2025 Bukhara Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in March)

The Zindan Jail is very close to the Ark of Bukhara and it stands for haunting memories of torture, horror and incarceration. It is however very much worthwhile to visit, as in every culture there are expressions of the darkest strands of human nature. Uzbekistan is no exception and the Zindan Jail keeps it all real for us as tourists. Despite its similarity in appearance with the Ark, the Zindan jail is relatively modern as an 18th century structure. Now a museum, the Zindan Jail has the official name of The Museum of History of Law and Court System of Bukhara. In Persian, the word “Zindan” means “dungeon.” Inside this prison is the infamous “Bug Pit,” the Fourth Cell, a space below ground that was dark, damp, infested with bugs, rodents and even snakes. Some sources say that these tortuous creatures were dropped by the Uzbeks into the pit. Known as the “kanakhona,” the 6.5-meter deep pit was “covered with an iron grill. Accessible only via a long 6-meter rope, the Bug Pit was reserved for the least favorite” of prisoners. It is said that in those conditions prisoners only stay alive for about three days. The Bug Pit was where the two British soldiers, Stoddart and Connolly, that angered the Emir, were kept, tortured and horrified, before they were executed in the Registan before the Ark. Other than the two famous British prisoners, the prisoners that ended up in the Zindan Jail were debtors and those that failed to practice religion. The serious offenders were thrown into the Bug Pit. #bukhara #uzbekistan #uzbekhistory #zindanjail #theark #emir #centralasia #bugpit #historicallandmarks#历史古迹

First time visiting Uzbekistan? This 6-day travel guide will help you explore this mysterious country with ease. Don't miss out! / Uzbekistan is a country with a rich history and unique landscapes🏞️. The people here are warm and hospitable, and the local customs are strong🕌. Come to Uzbekistan and experience the fusion of history and modernity. Don't miss it! / 🌟Itinerary: DAY 1: Tashkent TV Tower - State Museum of History of Uzbekistan Explore Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, starting with the TV tower overlooking the city, and then delve into the rich collections of the State Museum of History of Uzbekistan. DAY 2: Gur-e-Amir - Afrasiab Museum - Registan Square Wander through the ancient religious architecture of Gur-e-Amir and feel the weight of history, then head to the Afrasiab Museum, and finally experience the local life at Registan Square. DAY 3: Shah-i-Zinda Immerse yourself in the natural and cultural landscapes of Shah-i-Zinda all day and experience the unique charm of Uzbekistan. DAY 4: Ark of Bukhara - Kalyan Minaret Visit the ancient walls of the Ark of Bukhara and listen to the echoes of history, then head to the Kalyan Minaret and feel the solemnity and beauty of religious architecture. DAY 5: Independence Square Feel the national pride of Uzbekistan at Independence Square and learn about the country's independence and development. DAY 6: Return to Xi'an End your wonderful trip to Uzbekistan, full of memories, and return to Xi'an.🛬️ / Travel essentials:🧳 📞 Get a SIM card first, so you can connect to the Internet as soon as you get off the plane and stay in touch. 🔌 Don't forget to bring a plug adapter, as the sockets in Uzbekistan may be different from ours. 🪪 Make sure to bring all your documents, including your passport and visa, as they are essential for entry and exit. 👕 If you're going to Uzbekistan in January, bring a thick coat and thermal underwear, as it may be a bit cold there. That's it! Once you're ready, you can set off!🛫 / ✈Like and save this post to start your dream trip to Uzbekistan!

Winter in Uzbekistan, explore the ancient Central Asian country! 5-day itinerary, take you to feel the warmth and style, come and explore! . Uzbekistan, with a long history, has magnificent mountains🏔️ and charming deserts🏜️. The customs here are unique, and the people are hospitable. Come and explore the ancient city of Samarkand and experience the different Central Asian customs! . 🏃Route suggestions: DAY1: Tashkent TV Tower -> Timur History National Museum -> Independence Square Explore Tashkent on the first day, climb the TV tower to overlook the city, visit the history museum to learn about the culture, and finally stroll through Independence Square to feel the pride of the country. DAY2: Ulugh Beg Observatory -> Registan Square On the second day, go to the ancient observatory to feel the charm of wisdom, and then go to Registan Square to appreciate traditional architecture and art. DAY3: Kalyan Minaret On the third day, focus on the Kalyan Minaret, appreciate the unique beauty of religious architecture, and feel the power of faith. DAY4: Ark Fortress Visit the Ark Fortress, immerse yourself in the medieval atmosphere, and experience the weight and mystery of history. DAY5: Tashkent -> Xi'an End your trip to Uzbekistan, take flight GJ8766 back to Xi'an, with full memories and gains. . Travel tips: In December, the climate in Uzbekistan is moderate, but you need to prepare warm coats🧣. The local specialties are affordable, and handmade carpets and exquisite pottery are good choices👍. Must-try foods include barbecue and pilaf, with unique flavors that are unforgettable😋. The airport is convenient for transportation, but customs inspection takes time, so it is recommended to arrive 3 hours in advance🛫. . Uzbekistan, the shining pearl of the ancient Silk Road, is waiting for you to explore its thousand-year-old secrets, let's go!

