The Old City of Bukhara is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a living museum of the Silk Road. Visit the Kalon Minaret, the Poi Kalon madrasah, and Kalyan Mosque. Stroll through the bustling Lyabi Hauz complex and bargain for souvenirs at the Toki Zargaron bazaar.
Samarkand is known as the Crossroads of Cultures, where traders and conquerors passed through for millennia. Marvel at the Registan Square, the Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque. Explore the Siab Bazaar, and relax in the Afrosiyob Park.
The capital city of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, is a perfect mix of the ancient and the modern. Visit the Khast-Imam complex, the Chorsu Bazaar, and the Amir Timur Museum. Explore the Uzbekistan Railway Museum, and enjoy the fountain show at the National Park.
Kokand Palace was the residence of the last ruler of the Kokand Khanate. Admire the finely crafted wooden pillars, the ornate ceilings, and the spacious courtyards of the palace. Visit the Juma Mosque, the Norbutabiy madrasah, and the Modari Khan Mausoleum.
Zarafshan is a mining town that was once the center of the Soviet nuclear program. Visit the mining museum, and take a tour of the uranium mines. Trek in the nearby Nuratau Mountains, and take a dip in the holy waters of Chashma spring.
Uzbekistan has an extensive network of trains and buses that connect major cities and towns. Trains are comfortable, affordable, and punctual, while buses are cheap but less convenient. Taxis are widely available, but drivers might overcharge. Domestic flights are available, but they're more expensive than other options. A five-day itinerary can be covered by trains and buses, with an estimated cost of $50 and a total travel time of 25 hours.
If you have more time, consider visiting the Fergana Valley, the Aral Sea, or the Urgench-Khiva circuit. If you have less time, consider skipping Zarafshan and Kokand Palace. Remember to dress appropriately, respect local customs, and drink plenty of water. English is not widely spoken, so consider learning some Russian or Uzbek phrases.
Bukhara International Airport (BHK) is located 9 miles west of Bukhara's Old City. It has domestic flights to Tashkent, Samarkand, Urgench, and Navoi, as well as international flights to Moscow and Dubai. Tashkent International Airport (TAS) is the main airport in Uzbekistan and is located 7 miles southeast of Tashkent's city center. It has domestic flights to all major cities in Uzbekistan, as well as international flights to cities in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.