Uzbekistan & Tajikistan: A Combined Itinerary

Last Updated on: 6th August 2026, 07:31 pm

Thanks to its stunning natural scenery and Silk Road heritage, more and more travelers are starting to discover Central Asia – especially now that most countries are visa-free.

But the region can be hard to wrap your head around at first – not only for cultural reasons, but because each country is shaped like a complex piece of a jigsaw puzzle.

Thanks to its spectacular Timurid architecture, Uzbekistan is undoubtedly the most popular country in the region these days. But Uzbekistan also borders Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan, and Afghanistan. So why include Uzbekistan and Tajikistan together here?

Simply put, they fit. Geographically and logistically, these two countries are the most natural pairing in Central Asia. For example, Tajikistan’s main cities are all relatively close to the Uzbek border.

Seeing the top highlights of the two countries in a single trip should take you just under a month. But we’ll also be covering ways to extend longer land journeys, whether you plan on continuing to either Kyrgyzstan or Afghanistan.

Since Tashkent is one of the region’s main transport hubs, this itinerary begins and ends in the Uzbek capital. You can then adjust it however you see fit.

Also, the following itinerary assumes you’ll be traveling during a warmer time of year.

THE PAMIR HIGHWAY?: The Pamir Highway is a 1,252 km road that traverses the Pamir Mountains, most of which lie in Tajikistan. If you’ve started researching Central Asia travel, you’ll find plenty of sources saying how traveling the Pamir Highway is one of the highlights of the entire region.

People traveling the Pamir Highway generally head from Dushanbe to Osh, Kyrgyzstan, or vice versa. Some people do it all in 3 days, some in 7, and others in 10.

While the highlight for some is simply admiring the scenery from the road, it’s also possible to stop at various points for hiking. The region is also home to numerous archaeological sites.

But as hyped up as it is, the following itinerary does NOT include the Pamir Highway journey. How come?

A 4×4 is mandatory. And whether you hire a driver or rent your own vehicle, expenses can add up quick. And that’s not to mention accommodation costs along the way. Furthermore, you’ll also need to obtain a special GBAO permit in advance.

Many people look for other travelers to split the costs with. But considering all the variables involving starting points, budgets, and total travel time, that’s easier said than done. And even after splitting the costs, it could still end up as a very expensive journey.

The following itinerary, in contrast, details a much more budget-friendly and organized way to experience Central Asia.

TRAVELING TO OR FROM AFGHANISTAN?: Some travelers may be visiting Uzbekistan and Tajikistan as part of a much longer journey across the region. And both countries border Afghanistan, which is starting to become more popular amongst adventurous travelers.

As you can learn more about in our Afghanistan Planning Guide, the Tajik-Afghan border is known as Shir Khan, and it’s about 3-4 hours south of Dushanbe. So you could rearrange this itinerary to start or end in Dushanbe instead.

Coming from Uzbekistan, the border with Afghanistan is known as the Hairatan Border. It’s just next to the Uzbek city of Termez, a worthy destination in its own right. And on the other side is the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif.

In my case, I initially entered Uzbekistan from Afghanistan.

My longer journey looked something like this: Various locations around Afghanistan > Mazar-i-Sharif > Termez > Bukhara > Khiva > Samarkand > Panjakent > Dushanbe > Khujand > Tashkent > Andijan > Osh. And then from Osh I traveled across Kyrgyzstan and eventually into Kazakhstan, and then China.

Day 0: Arrive in Tashkent

Tashkent International Airport is very well connected. You can find direct international flights from cities like Paris, London, Istanbul, Beijing, Seoul, Dubai, New York, and various cities in Russia.

WHERE TO STAY IN TASHKENT: Tashkent is a huge and sprawling city, so regardless of where you stay, you’re going to be needing the subway or taxis at certain points. On that note, the closer you are to a subway station, the better.

All in all, accommodation in Tashkent is pricier than in Uzbekistan’s main touristic cities (Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva).

As a budget traveler, I found a good deal at a place called Hayot Hostel located in the southern part of the city. Though it was very cheap, it wasn’t near a metro station, so I ended up having to use Yandex Go to get around much of the time.

I also encountered a weird situation where my room shared a window with the guest house’s shared kitchen! And though there was a curtain, it didn’t really block the light, nor the sound.

For those on a slightly higher budget, the Welcome Inn Hotel has great reviews, as does Harris Hotel Spa&Fitness.

