the ultimate 10 days uzbekistan itinerary
This 10 days Uzbekistan itinerary will bring you in the heart of this jewel of Central Asia. You’ll discover ancient Silk Road cities, stunning turquoise-tiled mosques, and bustling bazaars. From the grandeur of Samarkand’s Registan Square to the timeless charm of Bukhara and Khiva, history comes alive at every turn.
The warm hospitality of the Uzbek people, flavorful cuisine, and vast desert landscapes create an unforgettable experience.
Whether exploring architectural wonders or sharing tea with locals, Uzbekistan is a journey into the heart of history and culture.
Uzbekistan 10 days itinerary
Table of contents
Day 1: Tashkent
Our Uzbekistan itinerary starts with Tashkent, the capital, a very different city from the rest you’ll visit during your journey. We didn’t spend much time here since there weren’t many attractions, but some are definitely worth a visit.
Chorsu Bazaar, a bustling market known for its vibrant atmosphere, colorful spices, local produce, and traditional Uzbek crafts.
The market’s domed architecture is an experience in itself, offering a glimpse into the heart of Tashkent’s culture.
Very close to the Bazaar you can visit Hoja Ahror, a peaceful mosque and madrasa complex. Hoja Ahror is the most ancient among 157 mosques of modern Tashkent.
Next we hopped on the Tashkent Metro, not just for transportation but also to admire its Soviet-era grandeur. Each station is like a mini-museum with unique designs and artwork.
At night we took the train from Tashkent to Khiva is a unique and authentic way to experience Uzbekistan.
Although there are faster options like flying, the night train offers a glimpse into the country’s history and culture.
The night train is a 14-hour journey until Khiva.
For our night trip, we decided to book first class, which meant we had a 2-person sleeper cabin. When travelling on a sleeper train, you will receive a pillow, sheet and blanket to make your bed. Before your arrival, they will pass by to collect your bedding.
In the 2-person cabins, we were able to charge our phones with a USB plug, however, that is not the case in all classes.
Day 2: Khiva
Visiting Khiva feels like stepping into a time capsule. This ancient desert oasis is basically a living museum, with narrow cobblestone streets winding through beautifully preserved mosques, madrasas, and minarets. Wandering through Itchan Kala, the UNESCO-listed old town, feels straight out of a fairytale.
Khiva is pretty small, so you’ll explore everything on foot!
We recommend that you book your hotel inside Itchan Kala (inner city).
Below you’ll find our guide with the best things to do in Khiva
Day 3 - 4: Aral Sea
Today we are going to visit what once was one of the largest lake in the world.
We kicked off our day with a taxi ride to Nukus, where we met our guide.
First stop was the Nukus Museum of Art, whre you can find avant-garde Soviet art and pieces that survived Stalin’s purges.
We continued our journey to reach what was once one of the biggest lakes in the world. To get there, we first stopped in Muynak, a village in the middle of the desert that used to be a fishing village
We wrapped up the day with an overnight stay in a Yurt near the Aral Sea.
Sleeping under the vast desert sky, with nothing but stars above, felt absolutely surreal.
Day 5 - 7 Bukhara
Bukhara, a UNESCO World Heritage city, is one of Central Asia’s oldest and most significant Silk Road centers. Renowned for its remarkable architecture, including mosques, madrasas, and the grand Ark Fortress, the city provides a deep dive into centuries of history.
Its lively bazaars and charming streets reflect Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage, making it a captivating destination for visitors.
Bukhara was the place we enjoyed the most during our Uzbekistan itinerary.
How to get to Bukhara
From Khiva, you can reach Bukhara either by train or taxi. We chose a taxi since the train schedule didn’t fit our plans.
Booking was simple, we arranged it at the tourist center for $50, the journey took around 5 hours , and along the way, you can chose to stop at the legendary Khorezm fortresses, ancient desert ruins that add a fascinating detour to the trip.
We preferred to go directly to Bukhara to spend more time in the city. If the train timing works for you, it’s another great option, but a taxi offers more flexibility and the opportunity to explore along the way.
Day 8 - 9 Samarkand
Samarkand is a legendary Silk Road city, famous for its mind-blowing architecture, like Registan Square and the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
With over 2,500 years of history, it’s a place where cultures have mixed for centuries, making it one of the most fascinating spots in Central Asia.
This UNESCO-listed gem feels almost unreal—easily one of the highlights of any Uzbekistan trip!
Samarkand is bigger than Bukhara, so you’ll probably need a taxi to get around between the sights.
How to get to Samarkand
From Bukhara we hopped on a train to Samarkand, a journey that takes just 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Day 10: Tashkent
Since we had an early flight, we didn’t have much time. We took one last glimpse of Samarkand before jumping on a train to Tashkent.
The journey took around 2 hours and 30 minutes, followed by a 10 minute taxi ride to the airport for our flight home.
Our trip to Uzbekistan was absolutely magical every place left us in awe, enchanted by its beauty.
Tips to prepare your trip
Here a few tips that will help you to plan your Uzbekistan itinerary.
Get an E-sim card:
To plan the logistic of your trip while you are there and to deal with any unexpected event, we do suggest you to by an E-sim card
How to get Around:
We decided to travel by train and taxi, which we found to be affordable and very reliable.
Taxi
You can hail a taxi on the street or use apps like Yandex Go for a smoother experience.
If you are unable to download it one your phone you can use the website version that serves the same. You need to register which works only with a local mobile sim card and number.
Another option is to download TaxiOK, the app used by locals.
and it works better than Yandex Go, with slightly cheaper fares.
You’ll need to scroll down a bit on your phone to find it. The only downside is that it’s downloaded in Cyrillic, but you just need to change the language before using it.
We used this app to get around Samarkand.
Drive
Drive in Uzbekistan can be unpredictable, sometimes drivers ignore traffic rules, especially at intersections. Expect sudden lane changes, and keep an eye out for pedestrians, cyclists, and animals on the road.
In major cities like Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, roads are generally in good condition, but rural and remote areas have poorly maintained roads with potholes.
What to wear
Uzbekistan is a modern country with no strict dress code for women.
While the majority of the population is Muslim, headscarves are not mandatory, and women wear whatever they feel comfortable in, including ripped jeans or skirts. Western tourists are still a novelty, so don’t be surprised if you receive a few selfie requests!
That said, it’s always best to dress respectfully. Some religious sites do require modest clothing, so be sure to carry a scarf with you while exploring Uzbekistan.
Do I need a Visa
More than 60 nationalities now qualify for visa-free travel to Uzbekistan.
Whether entering the country by air or land, most eligible travelers can stay in Uzbekistan for up to a month.
Countries covered by the scheme include the UK, EU countries, Turkey, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, South Korea, Israel and most Latin American countries.
Note that all visitors to Uzbekistan should have a passport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival in Uzbekistan.
Citizens of around 70 countries that are not covered by the visa-free travel scheme can apply for an e-visa online.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Uzbekistan is during spring (April to May) and autumn (September to early November).
It’s typically warm and dry during these periods, with temperatures sitting around 21°C to 30°C during spring and 14°C to 30°C during autumn.
Communicate with locals
English is not widely spoken in Uzbekistan, even in hotels and tourist areas.
While larger cities like Tashkent and Samarkand may have some English speakers, communication can be challenging in smaller towns.
Locals are friendly and often use translation apps to bridge language gaps. Some signs and menus in tourist spots have English translations, but learning basic Uzbek or Russian phrases can be helpful.
Offline translation apps, a phrasebook, or simple gestures can make interactions smoother.Despite the language barrier, Uzbeks are welcoming and eager to assist visitors.