Silk Road Cities of Uzbekistan

Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara–Khiva, the classic chain of blue-domed Silk Road cities in Central Asia, with an optional extension to Merv in Turkmenistan.

This region covers the oasis cities of Uzbekistan along the ancient Silk Road, plus the ancient city of Merv just across the border in Turkmenistan, and is the best-developed route in Central Asia. The main highlights: in Samarkand, the three madrasas of Registan Square, the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the blue tilework of the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis; in Bukhara, the Kalyan Minaret, the Lyabi-Hauz pool square in the old town and the old trading domes; in Khiva, the inner city of Itchan Kala, where everything within the walls is effectively a museum; in Tashkent, the metro station art and Independence Square; in the Fergana Valley to the east, silk workshops and Rishtan ceramics; and Merv, a World Heritage archaeological site. The classic route is Tashkent–Samarkand–Bukhara–Khiva (or in reverse) in 7–10 days, with 2–3 more days if you add Fergana. The Afrosiyob high-speed train connects Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, while Bukhara to Khiva (via Urgench) can be done by train or domestic flight; in peak season, buy tickets in advance on the official website. Uzbekistan offers visa-free or simplified visa entry to citizens of China and many other countries; a Turkmenistan visa is harder to get, so apply well in advance.

Destinations

• Tashkent
• Samarkand
• Bukhara
• Khiva
• Fergana Valley (Kokand & Rishtan)
• Mary & Ancient Merv

Itineraries

• In-Depth Uzbekistan Grand Loop – A comprehensive loop covering the four ancient cities plus Fergana Valley, Nukus, and the desert mountain villages of N…
• Classic Uzbekistan Silk Road Rail Tour – Connect Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva by high-speed rail, including a day trip to Shahrisabz.
• Turkmenistan Overland: Khiva to Bukhara – Enter via Shavat and exit via Farap, connecting four classic Turkmen highlights on the way to Bukhara.
• Silk Road Cities to Fann Mountains Cross-Border Route – Explore Bukhara and Samarkand, cross the border on foot, and travel through the Seven Lakes and Fann Mountains to Dusha…
• Overland Journey Across Turkmenistan: Khiva to Bukhara – Enter via Shavat and exit via Farap, incorporating the Caspian canyons, mountain villages, and Gonur Depe into the over…
• Fergana Valley Silk & Ceramics Loop – Take the train from Tashkent into the valley to visit the Palace of Khudayar Khan in Kokand, Rishtan ceramics, and Marg…
• Ashgabat, Gates of Hell, and Merv – A round trip from the capital covering the white marble city, ancient Merv, and the Darvaza gas crater.
• Tashkent to Samarkand via Khujand – A northern Tajik route connecting Tashkent and Samarkand, featuring Khujand, Istaravshan, and the Seven Lakes.
• Merv and Margiana Archaeological Tour – Fly from the capital to Mary, focusing on the ancient city of Merv and the Bronze Age site of Gonur Depe.
• Aral Sea Ship Graveyard & Khorezm Fortresses – Take an off-road vehicle to spend the night in a yurt on the shores of the Aral Sea, then head south to Khiva via deser…
• Tajikistan Traverse: From Tashkent to Samarkand – Traverse western Tajikistan using shared transport, traveling from Khujand and Dushanbe to Panjakent and the Seven Lake…
• Turkmenistan Grand Flight Loop – Save time on long drives by using domestic flights to cover major sights across the north, south, east, and west.