And for those able to splurge, Farovon Tashkent Boutique Hotel and LOTTE City Hotels Tashkent Palace also seem like great choices.

UZBEKISTAN HOTEL SLIPS: Note that when visiting Uzbekistan, you’re supposed to collect little slips of paper from each accommodation proving where you stayed and for how many nights. You may then be asked to show them when leaving the country.

A lot of hotel owners will tell you that the system is digitized now and therefore it shouldn’t matter anymore. There are also many cases where the officers won’t ask anything at all.

But the reality on the ground is that immigration officers are indeed still sometimes asking for the paper slips. And I’ve met some travelers who got themselves into trouble when they couldn’t provide them.

I entered and exited the country twice, and though I wasn’t asked anything during my first exit, I was asked during my second. Fortunately, I had them on me.

Day 1: Sightseeing Around Tashkent

Spend the first day of this long journey by exploring Tashkent. But depending on where you’ve flown in from, you might be jetlagged. That’s why, even though Tashkent is far from the most interesting destination in this Uzbekistan itinerary, we’ve included two full days just in case.

On top of that, since this itinerary also ends in Tashkent, you’ll have time left over at the end as well.

Highlights of Tashkent include the State Museum of the History of Uzbekistan, the State Museum of the Arts, the State Museum of the Timurids, Chorsu Bazaar, Ming Orik, Tashkent Television Tower, and the Hazrati Imam Complex.

Other attractions you might want to check out include the Shayhantaur Memorial Complex, the Hoja Ahror Valiy Mosque, and Minor Mosque.

Tashkent is a large, sprawling city, but you can get around easily enough with a combination of subway and the Yandex Go app.

Day 2: More Around Tashkent

On this day you can go out and see anything you’ve missed the previous day. At the end of this itinerary we’ve included the Little Chimgan Hike for something to do upon your return to the capital. But you can also just do it on this day if you’re in the mood.

Day 3: Onward to Khujand, Tajikistan

Even though you’ve just arrived in Uzbekistan a few days prior, it’s already time to leave the country – at least temporarily.

But all in all, crossing the border to Khujand, Tajikistan, is still probably an easier journey than traveling from Tashkent to Khiva.

(But if you’ve decided to skip Khiva, then you may just want to head to Bukhara on this day, and then proceed to carry out much of this itinerary in reverse.)

In regards to crossing the border, I only have experience doing it the opposite way. However, you should be able to reach the Aybek border with a Yandex Go car. Expect to pay roughly $20-25 USD for the one-way journey.

Otherwise, you can head to the Kuyluk Bazaar in the southern part of the city, and then find a shared taxi or bus from there.

Once on the Tajik side, it’s time to take another shared taxi or minivan to Khujand. Expect to pay roughly 70 Tajik somoni for the journey. (It would be wise to exchange some money on the Uzbek side of the border.)

Note that in Khujand (or anywhere in Tajikistan), the Yandex Go app does not work. The main ride hailing app here is Maxim, and it would be wise to set it up in advance. Ideally, you’ll also have a decent eSIM for Tajikistan as well.

If you start early enough, you may have time for sightseeing on this day, though this itinerary assumes you’ll just want to relax upon arrival.

WHERE TO STAY IN KHUJAND: Somewhat surprisingly, Tajikistan has some of the priciest accommodation in Central Asia – at least from the perspective of a budget traveler. And for whatever reason, Khujand is even pricier than other Tajik destinations.

Unfortunately, I encountered multiple setbacks when booking accommodation here. After first reserving a highly-rated private apartment on Booking called ‘Khujand Comfort,’ my host cancelled the reservation due to ‘renovations.’

There wasn’t much else left in that price range except for another apartment on Booking with zero reviews. I took the chance and booked it. My host ignored my messages for days, finally responding just before check-in.

The apartment and location were fine, but it was only after check-in that I realized there was no Wifi! Checking again, I’m not too shocked to see that that host is now absent from the platform.

When it comes to private rooms in a central location that are only a bit overpriced by Central Asian standards (and that also have Wifi), Khujand Star and Apart Hotel Armon are some of the only promising options. While a little bit far from the center (but still walkable), Family Hotel seems like another decent choice.

While cheaper options are available on the outskirts of town, I wouldn’t recommend staying somewhere that’s not within walking distance of the Fortress Complex.

