7-Day Uzbekistan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Uzbekistan tour itineraries

Compiled by

NinaUzbekistan travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Uzbekistan, incl. Bukhara and Samarkand

  This 7-day tour takes you through 3 Silk Road cities, starting with an early morning transfer from Tashkent to Bukhara by train or local flight. Check out UNESCO-listed Bukhara's Ark Citadel, Kalyan Minaret, and Ismail Samani Mausoleum, then head to Shahrisabz to see Ak Saray Palace ruins before reaching Samarkand.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tashkent to Bukhara

    Take the early morning train (8:00 AM) or flight from Tashkent to Bukhara. The train journey takes about 3 hours 40 minutes with scenic desert views. After arriving in Bukhara, visit Laby Hauz, the city's heart. Check out the historic trading domes: Taki Sarafan, Telpakfurushon, and Zargaron. The ancient Jewish quarter is quieter in late afternoon, perfect for taking photos.

    
  • Day 2

    Bukhara Exploration

    Start at the Summer Palace (Sitorai Mohi Hosa) before it gets too hot. You'll see an interesting mix of local and Russian-European architecture. Visit the Bahauddin Naqshabandiy mausoleum in the afternoon. Book an evening folk show at Nadir Divan Begi madrasah early because they often sell out.

    
  • Day 3

    Bukhara to Samarkand via Shahrisabz

    The 290 km journey to Samarkand goes through Shahrisabz. See the Ak Saray Palace ruins in the morning light. The drive through the Zarafshan mountains is beautiful but has many curves. Take motion sickness pills if needed. You'll reach Samarkand in time for the evening light and sound show at Registan Square at 9 PM.

    
  • Day 4

    Samarkand's Major Sites

    Visit Gur Emir mausoleum early to beat the crowds. The morning light is best for photos at Registan's three madrasas. "The guides were excellent. They were friendly, knowledgeable and responsive." End your day at Siab Bazaar. Bring small bills for buying dried fruits and nuts.

    
  • Day 5

    Samarkand to Tashkent

    Start at Ulughbek Observatory when visibility is best. The Afrosiab Museum is less busy before noon. Stop by the silk paper workshop for a demonstration. Take the 6:00 PM train back to Tashkent. Book a right-side window seat for the best mountain views.

    
  • Day 6

    Tashkent Exploration

    Visit the Hasti Imam complex to see the ancient Osman Quran. Explore the artistic Tashkent Metro stations. Photos are allowed now, but expect security checks. Chorsu Bazaar is busiest with locals in the morning. The Applied Arts Museum offers a cool break from summer heat.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure

    Most international flights leave in the afternoon. Allow extra time for thorough airport security at Tashkent International. For morning flights, stay near the airport to avoid heavy traffic.

    

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• 7 Days in Uzbekistan, incl. Tashkent and Samarkand

  Five cities showcase their treasures over 7 days: Tashkent's Khast Imam, Bukhara's trading domes, Samarkand's Registan Square, Shahrisabz's Ak Saray Palace, and Chimgan's mountain vistas. Stay in 3-star hotels connected by high-speed trains.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tashkent

    Begin in the capital city by visiting the Old City and Khast Imam complex, where you can see the historic Uthman Quran. Visit Chorsu Bazaar in the morning to beat the heat. One traveler shares: "The morning is the best time to see local life in full swing and get the freshest kurut (dried yogurt balls) from the dairy sellers." Make sure to try lunch at the Central Asian Plov Center, where they cook the national rice dish in large wood-fired kazans.

    
  • Day 2

    Tashkent to Bukhara

    Take the morning Afrosiyob high-speed train to Bukhara (4 hours). Walk through the old town to see the Lyabi-Hauz plaza and the famous Kalyan Minaret. Consider booking a rooftop dinner near Poi Kalyan complex - you'll get great views of the lit-up buildings when temperatures are cooler.

