{"id":12874,"date":"2021-05-10T08:00:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-10T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/?p=12874\/"},"modified":"2025-11-06T07:59:12","modified_gmt":"2025-11-06T05:59:12","slug":"uzbekistan-itinerary","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-itinerary\/","title":{"rendered":"Backpacking in Uzbekistan &#8211; 1 to 3-week itinerary"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"Backpacking in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13090\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Sitting at the actual crossroads of Eurasia and, for centuries, being the gateway to both east and west, a place which traders from all over the world passed through and a land which was conquered by countless civilizations, from the Greeks to the Mongols and even the Russians in the 20th century, the cultural heritage of Uzbekistan is huge and it can be seen not only in the numerous palaces, fortresses and mosques, but also in the extremely mixed people&#8217;s faces, ranging from Mongolian to clear Indo-European features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Uzbekistan used to be the most important knowledge exchange center in the world, the stopover for important intellectuals, religious figures, traders and travelers in general, who all the historical buildings and caravanserais were built for, unlike in neighboring Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, two countries which were mainly based on nomadism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, Uzbekistan is really synonymous with the Silk Road, home of the three major Silk Road cities, composed of a magnificent architecture&nbsp;that can&#8217;t be rivaled anywhere else in the world, not even in&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/iran\/\">Iran<\/a><\/strong>, I am afraid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the ultimate destination for architecture and history lovers, but also for travelers who want to visit a real off the beaten track destination, as outside of the three main touristic cities, including in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/fergana-valley-uzbekistan\/\">Fergana Valley<\/a><\/strong> and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, there is very little Western exposure and the people are extremely hospitable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I spent one entire month <strong>backpacking in Uzbekistan<\/strong> and, here, I have compiled all the places I visited in a 1 to 3-week itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">This article talks about places to visit in Uzbekistan. For all the practical information, including visas, transportation, border rules, etc, read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-travel-guide\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Tips for traveling to Uzbekistan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"b182b9783d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/b182b9783d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-uzbekistan-685x1024.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-uzbekistan-685x1024.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-uzbekistan-685x1024.jpg\" alt=\"backpacking uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13086\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:514px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In this backpacking guide for Uzbekistan you will find:<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group table-of-contents is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"table-of-contents__title\" style=\"font-size:20px\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#1\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Quick tips<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#50\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Books<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#3\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Itinerary<\/span><\/a>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><a href=\"#31\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">1-week itinerary<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"#32\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">2-week itinerary<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#33\">3-week itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"#15\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">More resources<\/span><\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group atc-info-box is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center m-0 has-black-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#fe9900\">our recommended travel insurance for Uzbekistan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center\" style=\"font-size:20px\">With its Backpacker plan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=uzbekistan_itinerary_en_text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">IATI Insurance<\/a><\/strong> is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-buttons-is-layout-16018d1d wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button has-custom-font-size\" style=\"font-size:16px\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-text-align-center wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.iatitravelinsurance.com\/en-eu\/products\/iati-backpacker-eu\/?r=30867932099453&amp;cmp=uzbekistan_itinerary_en_text\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#fe9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">GET 5% DISCOUNT HERE<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"1\">A few things to know before backpacking in Uzbekistan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best time to go backpacking in Uzbekistan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Unlike the rest of the Stans where the mountains are the highlight, one goes to Uzbekistan for city sightseeing, which&nbsp;means that it can be a year-round destination.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, bear in mind that summers are utterly hot, especially in Khiva and, in winter, temperatures may easily go below 0\u00baC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I was there from mid-October to mid-November and days were pretty mild and nights quite cold, around 5\u00baC. We also camped in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/moynaq-aral-sea-uzbekistan\/\">Moynaq, in the Aral Sea<\/a><\/strong>, and temperatures went down to -5\u00baC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, I think that it was a really good season to travel as there were few tourists and, during the day, the temperature was just perfect. Therefore, autumn and spring should be the best seasons to visit!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Uzbekistan is a hot destination!<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Who the hell backpacks in Uzbekistan?