Hey, travel lovers! Want to explore the mysterious Uzbekistan? Here's a super practical 8-day travel guide for you. Save it now! -------- 🛣️Route Suggestions: DAY 1: Independence Square -> Amir Temur Square Start your first day at Independence Square to experience the rich history of Uzbekistan, then head to Amir Temur Square to admire the unique architecture. DAY 2: Kalta Minor Minaret On the second day, visit Kalta Minor Minaret to appreciate the fusion of ancient religious culture and architectural art. DAY 3: Khiva🚌Bukhara Take a 7-hour drive covering 395 km from Khiva to Bukhara, enjoying the magnificent scenery of Uzbekistan along the way. DAY 4: Ark Fortress On the fourth day, arrive at Ark Fortress to explore the mystery and legend of this ancient fortress. DAY 5: Bukhara Exploration Tour - High-Speed Train or Car - Samarkand After an in-depth tour of Bukhara, take a high-speed train or car to Samarkand for the next exciting journey. DAY 6: Ulugh Beg Observatory On the sixth day, visit Ulugh Beg Observatory to experience the charm and wisdom of ancient astronomy. DAY 7: Samarkand🚌Tashkent Depart from Samarkand and take a bus to Tashkent to experience the different urban styles. DAY 8: Tashkent✈️Chengdu On the last day, end your pleasant journey in Tashkent and fly back to Chengdu with lots of memories and gains. -------- Some Tips: 🌟 2-hour time difference with China, adjust easily for a fun trip! 🛍️ Affordable local specialties, get a bag of goodies for around 2,000 som! 💵 1 som is about 0.0006 RMB, great exchange rate! 💡 Be polite and friendly, locals are hospitable, immerse yourself in the local culture! 🚖 Taxis are super cheap, explore the city effortlessly! 🕌 When visiting temples, women should prepare a headscarf! 🌞 Winter sun is strong, sunglasses are a must! 🌡️ Big temperature difference between day and night, remember to bring a thick coat to keep warm! -------- That's it for the Uzbekistan tour! Don't forget to follow me for more exciting journeys to discover🌍✨

I'm sure you're all familiar with the term "mosque," but perhaps you're not familiar with the term "medrassa." I had no idea what it was until I went to Uzbekistan. A madrasah is a seminary that provides higher education in theology, law, and other subjects in the Islamic world. 🧐 There are many such beautiful seminaries in Uzbekistan. 🇺🇿 Two of them are in Bukhara: Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah and Ulugbek Madrasasi. 🍀 These two are built facing each other. ♪ Islamic architecture in Bukhara often uses blue and white colors, but Abdulaziz Khan Madrasah uses warm colors, which makes it a little different. ❤️ It's really beautiful...! We went around 8 o'clock before it got crowded with tourists, so neither was open, and it's unclear whether you can enter normally. 🙏 There's probably a local cat in front of the entrance. There were a few cats that were fed and they were so cute 😻 #Overseas travel journal #Uzbekistan #Bukhara #Islamic architecture #Recommended places

Golden Minaret Hotel in Bukhara, Uzbekistan A wonderful hotel with traditional Uzbek architecture and modern design! Surrounded by historical streets, it has excellent access to tourist attractions! In particular, the spectacular view from the rooftop, which is only available to guests, is a must-see☝🏽 And it's only about $30 per room per night🫣🫣 From the rooftop you can see the beautiful minarets and cityscape of Bukhara, and at sunset, a fantastic view unfolds🥹 You can also enjoy the night view, making it a romantic moment✨ The location and value for money are the best☝🏽 #100TravelStyles #Uzbekistan #Bukhara #SpectacularView #OverseasTravel

