Uzbekistan in 4 Days: Samarkand, Bukhara & Khiva with Mom
- Ankitha
- Aug 22, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Aug 1
August 2023.
My second trip with mom this year led us to my fourth Stan nation – Uzbekistan, nestled in the heart of Central Asia. This ancient Silk Road country introduced us to cities that are open-air museums, filled with mesmerizing architecture, hospitable locals, and timeless tales etched in mosaic.
A Land of Domes, Bazaars & History
Every cobblestone street, every turquoise dome, and every bustling bazaar in Uzbekistan is a chapter in a centuries-old story. Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are like time machines – inviting you to trace the footsteps of ancient traders, empires, and poets.
Itinerary Overview
4-Day Trip Itinerary:
Samarkand → Bukhara → Khiva
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Flights + Uzbekistan Visa on Arrival for Indians
We flew from Dubai to Samarkand and returned via Tashkent.
Indian passport holders with UAE residency can get Uzbekistan visa on arrival, free of charge. Others can apply for an Uzbekistan e-visa online.
LANGUAGE
In Tashkent, some people spoke English but in general, very few people speak English. So use google translate to speak Uzbek or Russian.
Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is best explored in spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October). July and August can be harshly hot, but we got lucky in August with surprisingly pleasant, fall-like weather.
Image Caption: Cool August mornings in Samarkand’s Registan Square Image Alt Text: Registan Square in Samarkand Uzbekistan
Even during shoulder season, we found crowds due to Instagram popularity – expect tour buses and packed sites in high season.
CURRENCY
Most places accept card. I carried dollars to pay the guide but best to exchange to local currency for food, tips etc.
HOW LONG TO SPEND THERE
As I often say, this is a personal choice. Some people spend 10 days, some people just 3, I am the latter kind. We were happy with four. Unless you are big time into slow traveling or history, this is enough time. If you are doing more of Tashkent and the more off beat areas, by all means you can spend more time. If you are keen on an easy trip just covering the three major cities, then four days is plenty of time as most of these places are similar and are tombs, mosques or mausoleums.
Where We Stayed
🏨 Samarkand: GH Maqdoos
🏨 Bukhara: GH Nazira
🏨 Khiva: GH Islam Khodija
All were affordable 3-star guest houses with breakfast.
Tashkent to Samarkand Train & Getting Around
Transportation is seamless. 🚅 Tashkent to Samarkand train (Afrosiyob) is a popular and efficient option. 🎟️ Book Uzbekistan trains online in advance – fast trains and sleeper trains both offer great comfort.
Samarkand to Bukhara – 90 mins (fast train)
Bukhara to Khiva – 7.5 hrs (overnight sleeper train)
Costs + Local Guide
We found an amazing local guide via a Kyrgyzstan contact.
4-day package cost: $425 per person
Included: transport, accommodation, intercity trains, guide, and breakfast.
Solo Travel + Safety
Uzbekistan is safe and solo-travel-friendly, especially for female travelers.
Locals are welcoming and respectful. Google Translate helps bridge the language gap (Uzbek/Russian).
Vegan + Vegetarian Food
Uzbekistan pleasantly surprised us with vegan and vegetarian options: 🥣 Try Lagman, Shivit Oshi, Plov without meat, and vegetable samsas.
City Highlights
Samarkand – The Crown Jewel of the Silk Road
The echoes of the Silk Road whisper through its streets, and every tile, every archway holds a piece of a rich tapestry that's woven with passion and heritage.
From the awe-inspiring Registan Square, where mosaic brilliance meets grandeur, to the tranquil serenity of Shah-i-Zinda's mausoleums that seem to touch the sky to the sun sets behind the turquoise domes of the Gur-e-Amir mausoleum, in Samarkhand you'll be transported to an era where time stands still.
Must-see places:
Registan Square: The heart of Samarkand, where three majestic madrasas create an awe-inspiring ensemble.