Day 4: Around Khujand

Khujand is Tajikistan’s second-largest city and is largely overlooked by visitors to Central Asia. But it’s a charming place to explore, with plenty of green spaces.

And though it lacks some of the more elaborate palaces or quirky monuments of Dushanbe, it’s clear that the government has given the city a lot of attention.

There’s plenty to see around the area for history lovers, with the top highlight being the Fortress Complex – home to the ruins of the northernmost city of Alexander the Great’s empire.

The other top highlight is Arbob Palace. The palace is not just visually beautiful, but its backstory is particularly intriguing, as it reveals the role that Central Asian cultural identity played during the Soviet era.

Other than that, you can check out the Sughd Regional Museum, the Kamoli Khujandi Museum, the Mausoleum of Sheikh Muslihiddin, and various landmarks on the north side of the river.

If you start early enough, Khujand’s main landmarks can be seen in a single but tiring day. But no pressure, as this itinerary includes another full day in town.

Day 5: More Around Khujand (& Istaravshan)

On this day, you can take a half-day trip to Istaravshan, followed by anything you may have missed the previous day in Khujand.

Istaravshan, accessible via a shared taxi ride, isn’t Tajikistan’s most exciting destination, however. So if you’re trying to cut some time from this long itinerary, this might be a good day to omit.

If you do decide to visit, learn more about reaching the city and getting around in our dedicated Istaravshan guide.

Back from Istaravshan, you should have a few more hours left in the day to see something you might’ve missed the day before.

Day 6: Onward to Dushanbe

In contrast to Uzbekistan, with its efficient rail system, Tajikistan completely lacks any major transport companies altogether. Not only is there no rail, but there aren’t even any coach buses running in the country.

That leaves shared minivans and shared taxis as the only option to get from point A to point B – even when traveling between the two largest cities. The transport situation is by far the biggest downside of Tajikistan for travelers.

When it comes to traveling from Khujand to Dushanbe, you’ll want to head to ‘Staryy Avtovokzal’ to the west of the city (this is the same place from where you can take shared taxis to Istaravshan).

Oddly, Google Maps currently says the station is ‘Permanently Closed.’ It may still be possible to find drivers waiting for passengers along the street, however. In any case, it would be best to confirm the situation with your hotel.

You’ll likely have to negotiate, but you should be able to ride from Khujand to Dushanbe for about 150-200 somoni. The journey should take 5-6 hours (your driver might stop somewhere for lunch).

Once in Dushanbe, you’ll likely be dropped off at the place marked ‘Shared taxi to Khujand’ on Google Maps, situated to the north of the city. Remember this location, as it’s also where you’ll come later to find transport for Panjakent.

Oddly, in contrast to Khujand, no ride hailing apps work in Dushanbe. Fortunately, however, all the taxi drivers use the same metering system which seems to be connected to a centralized app, and you shouldn’t have to worry about getting scammed.

WHERE TO STAY IN DUSHANBE: I stayed at Sayfi Guesthouse, where I paid around $20 a night for a room with a private bathroom – the cheapest option in town at the time.

For whatever reason, they’re not on Booking, and I booked via Airbnb, where the guest house’s name oddly isn’t mentioned. I had some communication issues with the host before check-in, but once I was there, the owner’s grandson did a good job of communicating and managing things.

It was situated near a fancy shopping street, but also near a hospital compound that was home to multiple affordable restaurants.

While Sayfi may be the cheapest option in town, for a slightly higher fee, places like Guest House Homely, Hello Dushanbe Hostel, and Sarvar all look like good options.

And for those on a less strict budget, Soro Hotel and Baland Hotel Dushanbe have excellent ratings.

Day 7: Around Dushanbe

Ever since independence, huge monuments and opulent palaces have been springing up throughout the capital. But Dushanbe remains a very green city with spotless streets. All in all, it could be considered one of Central Asia’s most pleasant surprises.

Highlights of Dushanbe include Rudaki Park, the National Museum of Tajikistan, the National Museum of Antiquities, the Istiklol Monument, and Navruz Palace. You can see a majority of these locations in one day, though you’ll also have time left over on the following day of this itinerary.

Day 8: Visit Hisor Fortress / Around Dushanbe

With a history going back thousands of years, Hisor Fortress is often touted as one of the essential day trips from the Tajik capital of Dushanbe. And it is indeed both historically significant and visually appealing. But don’t set your expectations too high, as the entire area can be explored in under an hour.