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is what most travelers say before booking their tickets to Uzbekistan, but you will be surprised to learn that this country is much more popular than you think!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The three main Silk Road cities, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, tend to be swamped with, literally, tens of tour groups, so don&#8217;t be surprised at getting lost among all the souvenir shops or being caught in the occasional rip-off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, as soon as you step out of these three places, you are likely to be the only tourist.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How to move around<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You can travel by train to pretty much everywhere, except Khiva and the Aral Sea, where you will need to take a bus or a local shared taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can travel in both modern trains and old Russian trains, which is quite an experience. To check different train schedules, go to the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/eticket.uzrailway.uz\/?lang=en\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">Official Railway Website<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, it is a bit confusing, as results are shown in the Cyrillic alphabet and, in any case, you can&#8217;t buy them online with a foreign card, so you will have to go to the station anyways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Read: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-kyrgyzstan\/\">Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan &#8211; 1 to 4-week itinerary<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13054\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/what-to-do-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/what-to-do-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/what-to-do-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"What to do in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13054\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\">Crazy ceilings in Samarkand<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"50\">Useful books for planning your Uzbekistan itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">Here you have the most typical options, but if you want to get deeper, I recommend you check this list, containing the <strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/books-central-asia\/\">28 best books on the Silk Road and the Stans<\/a><\/strong>, with specific books on Uzbekistan<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Uzbekistan travel guide by Bradt<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The most complete guide to Uzbekistan. I am a heavy consumer of Bradt Guides, as they give more local insights and personal experience than any other book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/B082B5BVDQ\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=B082B5BVDQ&amp;linkId=4194b7d05446110727f069c9ab1b760f\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/download-1.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/download-1.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"177\" height=\"285\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/download-1.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22372\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Central Asia travel guide by Lonely Planet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you are traveling to other countries in Central Asia, you may want to buy the generic guide in order to save some money. It contains a full chapter dedicated to Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1786574640\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1786574640&amp;linkId=6e3cb689546d15a61ba30b1a6279cfb7\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/61-cujrpflL._SX324_BO1204203200_.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/61-cujrpflL._SX324_BO1204203200_.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/61-cujrpflL._SX324_BO1204203200_.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-21366\" style=\"width:183px;height:280px\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Murder in Samarkand by Craig Murray<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">If you want to know about all the human rights abuse during the regime from the previous president, this is the best book.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button aligncenter\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-black-color has-text-color has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/gp\/product\/1975977920\/ref=as_li_qf_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=joantow-20&amp;creative=9325&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;creativeASIN=1975977920&amp;linkId=ac8f8bcfb869ab312be0ad81a010de84\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#ff9900\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>CLICK HERE TO CHECK PRICES ON AMAZON<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/download-2.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/download-2.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"181\" height=\"278\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/download-2.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-22374\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"3\">Backpacking in Uzbekistan &#8211; Ultimate travel itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"convertkit-form wp-block-convertkit-form\" style=\"\"><script async data-uid=\"b182b9783d\" src=\"https:\/\/exceptional-creator-2216.kit.com\/b182b9783d\/index.js\" data-jetpack-boost=\"ignore\" data-no-defer=\"1\" nowprocket><\/script><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"31\">Places to visit in Uzbekistan in 1-week itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Bukhara, Samarkand, and Khiva are the highlights of Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, Khiva is around 1,000km away from the capital, so trying to fit it in a 1-week itinerary for Uzbekistan is not very realistic, unless you don&#8217;t mind rushing, of course, but personally, I am not a very big fan of that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Therefore, in 7 days, I recommend you visit Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-vivid-red-color has-text-color\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Uzbekistan 7-day itinerary &#8211; Map<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=124Bl0oE0xpl77JWXGLQ46j9lTB5yj2m4&#038;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"4\">Day 1 &#8211; Tashkent<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>I liked Tashkent and spent 5 great days there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is a very modern city, quite different from the other Central Asian capitals, composed of wide, modern avenues, fancy places, and top-end restaurants. It