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Route 1: Counterclockwise, Khiva First - More Popular Uzbekistan 10 Day Itinerary
Tashkent → Khiva → Bukhara → Samarkand → Tashkent
Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
Tashkent, as the capital of Uzbekistan, is usually the gateway to silk road cities. Your Uzbekistan 10 day tour generally begins and ends here. However, it's also the city you spend least time. A half day layover tour is enough to explore its all.
Try to arrive in Tashkent in the morning, so you have time to walk around.
We start at Hazrati Imam Complex, a quiet and spiritual part of the city. This is where you first feel Uzbekistan's religious roots.
From here, it's a short ride to Chorsu Bazaar. Busy, colorful, and very local. People shop, talk, and eat as they always have.
Later, we visit Amir Timur Square and the nearby Amir Timur Museum. It helps put the country's history into context.
Before dinner, take a ride on the Tashkent Metro. Some stations are surprisingly beautiful, and every one feels different.
It's a gentle first day in Uzbekistan.
Day 2: Tashkent → Khiva
An early flight takes you west to Khiva. The scenery changes fast. Modern city to ancient desert town.
In the afternoon, take your steps into Ichan-Kala, Khiva's old walled city, an UNESCO Heritage Site. Life here feels slow and quiet.
You'll pass by Kalta Minor, bright and bold against the sky. Inside Juma Mosque, wooden columns fill the space with soft light. At Tash-Khauli Palace, you get a glimpse of royal life long ago.
As evening comes, don't hesitate to wander through the old streets bathing in the soft light. Stone walls, warm light, and silence. Khiva feels timeless.
Day 3: Khiva → Desert Fortresses Day Trip
Today let's see something really old and wild. Just 30 km away from Khiva, you'll meet Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala, and Kyzyl Kala. These ancient fortresses rise from the vast, endless deserts and barren lands.
This area is rarely visited by tourists. The feeling is raw and untouched.
From the top of the ruins, the land stretches far into the distance. You can imagine Silk Road caravans moving slowly across this land long ago. Time feels quiet here, carried by the desert wind.
In the late afternoon, return to Khiva for a relaxed night.
Day 4: Khiva → Bukhara
Today is the day for train ride to Bukhara. If you book the afternoon train, you still have time to walk around inside Ichan-Kala in the morning.
This is a good time to walk slowly, take photos, and enjoy the details. Carved doors, clay walls, and small workshops are everywhere.
In the afternoon, head for Khiva raiway station, which is just 1 km away. Take on the train to Bukhara, the journey takes about six hours and crosses open desert land.
You will arrive in Bukhara in the evening and settle in for the night.
Day 5: Bukhara Old City
Bukhara feels different from other Silk Road cities. More intimate. More human.
We begin at Chor Minor, small and charming with its four towers. From there, walk through old streets toward Lyabi Hauz Square. Trees, water, cafés, and locals sitting around. It's easy to slow down here.
Nearby are the Trading Domes, once busy Silk Road markets. They still feel active today.
Later, we reach the Po-i-Kalyan Complex. The minaret dominates the skyline. Seeing it in person is often a quiet "wow" moment.
You'll have time to browse traditional crafts and enjoy the pace of the old city.
Bukhara Map: 2026 Tourist Map of Bukhara City in Uzbekistan
Day 6: Bukhara → Samarkand
We continue exploring Bukhara this morning.
First stop is the Ismail Samani Mausoleum. Small, simple, and very old. Many people consider it one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.
Next, visit Chashma-Ayub, linked to legends and a sacred spring. Then step inside the Ark Fortress, once the seat of power in Bukhara.
Before leaving, stop at Bolo Hauz Mosque, with wooden columns reflected in the water. A peaceful way to say goodbye.
In the afternoon, we take a high-speed train to Samarkand. The ride is smooth and takes about two hours.
Day 7: Samarkand
Samarkand feels bold and dramatic. This is the city many people imagine before coming to Uzbekistan.
We start at Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the tomb of Amir Timur. Step inside, and the decoration really does take your breath away.
