, near the center; allow 1–1½ hours and around $2–5 for admission. If you have energy left, keep the rest of the afternoon flexible for a relaxed walk or a café stop rather than squeezing in another major sight.
You’re staying another night at your Samarkand 3-star hotel; plan on $30–60 for the room. A reasonable estimate for today is $41–84, covering the listed visits, lunch, and lodging; local taxi fares and any additional snacks are extra. Check tomorrow’s train arrangements tonight if you’re moving on, and ask your hotel to help with a taxi to the station if needed.
Samarkand 3-star hotel — Third night; $30–60.
Estimated day total: $42–86, including lodging.
Start early at Shah-i-Zinda, before the day-tour groups arrive and while the light is good on the blue tilework. Allow 1.5–2 hours to walk the necropolis at an unhurried pace; the passage through the mausoleums is a place of active pilgrimage, so dress modestly and keep your voice low. Entry is about $3–6. From the central area, take a taxi or ride-hailing car to the northeast edge of town—typically around 10–15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Continue by taxi uphill to Hazrat Khizr Mosque for its decorated interior and broad views over Samarkand; plan about 45 minutes and allow $1–3 for entry or a donation. Then head a short distance to the Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand. Its standout is the ancient ambassador mural, well worth finding before you browse the other archaeological displays. Allow about an hour; entry is roughly $2–5. Museum opening days and hours can vary, so check locally or ask your hotel before setting out.
Have a relaxed lunch at Bibikhanum Restaurant, near the mosque and bazaar. Expect to spend about $6–12 for a meal, and take a breather rather than trying to squeeze in another major sight. Afterward, return to your Samarkand 3-star hotel by taxi or on foot if you’re staying nearby; budget $30–60 for the night. The day’s estimated total is $42–86, including the listed visits, lunch and lodging; local rides and any extra drinks or snacks may add to that.
Old-town teahouse near Lyabi-Hauz — Choose a traditional spot for tea and dinner in the pedestrianized center, about 1 hour; meal: $6–12.
Estimated day total: $58–102, including train, lodging, and listed entry.
Take a morning Afrosiyob train from Samarkand if the timetable works; the ride is usually about 1.5–2 hours. Book ahead through Uzbekistan Railways and leave time for transfers to and from the stations. Budget $10–25 for the ticket. After arriving, check in to a 3-star hotel near Lyabi-Hauz or the old town—handy for exploring on foot—and take a breather after the journey. A solo room is roughly $30–60.
Head to the Lyabi-Hauz Ensemble and spend about an hour around its shaded pool and historic madrassas; it’s a pleasant first taste of Bukhara, and the area is free to explore. Then visit Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah, right beside the pool, to admire its ornate portal and courtyard. Allow around 45 minutes; entry is approximately $2–5. The compact center is best explored on foot, so there’s no need to arrange a ride between these stops.
Stay in the pedestrianized old town for tea and dinner at a traditional teahouse near Lyabi-Hauz. Set aside about an hour and $6–12 for a meal; enjoy the relaxed pace rather than trying to squeeze in another sight after your train ride. Estimated day spend for the listed items is $48–102, including train, hotel, entry and dinner.
Old-town restaurant near Poi Kalon — Have dinner within walking distance of the monuments; $6–12.
Estimated day total: $41–88, including lodging.
Start at Kalon Minaret, the landmark that rises above Bukhara’s old town. Give it 30–45 minutes to admire the brickwork and take in the square; viewing the exterior is free. Then head next door to Kalon Mosque for around 45 minutes in its broad courtyard. Entry is roughly $2–5. Across the square, pause at Mir-i-Arab Madrasah to appreciate its richly decorated façade and its place in the ensemble; this is an active religious school, so access may be restricted. Allow $0–3 and keep the visit to the exterior if the doors are closed.
Walk east through the old-town lanes to Chor Minor, a compact, photogenic structure with four distinctive towers. The stroll is part of the pleasure, so allow about 20–30 minutes between the square and the site, then spend 30–45 minutes looking around. Entry is approximately $1–3. If you’d rather save your feet, a short local taxi ride is an easy alternative; agree the fare before setting off or use a ride-hailing app if available.
Have dinner at an old-town restaurant near Poi Kalon, keeping the evening relaxed after a day on foot. A simple local meal should be around $6–12; try plov or manti, and ask what’s freshly prepared. Return to your Bukhara 3-star hotel for your second night; budget $30–60. For the listed stops, dinner and lodging, the estimated day total is $41–88; add the cost of lunch, drinks and any local transport.
Local chaikhana near the Ark — Take a relaxed lunch or early dinner after sightseeing; $5–10.
Estimated day total: $41–85, including lodging.
Begin at Samanid Mausoleum in Samani Park; allow about 45 minutes to appreciate the intricate brickwork, which looks especially good in the softer morning light. Entry is roughly $1–3. Walk a few minutes to Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum for its shrine and small museum; budget another 45 minutes and $1–3 for entry. Both sites are usually open during daylight hours, but check locally for any changes.
Continue on foot to Bolo Haouz Mosque, across from the Ark, and spend 30–45 minutes admiring its carved wooden columns. A visit is typically $1–3 by entry or donation. Then explore Ark of Bukhara for around 1.5 hours; the former citadel’s museum displays make a good introduction to the city’s history. Allow $3–6 for admission. Wear modest clothing at the mosque, and keep some small Uzbek som in cash for entrances.
Settle into your Bukhara 3-star hotel for the third night; expect $30–60. Afterward, have an unhurried meal at a local chaikhana near the Ark—look along the old-town lanes for a simple spot serving plov, soup, or grilled meat. Budget $5–10. The day’s estimated total is $41–85, including accommodation.
