Two Week Uzbekistan Itinerary:
The Ultimate 14 Day Route

Updated January 2026, Two Week Uzbekistan Itinerary: The Ultimate 14 Day Route was originally written in January 2019

Planning a trip to Uzbekistan? This 2 week Uzbekistan itinerary covers the country’s major Silk Road cities, from Tashkent and Samarkand to Bukhara and Khiva, with time for the desert landscapes of Aydarkul and the remote sights of Karakalpakstan.

I’ve traveled extensively around Uzbekistan and built this 14-day itinerary around the route I recommend for a first trip. It packs in the country’s biggest historical sights without turning every day into a race between train stations.

Uzbekistan is best known for its spectacular Islamic architecture, intricate tilework, grand madrasas and ancient Silk Road cities, but there is plenty more to see once you leave the famous monuments. This itinerary also takes you into rural Uzbekistan, the Kyzylkum Desert and the disappearing Aral Sea region.

If you’re just starting to plan your trip, I recommend getting a copy of Bradt’s Uzbekistan guidebook to help you organize your own visit.

Looking for more info? Start here: The Uzbekistan Travel Guide

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Uzbekistan 2 Week Itinerary at a Glance

Days	Destination	Nights
Days 1-2	Tashkent	2
Days 3-5	Samarkand	3
Day 6	Nurata & Aydarkul	1
Days 7-9	Bukhara	3
Days 10-11	Khiva	2
Days 12-14	Nukus, Khorezm Castles & Moynaq	3

This 2 week Uzbekistan itinerary is designed as a one-way route through Uzbekistan, starting in Tashkent and finishing in Karakalpakstan. It combines the country’s major Silk Road cities with a night in the Kyzylkum Desert and several days exploring the unusual landscapes and archaeological sites of western Uzbekistan.

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Uzbekistan Quick Tips & Info

Currency

Uzbekistan’s currency is the Uzbekistani som (UZS). Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the current rate before your trip. ATMs and currency exchange offices are available in major cities, although carrying some cash is still useful for smaller towns and local transport.

Uzbekistan Visa Requirements

Visa requirements for Uzbekistan depend on your nationality. Citizens of more than 90 countries can currently enter Uzbekistan visa-free, while travelers from many other countries can apply for an e-visa online through the official government portal. The e-visa is generally valid for a single-entry stay of up to 30 days.

Check the current requirements for your nationality before booking your trip, as Uzbekistan’s visa rules and eligible countries can change.

How to Get Around Uzbekistan

The easiest way to travel around Uzbekistan is by train, particularly between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara. Shared taxis are useful for destinations that aren’t well served by rail, while domestic flights can save considerable time on longer journeys.

Uzbekistan’s railway network connects many of the country’s major cities, and high-speed Afrosiyob trains operate on several important routes. Train tickets can be purchased through the official Uzbekistan Railways ticketing system.

Shared taxis are particularly useful for smaller towns and destinations outside the main rail network. They generally depart once full, so allow some flexibility in your schedule.

Where to Stay in Uzbekistan

Hotels, guesthouses and hostels are widely available in Uzbekistan’s main tourist destinations. When staying at a hotel or guesthouse, the property generally handles your accommodation registration for you.

For this itinerary, I recommend staying in or close to the historic centers of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva so you can walk to many of the main sights.

Note that: You are only required to register every three days (thus meaning a couple of nights camping in-between a night at an official accommodation isn’t impossible). However, in the Fergana Valley, it is required for you to be registered every night, which is unfortunate as there is camping and trekking potential in this area especially nearer to the Tajik border. Start shopping for accommodations here.

Language in Uzbekistan

Uzbek is the official language, while Russian is still widely used and understood. In border areas, Tajik, Kyrgyz, Kazakh, and Turkmen can be heard. The Karakalpaks of Karakalpakstan have their own language, similar to both Uzbek and Kazakh.