From here, walk to Registan Square. Three massive madrasahs facing each other. Most visitors stop talking for a moment here.
Next is Bibi-Khanym Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. Its huge blue dome stands out clearly on the skyline.
We finish at Siyab Bazaar, busy and lively. A good place to try fruit, bread, and local snacks.
Samarkand Map: Explore Samarkand City with Map
Day 8: Samarkand → Shahrisabz Day Trip
Today we travel to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur. It's a classic day trip from Samarkand.
The drive takes you through open landscapes and low mountains. You visit the ruins of Ak-Saray Palace, once meant to impress the world. Even in ruins, its scale is clear.
The town itself feels slower and more local than Samarkand.
After exploration, drive back to Samarkand for the night.
Day 9: Samarkand → Tashkent
The morning focuses on Samarkand's earlier history.
We visit Ulugh Beg Observatory, where astronomers once studied the stars. The structure is simple, but the story is impressive.
Next is the Afrasiyab Museum, which helps explain ancient Samarkand through murals and artifacts.
If time allows, stop at Khoja Daniyor Mausoleum, a calm and respected place shared by different religions.
In the afternoon, we take a high-speed train back to Tashkent.
Day 10: Departure
Your final day is easy and unhurried.
You may visit Minor Mosque or the Museum of Applied Arts. Or you can enjoy a last walk and a final cup of tea.
At the right time, we take you to the airport. Your journey through Uzbekistan comes to a warm and memorable end.
Route 2: Clockwise – Samarkand First, Khiva Last
Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara → Khiva → Tashkent
This clockwise route offers a more gradual rhythm. You begin with Uzbekistan's most famous monuments while energy is high, then slowly transition toward quieter, more enclosed old cities. Ending in Khiva feels calm and reflective, like stepping out of time before returning home.
Day 1: Arrival in Tashkent
Arrive in Tashkent and enjoy a half-day introduction to the capital. Visit key highlights such as Hazrati Imam Complex, Chorsu Bazaar, and Amir Timur Square, and experience the city's beautifully designed metro system.
Day 2: Tashkent → Samarkand
Take a morning high-speed train to Samarkand. In the afternoon, begin exploring the city with an easy introduction—perhaps a first walk around Registan Square as the light softens.
Day 3: Samarkand
Spend a full day discovering Samarkand's highlights, including Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, and the surrounding old quarters. This is a bold, dramatic introduction to Uzbekistan's imperial past.
Day 4: Samarkand → Shahrisabz → Samarkand
Take a day trip to Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur. Visit the ruins of Ak-Saray Palace and other Timurid monuments before returning to Samarkand in the evening.
Day 5: Samarkand → Bukhara
Travel by high-speed train to Bukhara. Settle into the old city and enjoy a gentle evening walk around Lyabi Hauz.
Day 6: Bukhara
Explore Bukhara's historic center, including Po-i-Kalyan Ensemble, Trading Domes, and quiet backstreets where daily life continues much as it has for centuries.
Day 7: Bukhara → Khiva
Cross the Kyzylkum Desert on a full-day transfer to Khiva. The long journey adds to the feeling of reaching somewhere remote and preserved.
Day 8: Khiva
Spend the day exploring Ichan-Kala, the best-preserved old city in Uzbekistan. Its compact layout, mud-brick walls, and soft evening light make it an unforgettable place to slow down.
Day 9: Khiva → Desert Fortresses Day Trip
Visit the ancient desert fortresses of Ayaz Kala, Toprak Kala, and Kyzyl Kala, rising dramatically from the surrounding wilderness.
Day 10: Khiva → Tashkent / Departure
Take a morning flight back to Tashkent for departure, carrying with you a quiet, lasting impression of Silk Road history.
Clockwise vs Counterclockwise: Which 10-Day Itinerary Is Better?
Both routes cover the same Silk Road highlights: Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva.
The difference is not the places — it's the rhythm.
Counterclockwise Route (Tashkent → Khiva → Bukhara → Samarkand)
This is the more popular choice.