#myitinerary I recently went in Uzbekistan with my boyfriend and stayed 8 days. Here following the results of many months of researches, I hope it can be helpful: Day 1 - 2 Samarkand - Amir timur mausoleum - Registan square with its 3 madrasah, i suggest you to visit it after 5-6 PM for the sunset - Bibi khanym mosque - Syoob bazar - Hazrat mosque - Shah-I-zinda mausoleum In my opinion, the most beautiful one it is Shah-I-zinda mausoleum and the Registan is just breathtaking. *The names of the attractions could be a bit different due to differences of translation from the Cyrillic to Roman letters. If you have time you could visit also: - Tomb of Daniel - Ulubek observatory - Paper making factory - Pottery factory Day 3 Tashkent - Subway stations, they were mostly built during the Soviet time and you can feel it. All stops are decorated differently, the oldest ones and the most beautiful ones are on the red and blue lines. My favorite subway stations were: alisher navoi and kosmonatvlar - Eat Plov at Besh Qozon under the Tashkent Television Tower, you won’t regret it! - Chorsu bazar 🚂 🌜night train from Tashkent to Khiva - around 16-17 hours Day 4 Khiva The old city of Khiva is called Ichan Kala and is quite small and walkable. I suggest you to book your stay inside the city or just out of city walls. - Khuna ark - City wall - Tash kauli palace - Pahlavan Mahmoud mausoleum - Islam khodja minaret - Juma mosque FYI there’s one cumulative ticket for almost all museums and palaces/mosques in Ichan Kala. The price is 200k som. We had dinner at Old Terrassa, the food was amazing and the view very good. From the restaurant Terrassa, which is probably 100 meters more central than old Terrassa the view is very great! I recommend to book in advance the table outside. Day 5 - 6 Bukhara - Kalon minaret by night - Chor minor - Ulugh beh & abdulaziz khan madrassa - Ark of Bukhara - Bolo- Hausa mosque I recommend to eat in Old Bukhara restaurant, good food and environment. Day 7 Nurata - desert - swim in the Aydarl lake - stay in a local yurt or guesthouse The last day of activities we decided to go to Nurota and have a tour in desert and see the Ayrdal Lake, because in the whole trip it missed a bit of nature for us. We organized the whole trip with a tour guide, that came to Bukhara to pick us up and drove us in the desert and to lake. The lake is immense and clean. We arrived there in the north part in the afternoon, we swam one hour and head back to Samarkand for our next day flight. #mytravelhacks #localguides #historicallandmarks #trip #uzbekistan #mosquemarvels #samarkand #Tashkent #bukhara #khiva

Visiting the Ark of Bukhara was an incredible historical experience 🏰. This ancient fortress reflects the grandeur of medieval architecture. I wandered through the historic buildings and arcades, exploring museums that tell the stories of empires past 🏛️. From the top of the fortress walls, the panoramic view of the ancient city of Bukhara was captivating, giving a sense of stepping back in time 📸. The serene and history-rich atmosphere made the visit very special. The Ark of Bukhara is a place worth visiting for anyone interested in ancient history and culture.

You can come across many enchanting buildings in Uzbekistan and one of them is Emir-Alim-Khan Madrasah. Emir Seyyid Mir Mohammed Alim Khan was the last emir of the Emirate of Bukhara. He was also the last direct descendant of Genghis Khan to serve as a national ruler. He was overthrown in 1920 by the Red Army under the command of Bolshevik general Mikhail Frunze. The Emir Alim Khan Madrasah, now used as a children's library, was built under his reign right behind the Kalon Minaret. Despite being built in the 20th century, the madrasah style was constructed in 18th century style to match the nearby buildings, including the Mir-i-Arab madrassah and the Kalan mosque. #uzbekistan #bukhara

The Emir's Summer Palace is the only attraction in Bukhara that requires a taxi ride, but it's not far, just over 10 minutes by car. After getting tired of the monotonous style of Uzbekistan's mosques, coming here will feel like a breath of fresh air. However, at first glance, the courtyard of the summer palace still looks somewhat dilapidated, probably due to the lack of management funds, but this last Emir's summer palace still has a gorgeous exterior. It is said that before building the palace, the Emir of Bukhara racked his brains over the choice of location. Following the advice of an elder, the Emir ordered the killing of four sheep and hung the meat in four different directions of the city. After a while, the meat in the other directions had rotted, but the meat hung in the north of the city remained fresh. The Emir believed that the air was fresher there, and thus chose the north of the city as the site for the palace. The Emir's Summer Palace is divided into two parts, the old palace is called the Abdulla Khan Palace, built in 1892 in the traditional Bukhara architectural style. The new palace is called the Said Alim Khan Palace, which combines European and Central Asian styles, built in 1917, including some lavishly decorated living rooms and halls, built by the best craftsmen of Bukhara. Overall, after visiting the Emir's Summer Palace, I still feel that both the old and new palaces are relatively small in scale, and not at all comparable to the Summer Palace in Saint Petersburg. The interior decoration blends traditional YSL religious patterns with European court decoration styles, with a lot of colorful glass decorations on the ceilings and walls, but it looks rather vulgar and is far from the splendor of Russia. Apart from the palace building itself, the summer palace also includes a large garden with fountains and ponds, which I think is the best spot for taking photos at the Emir's Summer Palace. Lastly, some details: inside the summer palace, I also found some 19th-century porcelain from China and Japan, along with peacocks strolling around the garden, which is quite a mix. But it also highlights Bukhara's once important position on the Silk Road, a shining pearl on the trade route that connected Eastern and Western civilizations. 🏞️Name | Emir's Summer Palace Sitorai Mahi Khosa 🎫Ticket | 40000 Sum ⛳Address | Buxoro shahri, Moxi Xosa daxasi, shifokorlar ko’chasi 1-uy, Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara is my favorite millennium-old city in Central Asia, and the one I explored the most in-depth, because I loved it so much that I visited twice, wandering around for half a month. 👉But if you only have one day, even if you're a special forces soldier, I still recommend checking out these essential landmark spots first, all within walking distance. 🏞Bolo Klaus Mosque～Ark Fortress～Kalin Mosque～Maghori Attari Mosque～Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah 1⃣Bolo Klaus Mosque This royal temple's most eye-catching features are the wooden columned porch at the entrance and the pool in front, along with the exquisite frescoes. It's also very pleasant to sit outside the door and listen to the chanting. 🚖It's right next to the old town, a 10-minute walk from the center of the old town 2⃣Ark Fortress The most magnificent fortress in Bukhara, where you can overlook the entire city from the castle tower. Inside the fortress, there's a mosque and a museum. The ticket is a bit pricey, but it's still worth it. 🚖Just walk across the road from Bolo Klaus Mosque to get there 3⃣Kalin Mosque The 47-meter-high minaret outside the Kalin Mosque is a true symbol of the city. I recommend coming in the evening when the night view is even more beautiful. 🚖After coming out of the Ark Fortress, just cross the road to get there 4⃣Maghori Attari Mosque The oldest mosque in the whole city, located in the center of the old city of Bukhara, under a large area of ruins. The carvings on the entire building are exquisitely intricate, breathtaking. 🚖From Kalin Mosque, just walk through the commercial street to get there 5⃣Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah This madrasah has now become a craft shop, but the statue of Nasreddin Hodja outside the madrasah is a must-photograph landmark, and there's almost always a queue. 🚖Turn left from the mosque ruins and walk to the end, it's on the left