Getting to Hisor from Dushanbe is fairly straightforward. You can take a shared taxi at the location labeled as ‘Zarnisor Hissor Regar Border Taxi Station’ on Google Maps.

Back in Dushanbe, you should have the rest of the afternoon free for additional sightseeing.

Day 9: A Day Trip to Iskanderkul

Associated with ancient legends of Alexander the Great, Iskanderkul is one of Tajikistan’s most scenic lakes.

Lying within the Fann Mountain range, the lake sits at 2,195 m above sea level. And on sunny days, the water has a beautiful turquoise hue.

While the water is too cold for swimming, visitors to the area can seek out landmarks like the Snake Lake, Iskander Waterfall, Alexander’s Cave, the Panj-Chashma Springs, and the President’s summer house.

Unfortunately, getting to the lake independently is rather tricky, and can potentially be quite expensive if you’re unable to split taxi rides with others (learn more in our dedicated guide). If you do make the effort to go on your own, you might as well stay a couple of nights.

But conveniently, the top highlights of the area can be seen as part of a day tour from Dushanbe. And doing things this way means you won’t have to deal with the headache of transportation. This tour on GetYourGuide, for example, is currently going for $54 per person.

Day 10: Onward to Panjakent

While those with more flexible schedules might want to linger in the Dushanbe area for a bit, the next part of this itinerary takes you to the western city of Panjakent.

As mentioned above, the location marked ‘Shared taxi to Khujand’ on Google Maps should also have shared taxi drivers to Panjakent.

As is typical, you’ll have to haggle for a good price (try for around 125 somoni), while you’ll also have to wait around for the car to fill up.

Once on the road, the journey should take around 4-5 hours.

WHERE TO STAY IN PANJAKENT: As a budget traveler, I usually try to find private rooms with private bathrooms. But I made an exception and chose Sim-Sim Hostel due to the price and stellar reviews. So I went ahead and booked a private room (with shared bathroom) there.

But when I arrived to check in, my ‘private room’ could only be accessed via the shared dorm room. And when I asked if there was any way to lock the door, they said no. Ultimately, though, the family moved me to another room that was actually private.

Aside from this issue, I enjoyed my stay at Sim-Sim, and the owner was really helpful with advice on transportation to other cities. They also kindly let me keep my things there during my one-night stay at Haft Kul.

Though a bit outside the center, other popular options are Rudaki Plaza and Inn Sogdiana.

Day 11: Around Panjakent

Panjakent is largely known as the gateway to the beautiful lakes of Haft Kul. But if you’re at all interested in ancient history, it’s worth setting a full day aside to explore Panjakent’s archaeological sites.

The two main sites are Ancient Panjakent and Sarazm. Both are extensive, but you won’t find much more than old foundations.

Still, the area is home to no less than three excellent museums where you can learn more about them. Also on display are the beautiful murals (or at least their reproductions) for which Ancient Panjakent was known.

Days 12-13: Haft Kul

Nestled in the western Fann Mountains of Tajikistan, the seven alpine lakes of Haft Kul – also known as the Marguzor Lakes – are one of the country’s most accessible yet gorgeous natural wonders.

A lot of people visit Haft Kul as a day trip from Samarkand. But since you’re already in Tajikistan, it’s worth taking things slow and spending at least a night in the area.

You have a few different options when it comes to exploring the area. You could simply take a shared minivan up to the lake nearest to your accommodation, followed by some light hiking and relaxation.

Or, you could hike the full route – from Lake 1 to Lake 7 – over the course of two days. Learn more about the latter option in our dedicated guide.

In regards to reaching Haft Kul from Panjakent, the minivans are independently managed and timetables can change from time to time.

But at the time of my visit, the shared minivan cost 120 somoni per person and it departed at 10:00 am. The final destination was the sixth lake (there’s no road to the seventh), but you can asked to get dropped off anywhere before.

The rough location from where minivans depart is marked on Google Maps as ‘Bus/Taxi to Haft Kul.’ It’s located behind the main indoor bazaar. While a bit tricky to find, you’ll want to look for an open-air parking area surrounding by numerous market stalls.

The ride takes about two hours, though it can vary due to road conditions and stops the driver may make along the way.

Your main challenge will be returning from Haft Kul to Panjakent. It’s best to ask at your hotel, but you can either have them arrange a private driver for you, or you can attempt to hitchhike back to the city. Even if you do hitchhike, the driver may expect something in return.