reminds me of <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/visit-minsk\/\" class=\"rank-math-link\"><strong>Minsk<\/strong><\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At first, it looks like a very wealthy city and, to some extent, it really is but this development is more materialistic than social, as you can easily see that the city has little Western exposure, which can be seen in the way the people dress, the poor nightlife and, basically, that all the young people look very homogenous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For me, this was what made it particularly interesting but also, here you can get a glimpse of traditional Uzbekistan, by visiting the <strong>Chorsu bazaar<\/strong>, the largest in the country; and checking some real Islamic architecture at&nbsp;the <strong>Hazrat Imam Complex<\/strong> and the&nbsp;<strong>Kulkedash Madrassa<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you like Soviet stuff, don&#8217;t forget to take the metro and check the Hotel Uzbekistan, two real Soviet masterpieces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Forget what people say. Tashkent is a city that you can&#8217;t miss when you go backpacking in Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information about the city, read my guide: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-to-visit-in-tashkent\/\">Places to visit in Tashkent<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13060\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-1-week-itinerary.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-1-week-itinerary.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-1-week-itinerary.jpg\" alt=\"Uzbekistan 1 week itinerary\" class=\"wp-image-13060\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The Soviet Hotel Uzbekistan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Where to stay in Tashkent<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/topchan-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Top Chan Hostel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; The most popular hostel for backpackers, Top-Chan is always busy with plenty of travelers to share stories with.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/topchan-hostel.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Mid-range &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/hotel-uzbekistan-tashkent.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Hotel Uzbekistan<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; Not many things have changed in this hotel since it was opened during the time of the Soviet Union, so staying here must be a unique experience, like nowhere else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/hotel-uzbekistan-tashkent.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>The nicest &#8211;&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/ichanqala-villas.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Ichan Qal\u2019a Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;\u2013 The best-rated hotel in Tashkent, this rather Orient-themed hotel is beautifully decorated in a very traditional way. The best option for travelers with a larger budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/ichanqala-villas.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Getting out of the city<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">Whether you are going towards Samarkand or Fergana, the main train station is located here: 41.293289. 69.287721.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">You must buy your tickets in advance, preferably the day before. You can book them at the train station. Bring your passport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13088\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-through-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-through-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/backpacking-through-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"Backpacking through Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13088\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Chorsu Bazaar, in Tashkent<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"5\">Day 2, 3, 4 &#8211; Samarkand<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>You should go to Samarkand the day after your arrival.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is very difficult to summarize the historical importance of Samarkand&nbsp;in just a few sentences but one important thing you should know is that this city has been hosting travelers for many centuries, so if you are one of those egocentric travelers who think that you are one of the first people to ever visit Samarkand, you are absolutely wrong because those madrassas have made people breathless since ancient times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It was Amir Timur who made it great again in the 14th century, so most buildings date from that period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Note that tickets for entering the sites range from 20,000UZS to 30,000UZS (2.50USD to 3.85USD).&nbsp;<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13062\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/things-to-see-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/things-to-see-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/things-to-see-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"Things to see in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13062\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Bibi Khanym, the mosque that used to have the oldest Quran<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Registan<\/strong> is the most imposing building in Uzbekistan and, perhaps, the most breathtaking Islamic building in the world, as its dimensions can&#8217;t be compared to anywhere else, not even the Shah mosque in Esfahan, <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/iran\/\">Iran<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Composed of three giant madrassas, you can easily spend the whole afternoon here. I recommend you come at sunrise, when nobody is around and, if you bribe the guard, you will be allowed to climb the minaret.