RoadAtlas
Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan — Historical
Central Asia

Uzbekistan's Silk Road

Uzbekistan

In short: Uzbekistan's Silk Road is a 1,100 km historical road trip in Uzbekistan, typically driven over 7–10 days, best in Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov. Highlights: Tashkent, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz.

Distance
1,100 km
Duration
7–10 days
Best Season
Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov
IconicEasyHistorical

The original Silk Road through Uzbekistan's four great cities, Tashkent, Samarkand's Registan, Tamerlane's birthplace at Shakhrisabz, Bukhara's medressehs, and Khiva's walled Itchan Kala. Three UNESCO World Heritage sites in 1,100 km through a landscape that has barely changed since the caravans came through.

~1 refuel
~3 charges
Practical notes
Main roads between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are paved and straightforward, but traffic can be slow near cities and roadworks are common. Summer heat is harsh, so carry water and avoid long midday drives; winter fog and occasional snow can affect the mountain crossing to Shakhrisabz. Fuel is usually available in major towns, but top up before leaving them.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Tashkent — City — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
City
Tashkent
Central Asia's largest city, with Soviet metro stations of extraordinary beauty, the vast Chorsu Bazaar, and the Hazrat Imam Islamic complex.
Hotels

Things to Do

Samarkand — Landmark — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Landmark
Samarkand
The Registan's three blue-domed medressehs form the most magnificent ensemble of Islamic architecture on Earth. Tamerlane's Gur-e-Amir mausoleum lies nearby.
Shakhrisabz — Landmark — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Landmark
Shakhrisabz
Tamerlane's birthplace and UNESCO site, 80 km south over the Takhtakaracha Pass. Two 38 m piers are all that remain of his palace, once the world's grandest.
Bukhara — Landmark — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Landmark
Bukhara
The most complete medieval city in Central Asia. The 1127 Kalon Minaret was so beautiful that Genghis Khan spared it while razing everything else around it.
Khiva — Landmark — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Landmark
Khiva
The Itchan Kala's mud-brick walls enclose 50 historic monuments in a city inhabited for 2,500 years. The unfinished Kalta Minor minaret is its vivid emblem.
State Museum of History of Uzbekistan — Museum — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Museum
State Museum of History of Uzbekistan
Explore Uzbekistan's rich past through extensive exhibits from ancient artifacts to modern history.
Registan Square — Historic Site — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Historic Site
Registan Square
A stunning ensemble of three madrasahs, this square is the heart of Samarkand's architectural heritage.
Amir Timur Museum — Museum — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Museum
Amir Timur Museum
Dedicated to the famed conqueror, this museum showcases artifacts and exhibits on Timur's legacy.
Ark Fortress — Historic Site — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Historic Site
Ark Fortress
Bukhara's ancient citadel, offering insights into the city's history and panoramic views from its walls.
Itchan Kala — Historic Site — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Historic Site
Itchan Kala
The walled inner town of Khiva, a UNESCO World Heritage site with well-preserved historic architecture.

Where to Eat

Plov Center — Uzbek — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Uzbek
Plov Center
Renowned for its authentic plov, this eatery offers a traditional Uzbek dining experience in a communal setting.
Chorsu Bazaar — Street Food — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Street Food
Chorsu Bazaar
A vibrant market where you can savor a variety of local street foods amidst bustling stalls and vendors.
Bibi-Khanym Tea House — Tea House — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Tea House
Bibi-Khanym Tea House
Located near the historic mosque, this tea house serves traditional teas and local snacks in a serene courtyard.
Lyabi-Hauz Restaurant — Uzbek — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
Uzbek
Lyabi-Hauz Restaurant
Overlooking the historic Lyabi-Hauz pool, this restaurant offers classic Uzbek dishes in a picturesque setting.
Terrassa Cafe — European — Uzbekistan's Silk Road — Uzbekistan
European
Terrassa Cafe
A rooftop cafe in Khiva providing panoramic views of the old city alongside a menu of European and local dishes.

Explore related routes

Uzbekistan road trips Iconic Historic Road Trips Central Asia routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Uzbekistan's Silk Road drive?

The Uzbekistan's Silk Road covers 1,100 km from start to finish.

How long does the Uzbekistan's Silk Road take to drive?

Most travellers spend 7–10 days on the Uzbekistan's Silk Road, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Uzbekistan's Silk Road?

The recommended season for the Uzbekistan's Silk Road is Apr–Jun, Sep–Nov.

Where does the Uzbekistan's Silk Road start and end?

The Uzbekistan's Silk Road runs from Tashkent to Khiva.

What are the main stops on the Uzbekistan's Silk Road?

The Uzbekistan's Silk Road passes through Tashkent, Samarkand, Shakhrisabz.

Can I drive the Uzbekistan's Silk Road in a regular car?

Yes — the Uzbekistan's Silk Road is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Uzbekistan's Silk Road?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 3 EV charges) along the Uzbekistan's Silk Road, based on its 1,100 km length.

Is the Uzbekistan's Silk Road safe to drive?

Main roads between Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva are paved and straightforward, but traffic can be slow near cities and roadworks are common. Summer heat is harsh, so carry water and avoid long midday drives; winter fog and occasional snow can affect the mountain crossing to Shakhrisabz. Fuel is usually available in major towns, but top up before leaving them.

What scenic tier is the Uzbekistan's Silk Road?

The Uzbekistan's Silk Road is a iconic drive — Iconic road trips that anchor a region's reputation — postcard scenery, headline highways, and the routes most travellers want to drive.