What to Wear in Uzbekiestan

No special clothing is really needed for Uzbekistan, though dressing somewhat modestly (covering knees and shoulders) is suggested. With that said, you will see many, especially younger Uzbeks wearing sleeveless shirts and above-knee skirts in summer.

Headscarves are required to enter certain mosques so it wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep one in your bag.

Summer can be excruciatingly hot and winters downright frigid, so do plan accordingly for outfit choices.

Expect to see the most conservative dress in the Fergana Valley.

Best Time for a 2 Week Uzbekistan Itinerary

Summer can be extremely hot, particularly in the desert regions and western Uzbekistan. Winter brings colder temperatures but fewer tourists and a different atmosphere in cities such as Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

Spring and autumn are generally the best seasons for a two-week Uzbekistan itinerary. Temperatures are comfortable for walking around the country’s historic cities, although these are also popular periods for tourism.

Two Week Uzbekistan Itinerary

Days 1-2: Tashkent

Start your two week Uzbekistan itinerary in Tashkent, the country’s capital and largest city. Tashkent is a useful introduction to Uzbekistan before you head toward the more monumental Silk Road cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva.

I’d give Tashkent two days. The city is sprawling rather than compact, but its metro, bazaars, Soviet architecture, Islamic monuments and excellent food make it worth more than simply using it as your arrival point.

Here are the highlights of Tashkent:

• Chorsu Bazaar: A lively bazaar where you can find anything from produce to spices to clothing and more. One of the busiest and most important bazaars in Central Asia that has been around for centuries, since the days of the Silk Road.
• Kulkedesh Madrasa: Not far from the Chorsu Bazaar, this Madrasa (Islamic School) warrants a stop. It will give you an idea of what you have to look forward to in Samarkand, but nowhere near as impressive. 5,000 UZS entrance fee.
• Hazrat Imam Complex: This is the main religious center in the city and one of the most popular tourist attractions. With turquoise-domed mosques and the Muyi Mubarak Library housing the oldest Quran and the hair of the Prophet Mohammed. 5,000 UZS entrance fee.
• Central Asian Plov Center: If there is one dish synonymous with Central Asia, it’s gotta be plov. Plov is a dish of rice fried in mutton fat, carrots, onions, meat, and raisins (depending on the chef, other ingredients may be involved). Try to get to the plov center before noon if you want to see the plov chefs in action frying up the plov in the giant qazan. 10,000-15,000 UZS for a plov meal. Looking for more recs for where to eat? Check out my Tashkent Restaurants Guide.
• Amir Timur Museum: Amir Timur is a huge part of Uzbekistan, as well as greater Central Asia’s history. Learn more here about the man who founded the Timurid Empire.
• Tashkent Metro: The Tashkent Metro stops are intricately and ornately decorated. In 2018 they began allowing photos to be taken inside the stations.
• Timur Square & Independence Square: These squares contain some of the important monuments, cultural sites, and political buildings.
• Tashkent TV Tower: At 375 meters, this is the tallest building in Central Asia. Located close to the Plov center.
• Hotel Uzbekistan: For those with a fondness for brutalist Soviet-style architecture, this place is photography heaven. This is the most famous hotel in Uzbekistan.

Learn more to plan the perfect visit: The Tashkent Travel Guide

Check out my journey through the Tashkent Metro in photos

Where To Stay In Tashkent

Budget
Drimin Sunrise Caravan Hostel & Guesthouse
| Booking.com |

Midrange
|Art Eco Hotel
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Splurge
Ichan Qala Hotel
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Getting Around Tashkent

The metro is the cheapest and easiest way to get around the city. Tickets cost 1,200 UZS each way regardless of destination.

There is a public bus system in Tashkent as well (though I haven’t been able to track down a route map online), rides are 1,200 UZS. Hailing a taxi is simple, just stand at the road’s edge with your hand out and before long a car will stop. Note that pretty much any car in Tashkent (and Uzbekistan) is a taxi. Negotiate a price before getting in.