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Bibi Khanym<\/strong> would be my second favorite building, even though it is a little bit fake, as it was totally reconstructed due to an earthquake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>By the way, inside the mosque, there is the stone that used to hold the world&#8217;s oldest Quran, today on display in Tashkent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, <strong>Shah-i Zinda<\/strong> is another popular building, consisting of different mausoleums, one of which is dedicated to Kusam ibn Abbas, a cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I recommend you enter from above, through the graveyard, as you won&#8217;t pay an entrance fee and the pictures you can take from there are pretty cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Last, around Registan, there are&nbsp;<strong>a few more madrassas and mosques<\/strong> which might look smaller in comparison but they are actually more impressive than those in Turkestan, a city I visited when I was <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-kazakhstan-itinerary\/\">backpacking in Kazakhstan<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Also, don&#8217;t forget to visit the <strong>Siyob Bazaar<\/strong>. Because of the large number of tourists that visit Samarkand, some parts of the bazaar are getting a bit commercial, especially those selling traditional products like <em>kurut<\/em>, the dried cheese balls. However, today it is still pretty authentic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Ah! If you fancy some wine, in Samarkand, there is a <strong>wine cellar <\/strong>(Hovrekno) where you can do some wine tasting for just 40,000UZS (5USD) and taste 10 different types of local wine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We didn&#8217;t do the wine tour but, at the same winery, we bought 2 bottles of dry red for the same price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information, read the <strong><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/wanderingwheatleys.com\/samarkand-uzbekistan-top-things-to-do-see\/\" target=\"_blank\">best things to do in Samarkand<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13064\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/things-to-do-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/things-to-do-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/things-to-do-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"Things to do in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13064\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The Registan, at sunrise, but it was a bit cloudy, so the light sucked<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Where to stay in Samarkand<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget Guest House &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/emir.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">B&amp;B Emir<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; A family-run hostel-guesthouse which is very well located and traditionally decorated. This is the best option for backpackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/emir.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Nicer (mid-range) &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/jahongir-b.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Jahongir Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; For couples and people with a larger budget, this also family-run hotel is super cozy and you will book it right away after just looking at the photos. Super nice decoration and only 5 minutes away from the Registan. One of the best options in town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/jahongir-b.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>The best &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/l-39-argamak.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">L&#8217;Agarmak<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; One of the best-rated hotels in town, this hotel has found the perfect balance between luxury and tradition. The breakfast is amazing and all the reviews are just great.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/l-39-argamak.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>How to get to Samarkand from Tashkent<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">We took the high-speed train which left at 8:30am sharp and cost 58,000UZS (7.50USD). It was a 2-hour journey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13068\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/places-to-visit-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/places-to-visit-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/places-to-visit-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"Places to visit in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13068\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Shah-i Zinda, from behind, the graveyard<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"6\">Day 5, 6 &#8211; Bukhara<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Bukhara is pretty and very different from its sister Samarkand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is the birthplace of<strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/es.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Muhammad_Ibn_Ismail_Al-Bujari\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Imam Bukhari<\/a><\/strong>, a Muslim scholar and narrator of Prophet Muhammad, who wrote the Bukhari Shareef, the most important book about Islam after the Quran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Bukhara was a real landmark during the Silk Road times, especially due to its close location to Merv, today in Turkmenistan and&nbsp;one of the most important cities in the ancient world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Whereas in Samarkand, all the buildings and sites are spread around the city, in Bukhara, most of them are within a very restored old town, which sometimes may even feel it is too restored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nevertheless, Bukhara is actually beautiful and, even though the sites are not as big as in Samarkand, they are equally impressive and walking randomly in its narrow alleys is one of the highlights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Among all the sites, <strong>Chor Minor<\/strong>&nbsp;would be my favorite. It is a tiny mosque with very little historical importance but it is very cute and very different from any other mosque I had seen before. Nowadays, the inside is a souvenir shop and, for a little money, you can climb to the rooftop.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Furthermore, the highlight and one of the most photogenic places in town is&nbsp;<strong>Po-i-Kalyan<\/strong>, a set of two impressive madrassas and the famous Kalyan minaret, also called the Tower of Death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13056\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-travel-itinerary.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-travel-itinerary.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-travel-itinerary.jpg\" alt=\"Uzbekistan travel itinerary\" class=\"wp-image-13056\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Po-i-Kalyan, at sunset. Love this place! &#8211; Uzbekistan travel itinerary<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Where to stay in Bukhara<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Backpacker Hostel &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/rumi.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Rumi<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; Super cheap, great backpacker atmosphere and run by a lovely family. The location is also great, 5-10 minutes from the old city. The top option for backpackers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/rumi.