Going to Uzbekistan, you can't miss these three World Heritage ancient cities - Samarkand, Khiva, and Bukhara. If Samarkand symbolizes the peak of Central Asian ancient architecture, and Khiva is the real version of One Thousand and One Nights, then Bukhara, with a history of 2,500 years, is much more low-key, still retaining the life of thousands of years. · Many people will say that the restored Samarkand is the Disneyland of Central Asia. Although it is extremely exquisite, the matching historical atmosphere is far away. Bukhara, also a gem of the Silk Road, is very restrained in restoration, without large-scale reconstruction, and the decoration of the building has not been repainted, only some preserved historical buildings have been converted into restaurants, hotels, still maintaining the state of the old city. · Although Bukhara has 140 historical buildings, the area for tourists to explore is not large, almost all concentrated in the old city area, if you add the Emir's Summer Palace in the suburbs, the arrangement of 2 days and 1 night is very suitable, below is my itinerary in Bukhara, you can refer to. · 🚸About the itinerary DAY1: Samarkand-Bukhara (Kalon Mosque→Ulugbek Medressa→Abdulaziz Khan Medressa→Divab-Beghi→Chor Minor Medressa→Nadir Divan-BegiMedressa) DAY2: Bukhara (Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace→Ark of Bukhara→Bolo KhauzMosque)-Tashkent · 🚗About transportation The best way to visit Bukhara is Citywalk, most of the attractions are next to each other, the walking time is no more than 5 minutes, only Chor Minor Medressa is a bit far, but it's only 20 minutes to walk. Only the Emir's Summer Palace needs a taxi, but it's only a few kilometers, it's very convenient. For large transportation, Samarkand and Tashkent both have high-speed trains to Bukhara, but there are not many trains, so you need to buy tickets in advance during the peak season. There are also buses between cities, but it takes a long time, suitable for friends with plenty of time. · 🕌About attractions ✅Kalon Mosque: The landmark of Bukhara, especially the Kalon Minaret, is one of the few buildings in Uzbekistan before the Mongol period. But the mosque itself is not worth seeing, not worth buying a ticket to go in. ✅Ulugbek Medressa and Abdulaziz Khan Medressa: Two facing medressas, the former was built earlier, decorated simply, the latter's highlight is the colorful honeycomb-shaped arch on the door, representing the ancient architecture of Bukhara, there is a room in the medressa that requires a separate ticket, worth a visit, where you can see the complex original decoration and the mysterious figure under the decoration. ✅Chor Minor Medressa: The internet celebrity of Bukhara, the cover of the Central Asia edition of 'Lonely Planet', a medressa that doesn't look like a medressa. ✅Nadir Divan-BegiMedressa: Now a restaurant, the biggest highlight is the 'heretical' peacock, lamb and sun pattern on the front door. The statue of Afanti in front of the medressa is also the most checked-in place for Chinese people in Bukhara. ✅Sitorai Mohi Hosa Palace: The residence of the last Emir of Bukhara, and the only surviving palace of the Bukhara rule, a good medicine for treating aesthetic fatigue. ✅Ark of Bukhara: The west gate and attached castle of the Bukhara Khanate period, now transformed into a museum, although it looks big, there are not many places to visit. ✅Bolo KhauzMosque: The mosque is not big, but it has the highest carved wooden column in Uzbekistan and a super exquisite caisson.

