Uzbekistan road trip: Tashkent to Samarkand and Fergana

Explore Uzbekistan's cultural and natural highlights across 1,787.5 km, starting from Tashkent's modern cityscape and subway system through Central Park, then ascending to Amir Soy Summit in the mountains before heading south to the ancient Silk Road cities of Samarkand and the Fergana Valley.

Distance
1787.5 km
Duration
14 days
Mode
route
Start
Tashkent City Center
End
Amir Timur Square
Stops
9
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Tashkent City Center — Capital city with 2.9 million people; starting point of Uzbekistan travel
  2. Central Park Tashkent — Urban park in car-dependent city center
  3. Tashkent Subway — Soviet-era underground railway system featuring ornate stations decorated with mosaics, chandeliers, and marble—a showcase of Cold War architectural ambition beneath the capital.
  4. Amirsoy Mountain Resort — Alpine ski destination in the Chimgan mountains offering winter sports and summer hiking with panoramic views of the surrounding peaks and valleys.
  5. Solar furnace of Uzbekistan — Solar research facility constructed in 1981, 45 km from Tashkent
  6. Samarkand — Second most famous city in Uzbekistan; historic Silk Road center
  7. Fergana Valley — Fertile agricultural region renowned for silk production, traditional crafts, and centuries-old bazaars connecting three Central Asian nations through shared history and commerce.
  8. Amir Soy Summit — Mountain peak at 2,200 meters elevation near Tashkent
  9. Amir Timur Square — Central plaza with fountains and statue of Amir Timur

Useful for your trip

Transport
Tashkent subway entrance costs only 15 cents and features beautiful stations with National motives. You can now film inside, making it an affordable museum-like experience.
Food
For the most famous national dish plov, go to the center of plov near the TV tower in Tashkent. Watch the entire cooking process and try varieties with lamb or beef topped with quail egg and kazee (horse meat sausage).
Save money
Taxi rides in Tashkent are dirt cheap, typically costing only 1-2 dollars per trip due to low average salaries (about 400 USD per month).
Where to stay
Guest houses in rural Uzbek villages are very affordable at around 10 dollars per night with real traditional hospitality and authentic experiences.
Transport
To reach Samarkand from Tashkent, you can take a high-speed train or rent a car (4-hour drive). Driving is recommended despite mediocre road quality to see countryside and homemade dairy products along the way.
Tip
90 percent of cars in Uzbekistan are Chevrolet vehicles. Expect to see them as the dominant vehicle type when renting or observing local traffic.
Transport
In Samarkand, small tourist buses circulate between major historical sites like Registan, Shahi Zinda, and Bibi-Khanum Mosque, making navigation convenient.
Tip
Visit the Solar Furnace of Uzbekistan, 45 km from Tashkent. It features 10,700 curved mirrors reaching 3,000°C temperatures and operates on solar energy available 270 days per year.
Timing
Visit Amirsoy Mountain Resort, 65 km from Tashkent, for cable car rides with breathtaking views. It's a winter ski resort but offers hiking and mountain travel year-round.
Tip
In Urgut, visit Chor Chinor (four plane trees) where one plane tree is 1,100 years old, 35 meters high. It once housed a religious school (madrasa) inside for shelter and teachings.
Tip
Uzbekistan gained independence from USSR in 1991 and underwent major reforms since 2016. The country is safe and underwent dramatic positive changes in recent 5-6 years with new parks and business centers.
Timing
Samarkand and Bukhara contain hundreds of well-preserved mosques, madrasas, bazaars, and caravanserais from the 9th-17th centuries. Plan multiple days to explore the historical sites.

Video on this route

Uzbekistan: This Country Will Suprise You | Travel Documentary

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