Start Your Journey in Tashkent
Your journey across Uzbekistan’s Silk Road has to start with Tashkent, the country’s capital, and the opening to the rest of the country. Tashkent is a contemporary metropolis that shows the glimpses of Soviet history and has a rich Islamic legacy. Spend the day at Khast Imam Complex and admire the world-known Uthman Quran. Visit Chorsu Bazaar to find local spices, textiles, and are authentic Uzbek shopping experience. To taste the atmosphere of contemporary Uzbekistan, walk through Amir Timur Square and benefit from the buzz of cafes in the city.
Head to Samarkand by Train
On the 2nd day, travel to Samarkand by Afrosiyob high-speed train of Uzbekistan. The ride lasts approximately two hours and is comfortable as well as scenic. Samarkand, one of the most legendary cities of the Silk Road, is a storehouse of Islamic architecture and historical wonders. Start your journey from Registan Square, magnificent complex of madrasahs decorated with beautiful tile work. Do not forget about the visit to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (the tomb of Tamerlane), and the Shah-i-Zinda necropolises.
Explore Bukhara’s Ancient Charm
On the first part of day three, take a morning-time train to Bukhara- another must-see stop on the Silk Road. It is as if Bukhara is a living museum, as there are more than 140 protected buildings. Drive through the old city to get to observe the Kalyan Minaret, Poi Kalyan Mosque, and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. Visit the Ark Fortress and find some time to visit the Lyabi-Hauz complex, which offers traditional tea houses along the pool sides. The design of the city encourages one to walk from one historical site to another as they savour the scenic Islamic architecture.
Unwind in Khiva’s Open-Air Museum
On the fourth day, travel to Khiva, since it is going to take some time by a domestic flight or a long train ride in accordance to your schedule. Being far away, Khiva provides an extraordinary insight into history of the Silk Road with Itchan Kala, a fortified city on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which has changed very little over the centuries. As you walk along the ancient mud-brick walls, you will get a chance to view the Kalta Minor Minaret, step inside the lavishly decorated Tosh-Hovli Palace, etc. The gently serenity and intact beauty of Khiva are the reasons to consider it as a great place for meditation on your trip.
Conclusion
Planning a 4 days’ Silk road trail across Uzbekistan provides the condensed but immersive experience to one of the world’s greatest trading routes. When concentrating on Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, you’ll walk into the footsteps of merchants, conquerors and scholars who made history of the region. Each city has its magic, and if you plan the schedule of trains and hotels properly for this short trip, it may seem like a travel between centuries in terms of culture and architecture.