Palov was not available to the general population until the 1930s, the Soviet era. Traditionally only men cooked the dish, but when the Soviets took over control of the country, they liberated women, who were then also allowed to prepare it. Since then, however, according to food scholar Nancy Rosenberger (writing in 2012), "the pendulum was swinging back, if it had ever swung very far". The basis is meat, usually mutton, with vegetables (carrots and onions), fried in qurdiuq (fat from the sheep's tail end). The mixture of onion and thinly cut carrot is called zirvak, and it is compared to European soffrito. Often garbanzos and raisins are added, and instead of mutton all kinds of other basic ingredients can be used, including stuffed grape leaves or poultry. The meat is either boiled or fried with the zirvak. The rice is cooked by being soaked and then placed on top of the other ingredients, so it steams--in contrast to other popular ways of making pilaf, where rice is fried, and the other ingredients added, and then the entire dish being cooked in water.#gooutside #summervacation

Getting There - many train n buses from Tashkent Attractions - ancient city, all city is an attraction Hotels - many hotels available Food & Restaurants - many cheap and delicious restaurants Shopping - many street vendor to buy gifts #bukhara #ancientcity #ancient #uzbekistan #travelinspiration #adventure

I had a comfortable and unexpectedly great trip because of my travel buddies from Spain and Slovenia. We have roamed around the main Uzbekistan cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, Bhukara. Still unbelievable that I got to meet such beautiful persons on my solo trip, Met them in a train journey from Tashkent to Samarkand in Uzbekistan Railways. Travel is to meet some unexpected good people around the world. of course the world so small to miss the people ♥️ Keep traveling, the world has many things to show you!!

The Russian invasion and exertion of power over Uzbekistan took place in the mid-19th century. In 1865, the Russian Empire had already taken Tashkent and made it the capital of Russian Turkestan. At the cusp of Russia’s invasion of Bukhara, which took place in that same period, the various regions of Uzbekistan were ruled by khanate kingdoms. This part of Uzbek history was known as the Khanate era. Throughout the 1860s or so, the Russians have waged their wars in Bukhara, and in 1866, the Bukharans were defeated. In 1868, the Emir accepted vassal status after the defeat in the Battle of Zerabulak. It was at that time that the Emir ceded Samarkand to the Russians as well. At this point, it could not be said that the Russians were ruling Bukhara yet. Rather, the Emir still retained power in the administration and control of Bukhara and other territories. Bukhara was yet to be incorporated into the Russian Empire formally. Built in 1911, the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa stands testament to a watershed in Bukharan and Uzbek history. Its name meaning “Palace Like the Stars and the Moon,” the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa was built by Russian engineers for Emir Alim Khan in 1911, “as an inducement to get him out of the Ark fortress and safely ensconced in a strategic and cultural no-man’s land on the edge of town.” (Calum Macleod) The architecture shows prominent and grandiose eastern European features. At first glance, it certainly conveys the sense of luxury to which the royalty of Bukhara felt entitled. According to the descriptions on site, the exterior of the Sitorai Mokhi Khosa was that of Russian architecture, but the interiors were fitted with traditional Bukharan elements. #sitoraimokhikhosa #uzbekhistory #uzbekistan #bukhara #russia #russianarchitectue #uzbekarchitecture #centralasia #uzbkeheritage #historicallandmarks #museum #历史古迹#博物馆

The Bolo Hauz Mosque was built in 1712. This was where the Emir would head over from the Ark on a red-carpet-laid path on every Friday for his Friday prayers. Its resemblance to the Djome Mosque at the Ark is certainly no accident, as these two structures were indeed contemporaneous with each other. The Bolo Hauz Mosque was the only historic structure that survived the onslaught of the early Soviet rule in this part of Bukhara. All other historic structures in this area of town were destroyed in the early 20th century. During the Soviet rule, the Bolo Hauz Mosque was a working men’s club. The most eye-catching aspects of the Bolo Hauz Mosque are the super tall, and seemingly thin pillars that support its enormous and decorated high wooden eaves. Sophie Ibbotson says that those “12m-high pillars, 20 in all, that support the aivan are so slim that they look like super-sized chopsticks” and I agree with her completely. They are “made from elm, poplar and walnut wood.” (Sophie Ibbotson). The 20 pillars show varying sets of patterns in their carved adornment at the bottom, and also varying stalactites at the top parts that support the eaves. There is also a minaret right by the Bolo Hauz Mosque, completing the whole layout for a religious structure in Uzbekistan. #uzbekistan #bukhara #emir #bolohauzmosque #历史古迹 #islamicarchitecture #mosque #islam #uzbekhistory #centralasia

