Uzbekistan Itinerary: A Return Traveller’s Guide

   26.10.2026    Updated: Hari Daggubaty

Hari, TransIndus sales manager with over thirty years of experience in travelling Asia, shares an Uzbekistan itinerary for Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, plus tips on high-speed trains, local food, crafts and places beyond the Silk Road cities. In this guide, Hari shares how the country has changed, the places worth including on first and returning visits, and the experiences that make a 10–12 day itinerary feel more rewarding.

Uzbekistan offers deeper layers and a richer understanding of the country with every return. At the heart of the ancient Silk Road, its historic cities are rich in architectural treasures, while journeys beyond them reveal vast desert landscapes, traditional crafts and the everyday hospitality of local people. For me, returning to Uzbekistan offered a chance to see how the country has evolved, spend time exploring places beyond the familiar landmarks and enjoy a holiday with family. Here, I will share what continues to draw me back, from the changing face of travel in Uzbekistan to its regional food specialities and the pleasures of watching an ancient town come to life at sunrise.

A familiar destination, with new discoveries

I've visited Uzbekistan several times, but my latest trip felt different. Travelling with family, rather than focusing primarily on sightseeing, gave us the opportunity to explore a few places away from the usual tourist trail. We visited some lesser-known forts outside Urgench (Toprak Kala and Ayaz Kala), travelled to the Aral Sea and spent time at the palace in Kokand – places that offered a different perspective on the country's history and landscape.

I was also keen to see how the country's transport and accommodation had developed. The improvements have been striking. Over the past five to eight years, the standards of trains, road vehicles and hotels have changed considerably. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the high-speed trains, which make travelling between the main destinations much more comfortable.

There have been changes in accommodation, too. Some excellent boutique hotels have opened in Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, alongside the renovation of established heritage properties. One such example which stood out to me is Kosh Havuz, a 3-star historic boutique property located in the old city center of Samarkand. For travellers who appreciate characterful places to stay as much as the sights themselves, this adds another dimension to a visit.

The enduring appeal of the Silk Road

Despite these developments, it is the history of the Silk Road that continues to bring me back to Uzbekistan. Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva are essential stops on a first visit, each offering its own interpretation of the country's remarkable past.

Their architecture reflects the evolution of the region over time. Grand monuments and historic buildings tell stories of the people, cultures and trading networks that shaped these cities, while wandering through their older quarters allows you to appreciate the details at a gentler pace.

One of my favourite recommendations is to explore the squares in the early morning or towards sunset. At these quieter times of day, the atmosphere changes as the light falls across the old buildings and everyday life begins or draws to a close. Some of the major monuments, such as Registan Square pictured above, light up in the dark, making for a fantastic picture opportunity. It is worth leaving enough space in an itinerary simply to wander, rather than rushing from one monument to the next.

For a first journey, I would allow around 10 to 12 days to visit Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva. Using the high-speed trains wherever possible is a particularly good way to travel between the main cities, leaving more time to enjoy each destination.

Beyond the historic cities

Some of Uzbekistan's most memorable experiences lie beyond its celebrated monuments. Driving across the Kyzylkum Desert, for example, reveals a very different side of the country. The landscape opens out into immense expanses of red sand and dunes, with a sense of space that contrasts with the intricate architecture and historic streets of the Silk Road cities.

For those looking to venture further off the beaten track, I would also consider spending time at a yurt camp beside Aydar Lake. This is a more remote part of the country, visited by relatively few tourists, and offers an opportunity to experience a quieter side of Uzbekistan.

My own recent visit to the Aral Sea was another new experience. Having returned to the country several times, it was rewarding to see somewhere I had not explored before. It was a reminder that even a destination as closely associated with its famous historic cities as Uzbekistan has plenty more to discover.

Getting to know the people and their traditions

One of the things I've noticed over successive visits is that interaction with local people has become easier. English is spoken a little more widely than before, and new opportunities are emerging for visitors to experience everyday life beyond the main tourist sights.

A small number of homestays have opened, offering the chance to spend time with local families and take part in cooking sessions. These experiences can add a personal dimension to a holiday, bringing visitors closer to the traditions and customs that remain an important part of life in Uzbekistan.

Language can still be a barrier, but it needn't prevent meaningful encounters. Once you find a way to communicate, people are very friendly. Some of the most rewarding moments when travelling come from these exchanges, rather than from visiting another famous building or ticking off another attraction.

The country's traditional crafts also deserve attention. Textiles, pottery and other locally made pieces reflect the character of individual places, with different towns offering their own styles and varieties. Taking time to look around workshops and local markets is a good way to discover this side of Uzbek culture.

A taste of Uzbekistan

Food is another part of the experience that stays with me. Meat features heavily in Central Asian cuisine, but there are also some lovely salads and breads to enjoy. The breads, in particular, are worth seeking out, with different varieties found in different places. Each region has its own take on plov, the much-loved rice dish, so the food offers another way to appreciate the differences between destinations.

I would encourage visitors to be curious about what is served locally rather than relying on familiar dishes. Sampling regional specialities, alongside freshly prepared salads and traditional breads, brings a little more of the country's everyday culture to the table. While it is easy to build an itinerary around historic sites and impressive monuments, leaving time for meals, local crafts and conversations with the people you meet can make a journey feel much more rounded.

Planning your own journey

Uzbekistan is particularly rewarding for travellers with an interest in history, culture and adventure. Its famous Silk Road cities provide an extraordinary introduction, but the experience becomes richer when you look beyond them – whether that means driving through the Kyzylkum Desert, exploring a lesser-known palace, staying near Aydar Lake or getting to know a local family.

Having visited several times, my advice is to make good use of the high-speed trains, allow 10 to 12 days for the principal destinations and resist the temptation to pack every day with sightseeing. Some of the simplest moments can be the most memorable: exploring an ancient square as the sun rises, discovering a new regional dish or finding a traditional craft that you haven't seen elsewhere.

Uzbekistan may be changing, with better transport and a growing choice of places to stay, but its enduring appeal remains the same. For anyone drawn to the history of the Silk Road and keen to discover a country beyond its best-known landmarks, it is a destination that has much to offer, even on a return visit.

Suggested 10–12 day Uzbekistan itinerary

• Tashkent: Arrival, city orientation and transport connections.
• Samarkand: Registan, historic monuments and early-morning or sunset exploring.
• Bukhara: Old town, crafts, markets and regional food.
• Khiva: Walled city, nearby forts outside Urgench and desert landscapes.
• Optional additions: Aydar Lake yurt camp, Aral Sea excursion or Kokand and the Fergana Valley.

Browse our small group tours to Uzbekistan or our tailor-made tours to Uzbekistan for inspiration. Then, when you're ready, contact our expert team of Asia specialists to start your next luxury Central Asia holiday.