Uzbekistan Travel Guide: 6-Day Tashkent & Samarkand Itinerary
Uzbekistan is one of Central Asia’s most fascinating destinations, combining Silk Road history, spectacular Islamic architecture, lively bazaars and surprisingly modern cities. If you have only a few days, Tashkent and Samarkand make an excellent introduction to the country.
The Silk Road, the travels of Marco Polo through it, the origin of the Mughals all direct you to present day Uzbekistan. And sure enough it is a great country to visit.
Ideally there are two windows in the year which is ideal to visit, when it is neither too hot or too cold or its raining. Spring time in March-April or Autumn time in September-October. We chose the latter.
Points to Note Before You Travel and Upon Arrival in Uzbekistan
Visa – Indian citizens need to apply for an e-Visa. This requires two working days and basic information need to be provided. To apply for an eVisa, click here
Train tickets from Tashkent to Samarkand – Trains are the best mode of transport between Tashkent and the other cities. It is wise to book tickets in advance. For the bullet train, you need to book well in advance. For the normal slow trains which takes around four hours, one can still book at the last moment. To book train tickets click here
Download Google Translate – Almost all the communications outside your hotel would be requiring this
Currency – For a start carry some USD, which can be exchanged in for the local currency at the airport. Subsequently ATMs can be used to withdraw cash. ATMs are there at the airport in the arrival hall and mostly at all important locations in the city. Credit cards are accepted mostly at all places in Tashkent but not much in Samarkand. So be more cash rich at Samarkand. For Indians, the conversion rate is approx. 100,000 UZS (Som) = INR 680 (This was as of Sep 2023. Exchange rates fluctuate, so check the current INR–UZS rate before your trip).
Local Sim Card – You need to purchase a local sim card which is a necessity. This can be done on arrival at Tashkent airport. Credit Cards are accepted. Beeline and Uzmobile are a couple of service providers.
Taxi App – Download the Yandex App for quick taxi bookings. This works in Tashkent but not so much in Samarkand. To download from Google Play Store, click here. Once sim card is activated at the airport, use the app to book cab to the hotel.
So, now you are all set in Uzbekistan and witness a slice of history.
Our Itinerary was as follows:
Day 1 – Arrival in Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent
(Tashkent Broadway → evening at Tashkent City Park)
Day 2 – Spend Day Tashkent. Overnight in Tashkent
(Minor Mosque → Hazrati Imam Complex → Alisher Navoiy Theatre → Saigokh Street → Magic City)
Day 3 – Travel from Tashkent to Samarkand by Train. Overnight in Samarkand
(Morning train → Registan Square → Gur-e-Amir Mausolium)
Day 4 – Spend Day in Samarkand. Overnight in Samarkand
(Shah-i-Zinda → Bibi-Khanym Mosque → Siyob Bazaar → Hazrat Khizr Mosque)
Day 5 – Spend Day in Samarkand. Overnight in Samarkand
Day 6 – Travel to Tashkent by Train. Take Return Flight to Delhi late night.
TASHKENT
(Please check the main Tashkent page for detailed blog. Click here)
This is the capital city and the only international gateway. Two days is ideal for spending here. This is not only about historical places. It has got beautiful parks and amazing places to visit in the evening for food and fun.
Places of Interest
This is a select list of things to do, places to visit that are recommended for a two-day stay in the city.
Amir Timur Museum, Minor Mosque, Hazrati Imam Mosque, Alisher Navoiy Theatre, Tashkent City Park, Magic City, Saigokh Street (Tashkent Broadway), Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent TV Tower
Prominent Eateries which we experienced and recommend are – Central Asian Pilaf Center and Ramiz (located in Tashkent City Park as well Magic City). More details on our dedicated page for Tashkent
SAMARKAND
(Please check the main Samarkand page for detailed blog. Click here)
Take the train to Samarkand from Tashkent. Its a four hour train journey and lesser than that if you get lucky to book tickets on the bullet trains. We missed out on the bullet train as you need to book well in advance in the peak season. The ticket booking process is already mentioned at the start of the blog. As far as history goes, Tashkent was just the warm-up. Samarkand is where the slice of history lie. A part of the Silk Road, this place is a unique combination of history and modernity. Ideally one can stay for two or three nights in Samarkand. We opted for three nights in Samarkand.
Places of Interest
This is a list of prominent historic places to visit. There are lots of amazing restaurants and parks. But when in Samarkand it is all about the history
Gur-I-Amir Mausoleum, Registan Square, Shahi Zinda, Hazrat Khizr Mosque, Siyob Bazaar, Bibi Khanym Mosque
Prominent Eateries which we experienced and recommend are – Labi Gor and Bibikhanum Tea House. More details on our dedicated page for Samarkand