Stepping onto Uzbekistan's soil is like opening an ancient history book. In Samarkand, the magnificent architecture of Registan Square bears witness to past glories, leaving visitors awestruck by the passage of time. Stepping into the bustling bazaars, the aroma of spices and the dazzling array of handicrafts create a rich tapestry of local life. And the local cuisine, like fragrant pilaf and tender kebabs, offers satisfaction with every bite. Here's a compiled travel guide: 1. Visa and Season • Visa: Chinese citizens can enter Uzbekistan visa-free for up to 10 days by air, provided they present a return ticket. For land crossings or longer stays, an e-visa can be applied for, allowing a 30-day stay, with processing taking about 3 working days. • Season: The best time to visit is during April–June and September–November, when the temperature is moderate and the climate is comfortable. 2. Transportation • External Transportation: Direct flights to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, are available from Beijing, Xi'an, Urumqi, and other cities. You can also enter by land via Kazakhstan or Kyrgyzstan. • Internal Transportation: High-speed rail connects major tourist cities such as Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara. Shared taxis are a convenient way to reach Khiva, the Aral Sea, and other destinations. 3. Recommended Attractions • Tashkent: The Khast Imam Complex houses numerous exquisite religious buildings, while the area around Amir Timur Square features museums, theaters, and more. You can also visit the Chorsu Bazaar to experience local life. • Samarkand: Registan Square is the heart of the city, with three magnificent madrasahs; the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is an architectural marvel; and Shah-i-Zinda is a famous necropolis with a unique architectural style. • Bukhara: The old city of Bukhara boasts over 140 ancient monuments. Starting from Lyabi-Hauz, you'll find the statue of Nasreddin Hodja, the Nadir Divan-Beghi Madrasah, and other attractions nearby. The Kalyan Minaret and the Ark of Bukhara are also worth visiting. • Khiva: The old city of Khiva, after restoration, still retains its medieval grandeur. The Kunya-Ark, the Kalta Minor Minaret, and the Pakhlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum are among the highlights. 4. Food Recommendations • Main Courses: Options include pilaf and Laghman. Pilaf is colorful and flavorful, while Laghman is spicy and sour. • Other Dishes: Uzbek steamed dumplings, steamed meat rolls, baked meat pies, and egg dumplings are just a few of the many diverse and unique dishes available. • Snacks: Halva is a combination of roasted wheat flour, sugar, sesame paste, and other ingredients, offering a sweet but not overpowering treat. Tomato and onion salad is colorful and refreshing. • Meat: Kebabs are fragrant and juicy, while lamb soup is flavorful and nutritious. 5. Shopping Recommendations • Handicrafts: Bukhara's embroidery is vibrant and intricate; Fergana's silk is soft and beautifully patterned; and Uzbekistan's miniature paintings feature a rich variety of subjects and exquisite detail. • Specialty Foods: Local bazaars offer a wide variety of dried fruits, such as raisins, almonds, and pistachios, all of excellent quality. Spices like cumin, pepper, and turmeric are fragrant and can be used in cooking.

The ancient city of Bukhara is a historical center of Islamic civilization in Central Asia and a historical and cultural city known as the "living fossil of the Silk Road." It also became an important hub connecting ancient Europe and Asia. Therefore, there are three attractions around the center of the ancient city related to the rise of business travel in the past, which are very suitable for visiting together. 👣Route👇🏻 Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah - Kukeldash Madrasah - Taqi-Telpakfurushon Market Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah It is not a madrasah itself, but was originally built as a post station for business travelers. But it is said that on the eve of the completion of this building, the Khan of Bukhara got drunk at the celebration banquet and thanked Nadir Divan-Begi for building such a beautiful madrasah in front of everyone, so it was mistaken for a madrasah. Therefore, you can find that compared with normal madrasahs, there are no domed chapels on both sides for worship. Kukeldash Madrasah An important historical building that witnessed the religious and historical changes in Central Asia, it was built in the 16th century and was one of the largest madrasahs in Central Asia at that time. "Kukeldash" means "Buddhist temple." However, as the Arab army occupied Bukhara, many churches and temples were converted into mosques, and this name gradually became associated with Islamic educational institutions. Taqi-Telpakfurushon Market Everyone knows that Bukhara is located on the main road of the Silk Road, so commerce is relatively developed. "Taqi" means a domed mall built at the intersection of the central crossroads. It has now become one of the tourist attractions. Of course, you can also visit the things sold here and take them home as souvenirs. 💰Tickets: All free🆓 ❤️Tips: Bukhara is relatively dry, so be sure to pay attention to sun protection at noon.

