Samarkand & Bukhara: Silk Road Travel Guide for e-Visa Holders

UNESCO heritage cities, high-speed trains, and centuries of Silk Road history

Samarkand & Bukhara: Silk Road Travel Guide for e-Visa Holders
Samarkand & Bukhara: Silk Road Travel Guide for e-Visa Holders

Registan Square

Samarkand's iconic ensemble of three turquoise-tiled medressas — the heart of the ancient Silk Road.

Po-i-Kalyan

Bukhara's towering minaret and mosque complex, among the finest examples of Islamic architecture in Central Asia.

Afrosiyob Train

High-speed rail connects Tashkent to Samarkand in under 2 hours — the easiest way to travel between cities.

Uzbekistan's ancient cities of Samarkand and Bukhara are UNESCO-listed treasures on the historic Silk Road. Most international visitors arrive via Tashkent and connect by high-speed train or domestic flight.

Top attractions in Samarkand

  • Registan Square and its three magnificent medressas
  • Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
  • Bibi-Khanym Mosque
  • Siyob Bazaar for local spices and bread

Top attractions in Bukhara

  • Po-i-Kalyan complex
  • Ark Fortress
  • Lyabi-Hauz plaza
  • Traditional hammams and craft workshops

Traveller Tips

Getting around

Use the Afrosiyob high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand, then continue to Bukhara by train or shared taxi.

Local currency

Uzbek som (UZS) is used everywhere. ATMs are available in major cities; carry cash for bazaars and small shops.

Dress code

Modest clothing is appreciated at mosques and mausoleums. Remove shoes before entering religious sites.

Best Time to Visit

Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) offer mild temperatures ideal for walking tours. Summer can exceed 40°C; winter is cold but crowd-free.