UZ
Bukhara
A walkable Silk Road town of mosques, madrasahs and domed bazaars
A walkable Silk Road town of mosques, madrasahs and domed bazaars
The Kalyan Minaret, built in 1127 and about 45m tall, stands between the Kalyan Mosque and the working Mir-i-Arab Madrasah. Legend says Genghis Khan spared it.
Photo: LBM1948, CC BY-SA 4.0
This 17th-century pool, shaded by old mulberry trees and surrounded by a madrasah and lodge, is the social heart of the old town.
Good for tea in the evening.
Photo: Davide Mauro, CC BY-SA 4.0
Built in the 10th century, this small brick tomb is one of the oldest Islamic buildings in Central Asia. Its patterned brickwork changes with the light.
Photo: Adam Harangozó, CC BY-SA 4.0
Hidden in a residential area, this gatehouse from 1807 has four blue-domed towers.
Photo: Bernard Gagnon, CC0
Covered market crossroads from the 16th century still house craft and souvenir stalls selling carpets, knives, embroidery and miniatures.
Photo: Ymblanter, CC BY-SA 4.0
Try plov, shashlik, lagman (noodle soup) and green tea by Lyabi-Hauz.
Many guesthouses serve generous breakfasts; restaurants cluster around the old town.
Afrosiyob trains link Bukhara with Samarkand and Tashkent. Trains and shared taxis also run west to Khiva (via Urgench), in roughly 6–8 hours.
The train station is in Kagan, about 15km from the old town; take a taxi.
Uzbekistan uses the som (UZS). Cards work in many hotels, but carry cash for markets and small sites.
Many sites charge separately.
Most sights are within walking distance.
Start at Lyabi-Hauz, walk through the trading domes to Po-i-Kalyan, then visit the Ark.
See the Samanid Mausoleum and Chor Minor, then shop for crafts.
Buy train tickets early on the official railway site or app; fast trains sell out in spring and autumn.
The Kalyan Minaret is beautiful at sunset.
Midday heat is intense in summer.
Wear comfortable shoes for uneven paving.
Quick answers for planning time in Bukhara.
By Afrosiyob train from Samarkand or Tashkent, or by plane.
It was built in 1127.
Two days covers the main sights.
Yes, its historic centre since 1993.
April to May and September to October.
Guesthouses, guides and drivers take bookings by message; Telegram is also widely used.
Free
Planning a wider trip? Our Uzbekistan travel guide covers getting there, costs, when to go and more.