Itinerary · 8 days
Uzbekistan Itinerary, 8 Days From India
Eight days links the three great Silk Road cities of Uzbekistan: Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, with Tashkent as the gateway. Fast trains and good roads make it smooth, and the tiled madrasas and ancient old towns are some of the most beautiful architecture on earth.
The 8-day arc
Arrive in the capital, Tashkent.
Old town, Khast Imam complex, and the bazaar.
Welcome dinner and rest.
Morning sights and the grand Soviet-era metro stations.
High-speed train to Samarkand (about 2 hours).
Evening light on the Registan square.
The Registan square and its three madrasas.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Siab bazaar.
Gur-e-Amir, the tomb of Timur, at golden hour.
Shah-i-Zinda necropolis of stunning tiled tombs.
Ulugh Beg observatory and a craft workshop.
Final Samarkand dinner.
Train or drive to Bukhara.
Settle in the ancient centre, Lyab-i-Hauz pool.
Evening stroll among lit monuments.
Poi Kalan complex and the great minaret.
The Ark fortress and trading domes.
Folk show or quiet dinner by the pool.
Long drive or flight to Khiva, the walled desert town.
Enter Itchan Kala, the perfectly preserved inner city.
Sunset from the city walls.
Final morning in Itchan Kala.
Transfer or flight back via Tashkent for departure.
Return home.
Budget breakdown (per person)
Mid-range solo traveller estimate. Couples sharing rooms save around 25% per person. Luxury upgrades add 50% to 100%.
Booking tips
- Uzbekistan offers an e-visa for Indians, but confirm the current rules before booking as policy can change
- Book the high-speed Afrosiyob trains (Tashkent to Samarkand to Bukhara) in advance, they sell out
- Visit in spring (April to May) or autumn (September to October); summer is searingly hot for the desert cities
- Carry a scarf or light cover for modest dress at mosques and madrasas, and strong sun protection
- Cash is still useful; carry US dollars to exchange, and check card acceptance at smaller places
Frequently asked
Is 8 days enough for Uzbekistan?
Yes, 8 days links Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, the essential Silk Road circuit. A week is tight if you include Khiva, which is the farthest. Ten days adds a more relaxed pace or the Fergana Valley.
When is the best time to visit Uzbekistan?
Spring, April to May, and autumn, September to October, when the desert cities are comfortable. Summer is searingly hot, often 40C, and winter is cold. See the Uzbekistan best-time-to-visit guide for the month-by-month picture.
How do you travel between Uzbekistan's cities?
By a modern high-speed train network linking Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara comfortably and quickly, with road or flight connections onward to Khiva. The fast, efficient trains are a pleasant way to cover the distances, and should be booked ahead.
How much does an Uzbekistan trip from India cost?
A mid-range 8-day trip runs around INR 1.1 to 1.5 lakh per person including flights, trains, hotels, and guiding. It is good value for the Silk Road, with reasonable on-ground costs and growing flight options.