Onwards Transport From Tashkent

• Samarkand: Trains take 2-4 hours, whereas a shared taxi journey will take 4 hours once the car departs. Flights are also available from Tashkent to Samarkand, flight time is 1 hour.
• Fergana Valley: Trains are available to Kokand (4 hours) and Andijon/Margilan (6 hours). A shared taxi to Kokand will take a bit longer than the train. Shared taxis to Andijan and Namangan can take a while to fill up, so it may be quicker to go to Kokand and change shared taxis to continue the journey.

Looking for a day trip from Tashkent? Check out the Solar Furnace in nearby Parkent

Days 3-5: Samarkand

Days 3-5 of this Uzbekistan itinerary are spent in Samarkand, one of the country’s most important Silk Road cities. Known for its monumental Timurid architecture, Samarkand is home to some of the most famous sights in Uzbekistan, including Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir and Shah-i-Zinda.

Here are just a few sites to see in Samarkand, but for those looking for details check out my Samarkand City Guide.

• Registan: Samarkand’s most famous site, home to three massive & impressive madrasas. Make sure to watch the sunrise over the Registan, and don’t miss the evening light show. $8 USD entrance fee.
• Gur e Amir: The gorgeous mausoleum to Amir Timur, with ornate designs. $5 USD entrance fee.
• Shah i Zinda: The Necropolis housing the remains of many Uzbek rulers and their families. $8 USD entrance fee.
• Bibi Khanym Mosque: One of the world’s largest mosques. Has undergone massive restoration processes. $5 USD entrance fee.
• Ulugbek’s Observatory: Once one of the greatest observatories in the Islamic world, built by Timurid astronomer Ulugh Beg. $5 USD entrance fee.

Plan your time in Samarkand with the Samarkand Travel Guide

Where To Stay In Samarkand

Budget
Amir Hostel
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |

Midrange
Hotel Caravan Serail
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |

Splurge
East Star Hotel
| Booking.com |

Getting Around Samarkand

• By foot and taxi are the best ways to explore Samarkand. As with Tashkent make sure and negotiate taxi price before getting in.

Onwards Transport From Samarkand

• Tashkent: 2-4 hours by train, 4 hours by shared taxi.
• Bukhara: 2-3 hours by train, 4 hours by shared taxi, and 5-6 hours by bus.
• Nurata & Aydarkul: You can reach Nurata by taking a shared taxi from Samarkand to Navoi (2 hours), and another from Navoi to Nurata (1 hour). From Nurata or Navoi hire a private taxi to Aydarkul.
• Urgench & Khiva: You will need to go to Urgench if heading to Khiva by train from Samarkand. Trains take 12 hours. Once in Urgench, you can get a shared taxi to Khiva. Buses and shared taxis depart Samarkand bound for Khiva as well. From Urgench it is possible to cross the border into Turkmenistan to Dashoguz by shared taxi.

Day 6: Nurata & Aydarkul

Day 6 takes you away from Uzbekistan’s famous Silk Road cities and into the Kyzylkum Desert. Stop in Nurata to see the Chashma Complex and Nur Fortress before continuing to Aydarkul for a night at a yurt camp.

Staying around Aydarkul gives you a completely different side of Uzbekistan, with desert landscapes, camel trekking and a chance to spend the night under the stars.

Where to Stay in Nurata & Aydarkul

• Kyzylkum Yurt Camp
• Nurata Accommodations
• Navoi Accommodations
• For those not quite as adventurous, opt to stay in Nurata, Navoi, or continue on to Bukhara

Getting Around Nurata & Aydarkul

• Nurata is easily explored on foot. You will need to hire a vehicle to reach Aydarkul Yurt Camp.

Onwards Transport

• Bukhara: Shared taxi from Nurata to Navoi (1 hour) and Navoi to Bukhara (2 hours).
• Samarkand: Shared taxi from Nurata to Navoi (1 hour) and from Navoi to Samarkand (2 hours).

