10 day itinerary for Uzbekistan

Itinerary

Uzbekistan is a treasure trove of history, culture, and natural beauty. With your constraints in mind, here’s a delightful 10-day itinerary that balances budget-friendly options, green spaces, stunning sites, and delicious food. Let’s dive in!

## Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent

• Morning: Arrive in Tashkent, the capital city. Check into a budget-friendly hotel or guesthouse.
• Afternoon: Explore Amir Timur Square and the surrounding parks. Don’t miss the beautiful Navoi Park for a leisurely stroll.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner at a local restaurant. Try plov (rice pilaf) and samsa (savory pastries).

## Day 2: Tashkent to Samarkand

• Morning: Take an early train to Samarkand (about 2 hours). The train ride is comfortable and budget-friendly.
• Afternoon: Visit the iconic Registan Square. Spend time in the surrounding gardens and soak in the stunning architecture.
• Evening: Dine at a local eatery. Sample shashlik (grilled meat skewers) and laghman (noodle dish).

## Day 3: Samarkand

• Morning: Explore the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a beautiful complex with stunning blue tiles and peaceful gardens.
• Afternoon: Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and stroll through the nearby Siab Bazaar for fresh fruits and local snacks.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a rooftop restaurant with views of the city. Try manti (dumplings) for a treat!

## Day 4: Samarkand to Bukhara

• Morning: Take a train or shared taxi to Bukhara (about 4 hours).
• Afternoon: Check into your accommodation and then head to the Ark Fortress. Explore the grounds and enjoy the green spaces around.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Don’t miss out on kebabs and chuchvara (dumplings).

## Day 5: Bukhara

• Morning: Visit the Bolo Haouz Mosque and relax by the pond. It’s a lovely spot for some quiet time.
• Afternoon: Explore the Lyabi-Hauz area, a charming square with cafes and trees. Enjoy a leisurely lunch here.
• Evening: Try a local dish called naryn (noodle dish) for dinner.

## Day 6: Bukhara to Khiva

• Morning: Depart for Khiva (about 6-7 hours by shared taxi or bus). Enjoy the scenic views along the way.
• Afternoon: Arrive in Khiva and check into your accommodation. Explore the Ichan Kala (the old town) and its beautiful architecture.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Sample pahlavan (a type of meat dish) and enjoy the ambiance.

## Day 7: Khiva

• Morning: Visit the Kalta Minor Minaret and the Islam Khodja Complex. The gardens around these sites are perfect for a stroll.
• Afternoon: Explore the Pakhlavan Makhmud Mausoleum and relax in the nearby park.
• Evening: Enjoy a traditional meal at a local eatery. Try qozon kabob (pot-roasted meat).

## Day 8: Khiva to Nukus

• Morning: Travel to Nukus (about 5 hours by shared taxi).
• Afternoon: Visit the Savitsky Museum, which houses a fantastic collection of Russian avant-garde art and local artifacts.
• Evening: Dinner at a local restaurant. Sample beshbarmak (a meat and noodle dish).

## Day 9: Nukus to the Aral Sea

• Morning: Take a day trip to the Aral Sea. Visit the Moynaq area, where you can see the remnants of the fishing town and the ship graveyard.
• Afternoon: Enjoy a picnic lunch by the sea and take in the unique landscape.
• Evening: Return to Nukus for dinner. Try some local bread and kebabs.

## Day 10: Return to Tashkent

• Morning: Travel back to Tashkent (about 1.5 hours by flight or 18 hours by train, so plan accordingly).
• Afternoon: Spend your last hours visiting the Khast Imam Complex and the Chorsu Bazaar for some last-minute shopping and food tasting.
• Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a nice restaurant. Treat yourself to a delicious dessert like halva or baklava.

Tips:

• Transportation: Use trains for longer distances; they are comfortable and budget-friendly. For shorter distances, shared taxis are a great option.
• Food: Street food is delicious and affordable, so don’t hesitate to try local snacks from vendors.
• Accommodation: Look for guesthouses or budget hotels that offer breakfast included in the price.

This itinerary gives you a wonderful mix of history, culture, nature, and delicious food while keeping your budget in check. Enjoy your adventure in Uzbekistan! 🌍✨