Shah-i-Zinda: A street of stunning mausoleums, each with its own unique design and history.
Gur-e-Amir: The final resting place of Tamerlane, adorned with intricate tiles and awe-inspiring architecture.
Bibi Khanum Mosque: The resting place of the wife of Timur the great.
Bukhara – A Living History Book
With a history dating back over 2,000 years, its streets have witnessed the rise and fall of empires, the footsteps of traders, and the whispers of ancient tales.
Picture this: caravanserai bustling with merchants from far-flung lands, storytellers weaving tales in dimly lit corners, and the echoes of countless footsteps blending into a symphony of time. For over 2,000 years, Bukhara has been a living testament to the intricate threads that connect civilizations.
This city has been a living tale of empires, a crossroads of cultures, and a treasure trove of secrets waiting to be unraveled. Every step here feels like turning a page, connecting you to the past in the most immersive way.
How to get there:
From Samarkhand take a train to Bukhara. We took a fast train and it was 90 minutes.
Must-see places:
Ismail Samani Mausoleum: One of the oldest buildings in Bukhara
Bolo Hauz Mosque: an artistic mosque made up of 40 pillars
Ark of Bukhara: the ancient fortress, a testament to Bukhara's rich history
Kalon Complex: Admire the stunning Kalon Minaret and Kalon Mosque. It is also highly recommended to visit this place during the day time and at night - the minaret is lit and the colors of the minaret itself are fantastic.
Miri-Arab-Madrasah: widely known as the face of Bukhara
Chor Minor: a minature version of the famous Charminar in India
Trading domes: there are so many of these beautifil indoor markets everywhere in the city
Magok-i-Attari: the oldest surving mosque in Central Asia, built prior to the invasion of the Mongols in the 12th century. You can still see the inscriptions from back then!
Nadar Diva Begi Madrasah: today this is a restaurant and an open market but the outside walls are adorned with breathtaking details. Visit at golden hour for best photos!
Khiva – Open-Air Museum in the Desert
Our final stop was a desert deep within the heart of the Uzbekistan's desert landscape. One of the oldest cities along the Sil route, this place is a living testament to the splendor of a bygone era.
As we stepped into its well-preserved ancient walls, we were transported back in time to an era where caravans laden with riches traversed its bustling markets and minarets pierced the sky.
Khiva's allure lies not only in its physical beauty but in the stories that its streets tell – stories that have endured through the ages, waiting to captivate modern-day travelers in search of a journey into the past. How to get there:
From Bukhara we took the overnight sleeper train to Khiva; it was 7.5 hours.
Must-visit places:
Ichon-Qala: a UNESCO-listed old town within a town – boasts an architectural ensemble that spans centuries. Stroll through the labyrinthine alleys, where intricate tilework and ornate facades adorn every structure.
Kunya-Ark: a fortress that once housed khans and their courts and one of my favorite places in Uzbekistan
Islam Khoja Minaret: at 57 meters, this is the tallest minarets in Central Asia
Juma Mosque: a structure that stands out for its beautiful ornate pillars made of almond and elm wood back in the 14th century!
Final ThoughtsFAQs
How many days are enough for Uzbekistan? If you're visiting Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, 4 days is perfect. History buffs may want more.
Can Indians get visa on arrival in Uzbekistan? Yes – Indian UAE residents get visa on arrival. Others need an e-visa.
What's the best time to visit Uzbekistan? Spring and fall are ideal. Avoid July and August unless you’re heat-proof.
Is Uzbekistan good for solo female travel? Yes! Safe, welcoming, and easy to navigate.
If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to comment below, share your questions, or tell me what part of Uzbekistan you’re most excited to visit.
Lots of love,
Anki
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hi great info and pics ...in planning stages to go Uzbekistan . seems its easy enough to do on your own but i would certainly like to connect with guide you used
Which month did you travel there? I'm thinking of taking my mum in the second half of June (I only have this time available)but I'm worried it can be too hot.