7-Day Uzbekistan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 7-day Uzbekistan itineraries

Compiled by

NinaUzbekistan travel expert at TourRadar

• 7 Days in Uzbekistan, incl. Bukhara and Samarkand

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • 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.

    

  View itinerary

• 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.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • 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.

    

  View itinerary

• 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.

  

  View itinerary Compare 7 days itineraries
  • 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.

  View itinerary