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget Guest House &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/al-bukhari.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Al Bukhari<\/a><\/strong><\/span> &#8211; This hotel is run by a very humble family, very Muslim as per Uzbek standards, so it is a nice chance to try some Uzbek hospitality. It is very clean and decorated with plenty of <em>suzannies<\/em>, a local traditional fabric. They were made by the mother of the house and you can buy one from her.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/al-bukhari.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Mid-range Hotel &#8211;<\/strong> <span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/safiya.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Boutique Safiya<\/strong><\/a><\/span> &#8211; Built in a traditional Uzbek house, this is the preferred option for travelers with a larger budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/safiya.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>How to get to Bukhara from Samarkand<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">We took the high-speed train which only cost 48,000UZS (6USD) and took around 3 hours.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 7 &#8211; Back to Tashkent<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Bukhara is about 575km from Tashkent. Take the high-speed train, which takes around 6 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13076\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/independent-travel-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/independent-travel-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/independent-travel-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"independent travel in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13076\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Outskirts of Bukhara Old City! &#8211; independent travel in Uzbekistan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"32\">Places to visit in Uzbekistan &#8211; 2-week itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have 2 entire weeks for backpacking in Uzbekistan, you can add Khiva and the Fergana Valley to your travel itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-vivid-red-color has-text-color\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Uzbekistan 2-week itinerary &#8211; Map<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1Duwr8kJ3E5eX5sfJOSqeRmpCxEa_HMex&#038;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 1, 2 &#8211; Tashkent<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(explained before, but you can add one extra day)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"8\">Day 3, 4, 5 &#8211; Fergana Valley<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If you want to take a break from all the mosques and historical sites, go to the Fergana Valley, home to the nicest people in the country and the highlight when I was backpacking through Uzbekistan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Fergana Valley is internationally known for being the most troubled <strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\">place in Central Asia<\/a><\/strong> as, almost 100 hundred years ago, when Stalin created the 4 Stans, the region was ethnically mixed, so many people suddenly belonged to a Republic which did not match their ethnicity, like Uzbek people living on the Kyrgyz side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Over the decades, this developed into several conflicts and a very recent Civil War. On top of this, there is a city named Namangan which is where the most radical Muslim group in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\">Central Asia<\/a><\/strong> was found.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Fergana is a political destination but, also, here you will find the most hospitable people in the country, one of the very few places where even today, people will stop you in the street to invite you for some tea, a meal or just to improve their English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I spent one week in the Valley but, if you only have 3 days, go to <strong>Fergana City<\/strong> and use it as a base to explore the rest of the valley.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From there, you can&nbsp;visit Margilan and the&nbsp;<strong>Yodgorlik Silk Factory<\/strong> and, on the second day, go to <strong>Kokand<\/strong>, a lovely town where you find the Khudayar Khan Palace, a building from the 18th century and residence of the ruler.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have more days, go to <strong>Namangan<\/strong> and <strong>Andijan<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">For more information, read my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/fergana-valley-uzbekistan\/\">guide to the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13072\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/itinerary-for-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/itinerary-for-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/itinerary-for-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"itinerary for Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13072\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><em><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\">Silk Factory in Margilan!<\/span><\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Where to stay in Fergana city<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget Guest House<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013&nbsp;<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/sakura.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Sakura<\/a><\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;\u2013 The owner is a really kind man who will make you feel at home. Comfy beds and everything is brand-new. They have very few rooms, so book it in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/sakura.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget Guest House \u2013&nbsp;<\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/valentina-39-s-guest-house.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Valentina Guest House<\/a><\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;\u2013 If Sakura is booked, I recommend you stay with Valentina, a local woman with a very strong character. We stayed here the first night in the city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/valentina-39-s-guest-house.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>How to get to the Fergana Valley<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">I actually entered the Fergana Valley from Tajikistan at Konibodom. Read <strong><a class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tajikistan-uzbekistan-border-crossing\/\">here the full report<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">There are, however, direct trains from Tashkent to Fergana City. They typically cost&nbsp;52,000UZS (6.50USD) for a 3-4-hour journey.