Days 7-9: Bukhara

Bukhara is one of the highlights of this two week Uzbekistan itinerary. The historic center is compact enough to explore almost entirely on foot, with mosques, madrasas, trading domes and courtyards packed into the old city.

Bukhara’s highlights can be seen in 1-2 days, but after a night in Aydarkul or the long journey from Samarkand, it’s worth spending the 3rd day here.

• Arc Citadel: A gigantic fort with houses exhibitions and a mosque. $2.50 USD entrance fee.
• Lab i Havz: The main square of houses and ornate buildings in Bukhara.
• Po i Kalyan: Houses an impressive mosque, madrasas, and minaret. 7,000 UZS entrance fee for the Kalyan Mosque.
• Chor Minor: You may recognize this building from the front cover of the old Lonely Planet: Central Asia guide. It’s a quaint 4-minaret topped mosque that is now a souvenir shop.
• Bolo Havz Mosque: A beautiful mosque with impressive ceiling and woodwork.

Plan your stay with my Bukhara Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Bukhara

Budget
Hotel Okhun
| Booking.com |

Midrange
Usman Heritage Hotel
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Splurge
Lyabi House Hotel
| Booking.com |

Getting Around Bukhara

• Bukhara is best explored on foot.

Onwards Transport From Bukhara

• Samarkand: 2-3 hours by train, 4 hours by shared taxi, and 5-6 hours by bus.
• Khiva: 8-9 hours by bus to Khiva via Urgench, by shared taxi 7-8 hours, and by train 8 hours via Urgench.
• Urgench: 7 hours by train.

Days 10-11: Khiva

Khiva is the final major Silk Road city on this Uzbekistan itinerary and one of the easiest places in the country to explore on foot. The historic center, Itchan Qala, is surrounded by massive walls and packed with mosques, madrasas, minarets, mausoleums and former royal residences.

Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the walled-off Itchan Qala is a walkable time warp back to the days of the ancient Silk Road and is packed full of history. Some may opt for a third day in Khiva (I did).

Here are just a few main sites in Khiva:

• Itchan Qala: Khiva’s historic old town, surrounded by the Kuhna Arc- the walls that surround the city. This is where most of the sites are located. $10 USD entrance fee.
• Islam Khodja Minaret: The massive minaret towering over the Itchan Qala. For 5,000 UZS climb up the winding staircase to the top for excellent views of the city, best at sunset.
• Mohammed Amin Khan Medressa: The largest mosque in all of Central Asia. Plenty of stalls to purchase souvenirs and even houses a lux hotel.
• Kalta Minor: This unfinished squatty minaret is easily recognizable by its blue tiles.
• Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum: Necropolis to Pakhlavan Makhmud and religious center of the Itchan Qala. Has an entrance fee of $3 USD separate from the Itchan Qala ticket.

Want to plan the perfect visit? Check out my Khiva Travel Guide

Where to Stay in Khiva

Budget
Islam Khoja Hostel
| Booking.com | Agoda.com |

Midrange
Arkanchi Hotel
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Splurge
Hotel Khiva Palace
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Getting Around Khiva

• Khiva is best explored on foot.

Onwards Transport From Khiva

• Nukus: Shared taxis will take about 3 hours.
• Bukhara: 8-9 hours by bus, 7-8 hours by shared taxi, and 8 hours by train.
• Samarkand: 12 hours by train via Urgench.

Days 12-14: Nukus, Castles of Khorezm & Moynaq

Finish your two weeks in Uzbekistan in Karakalpakstan, the autonomous republic in the country’s far west. Base yourself in Nukus and use the city as a jumping-off point for the Savitsky Museum, ancient Khorezm fortresses and a trip to Moynaq and the former Aral Sea shoreline. Another site worth seeing in Nukus is the Mizdakhan Necropolis.

The nearby crumbling ancient castles of Khorezm that once guarded the Silk Route are worth taking the time to explore.

Head to desolate Moynaq to see the defunct old port that was once bustling before the Aral Sea was drained and the ship graveyard. For more about Karakalpakstan, check out my Karakalpakstan Travel Guide.