Khiva local restaurant near the old town — Try regional dishes such as shivit oshi, about 1 hour; meal: $5–10.
Estimated day total: $45–115, including overland travel, lodging, and meal.
Leave Bukhara in the morning for Khiva. The usual rail option is a train to Urgench, followed by a taxi to Khiva; allow around 5–7 hours total, including the transfer. Check the October timetable and book through Uzbekistan Railways before relying on a train—if there’s no suitable service, arrange a shared vehicle or taxi instead. Budget $15–40 for the journey, and confirm the Urgench–Khiva fare with your driver before setting off.
Check into a 3-star hotel or guesthouse in or just outside Itchan Kala; a solo room is roughly $25–55. After dropping your bags, spend about an hour wandering the walled old city’s lanes, then enter through Ata Darvaza, the western gate, and take time to orient yourself among the mud-brick walls and minarets. Access may be covered by a monument ticket; allow $0–5 if a separate or basic access charge applies. Keep the afternoon relaxed after the overland trip, and check ticket rules locally, as opening hours and access arrangements can vary.
Choose a restaurant near Itchan Kala and try shivit oshi, Khiva’s distinctive green dill noodles, often served with vegetables and meat. Allow about an hour and budget $5–10 for dinner. The day’s estimated total is $45–115, including transport, a solo room and dinner; add any optional monument-ticket charge if it isn’t included with your old-town access.
Khiva 3-star hotel or guesthouse — Second night; $25–55.
Estimated day total: $36–77, including lodging and approximate monument admission.
Enter Itchan Kala early, when the lanes are quieter, and begin at Kalta Minor Minaret on the west side. Its vivid turquoise tiles make it one of Khiva’s most memorable sights; allow about 30 minutes for a look and photos. Continue to nearby Kuhna Ark, the former rulers’ citadel. Give yourself around 1½ hours to explore the courtyards and climb for rooftop views over the old city. The minaret is generally covered by the Itchan Kala monument ticket; allow roughly $5–10 for the Ark, though ticket bundles and prices can change.
Cross the lane to Mohammed Rakhim Khan Madrasah for a 45-minute visit to its historic rooms and displays; admission is often part of a combined ticket. For lunch, settle at Terrassa Cafe, whose rooftop looks across Itchan Kala—budget about $6–12 for a meal and an hour at the table. Take the afternoon at an easy pace: the old-town lanes are best enjoyed without rushing, and you can return to your Khiva 3-star hotel or guesthouse for your second night. Allow $25–55 for the room. With the listed meals, lodging and approximate monument admission, plan on around $36–77 for the day; carry some cash and confirm the current ticket arrangement at the entrance.
Local Khivan restaurant near Tash Khauli Palace — Finish with a regional dinner, about 1 hour; $5–10.
Estimated day total: $36–94, including lodging, meal, and approximate entries.
Go early to Juma Mosque, in the heart of Itchan Kala, while the lanes are still quiet. Allow about 45 minutes to look among its forest of carved wooden columns; entry is usually covered by the combined monument ticket, so check the ticket options at the gate before buying. From there, walk east to Tash Khauli Palace (around 5–10 minutes) and give its courtyards and intricate tilework 1–1½ hours. Budget $3–7 if it isn’t included on your ticket; opening times and ticket arrangements can vary, so confirm locally.
Continue on foot to Islam Khoja Minaret and Madrasah in the southeast of the old town, allowing about an hour and $3–7. If the minaret climb is open, the stairs are steep and narrow, but the view across Khiva’s rooftops is worth the effort. Afterward, take an unhurried 45 minutes at a Khiva craft workshop in Itchan Kala—look for woodcarving or textile work, ask before taking photos, and set $0–15 aside only if you might buy something. Finish with dinner at Mirza Boshi, near Tash Khauli Palace; allow an hour and $5–10 for a regional meal. Your third night at a Khiva 3-star hotel or guesthouse is estimated at $25–55. Allow about $36–94 total for the day, including lodging, dinner, and approximate entry costs.
Return journey: Urgench–Tashkent–Muscat — Take a domestic flight from Urgench to Tashkent, then connect to your booked international departure to Muscat. Allow a generous connection buffer and verify that the flights are on one ticket; domestic flight estimate $40–100, international flight $0 (already paid).
Estimated day total: $80–200, including lodging, local transfer, food, and estimated domestic flight; international airfare excluded.
Settle your bill at your Khiva 3-star hotel or guesthouse and ask reception to arrange a taxi to Urgench Airport for a little later. The estimated last-night room cost is $25–55. If your flight timing allows, spend about 45 minutes browsing the craft and souvenir stalls in Itchan Kala—a relaxed final look rather than another sightseeing stop. Small keepsakes are optional, around $0–15; check prices and agree on a price before buying.
Have an early meal near Itchan Kala before setting off; allow $5–10 and keep it simple so you have time for the transfer. A taxi or prearranged car to Urgench Airport takes roughly 45–60 minutes and costs about $10–20. Confirm the pickup time with your hotel, and leave extra room for traffic and airport check-in.
Fly from Urgench to Tashkent—about 1½ hours, with an estimated domestic fare of $40–100—then connect to your booked international departure to Muscat. Check your flight times and whether both flights are on one ticket; if they’re separate, allow a generous buffer in Tashkent in case the domestic flight is delayed. Your Muscat airfare is already paid and is excluded from today’s budget. Estimated day total: $80–200, including the hotel, local transfer, food, and domestic flight.
No packing list attached yet.