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-9471\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/01\/fergana-valley.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-9471\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>These men invited me to have lunch at their mosque in Namangan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 6, 7, 8 &#8211; Samarkand<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(explained before)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 9, 10 &#8211; Bukhara<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>(explained before)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"9\">Day 11, 12, 13 &#8211; Khiva<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Khiva is my favorite city in Uzbekistan, as it is small, cute and very pleasant to walk around. I enjoyed my time there so much, working at the numerous terrace-caf\u00e9s over endless cups of good coffee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Composed of mud-brick houses and super narrow alleys, Khiva is really similar to Yazd and, actually, when I posted photos on <strong><a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/againstthecompass\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">my Instagram<\/a><\/strong>, many people thought that they had been taken in <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/country\/iran\/\">Iran<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is a 2,500-year old city and the highlight is nothing else than wandering around its super narrow alleys while bumping into several minarets, mosques and traditional houses. I strongly recommend you wake up at sunrise, the only time of the day when the streets are free of tourists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All the sites are inside the old city (<strong>Ichon Qala<\/strong>) and there is something to see every few meters, the most famous places being&nbsp;<strong>Kalta Minor<\/strong>, the short and shabby&nbsp;minaret that is on all postcards; <strong>Turas Murad<\/strong>, the tallest orange minaret, given its position, it is better to climb it in the morning (opens at 8am and costs 7,000UZS &#8211; 1USD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At sunset, I recommend climbing the wall located next to the main entrance, where the&nbsp;<strong>Muhammad Aminkhan Madrassa<\/strong>&nbsp;is. From there, you view the full skyline of the old city. The ticket costs 7,000UZS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color\"><strong>Update June 2019 &#8211; <\/strong>They are now making travelers pay for entering the Old City!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The general entrance fee is 50,000UZS (almost 6USD) and it is valid for 48 hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Entrance with museums included costs 100,000UZS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>VIP entrance (not sure what includes) costs 150,000UZS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So far, they make you pay only if you enter after 6pm, which is when most people come anyways, to see the sunset.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will have to pay when entering through the eastern and western gate. This new rule is pretty new so, apparently, there are still ways to get around it, like entering via the bazaar, etc.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Moreover, it is still uncertain what will happen if your hotel is in the Old City.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><strong>Updates on this topic are more than welcome.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13084\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-places-to-visit-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-places-to-visit-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/best-places-to-visit-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"Best places to visit in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13084\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Khiva at sunset!<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Where to stay in Khiva<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget Hotel &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/hostel-farrukh.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Farrukh Guest House<\/a><\/strong><\/span><strong> &#8211; <\/strong>I enjoyed my time here so much. It has a super cool garden caf\u00e9 where I spent many hours working. The breakfast is super nice, especially because they try to make something different every day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/hostel-farrukh.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Nicer &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/b-amp-b-zafarbek.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">B&amp;B Zafarbek<\/a><\/strong><\/span> <strong>&#8211; <\/strong>Modest but it totally fulfills the need, so this is the best option for travelers with a larger budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/b-amp-b-zafarbek.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>The nicest &#8211; <\/strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/shaherezada-khiva.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Shaherezada Hotel<\/a><\/strong><\/span><strong> &#8211; <\/strong>You can call it a luxury hotel but it is not that expensive, so it is the best value-for-money option. Like all good hotels, it is traditionally decorated and located in the old city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/shaherezada-khiva.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13070\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/places-to-see-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/places-to-see-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/places-to-see-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"Places to see in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13070\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Pro-tip: Wake up at sunrise!<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>How to get to Khiva from Bukhara<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Khiva is very far, almost 500km from Bukhara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There is no train station and the closest one is in Urgench, 35km away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, there is no direct train from Bukhara to Urgench, so the easiest and fastest way to get to Khiva is by local shared taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you ask at your hotel for the price, they will say something between 75,000 and 100,000UZS per person (9.60 &#8211; 13USD). If you go to the actual taxi terminal at the bazaar, you may get it for 50,000-60,000UZS (6.40 &#8211; 7.70USD). That is what we paid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-vivid-red-color has-text-color\"><strong>Update June 2019 &#8211; <\/strong>Khiva has finally a train station!