Bukhara Old Town is very beautiful, with a history of more than 2,500 years, and is one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was the capital of the Samanid Dynasty in the 9th to 10th centuries, occupied by Genghis Khan in 1220, and conquered by the Turkic Timur in 1370. You must visit the Kalyan Minaret in the center of the old town, which is very iconic. There are three must-visit attractions in this square, which are also very suitable for a one-day city walk. 👣Facing the square from left to right: Mir-i-Arab Madrasah - Kalyan Minaret - Kalyan Mosque 1️⃣st stop: Mir-i-Arab Madrasah One of the earliest madrasahs built in Bukhara, it was built between 1530 and 1536, and its founder, Mir-i-Arab, was a missionary from Yemen. This madrasah can only be visited at the gate, and some of the interiors are all closed, because the madrasah is still in use today, and there are still students of the madrasah attending classes inside. 2️⃣nd stop: Kalyan Minaret A very important landmark in Bukhara, it was built in 1127 AD, with a height of 45.6 meters, and was the tallest building in Bukhara at that time. The Kalyan Minaret was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993. It is said that when Genghis Khan's westward expedition reached here, he destroyed all the surrounding buildings such as the Kalyan Mosque, but did not destroy the Kalyan Minaret because he was deeply impressed by its magnificence. 3️⃣rd stop: Kalyan Mosque It was built in 1121 AD, but because Genghis Khan destroyed it at that time, what you see now is what it looked like when it was rebuilt in 1514. It is a very typical four-iwan building with a very unique architectural style, with layers of arcades blooming endlessly like petals. 💰Ticket cost: Except for Kalyan Mosque, which costs 15,000 UZS/person, the other two are free 🚗Transportation: These three attractions are next to each other, suitable for a one-day city walk ❤️Tip: Ladies need to wear a scarf or hat to cover their heads when entering the mosque

In the 7th century, as Islam began to spread and flourish in Bukhara, thousands of mosques, madrasas, and other places of worship were built, making it a famous center of Islamic scholarship at the time. Now, the three must-see mosques are the ones that have been preserved👍🏻 👣They are: Char Minar Mosque - Bolo Haouz Mosque - Magok-i-Attari Mosque 1️⃣ Char Minar Mosque: Also known as the Char Minar Mosque, "Char Minar" means "four minarets" in Uzbek, and the four minarets also represent the four dynasties. Bukhara has a history of over 2,500 years. In the 9th-10th centuries, it was the capital of the Samanid dynasty, occupied by Genghis Khan in 1220, conquered by the Turkic Timur, the founder of the Timurid Empire, in 1370, and finally became the capital of Uzbekistan in the mid-16th century. 2️⃣ Bolo Haouz Mosque: The mosque was built in the 18th century, and its name, when transliterated, means "mosque on the pond." The most special feature of this mosque is the wooden columns on the front porch, which are stalactite-shaped and have horse-hoof-like bases, reflecting the influence of Iranian style to some extent. 3️⃣ Magok-i-Attari Mosque: It is said to be one of the earliest mosques of the Middle Ages, as its history can be traced back to the 9th century. In the 9th century, this place was once a Zoroastrian temple, which was converted into a mosque after Islamization. The original mosque was destroyed in a fire in 937 AD and remained in ruins for a long time. After reconstruction, it was smaller in scale, and what you see now is the original from the 12th century. 🚗Transportation: These three attractions in the old city of Bukhara are all within walking distance, making them ideal for a city walk. 💰Tickets: The first two mosques do not require tickets, but the Magok-i-Attari Mosque is now a street museum, and a separate fee is required to visit.

Uzbekistan Hotels | Bukhara Mercure Bukhara 🎀 M's little talk - This is the most comfortable and my favorite hotel in Uzbekistan. Everything is great. ▪️ Location and transportation: It takes about 30-40 minutes to get to the hotel from Bukhara Railway Station by taxi. The hotel is located in a quiet alley, but you can walk to the attractions and restaurants. There are several small supermarkets in the alley, which is very convenient for buying snacks and drinks. The location is very good. ▫️ Room and service: Overall, the most impressive thing about this hotel is the service. Every staff member, whether at the front desk, restaurant, swimming pool, or guest room, is smiling and can communicate in English. They are very patient and will try their best to meet your needs. The hotel has complete facilities, including a restaurant, gym, swimming pool, and spa. Even if you don't use them, you can take a look. The swimming pool is especially beautiful. The guest room area is open-air, and you can sit in the corridor at night, which is very relaxing. Although the guest room is not large, it has everything you need and is very clean. The bed and bedding are the most comfortable I have slept in Uzbekistan. The bathroom is large enough, with a large sink, large drawers, and a large bathtub. The hot water is also very good, which is great for girls. There is enough space to put all your skincare and makeup products, and the shower is very comfortable. The breakfast is small but complete. The restaurant is not large and there are not many varieties, but like the room, it has everything you need. You can eat well and be full. There are scrambled eggs in the buffet, and if you need fried eggs, just tell the waiter. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Four-star recommendation -

#0yentravelJanuary2025 #Uzbekistan #overseastravel Al Hayat, the hotel I stayed at in Bukhara, the ancient capital of Uzbekistan🌳 Breakfast was included in the room rate, so I had a breakfast buffet🍽️ The variety was plentiful and everything was delicious, and the breakfast venue with a view of the courtyard was lovely🕊️ I was especially impressed by the high quality of the fruit and bread🥹 ☑︎$55/night/room/breakfast included (price at time of booking) ☑︎About 30 minutes by car from Bukhara Station ☑︎Payment is possible on-site, with credit card payments, but at the time it was out of order so only cash payments were accepted Kemukhgaron st 2, 200100, Bukhara, Bukhara Region, Uzbekistan