WHERE TO STAY IN HAFT KUL: One of the most popular guest houses in the Haft Kul region, Jumaboy Guest House, is located in the village of Nofin, which is an easy walk from a turnoff near the middle of Lake 4.

Jumaboy is a family-run establishment, and the owner’s young son was managing affairs at the time of my visit. Overall, the family was very friendly and helpful.

Although I originally booked a room with a shared bathroom on Booking, I was later offered an upgrade to a completely private room for just 20 somoni extra.

As for meals, dinner cost 80 somoni, which is quite expensive for Central Asia. Anticipating this, I’d brought plenty of snacks from Panjakent. Breakfast the following morning, on the other hand, was included in the price.

Later on, walking past Lake 4, I found myself in Padrud Village, the largest village in the Haft Kul region. And there are a few accommodation options here as well, though at the time of writing, the only option on Booking is Homestay Mijgon.

Day 14: Onward to Samarkand

It’s now time to leave Tajikistan and re-enter Uzbekistan. From Pajakent, you should be able to find a shared taxi or minivan from the bazaar area straight to the border. It should cost you just 10-20 somoni.

On the other side, you should then be able to find a shared minivan to a place in Samarkand known as Kaftarkhona (also spelled Kaftarxona). Expect to pay around 20,000 som for the journey, though those with lots of luggage may be asked to pay extra.

Once in Samarkand, you can then just use the Yandex Go app to reach your destination.

(If you’re a US citizen reading this, note that up until recently, Americans needed visas for Uzbekistan. And those entering the country twice would’ve needed to obtain a double-entry visa. Fortunately, no visas are required anymore for stays of up to 30 days.)

WHERE TO STAY IN SAMARKAND: Generally speaking, the closer you stay to Registan Square, the better. Not only is it Samarkand’s top highlight, but staying nearby will put you in walking distance of several other (but not all) of the city’s prominent landmarks.

In contrast with Bukhara and Khiva, I struggled a bit with finding well-located and reasonably priced accommodation in Samarkand. Ultimately, I stayed at a place called Hostel Muborak, which was just 15 minutes on foot from Registan Square, and even closer to the Bibi Khanum Mosque.

Unfortunately, despite its high rating on Booking, the location was the only thing I liked about Hostel Muborak. But checking again, there do seem to be numerous other options within close distance to Registan Square that either didn’t exist, or perhaps just weren’t available at the time of my visit.

Registan Palace, Gulsara Hostel, Century Registan, and Hotel Muqaddas all have high ratings and are situated in excellent locations.

Day 15: Around Samarkand

Samarkand is probably the one place in Uzbekistan that nobody skips. Though largely destroyed by the Mongols in the 13th century, the city is now defined by its Timurid architecture – buildings known equally for their colossal size and ornate tilework.

Highlights include Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda, Hazrat Khizr Mosque, the Ulugh Beg Observatory, Afrosiyab, the Tomb of Daniel, Khoja Akhrori Vali.

You’ll want at least two full days to see everything the city has to offer.

Day 16: More Around Samarkand

On this day you can see anything you may have missed the previous day. And those with more time in the region may also want to add an extra day in Samarkand to their Uzbekistan itinerary.

In addition to the attractions in the city, one of the most popular day trip options is Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Timur – about 80 km south of Samarkand. No reliable public transport seems to go there, but you should be able to find private drivers outside Registan Square heading there for roughly $40 roundtrip. (Or book online for a slightly higher fee.)

Hazrat Davud Cave, meanwhile, is a pilgrimage site high in the hills that’s associated with the biblical King David. It’s reachable via the Yandex Go app, and you can learn more details in our dedicated guide.

Day 17: Onward to Bukhara

Generally speaking, Uzbekistan is one of the easier countries to travel through in Central Asia thanks to its rail network. You can easily book tickets online or via the official Uzbek Railways app.

Coming from Samarkand, you have the choice between either a regular-speed train (2.5-3.5 hours) or an express ‘Afrosiyob’ train (about 1.5 hours). Numerous trains leave throughout the day.

Note that if you plan to take an Afrosiyob train, you should try to book as soon as they go on sale – usually 45 days in advance. Tickets sell out fast, especially in summer.

WHERE TO STAY IN BUKHARA: Not only is Bukhara one of Uzbekistan’s most captivating and immersive cities, but it also has some of the best value in regards to accommodation.

