Uzbekistan Itinerary 5 Days in Samarkand & Bukhara

Where Can You Go in 5 Days in Uzbekistan?

Uzbekistan has four top-visit cities, each offering a different slice of the country's story:

Tashkent – the capital, modern, spacious, and the main international gateway
Samarkand – the absolute highlight, and a must for any first-time visit
Bukhara – beautifully preserved, atmospheric, and deeply historic
Khiva – a living museum city, compact but slightly remote

Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Samarkand

Chor Minor Madrasah, Bukhara

Among them, Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara are linked by fast, reliable high-speed trains, making travel smooth and time-efficient.

With only 5 days, the pace is a bit tight. It's best to focus on 2–3 cities, and Samarkand should always be one of them. Khiva is stunning, but usually works better for travelers who can spare extra time or are focused on classic Silk Road history.

Option 1: Uzbkistan Itinerary 5 Days for First Timers

Tashkent → Bukhara → Samarkand → Tashkent

This is the most classic and widely followed 5-day Uzbekistan route, especially for first-time visitors.

It strikes a perfect balance between modern Uzbekistan and two of the country's most impressive UNESCO-listed Silk Road cities — Bukhara and Samarkand.

Here's the simple day-by-day itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent – Half-Day City Tour
Day 2: Morning High-Speed Train to Bukhara – Afternoon Exploration
Day 3: Bukhara Morning Tour – Afternoon Train to Samarkand
Day 4: Full Day in Samarkand
Day 5: Samarkand Morning – Afternoon Train Back to Tashkent

Recommended Tours:

6 Days Classic Uzbekistan Tour: Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand

You may notice that this route visits Bukhara before Samarkand, and there's a good reason for that.

Uzbekistan's high-speed trains run several times a day, but the schedules are not evenly spread. Morning departures from Tashkent work best for reaching Bukhara, while afternoon trains from Bukhara to Samarkand and late-afternoon trains from Samarkand back to Tashkent fit neatly into a 5-day plan.

By following this order, you can enjoy full sightseeing mornings and efficient afternoon transfers, making the most of every hour without rushing.

Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent

Itchan Kala, Khiva Old Town

Day 1: Arrive in Tashkent – A Gentle Half-Day Introduction

Welcome to Uzbekistan's capital. It's modern and spacious, yet quietly layered with history. Arrive early so that you have half day to look around.

Begin at Khast-Imam (Hazrati Imam) Complex. Here you'll meet the first blue-dome mosque. From there, let's dive into local life at nearby Chorsu Bazaar, a colorful swirl of spices, bread, and daily routines.

Later, we'll visit the State Museum of Applied Arts to appreciate Uzbekistan's craftsmanship. Then experience one of the city's most unexpected highlights — the Tashkent Metro, famous for its grand Soviet-era designs.

End the day at Amir Timur Square, where locals gather and the city comes alive after sunset.

Day 2: Morning High-Speed Train to Bukhara – First Taste of the Silk Road

Today , we need to get up early to catch an early high-speed train to Bukhara, the departure time is between 06:00 to 8:30. After 4-hour ride, we'll arrive around midday, right for the lunch.

Once settled, step straight into the old city — everything here feels walkable, intimate, and deeply atmospheric.

Start with a short visit to the small cute Chor Minor Madrasah, famous for its four bule whimsical minarets. It doesn't look as glamorous and grand as it does in the photos. But you'll can't help to photo it the time you see.

Next, we'll drive to Lyabi Hauz Ensemble. Here mulberry trees shade a historic pond and the playful Khodja Nasreddin statue invites photos. Stop for a lazy afternoon coffee as the locals do.

Or we can continue walking to the nearby Trading Domes, once buzzing Silk Road markets and still full of life today. Shopping time!

As evening approaches, we'll arrive at the iconic Po-i-Kalyan Complex. Seeing the Kalyan Minaret glow at sunset is often a first-time visitor's "wow" moment.

Uzbekistan High Speed Train

Uzbekistan High Speed Train Economy Class

Day 3: Bukhara Morning Exploration – Afternoon Train to Samarkand

We continue exploring Bukhara this morning, starting with the Ismail Samani Mausoleum. It's small, simple, and very old — one of the most beautiful buildings in the city.

Next, we visit Chashma-Ayub Mausoleum, linked to legends and a sacred spring. From here, we walk to the Ark of Bukhara, once home to the city's rulers. Standing inside, it's easy to imagine how powerful this place once was.

Before leaving, we stop at Bolo Hauz Mosque, known for its tall wooden columns reflected in the water. It's a peaceful place and a good way to say goodbye to Bukhara.

In the afternoon, we take a high-speed train to Samarkand. Trains usually leave between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. After a two-hour ride, we arrive around night — just in time for dinner.

Day 4: Samarkand Full-Day Discovery – The Heart of the Silk Road

Today is a big day. Samarkand is grand, colorful, and full of history.

We begin at Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, the tomb of Timur. Step inside, and the lavish domes and intricate wall decorations will take your breath away.

From there, we walk to Registan Square — three huge madrasahs facing each other. Most people stop here for a while, just to look and take it all in.

Next, we visit the Bibi Khanim Mosque, once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. Now the tomb of Timur's favourite woman. Its iconic blue ribbed dome looks like a watermelon from a distance.