Starting with Khiva means stepping straight into history. You move from quiet, enclosed old cities toward bigger and busier ones.
The journey feels like a gradual build-up, ending with the grandeur of Samarkand.
This route works well if:
√ You want a strong first impression
√ You enjoy ancient cities and slow evenings
√ You prefer saving the biggest "wow" for later
Clockwise Route (Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara → Khiva)
This route feels more balanced.
You begin with big names like Samarkand while energy is still high, then slow down as the journey goes on.
Ending in Khiva feels calm and reflective, almost like a soft landing after a long trip.
This route works well if:
√ You want to see major highlights early
√ You prefer a gradual slowdown
√ You enjoy ending the trip somewhere quiet and atmospheric
So, Which One Should You Choose?
There is no wrong answer.
If this is your first visit, most travelers choose the counterclockwise route.
If you prefer a smoother pace and a quieter ending, the clockwise route often feels better.
Either way, Uzbekistan rewards slow travel. The order matters less than the time you give each place.
People Also Ask for 10 Days in Uzbekistan
- Is 10 days enough for Uzbekistan?
Yes, 10 days is an ideal amount of time to explore Uzbekistan's main Silk Road cities without rushing. It allows you to visit Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva at a comfortable pace, with enough time for culture, architecture, and local experiences.
- What is the best way to travel between cities in Uzbekistan?
High-speed trains are the best option between Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Khiva is usually reached by flight or a longer train/road transfer, as it lies farther west in the desert region.
- Is Uzbekistan suitable for first-time visitors to Central Asia?
Yes. Uzbekistan is often considered the easiest Central Asian country to visit. Tourist infrastructure is well developed, major cities are connected by train, and historical sites are clearly organized and accessible.
- Do I need a guide for a 10-day Uzbekistan trip?
While independent travel is possible, many travelers prefer a guide for historical context, especially in Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva. A guide adds depth to the experience beyond architecture and photo stops.
- What is the best time of year for a 10-day Uzbekistan itinerary?
Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) are the best times. The weather is mild, ideal for walking through old cities and desert sites, while summers can be very hot.
- Can I add desert fortresses or Shahrisabz to a 10-day trip?
Yes. With good planning, day trips to the desert fortresses near Khiva or to Shahrisabz from Samarkand fit well into a 10-day Uzbekistan itinerary.
Explore Uzbekistan's Silk Road Heritage Sites with Asia Odyssey Travel
This closing section is here to help you take the next step from planning to traveling.
As a locally connected travel agency, Asia Odyssey Travel works directly with experienced Uzbek guides, professional drivers, and our own trusted vehicle teams, ensuring your journey across Uzbekistan is safe, smooth, and well-organized—from airport pickup to your final farewell.
Beyond Uzbekistan, we also offer Central Asia multi-country tours, seamlessly combining Uzbekistan with Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—ideal for travelers who want to experience the Silk Road in its full regional depth.
Our Uzbekistan Tour Collections
Classic Uzbekistan Tours: Uzbekistan Tours, Uzbekistan Small Group Tours
City-Focused Tour Packages: Samarkand Tour Packages, Bukhara Tour Packages, Tashkent Tour Packages
Uzbekistan Tours by Departure Market: Uzbekistan Tours from Australia, Uzbekistan Tours from Singapore, Uzbekistan Tours from USA, Uzbekistan Tours from South Africa, Uzbekistan Tours from Dubai
South Asia–Focused Uzbekistan Tours: Uzbekistan Tour Packages from India, Tashkent Tour Packages from India, Uzbekistan Tour Packages from Pakistan
Our Central Asia multi-country Tour Collections
Classic Central Asia Tours: Central Asia Group Tours, Central Asia Tours, Five Stans Tours
Central Asia Tours by Departure Market: Central Asia Tour from Singapore, Central Asia Tour from Malaysia, Central Asia Tour from UK, Central Asia Tour from India, Central Asia Tour from USA, Central Asia Tour from Australia
Follow Asia Odyssey Travel, and explore Uzbekistan not just as a destination, but as a living Silk Road journey—comfortably, safely, and deeply.
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