#0yentravelJanuary2025 #overseastravel #uzbekistan The three buildings in Registan Square, like the mosques we have seen so far, are dome-shaped prayer halls inside, but when you go through each gate, you will find a square with a courtyard and several other buildings🫢✨ All three buildings are madrasahs (theological schools), but each one has its own unique decoration and a different worldview that is interesting🤍 The Ulughbek Madrasah on the left was built by the famous mathematician and astronomer Ulughbeg. As it was built in the same place, the interior is filled with astronomical elements, like outer space 🪐 On the right side, there are two large tigers painted on the gate of the Sher-Dor Madrasah 🐅🐅 In Islam, where idolatry is prohibited, it is taboo to paint living creatures, but it seems that this was a display of power, saying, "I am greater than those teachings! 💪🏻" 😧 lol The prayer hall inside the Tira-Kari Madrasah in the center is a must-see ❕👀✨ It is so gorgeous with blue and gold. The ceiling looks dome-shaped, but it is actually flat, apparently just painted using elaborate perspective... No matter how you look at it, it is dome-shaped 🤣 lol It is a place that you should definitely see with your naked eyes 😁

Bukhara is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with its quaint and serene Taki Bazaar and the artificial pond called Labi Hauz located right in the city center. 🌿 Next, take the train to the city of Samarkand 🚃 🚅 Bukhara 17:55 → Samarkand 19:21 ☑︎ Book and purchase tickets in advance through the official app (Uzrailwaystickets) ☑︎ 1600 yen (price at the time) ☑︎ Credit card payment available ☑︎ Popular routes fill up quickly, so it's recommended to buy tickets on the release date (about a month before the travel date) ☑︎ Scan the QR code purchased at the time of boarding ☑︎ It's best to arrive at the station at least 20 minutes before departure 🙆♀️

#0yentravelJanuary2025 #Uzbekistan #overseastravel 2 wonderful madrasahs found while walking around Bukhara, Uzbekistan✨ ・Ulughbek Madrasah The oldest surviving madrasah (new school) in Central Asia, which I encountered on the way from the hotel to Kalan Mosque When I passed by in the morning, there were a lot of cats🐈🐈⬛💕They were so cute🥺🫶🏼 QCG8+PXH, Buxoro, Buxoro Viloyati, Uzbekistan ・Abdul Aziz Khan Madrasah A madrasah with a beautiful entrance arch decoration, standing in front of Ulughbek Madrasah✨ The colorful decorations are said to be influenced by Turkish and Indonesian decorations👀 QCG8+JXX, Buxoro, Buxoro Viloyati, Uzbekistan

Perhaps Uzbekistan is only ubiquitous within its own border. The country is a lesser-known gem and had a long history that was very much part of the world's heritage. At the Ark of Bukhara, I came across an antiquity of Uzbekistan that has long-lasting effects on its modern development. The Ark of Bukhara is namely the most significant historical relic in the heritage-rich city of Bukhara. The Ark is an enormous compound spanning acres, but only a selected section is open for touring. At a few sections the rooms are turned into small museums that are somewhat interesting. As a fortress as well as an inhabited city, there were whole communities living in the Ark besides the royal family. As such it was in every way a standing testament to Bukhara’s history. It is believed that, as early as the 5th to 6th centuries AD, the Ark was already in existence. This was during the pre-Islamic era, and throughout the remaining of its history the Ark was a work-in-progress for many of the Bukharan rulers. In around 713 AD, the Arabs built the first mosque upon the foundation of the original temple, as a symbolic act of asserting the power of Islam over all other faiths. This would be the first mosque in Bukhara as well. The current fortress and citadel standing was a structure of the 16th century Shaybanid dynasty. The Ark was the subject of conquest during the Mongolian invasion, as well as the subsequent wars in Bukhara. Fast forward to 1920, a devastating fire destroyed most of the Ark. Some 80% of the structures there were burned to the ground. The Red Army had also caused significant damage to the Ark by their bombing campaigns. There was speculation as to whether the Soviets or the exiting emirs started the fire. The Ark remained in ruins throughout much of the 20th century. Be it the Russians or the Emir causing the fire, the falling of the Ark ushered in the era of Russian colonialism in this part of Uzbekistan. The Russians would eventually exercise control over Khiva as well.

#AsiaTravelRecord I visited the Kalon Mosque in Bukhara, the ancient capital of Uzbekistan. It was a building of great scale and very worth seeing. Many tourists from Japan visit the mosque, so I think it's easy for Japanese people to get used to it. There are several places to eat in the neighborhood, so it's a good idea to take a walk and have a meal while sightseeing. There are also many hotels nearby, so it's very convenient for sightseeing. There are many souvenir shops, but there is no pushy solicitation, so I was able to look around without worrying.