I stayed at Madina-Mehribon, a homestay type of accommodation located within a short distance from Chor Minor.

For a very reasonable price, I had a private room with my own bathroom, and a very hearty breakfast was included as well.

Other highly-rated budget hotels include Shom Hotel with Terraca and Hotel Grand House Real Estate.

A popular midrange option is Oasis Boutique. And for those able to splurge, Caravansaray Rashid is one of the top-rated hotels in Bukhara.

Day 18: Around Bukhara

Of Uzbekistan’s three major tourism hubs, Bukhara has what’s arguably the largest intact and authentic-feeling Old Town in the country.

While it may lack a single attraction that can rival Samarkand’s Registan Square, Bukhara’s Old Town offers a truly immersive experience that neither Samarkand, nor ‘Disneyfied’ Khiva, can match.

Top highlights include Chor Minor, Ulugbek & Abdulaziz Khan Madrassas, Bukhara’s Covered Bazaars, Kalyan Minaret, the Ark Citadel, Bolo Hauz Mosque, Samani Park, the Fayzulla Khodjaev House Museum, Maghoki Attori Mosque, and the Lyabi-Hauz Area.

You can see a majority of these attractions in a single but busy day. Otherwise, you’ll have time left over on the following day of this Uzbekistan itinerary.

Day 19: Bukhara's Bahoutdin Complex & Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa

While, as mentioned, there’s plenty to do and see within the central Bukhara, consider dedicating a half-day to visiting these lesser-known sites on Bukhara’s outskirts: the Bahoutdin Architectural Complex, Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, and the Chor Bakr Necropolis.

All three sites can be reached with the Yandex Go app.

The Bahoutdin Architectural Complex is dedicated to Baha al-Din Naqshband (1318–1389), the founder of the Naqshbandi Movement, one of the largest Sufi Sunni orders. But you don’t need to be an expert on him to enjoy the eye-catching structures.

Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa, meanwhile, is the former opulent country residence of the Emir of Bukhara from the late 19th century. And the atmospheric Chor Bakr Necropolis is the perfect place to escape the crowds.

As with Samarkand, you could easily extend this itinerary by adding an extra full day to Bukhara. Archaeology lovers can visit the ruins of Paykend situated about an hour outside the city.

Or, while not the most budget-friendly option, you can take a day trip to see the Sarmish-Soy Gorge Petroglyphs.

Day 20: Onward to Khiva

Despite being in Uzbekistan, Khiva is far more remote than any of the Tajikistan destinations featured in this combined itinerary. As mentioned, if you were to skip it, it would make sense to head to Bukhara straight from Tashkent before carrying out the above itinerary in reverse.

But if you’ve decided to visit, the journey from Bukhara fortunately isn’t that bad. The journey can last either around three hours or six depending on which train you take.

In my case, I caught the 6:48 AM train from Bukhara, arriving in Khiva at 13:26. But if you manage to snag an express train ticket, that train leaves Bukhara at 11:14, arriving in Khiva at 14:36.

In either case, you’ll have time for a bit of sightseeing upon arrival. Note that the Khiva Combo Ticket (more below) is valid for two consecutive days.

WHERE TO STAY IN KHIVA: Khiva has plenty of accommodation options, many of them budget-friendly. And you have the choice of staying within the Ichon Qala or somewhere outside of it.

I stayed within the Ichon Qala at Muhtasham Hotel located near the North Gate. This was one of my better stays in Uzbekistan, as I got a spacious private room and bathroom for an affordable price. And a hearty breakfast was included as well. Furthermore, the staff were very pleasant and more than happy to answer any questions.

Other popular options within the Ichon Qala include Islambek Hotel (also a popular tour operator) and Khiva Siyovush Hotel.

Budget-conscious travelers might want to stay outside (but still within walking distance) of the Ichon Qala. Doing so gives you easier access to less touristy restaurants and shops. Garden Palace Khiva and Central Park Hostel are both popular options.

Day 21: Around Khiva

Khiva is part of the geographical region of Khorezm, a region that’s been inhabited for thousands of years. But it was during the Soviet era that Khiva was designated a historical city, undergoing massive restoration and reconstruction efforts. Today, most of the city’s attractions are situated within the medieval walled city known as Ichon Qala.

A cumulative ticket is available for purchase at the West Gate and is valid for two consecutive days. At the time of writing, it costs 250,000 som (approximately $20 USD). This ticket grants access to around a dozen attractions within Ichon Qala.