Siyab Bazaar, Samarkand

Shahi Zinda Necropolis, Samarkand

After that, we head to Siyab Bazaar, a lively market near the mosque. It's a great place to try local fruit, bread, and sweets. It's safe and healthy, no worry for stomach.

In the afternoon, we finally meet Shahi Zinda Necropolis. The blue-tiled tombs line a narrow path and feel quiet and personal. I'd say Shah-i-Zinda is the most beautiful architectural complex in Samarkand, and arguably in all of Uzbekistan.

Day 5: Samarkand Highlights – Afternoon Return to Tashkent

We keep the last day slow and easy.

In the morning, we visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory, where astronomers once studied the stars. It's simple, but the story behind it is impressive. Then we stop by the Afrosiab Museum to learn about ancient Samarkand and see old wall paintings.

If time allows, we also visit Khodja Doniyor Mausoleum, a calm place shared by different religions.

In the afternoon, we take a high-speed train back to Tashkent, ready for our departure. Five days go quickly — but the memories usually stay much longer.

Option 2: Uzbkistan Itinerary 5 Days Only for Samarkand & Bukhara

Shahi Zinda Necropolis, Samarkand

Lyabi Hauz Ensemble, Bukhara

Samarkand → Shahrisabz → Bukhara → Tashkent

This route skips Tashkent at the start and begins straight in Samarkand, the most stunning city in Uzbekistan. If you enter Uzbekistan overland from Tajikistan via the Panjakent border, or fly or take a train directly to Samarkand, this is the 5-day itinerary you're looking for.

Here's the simple day-by-day itinerary:

Day 1-2: Samarkand exploration
Day 3: Drive from Samarkand → Shahrisabz → Bukhara
Day 4: Full day in Bukhara
Day 5: Bukhara Morning Tour – Afternoon Train to Tashkent for departure.

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The highlight of this route is Shahrisabz, the hometown of Timur. Here, grand mosaic decorations meet powerful ruins, creating a strong contrast you don't see in other Silk Road cities.

Traveling by car on this day makes the journey smooth and logical — no backtracking, just one scenic drive connecting the cities.

The sightseeing in Samarkand and Bukhara is similar to Option 1, but this route adds depth with history, landscapes, and a classic road-trip feel.

Day 1-2: Samarkand

Samarkand deserves two full days. The city is rich and intense, and moving too fast can feel overwhelming. Slowing down helps you enjoy the beauty instead of getting tired of it.

Besides visiting the main sights (as listed in Option 1), try mixing in some hands-on experiences. You can visit Aladdin's Lamp Carpet Workshop to learn how traditional carpets are woven, or stop by the Kukla Museum to watch a small puppet show and feel the artistic side of the city.

If you like photos, this is also a great place to wear traditional Uzbek clothing and take portraits among the blue-tiled buildings — not just travel photos, but memories you'll keep for life.

Gur-e Amir Mausoleum, Samarkand

Bibi Khanim Mosque, Samarkand

Day 3: Drive from Samarkand → Shahrisabz → Bukhara

Today is very different — and yes, it's a long day. We'll spend about six hours on the road, but it's worth it.

We drive from Samarkand toward Shahrisabz, the hometown of Timur and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we spend 1–2 hours visiting key ruins, including the remains of Ak-Saray Palace, once one of the grandest palaces in Central Asia. The mix of massive ruins and open space feels powerful and emotional.

After the visit, we continue driving directly to Bukhara, arriving in the evening. It's a tiring day, but one that connects history, landscape, and legacy in a meaningful way.

Recommended Tours:

6 Days Classic Uzbekistan Tour: Tashkent, Bukhara, and Samarkand

Day 4: Bukhara Full Day

Today, we slow the pace again.

Spend the day walking through Bukhara's old town, where history feels close and personal. The main sights are the same as in Option 1, but without rushing. Sit in shaded courtyards, watch locals pass by, and enjoy how calm and timeless the city feels.

Bukhara isn't about big moments — it's about atmosphere.

Day 5: Bukhara Morning – Afternoon Train to Tashkent

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Bukhara. This is a good time for last-minute shopping, photos, or simply another walk through the old streets.

In the afternoon, take a high-speed train to Tashkent, where your journey in Uzbekistan comes to a smooth end.

Chor Minor, Bukhara

Po i Kalyan Complex

Why There Is No "Khiva + Bukhara + Samarkand" Option in 5 Days

At first, we considered adding a third option that covers Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand in 5 days. On paper, it looks like the perfect Silk Road route. But after careful planning, we decided not to recommend it.

The reason is simple: it's too rushed.

With only 5 days, visiting all three cities means long transfers and very limited time on the ground. In some versions of the route, there isn't even a full overnight stay in Khiva — and that feels like a real loss. Khiva is compact, but it deserves an evening and a morning to truly enjoy its atmosphere.

If we add one night in Khiva, then either Bukhara or Samarkand must be reduced to just one day, which feels equally disappointing. Both cities are rich, detailed, and emotionally powerful — rushing through them turns a great journey into a checklist.

So instead of offering a "looks good but feels bad" itinerary, we chose to focus on routes that allow you to slow down, stay overnight, and really experience each place.

Sometimes, seeing less means remembering more.

Recommended Tours:

Uzbekistan Group Tour: 5-Day Bukhara & Samarkand Essential Silk Road Route

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.