    
  • Day 3

    Bukhara to Samarkand

    Spend your morning in Bukhara before catching the afternoon train to Samarkand (1.5 hours). A TourRadar reviewer noted: "Seeing Registan Square lit up at night was magical - definitely worth staying up for even if you're tired from travel." The evening lighting brings out new details in the tilework.

    
  • Day 4

    Samarkand

    Visit Samarkand's main sites: Start early at Gur-Emir Mausoleum before crowds arrive. Move on to Registan Square, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, and Siab Bazaar. End your day at Shakhi-Zinda necropolis. Bring good walking shoes as the old steps can be slippery.

    
  • Day 5

    Samarkand to Shakhrisabz to Tashkent

    Drive through Takhta-Karacha mountain pass to Shakhrisabz early morning (1.5 hours). Visit Timur's hometown and Ak-Saray Palace ruins. Take the evening train back to Tashkent. Stop at Teshiktosh rock formation for photos during the mountain drive.

    
  • Day 6

    Chimgan Mountains

    Take a day trip to the Western Tien-Shan Mountains (2 hours drive). Ride the chairlift for mountain views and check out prehistoric petroglyphs near Charvak Reservoir. Pack extra clothes as mountain temperatures run 10-15°F cooler than Tashkent.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Tashkent

    Use your final morning for shopping at Chorsu Bazaar or visiting any spots you missed. Most international flights leave in the late evening, giving you a full last day in the city.

    

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• 7 Days in Uzbekistan, incl. Tashkent and Samarkand

  Three historic cities reveal their secrets in 7 days: Tashkent's modern highlights, Samarkand's UNESCO Registan Square, and Bukhara's 100+ monuments. Ancient sites like Gur Emir Mausoleum and Ulugbek Observatory complement stays in boutique accommodations.

  

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  • Day 1

    Tashkent

    Land at Tashkent International Airport. The city sits at 1,500 feet elevation, so take it slow on your first day. Book a hotel in the Mirabad district for easy access to main attractions. Most flights arrive in the afternoon. Spend your first evening getting acquainted with Uzbek cuisine at one of the Old City's traditional teahouses.

    
  • Day 2

    Tashkent Exploration

    Visit Independence Square early before temperatures rise (summers can hit 104°F/40°C). The Tashkent Metro is a highlight. Each station showcases unique art, but check current photo rules as restrictions were only recently lifted. Head to Chorsu Bazaar before noon for the freshest produce. Bring small bills in local som for shopping as vendors rarely carry change.

    
  • Day 3

    Tashkent to Samarkand

    Take the morning Afrosiyob high-speed train to Samarkand. The journey takes 2 hours. Book first-class tickets if possible as second class tends to get crowded and the air conditioning isn't as reliable. Plan to see the Registan's three madrasas around 5 PM when the setting sun creates beautiful effects on the turquoise tiles. At Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, watch your step on the old stairs and bring a flashlight for the dim interior.

    
  • Day 4

    Samarkand to Bukhara

    Visit Shah-i-Zinda necropolis early to beat the crowds. Stop by the Konigil paper workshop to see traditional mulberry bark papermaking. The desert drive to Bukhara takes about 4 hours. Pack water and snacks since rest stops are limited. In Bukhara, stay near Lyabi-Hauz pool where you can enjoy dinner in a historic setting.

    
  • Day 5

    Bukhara

    The historic center is small but packed with sites. Morning light makes for great photos at the Kalon Minaret. Wear shoes you can slip off easily since you'll remove them often at religious sites. Visit the trading domes in the afternoon when they offer shelter from the heat. Look for suzani textiles but be ready to negotiate prices.

    
  • Day 6

    Bukhara and Return to Tashkent

    Start at the Summer Palace when it's quiet. Book an evening train back to Tashkent to maximize your time. The journey takes 6 hours. Pack a light jacket since trains can get cold with air conditioning.

    
  • Day 7

    Departure from Tashkent

    International flights usually depart in the afternoon. Get to the airport 2 hours early since security checks are thorough. Exchange any leftover som before leaving the country as it's hard to convert elsewhere.

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