Uzbekistan Travel Guide: Silk Road Cities

Four of Uzbekistan's historic centres are UNESCO World Heritage sites: Itchan Kala in Khiva, the Historic Centre of Bukhara, the Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz and Samarkand. Several of them lie on the old Silk Roads.

The capital, Tashkent, is the usual entry point. From there, the national tourism portal describes a standard route by high-speed train to Samarkand and Bukhara, then by bus to Khiva.

Places to visit in Uzbekistan

Tashkent

Tashkent is the capital of Uzbekistan and, according to the national tourism portal, the largest city in Central Asia. The portal lists the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan, the State Museum of Arts and the Tashkent TV tower, and says most souvenir workshops are in old madrassas and at Chorsu Bazaar.

Samarkand

UNESCO describes Samarkand as a crossroad of the world's cultures, with its most significant development in the Timurid period from the 14th to the 15th centuries. Major monuments include the Registan Mosque and madrasas, Bibi-Khanum Mosque, the Shakhi-Zinda compound and the Gur-Emir ensemble.

Bukhara

UNESCO says the Historic Centre of Bukhara, on the Silk Roads, is more than two thousand years old. Monuments of particular interest include the tomb of Ismail Samani, a 10th-century building, and a large number of 17th-century madrasas. The tourism portal also lists the Ark citadel.

Khiva

Itchan Kala is the inner town of old Khiva, protected by brick walls some 10 m high, according to UNESCO. It was the last resting place of caravans before they crossed the desert to Iran. UNESCO names the Djuma Mosque, mausoleums, madrasas and two palaces among its structures.

Shakhrisabz

UNESCO describes the Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz as a collection of exceptional monuments and ancient quarters from the period of Amir Temur and the Temurids in the 15th and 16th centuries. The tourism portal says Amir Temur was born in the city.

Nukus and Moynaq (Karakalpakstan)

The tourism portal lists the Savitsky Museum in Nukus, which holds a collection of Russian avant-garde art. Muynak sits on what the portal calls the dry sea. It lists a ships graveyard, a yurt camp and a local history museum.

Getting to Uzbekistan

The tourism portal says the main airport of the country is in Tashkent, I.Karimov International Airport "Tashkent".

The portal adds that you can also arrive by train, international bus or car.

Getting around

For travel between cities, the portal recommends the train. It describes Afrosiyob as a high-speed train and says it makes the run from Tashkent to Samarkand and on to Bukhara convenient. Uzbekistan Railways says Afrosiyob service began in 2011 on the Tashkent to Samarkand route.

For Khiva, the portal suggests taking the high-speed train to Bukhara and then an intercity bus. In Tashkent, the portal says the underground has a small network that is easy to navigate.

When to go to Uzbekistan

Spring and autumn

The tourism portal calls spring and autumn the velvet season, a time to enjoy nature, see the sights and walk Silk Road routes.

Summer (from late June to early August)

The portal says the climate is mostly hot and dry and describes chillya as 40 days of sweltering, windless summer heat that starts after June 20 and ends in early August, and advises sun protection.

Winter (mid-December to late January)

The portal says the winter chillya begins in mid-December and lasts almost until the end of January. It notes that in Khiva the temperature very often drops below 0 degrees Celsius, so bring warm clothes.

What to book ahead

• If you plan to use the Afrosiyob train between Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, check the timetable and book tickets on the Uzbekistan Railways e-ticket site before you fix your route.
• Khiva and Moynaq are far from the Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara line, so check bus or transfer arrangements in advance.
• Guided day trips run on fixed days, so check dates before you fix your route.
• Religious sites ask visitors to cover shoulders, back and legs. Pack with that in mind.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements depend on your nationality and change over time. Check the current rules on the official electronic visa portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan before you book, and confirm again shortly before you travel.

Official source: Official electronic visa portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Frequently asked questions

Which Uzbek cities are UNESCO World Heritage sites?

UNESCO lists Itchan Kala in Khiva (1990), the Historic Centre of Bukhara (1993), the Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (2000) and Samarkand (2001).

How do I travel between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva?

The national tourism portal recommends the high-speed Afrosiyob train for Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, and suggests an intercity bus from Bukhara to Khiva. Check current timetables before you go.

When is the weather mildest?

The tourism portal calls spring and autumn the velvet season. It describes summer chillya as hot and windless from late June to early August.

What is there to see at Moynaq?

The tourism portal lists a ships graveyard, a yurt camp, the Aralkum desert, the Ustyurt Plateau and a local history museum. It says the town now stands by the dry sea.

Do I need a visa for Uzbekistan?

It depends on your nationality, and the rules change. Check the official electronic visa portal of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the current requirements before you book.