Quick answer
The essential things to do in Uzbekistan are the Registan, Shah-i-Zinda and Gur-e-Amir in Samarkand, Bukhara's Ark, Kalyan Minaret and Lyabi-Hauz, and the walled city of Khiva if you have time. Travel between them on the Afrosiyob high-speed train, and give Tashkent a day for its bazaars, metro and Khast Imam complex.
13 things worth your time in Uzbekistan
- 01
Registan, Samarkand
LandmarkThree tiled madrasas facing one square, built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Few city squares anywhere match it.
2 hoursAbout ₹350–550Visit once in daylight and again after dark, when the facades are lit.
- 02
Shah-i-Zinda
LandmarkAn avenue of mausoleums covered in the finest turquoise and cobalt tilework in Central Asia.
1.5 hoursAbout ₹300–450Go at opening for soft light and few people; it is an active pilgrimage site, so dress modestly.
- 03
Gur-e-Amir
LandmarkTimur's ribbed-dome tomb, and the model for later Mughal tombs in India, including Humayun's Tomb.
45 minutesAbout ₹300–450Indian visitors often enjoy spotting the design links to Delhi's monuments.
- 04
Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar
LandmarkA colossal 15th-century mosque beside Samarkand's main market, full of bread, dried fruit and nuts.
2 hoursMosque about ₹300–400; bazaar freeBuy Samarkand non bread and dried apricots; vendors happily give tastes.
- 05
Ulugh Beg Observatory
LandmarkThe remains of a giant 15th-century sextant used to map over a thousand stars.
45 minutesAbout ₹200–350Pair with Afrosiyob museum nearby on the same morning.
- 06
Konigil paper mill
ExperienceA working village mill making silk paper from mulberry bark by water-powered hammers.
1–1.5 hoursAbout ₹200–400Good for children; the shady orchard makes it a relaxed half-day stop.
- 07
Ark Fortress and Po-i-Kalyan, Bukhara
LandmarkThe emirs' mud-brick citadel, and the 12th-century Kalyan Minaret, which legend says even Genghis Khan spared.
2–3 hoursAbout ₹300–600 combinedCome back to Po-i-Kalyan at sunset, when the brick glows.
- 08
Lyabi-Hauz and the trading domes
ExperienceBukhara's old pond square under mulberry trees, ringed by teahouses, with covered bazaar domes leading off it.
EveningFreeShop for suzani embroidery and knives here; quality varies, so compare.
- 09
Itchan Kala, Khiva
LandmarkA complete walled city of minarets, palaces and madrasas, like walking into an old miniature painting.
Full dayCombined ticket about ₹1,000–1,500 for most interiorsStay inside the walls to see it at dawn and dusk without tour groups.
- 10
Afrosiyob high-speed train
ExperienceFast, clean and punctual trains link Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, often quicker than flying door to door.
About 2 hours Tashkent–SamarkandAbout ₹1,400–2,100 economy, one wayTickets open a few weeks ahead and sell out in April, May, September and October.
- 11
Chorsu Bazaar and Khast Imam, Tashkent
FoodA huge domed market, then the religious complex holding what is said to be among the oldest Qurans in the world.
3 hoursBazaar free; library about ₹100–300Women should carry a scarf for Khast Imam.
- 12
Tashkent Metro
ExperienceSoviet-era stations each with its own theme, from cotton motifs to cosmonauts.
1 hourUnder ₹25 per ridePhotography is now allowed; Kosmonavtlar station is the favourite.
- 13
Chimgan and Charvak
Day tripMountains, a chairlift and a big turquoise reservoir about 80 km from Tashkent, a break from monuments.
8–9 hoursAbout ₹3,000–5,000 per person with a shared carBest from April to October; in winter Chimgan has small ski slopes.
What are the best things to do in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan is a Silk Road trail with three headline cities. Samarkand has the grandest monuments, Bukhara has the most atmospheric old town, and Khiva is a complete walled city. Tashkent, where you land, is the modern capital, with broad avenues, bazaars and a decorated metro. Six nights covers Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara comfortably; add two nights for Khiva.
The Afrosiyob high-speed train makes the route easy: about two hours from Tashkent to Samarkand and around 1.5 hours on to Bukhara. Khiva is further west, reached by a long train, a 6–7 hour drive from Bukhara, or a flight to Urgench.
Why Indian travellers feel at home here
Timur's descendant Babur founded the Mughal dynasty, and the links show. Gur-e-Amir's ribbed dome is a direct ancestor of Humayun's Tomb, Bollywood songs play in taxis, and many guides speak a little Hindi. Uzbek bread, dried fruit and green tea will feel familiar, though vegetarians need to plan, as most dishes contain meat.
Practical notes
- Monument tickets are cheap, mostly a few hundred rupees each, but a camera fee may apply at some sites.
- Dress modestly at mausoleums and active mosques.
- Cards work in big hotels, but carry som cash for bazaars and taxis.
Book Afrosiyob seats as soon as sales open for spring and autumn dates; they are the first thing to sell out.
Plan the rest with our Uzbekistan trip cost, best time to visit Uzbekistan, the Uzbekistan food guide, the 7-day route in our itineraries and the Uzbekistan visa page.
Frequently asked questions
Is Khiva worth adding to an Uzbekistan trip?
Do I need a guide in Samarkand and Bukhara?
How do you travel between cities in Uzbekistan?
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Written and fact-checked by the Elitech Travels editorial desk in New Delhi, drawing on our consultants' day-to-day booking work and the official sources below. Rules, fares and fees change — always confirm anything critical with the issuing authority before you travel. Our editorial policy.