Unfortunately, not all of Khiva’s attractions are equal. While you’ll have to buy the Combo Ticket regardless, the main attractions that you should focus your time and energy on are Kuhna Ark, Tash Khauli Palace, Matpana Baya Madrasa (Museum of Scholars), Madrasa of Muhammad Rakhim Khan, and Juma Mosque.

Our dedicated guide to Khiva covers what you can expect from every single Combo Ticket attraction.

Also note that a few major attractions that were formerly included in the Combo Ticket now require separate fees. These include the Islam Khoja Minaret, the Nurullabai Palace, the Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum, the Ark watchtower, and access to the city walls.

Day 22: Khiva Fortress Tour

Frankly speaking, if you were solely coming to Khiva to experience the attractions within Ichon Qala, it wouldn’t be worth the tremendous detour.

Fortunately, you have multiple day trip options to choose from as well. If you could only choose one, I’d go with the trip to Mizdakhan Necropolis, Chilpik Kala, and Nukus (see below).

But the Khiva Fortress Tour is also worthwhile for those with an interest in history. And it makes for a nice alternative to the heavily restored madrasas and minarets of central Khiva.

Over 50 fortresses, collectively referred to as ‘Elliq Kala’ are scattered across the autonomous republic of Karakalpakstan. But a typical Khiva fortress tour covers three main castles: Kizil Kala, Toprak Kala, and Ayaz Kala.

Desert castle tours are easily arranged in Khiva. You have the option of either booking in advance or just wandering around town and having drivers approach you with offers. Or, you can step inside official tour operators like Islambek Travel. Tours can also be booked on GetYourGuide for a higher price.

Day 23: Mizdakhan Necropolis, Chilpik Kala & Nukus

This fascinating day trip from Khiva takes you to the mysterious Chilpik Kala, an ancient tower where the dead were laid – not for burial, but for the vultures to come and devour.

It also includes a visit to the Mizdakhan Necropolis. More than just a graveyard, local legends associate its landmarks with both the origin and the ultimate destruction of humanity.

Along the way, you’ll also pass through the city of Nukus, home to the Nukus Museum of Art (100,000 som for foreigners at the time of writing).

As with the fortress tour, you have the option of either booking this excursion in advance or just wandering around town and talking to drivers. Tours can also be booked on GetYourGuide for a higher price.

I went with a driver I met near my hotel, and paid around $50 to see Chilpik Kala, the Mizdakhan Necropolis and Nukus with no time limits.

Day 24: Khiva to Tashkent

This is the longest journey of this entire Tajikistan and Uzbekistan itinerary. And it’s why we initially followed Tashkent with Khujand rather than Khiva.

But if you’re lucky enough to snag an express train ticket, the journey can be done in a single day. Express trains depart from Khiva at 7:15, arriving in Tashkent at 15:06.

Otherwise, the slower, overnight trains last 14 hours, departing from Khiva at 15:25 and 18:30.

Note that if time is more of a concern than budget, it’s also possible to fly directly to Tashkent from Urgench International Airport.

Note: If you plan on continuing to Kyrgyzstan from Uzbekistan, you can actually travel to the city of Andijan (near the border with Osh) directly from Khiva.

It’s a very long 21-hour journey, however. The train departs at 15:25 from Khiva, arriving in Andijan the next day at 12:42.

Day 25: Little Chimgan Hike

We already covered the top things to do around Tashkent above. But before your flight home, or your land journey further east, you might want to spend a few additional nights in the capital.

Nature lovers should consider the Little Chimgan Hike, a relatively short but challenging 6.3 km trek that offers sweeping views of the Charvak Reservoir below.

But aside from the hike itself, one of the biggest challenges of the day will be getting to the trailhead from Tashkent. Learn more about that in our dedicated guide.

(Of course, if you took the night train from Khiva, you’ll want a free day to rest and recover before attempting this day trip. So you might instead want to do it at the beginning of your trip instead.)

Day 26: Fly Home or Head Eastward

And this is where this combined itinerary to Tajikistan and Uzbekistan ends. If you’re continuing into Kyrgyzstan, you can take a direct train from Tashkent to Andijan – itself a destination in its own right.

Andijan is then a short bus ride away from the border with Kyrgyzstan, with the city on the other side being Osh. While not included in this itinerary, we’ll be publishing plenty of guides for various locations in Kyrgyzstan, not to mention Kazakhstan.