• Savitsky Museum of Art (25,000 UZS entrance fee)
• Mizdakhan Necropolis 
• Ancient Castles of Khorezm
• Moynaq
• Ship Graveyard
• Visit the Shores of the Aral Sea

Find more to check out in the area in the Karakalpakstan Travel Guide

Where To Stay In Nukus

Midrange
Jipek Joli Inn
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Hotel Jipek Joli
| Booking.com | Hotels.com |

Getting Around Nukus, Khorezm Castles & Moynaq

• Nukus is easily walked.
• For the Castles of Khorezm, it is best to arrange private transport. For those wanting to save time, I would recommend hiring your own transport from Bukhara or Urgench and making a day of it en route to Nukus.
• Moynaq can be reached by shared taxis or by private car hire.

Onwards Transport From Nukus

• Khiva: A shared taxi to Khiva is 3 hours, though expect them to fill slowly.
• Tashkent: A flight to Tashkent is 2 hours, a shared taxi will take roughly 8 hours.
• Turkmenistan: There is a lesser-used border crossing with Turkmenistan here at Nukus. In my experience, it was a simple and fairly quick (for Central Asia) process.

Read about the demolished top-secret Aralsk 7 laboratory on the former island of Vozrozhdeniya in the Aral Sea

More Places to Add to Your Uzbekistan Itinerary

Fergana Valley

The Uzbek Fergana Valley is a fascinating region packed full of culture and history. If traveling to/from Tajikistan or Kyrgyzstan, you’ll be passing through here, so why not spend a little time? Fascinating things to see include mosques, madrasas, and silk-making workshops.

Cities to explore are Fergana, Kokand, Andijon, Margilan, and Namangan.

Note that when staying in the Fergana Valley you will be required to be registered every night– meaning that you will need to stay in an official accommodation (No Couchsurfing or camping, unfortunately). From this area, you can easily reach Osh, Kyrgyzstan, and Khujand, Tajikistan.

Check out my Uzbek Fergana Valley Travel Guide for in-depth info to plan the perfect visit

Accommodations in the Fergana Valley

• Andijon
• Margilan
• Kokand
• Fergana
• Namangan

Transport to & From the Fergana Valley

• Tashkent: Trains are available from Kokand (4 hours) and Andijon/Margilan (6 hours). Expect shared taxis to take a bit longer than trains. Kokand is typically the quickest for shared taxis to continue the journey.
• Kyrgyzstan: Shared taxis depart from Andijon bound for Osh.
• Tajikistan: Shared taxis depart in the early day for Khujand from Kokand.

Aral Sea & Karakalpakstan

For those with a little extra time, you can arrange tours to the Aral Sea– as in the part where there is still water. Plan to camp at the lake’s current shores. Karakalpakstan can be a rewarding area to travel by motorbike; however, it isn’t recommended in the summertime.

Check out Ayim Tour’s Aral Sea departures.

Boysun & Dark Star Cave

Boysun is the jumping-off point for the Dark Star Cave located in the Boysuntov Mountains. A speleology-freak’s dream. I am unaware of anyone currently offering guided trips to Dark Star (I am personally dying to get here).

Qarshi

For those wanting to explore more of southern Uzbekistan or headed toward the Afghan border crossing at Termez, you’ll likely be passing through Qarshi anyway. It’s a worthwhile stop, and most of the sites can be seen in a half-day.

Plan your visit with the Qarshi travel guide

Termez

For those headed onward (or from) Afghanistan you’ll likely spend at least a night in Termez. If you have a little extra time and find yourself in Termez looking for things to do check out Sultan Saodat Ensemble, the Buddhist Stupas, the Mausoleum of Al Hakim At Termezi, and Kirkkiz Fortress.

Check out Termez accommodations here.

Plan your visit with the Termez travel guide

Have any Questions Not Answered in this Two Week Uzbekistan Itinerary?

Ask in the comments below!

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