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 trip covers 3 UNESCO-listed cities across Uzbekistan, including Bukhara's Ark Citadel and Kalyan Minaret, Samarkand's Registan Square with its trio of 15th-17th century madrasas, and Tashkent's Hasti Imam complex housing the 7th-century Osman Quran. See Shahrisabz's ruins of Ak Saray Palace and pass through the scenic Zarafshan mountain valley. Groups range from 2-15 people with ages 3+, making this a budget-friendly tour that includes stays at boutique hotels like Fatima in Bukhara and Minor in 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. Bukhara and Samarkand

  Mountain paths wind through 4 major Uzbek destinations including Bukhara, Sentob, Lake Aydarkul, and Samarkand. Daily treks of 11-22km pass ancient fortresses, petroglyphs, and traditional villages, with 8-10 hours of moderate hiking through diverse landscapes.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bukhara to Sentob Village

    Leave Bukhara at 9 AM for a 3-4 hour drive to Sentob village. Pack light layers for unpredictable mountain weather. You'll reach your homestay by lunch and have the afternoon to explore the village. Remember to wear modest clothing when visiting local homes. Long sleeves and pants are essential even in warm weather.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Sentob Base

    You'll spend two full days hiking from Sentob. The first day covers the Kadvan Valley (7-8 hours round trip). Stock up on water since refill points are limited until you reach the waterfall. The second day brings a more demanding 22km trek to Lake Fazilman. Leave at 9 AM for this 10-hour hike with significant climbing. Good hiking boots with ankle support are essential for the rocky sections near Gaukum peak.

    
  • Day 4

    Sentob to Hayat Village

    Start with a drive to Lake Aydarkul for a swimming break (possible June to September). Bring quick-dry towels. You'll reach Hayat by noon to meet Mr. Shodmon who runs the local nature reserve. The afternoon includes a visit to the Severtsov's sheep enclosure. Your homestay offers basic but clean accommodation with traditional mattresses on carpeted floors.

    
  • Day 5

    Hayat to Uhum Village

    Take on a challenging 12km mountain trek (3.5 hours) over two passes. Take it slow going up to Guzar Pass. You'll get the best views of Karaul Peak in the morning light. Uhum village offers authentic demonstrations of carpet weaving and bread making. Getting to the ancient petroglyphs requires some climbing so wear shoes with good grip.

    
  • Day 6

    Uhum to Asraf

    An 11km trek (4.5 hours) follows the historic Ukhum Valley route. You'll see a fascinating watermill that runs without electricity. The Mushibirion Valley trail can get muddy after rain. Bring trekking poles if you have them. In the evening your hosts will teach you how to make traditional plov.

    
  • Day 7

    Asraf to Samarkand

    Start with a 5-hour morning hike through the Nuratau Nature Reserve buffer zone to see petroglyphs at Eski Forish. On clear days you can see across to the Kyzylkum desert. After lunch take the 4-hour drive to Samarkand. Try to arrive before sunset to see the Registan lit up at night.

    

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