Your first trip: Uzbekistan's regions and how many days you need

The classic triangle plus Khiva

Most first-timers follow the Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara–Khiva route, which strings together the Silk Road's most celebrated architecture. Itchan Kala in Khiva (1990), the Historic Centre of Bukhara (1993), the Historic Centre of Shakhrisyabz (2000) and Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures (2001) are all on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Allow at least seven or eight days: one or two for Tashkent, two for Samarkand, two for Bukhara and one or two for Khiva.

In July 2026 ten buildings of 20th-century Tashkent Modernism — including Chorsu Bazaar, Kosmonavtlar metro station and the State Circus — were also added to the World Heritage List, so the capital deserves at least one full day.

Where to go for what

For crafts, head to the Fergana Valley: Margilan silk, Rishtan ceramics, the Kokand palace and Chust knives.

For desert and ancient fortresses, Karakalpakstan: the Savitsky Museum in Nukus, the Ancient Khorezm fortresses of the Ellikkala oasis, the ship graveyard at Muynak and the shore of the Aral Sea.

In the south: the ruins of Ak-Saray in Shahrisabz, Termez's Buddhist sites and the Boysun mountains. Nature lovers should look at Chimgan, Charvak, Zaamin, the Nuratau range and the yurt camps by Lake Aydarkul.

How long to stay

3–4 days: Tashkent and Samarkand, or Samarkand and Bukhara by Afrosiyob.

7–10 days: the classic loop — Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, perhaps with Shahrisabz or the Nurata desert.

14 days or more: add the Fergana Valley, Karakalpakstan or the southern regions. See our Routes section for ready-made itineraries.

Planning tips

Travel in one direction: for example, fly from Tashkent to Khiva (via Urgench), then work your way back by train and car through Bukhara and Samarkand, so you never cover the same ground twice.

In high season, book trains and hotels early and spend at least two nights in each city: the monuments are at their best in the early morning and evening light.