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can take a direct train from Samarkand to Khiva. My friend took the classic Soviet, night train, which takes 12 hours and costs, 132,000UZS, but you can also take it from Bukhara.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The faster train from Bukhara takes nearly 6 hours and costs 83,000UZS.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The train station in Khiva, is 15-20 minutes walking from Itchan Kala gate.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13052\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/what-to-see-in-uzbekistan.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/what-to-see-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/what-to-see-in-uzbekistan.jpg\" alt=\"What to see in Uzbekistan\" class=\"wp-image-13052\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Somewhere in the Old City of Khiva, one of my favorite photos!<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Day 14 &#8211; Back to Tashkent<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Be ready for the 1,000km ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The easiest way to do this is taking a fast train from Urgench, although I recommend you take the old Russian train, which takes double the time but it is a great experience. If you need to catch a flight, book the train ticket well in advance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"33\">Places to visit in Uzbekistan &#8211; 3-week itinerary<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have 3 weeks for backpacking in Uzbekistan, go to the Republic of Karakalpakstan, home to Nukus, the Aral Sea, and a few historical sites.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you think that 1 week for the Aral Sea and Nukus is too much, consider spending more time in the Fergana Valley or the other cities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-vivid-red-color has-text-color\"><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Uzbekistan suggested 3-week itinerary &#8211; Map<\/span><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<iframe src=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/maps\/d\/embed?mid=1e9vCWr7ZY-3UFbEP-yVZEZ-qTOMuAyLm&#038;ehbc=2E312F\" width=\"640\" height=\"480\"><\/iframe>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"11\">Day 14, 15 &#8211; Nukus<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Nukus is a very strange city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the one hand, it is a real off-the-beaten-track place, super remote and the capital of the Republic of Karakalpkastan, the poorest region in the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On the other hand, it has the most important art collection in the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\">country and in Central Asia<\/a><\/strong>, the Igor Savitsky Museum, the collection of a dude who decided to hide a treasure of&nbsp;Russian avant-garde art from the 20s and 30s here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The entrance costs 38,000UZS (4.85USD) but you may bring it down to 30,000UZS if you say you are a student. By the way, taking pictures is strictly forbidden.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you fancy some good coffee and Western food, go to Caf\u00e9 Cinnamon, very close to Jipek Joli Hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Nukus is the capital of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, a semi-autonomous region that has been always forgotten by the Uzbek Government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It has the highest unemployment rate, the lowest GDP and, due to the drought of the Aral Sea, the air is a very polluted air which causes the lowest life expectancy in the region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Where to stay in Nukus<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>Budget\/mid-range Hotel \u2013<\/strong>&nbsp;<span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/jipek-joli-inn.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\">Jipek Joli<\/a><\/strong><\/span>&nbsp;\u2013 The only decent option in town but it\u2019s pretty good. It has rooms for both backpackers and high-range travelers, including a yurt in the courtyard. You must book in advance, as rooms run out quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link has-background wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/uz\/jipek-joli-inn.en-gb.html?aid=1232728&amp;label=uzbekistan_itinerary_en\" style=\"border-radius:11px;background-color:#0c3b7c\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow sponsored\"><strong>Check on Booking.com<\/strong><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\"><strong>How to get to Nukus from Khiva<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">First, get a mini-marshrutka to Urgench. With luggage included, it should cost 5,000UZS.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-medium-font-size\">The marshrutka dropped us right at the Nukus taxi station but, just in case, this is the location: 41.575528, 60.630456<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>The shared local taxi to Nukus cost 30,000UZS per person (3.80USD).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, you can go by train from Urgench but it&#8217;s more expensive and slower: around 50,000UZS (6.40USD).&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13080\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DSC_1893.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DSC_1893.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DSC_1893.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-13080\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>The boats in the Aral Sea!<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"12\">Day 16, 17 &#8211; Moynaq and the Aral Sea<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>After <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-central-asia\/\">traveling in Central Asia<\/a><\/strong> for so many months, I was excited to visit the Aral Sea because it was something very different from what I had seen before.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The drought of the Aral Sea is one of the worst man-made environmental disasters ever and it was the consequence of deviating rivers to irrigate cotton plantations during the Soviet Union, as they wanted to become one of the world-top cotton exporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sea disappeared in a matter of decades and, today, on the Uzbek side, Moynaq, a town which used to be an important center for the fishing industry, is hundreds of kilometers away from the actual shore where, by the way, the level of salinization is so high that only microorganisms can live.