Uzbekistan places to see: Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
Explore 15 key landmarks across Uzbekistan's three historic cities: Tashkent's Chorsu Bazaar and Hazrat Imam Complex, Samarkand's Registan Square and Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and Bukhara's Ark Fortress and Kalyan Minaret, plus the ancient walled city of Khiva's Ichan Kala.
- Distance
- 895.7 km
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Tashkent
- End
- Ichan Kala
- Stops
- 15
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Tashkent — The modern capital and largest city of Uzbekistan, blending Soviet-era architecture with Islamic tradition.
- Chorsu Bazaar — Historic market at the heart of Tashkent, a centuries-old center of trade under an iconic turquoise dome.
- Hazrat Imam Complex — Tashkent's spiritual center — a magnificent ensemble of madrasas, mosques, and mausoleums.
- Amir Timur Square — Central square of Tashkent featuring an equestrian statue of the great conqueror Timur.
- Samarkand — Known as the Pearl of the East, former capital of the Timurid Empire with 2,750 years of history.
- Registan Square — The most magnificent architectural ensemble in the Islamic world — three grand madrasas facing a vast plaza.
- Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis — A sacred avenue of mausoleums built between the 11th and 19th centuries, renowned for extraordinary tilework.
- Ulugh Beg Observatory — 15th-century astronomical institution built by Timur's grandson Ulugh Beg, mapping over 1,000 stars.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque — Once the largest mosque in the Islamic world, built by Timur following his Indian campaign.
- Bukhara — One of the Silk Road's most enchanting cities, with 2,500 years of history and a UNESCO-protected historic center.
- Ark Fortress — Ancient citadel dominating Bukhara for over 2,000 years, seat of the city's rulers through many dynasties.
- Kalyan Minaret — 47-meter tower built in 1127 that survived Genghis Khan's destruction, famed for its intricate brickwork.
- Ismail Samani Mausoleum — 10th-century gem and one of Central Asia's oldest Islamic structures, remarkable for its intricate brick patterns.
- Khiva — A UNESCO World Heritage walled city — one of the world's most perfectly preserved medieval cities.
- Ichan Kala — The ancient inner city of Khiva enclosed within 2,500-year-old walls, a living museum of the Silk Road.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- High-speed trains connect major cities (Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara), reducing travel time from days to hours.
- Food
- Plov (rice pilaf with lamb, carrots, onions, spices) is the national dish served at celebrations. Master chefs (ashpaz) prepare it in large cast iron cauldrons.
- Food
- Try shashlik (marinated meat on skewers grilled over charcoal), lagman (hand-pulled noodles with broth), manti (steamed dumplings), and samsa (meat pastries from tandoor ovens).
- Food
- Green tea served in small bowls (piala) accompanies every meal. Tea houses (chaikhana) are social centers where locals gather.
- Tip
- Visit Chorsu Bazaar in Tashkent, a circular historic market with iconic turquoise dome. Features spices, melons, pomegranates, handwoven textiles, and herbs.
- Tip
- Tashkent Metro is an underground palace with stations adorned with chandeliers, marble columns, and intricate mosaics. Cosminar station features cosmic murals.
- Tip
- Khiva's Ichan Kala is a UNESCO-protected medieval city with 2,500-year-old walls. Features earthen buildings, turquoise domes, and slender minarets in remarkably intact condition.
- Tip
- Registan Square in Samarkand has three madrasas with intricate tilework in azure, turquoise, and cobalt. Represents the most magnificent architectural ensemble in the Islamic world.
- Tip
- Bukhara's historic center (UNESCO-protected) contains over 140 architectural monuments. Features Ark Fortress (2,000 years old), Kalyan Minaret (47m, built 1127), and covered bazaars.
- Timing
- Visa requirements have been eased in recent years, making it easier for tourists to enter the country.
Video on this route
UZBEKISTAN: A Land You’ve Never Seen Before | 4K Documentary