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In Moynaq there is the biggest ship graveyard, with more than 10 boats and much more accessible than in Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can camp there (that is what we did) and there is also a yurt camp nearby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Quite an experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-very-light-gray-background-color has-background\">For more information, including how to get there and prices, read my <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/moynaq-aral-sea-uzbekistan\/\">guide to Moynaq and the Aral Sea in Uzbekistan<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-13082\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DSC_1855.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DSC_1855.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/DSC_1855.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-13082\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>Having some wine on the boats \ud83d\ude00<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"13\">Day 18, 19 &#8211;&nbsp;Desert Castles of Ancient Khorezm and other places within the Republic of Karakalpakstan<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>From the ancient desert castles of Khorezm to the desert of Kyzylkum and staying with real Karapalk nomads, there are many other things to do in this province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The only downside is that you need a car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information, read this guide from Nicki: <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/adventuresoflilnicki.com\/travel-karakalpakstan\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">A guide to the Republic of Karakalpakstan<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"14\">The rest of the days &#8211; It depends &#8211; What is your plan?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e8e8e8\">By the way, note that I visited all these places in 31 days. If you have more than 3 weeks for backpacking in Uzbekistan, instead of going to new places, just spend more days in each city, especially in the Fergana Valley. You won&#8217;t regret it.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want to go back to Tashkent &#8211;<\/strong> Take a Soviet train. It is a 30-hour journey but it is really worth it. I took it from Samarkand to Nukus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want to enter Kazakhstan from Nukus &#8211; <\/strong>Great. Read the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-kazakhstan-border-tejen\/\">Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan border crossing at Tejen<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>You want to enter Tajikistan &#8211; <\/strong>You can enter from the border close to Samarkand but I used the <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tajikistan-uzbekistan-border-crossing\/\">border from the Fergana Valley at Konibodom<\/a><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-full wp-image-11472\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/uzbekistan-and-kazakhstan-border.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/uzbekistan-and-kazakhstan-border.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/06\/uzbekistan-and-kazakhstan-border.jpg\" alt class=\"wp-image-11472\"><\/picture><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\"><span style=\"font-size: 10pt; color: #808080;\"><em>On my way to Kazakhstan<\/em><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"15\">More resources to help you plan your Uzbekistan travel itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-text-align-center has-white-color has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#2b8f2b\">\ud83d\udce2 In my <a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/travel-resources\/\"><strong>Travel Resources Page<\/strong><\/a> you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">All guides and articles for traveling in Uzbekistan destination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/fergana-valley-uzbekistan\/\">Travel Guide to Fergana Valley<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/moynaq-aral-sea-uzbekistan\/\">Travel Guide to Moynaq<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/places-to-visit-in-tashkent\/\">Tashkent Travel Guide<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/tajikistan-uzbekistan-border-crossing\/\">Tajikistan-Uzbekistan border crossing<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/uzbekistan-travel-guide\/\">Travel Guide to Uzbekistan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Travel Itineraries to other countries in Central Asia<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-kyrgyzstan\/\">Kyrgyzstan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/traveling-tajikistan\/\">Travel Guide to Tajikistan<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/backpacking-kazakhstan-itinerary\/\">Kazakhstan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/pakistan-travel-guide-backpacking\/\">Pakistan Itinerary<\/a><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter is-resized\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-itinerary.avif\" type=\"image\/avif\"><source srcset=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-itinerary.jpg\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/08\/uzbekistan-itinerary.jpg\" alt=\"Uzbekistan itinerary\" class=\"wp-image-13058\" style=\"object-fit:cover;width:476px;height:auto\"><\/picture><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sitting at the actual crossroads of Eurasia and, for centuries, being the gateway to both east and west, a place which traders from all over the world passed through and a land which was conquered by countless civilizations, from the Greeks to the Mongols and even the Russians in the 20th century, the cultural heritage [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13090,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[229,208,164],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-12874","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uzbekistan","category-central-asia","category-travel-guides"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12874","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=12874"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12874\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":50424,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/12874\/revisions\/50424"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/13090"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=12874"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=12874"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/againstthecompass.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=12874"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}