If you’re planning your first trip to Uzbekistan, Bukhara is a city that deserves a place at the heart of your itinerary. Known as one of the most beautifully preserved Silk Road cities, Bukhara is a living museum filled with mosques, madrasas and centuries of history at every turn. This Bukhara itinerary is designed for first-time visitors and covers the best things to see and do in two to three days.
Why Visit Bukhara?
We spent two and a half days in Bukhara as part of an Inspiring Vacations guided tour of the 5 Stans – Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. I was impressed with the first city in Uzbekistan that we visited – Khiva, but Bukhara was even more impressive!
Whether planning a self-guided holiday or preparing for an upcoming guided tour, you’ll want to read my post on things I wish I knew before I went to the Stans. Make like a Girl Guide and be prepared!
The Heart of the Silk Road
For centuries, Bukhara was one of the most important trading hubs along the ancient Silk Road – a crossroads where merchants, scholars, and pilgrims from across Asia and the Middle East converged. The city flourished as a centre of Islamic learning, architecture and craftsmanship, leaving behind a stunning collection of mosques, madrasas and caravanserais.
Walking through the city today, you can still get a sense of it being a hub of discovery and exchange. Any Bukhara itinerary is a journey through the heart of the Silk Road.
How Many Days to Spend in Bukhara
Is 2 or 3 Days Enough?
For most first-time travelers, two to three days in Bukhara is the ideal amount of time to explore the city’s highlights without feeling rushed. In two days, you can easily cover the major landmarks, while still soaking up the atmosphere of the old town. A third day, if you have the time, will allow you to slow down, linger in teahouses, pose for silly photos, and explore a little further afield.
When to Visit Bukhara for the Best Experience
The best time to follow your Bukhara itinerary is during Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to October), when the weather is warm but comfortable. Summer can be intensely hot. We were in Bukhara mid-September, and the weather was perfect.
Where to Stay in Bukhara
I loved the hotel we stayed in, The Labi Rud Hotel, which is very conveniently located within walking distance of the Old Town. The rooms were very comfortable, the staff were friendly, and there is a central little courtyard that was lovely and cool to sit in with friends and have a few beverages.
The Perfect 2 Day Bukhara Itinerary
For your first day in Bukhara, you could concentrate just on the Old Town and leave the other sites for day 2. Alternatively, you can head out of old town in the morning then return to old town for the afternoon and evening, breaking up the travel time over 2 days. Some of your Bukhara itinerary can be viewed on day 3 as you transit onto your next Uzbekistan destination.
For this blog post, I will focus on the must-see sights of Bukhara old town for day 1.
Day 1 – Old Town Highlights: Poi-Kalyan Complex & Lyab-i Hauz
Poi-Kalyan Complex
The Poi-Kalyan Complex, also known as the Kalon Ensemble, refers to three main structures in the heart of historic Bukhara.
Kalon Minaret
The centerpiece of the Poi-Kalyan Complex is the Kalon minaret – built in 1127 and standing 47 metres tall. Arguably Bukhara’s most famous landmark, it miraculously survived Genghis Khan’s destruction of the city in 1220. According to historical accounts, Genghis Khan was so impressed by the Kalon Minaret, that he spared it when the rest of Bukhara was destroyed.
The minaret has a spiral staircase of 104 stairs and includes clever architectural designs that allow light and ventilation into the centre of the minaret. The tower was constructed tier by tier, with each tier given a year to harden before adding the next tier, ensuring its long-term stability.
It was a bit of a pinch-me moment, standing in front of this magnificent structure and thinking to myself that I am standing where Genghis Khan would have stood, looking at exactly what he would have been looking at, almost 900 years ago!
Kalon Mosque
Located beside the Kalon Minaret, this grand mosque was rebuilt in the 16th century. It can hold up to 10 000 worshippers and is one of Central Asia’s largest mosques. It features a vast courtyard containing a small pavilion that shelters a cistern once used for ablutions. The large courtyard is fully surrounded by arcaded brick arches.
Mir-i-Arab Madrasa
Opposite the Kalon mosque is this beautiful madrasa, founded in the 16th century by Shiek Mir-i-Arab. It is still an active religious school today and features turquoise domes and intricate mosaic facades. At the time of our visit, the madrasa was undergoing some maintenance, consequently the facade was covered in scaffolding.
The Poi-Kalyan Complex is a magnificent group of structures that I found difficult to stop taking photos of. Little did I know, I would have plenty of opportunities to whip out the camera again …and again…and again! So many other beautiful things to see in Bukhara.
Lyab-i Hauz
Lyab-i Hauz is one of Bukhara’s most charming and lively spots. Built around a tranquil pool and fountain, it has been a gathering place since the 17th century. Surrounded by shady trees, teahouses and historic buildings, it’s the perfect place to relax and soak up the city’s atmosphere.
The Lyab-i Hauz ensemble is made up of three main buildings that surround the pool (hauz).
Kukeldash Madrasa
In the 17th century this Khanaka served as a Sufi lodge for dervishes to live, pray and study in. Located on the western side of the Lyab-i Hauz, it features a grand portal decorated with intricate tilework and Islamic motifs.
Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa
This madrasa was built in the 16th century and is located on the eastern side of the Lyab-i Hauz. It’s striking facade features colourful mosaics of mythical birds and deer -which is quite rare in Islamic art.
Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka
The Nadir Divan-Begi Khanaka is the largest madrasa in Bukhara. Built in the 16th century, it once housed students of Islamic theology. Some archeologists dispute whether this madrasa is actually part of the Lyab-i Hauz complex after all, believing it to be a completely separate structure.
Enjoy some time wandering down the alleyways, discovering quiet corners and hidden gems. Take note of the unique street signs so you don’t lose your way!
At the end the day, have dinner at one of the lovely restaurants in the centre of the old town. We enjoyed a delicious meal, dining alfresco, at a restaurant around the corner from another two amazing structures – Abdul Aziz-Khan Madrasa and Ulugbek Madrasa. Both Madrasas sit opposite each other with the Abdul Aziz-Khan Madrasa’s ornate facade covered in mosaics and gilded tiles, whilst the Ulugbek Madrasa is a more modest design, but is no less impressive.
Bukhara Biennial Arts Festival
As an added bonus, Bukhara was hosting the inaugural Bukhara Biennial Arts Festival while we were there. The festival runs from the 5th of September for 10 weeks, wrapping up on the 20th of November 2025. This year’s theme of ‘Recipes for broken hearts’ was inspired by the legendary origin of the Uzbek National dish of Plov. Legend has it that Alexander the Great ate the first batch of Plov after conquering what is now Samarkand.
A wide range of arts, including visual art, craft, performance and cuisine, were on display throughout the ancient city. This inaugural contemporary art event is one of the largest art initiatives in Central Asia. We were so lucky with our timing to be able to see it.
Day 2 – Mosques, Mausoleums & Citadels
On Day 2, venture a little out of old town to explore 3 must-see sites on your Bukhara itinerary – The Bolo Khauz Mosque, The Ark Citadel and the Memorial Complex of Khoja Bakhouddin.
The Bolo Khauz Mosque
Also known as the Mosque of Forty Pillars, it has twenty intricately carved wooden pillars that support the mosque’s entrance hall. Why call it the Mosque of Forty Pillars when it only has twenty, I hear you ask? The name comes from the illusion of forty pillars that occurs when the twenty pillars are reflected in the adjacent pond.
Visitors can admire the interior of the mosque outside of prayer times as it is still an active place of worship. At the time of our visit, entry was not possible, so it was a quick stop. Check for prayer times and plan accordingly.
The Ark Citadel
A short walk across the road from the Bolo Khauz Mosque is the massive Ark Citadel. This ancient fortress dates back over 1500 years. Once the residence of Bukhara’s emirs, it once contained palaces, mosques and administrative offices.
Most of the original structures inside the Ark Citadel were destroyed in 1920, when the Red Army forces bombed Bukhara during the Russian civil war. Today, only a few reconstructed and restored structures remain, including the throne room, mosque and reception hall, which now serve as museums.
The Ark Citadel’s open-air Throne Hall is set up on a raised platform, framed by columns and arches. At the back of the hall is the kurinish khana or respect wall. When visitors had finished their audience with the emir, they were required to step behind this wall before turning their back to him. No-one was allowed to turn their back on the ruler in his presence.
The ruins of past structures are still visible. Wander through them, making your way over to the top of the massive mud-brick walls to be rewarded with magnificent views of Bukhara.
The Memorial Complex of Khoja Bakhouddin Naqshbandi
I will forever remember this memorial complex as the site of my most embarrassing bathroom incident. If you have read my post on things I wish I knew before travelling to the 5 Stans, then you will know what I am referring to. Before that happened though, I was marveling at one of Uzbekistan’s the most important Muslim shrines. Khoja Bakhouddin Naqshbandi was one of the great theologians of the 14th century, who founded the Sufi order.
The highlight of the memorial complex was the central courtyard, designed in traditional Bukharan style. It is surrounded by arched iwans (3 walled terraces) and pillared galleries. In the centre is the revered tomb of Khoji Bakhouddin Naqshbandi and beautiful centuries old mulberry trees.
The sudden urgency to find a bathroom cut short my strolling around the vast grounds of the Memorial Complex that also includes mosques, courtyards, a large pond and orchards.
Try the National dish – Plov
For dinner on our second night in Bukhara we went to a beautiful national house where we were treated to the National dish of Plov or Pilaf, as well as a cooking masterclass on how to prepare the Bukhara variation of Plov. If anyone wants the recipe, just send me a message and I will pass it on.
There was so much delicious food presented to us. I was being very restrained, however, because I was scared of what my stomach was going to do with it all in the not-too-distant future!
Day 3 – The Emir’s Summer Palace and the Oldest Building in Bukhara
After a delicious breakfast of coffee and Imodium, we hit the road enroute to Samarkand, with a few more Bukhara stops along the way.
Chor Minor
Located a few blocks behind our hotel, was this little surprise! We walked through some lovely little laneways to arrive at Chor Minor.
Chor Minor is a small monument with 4 distinctive, turquoise-domed towers that give it its name, meaning ‘four minarets’. It was built in the early 19th century and served as the entrance to a now lost madrasa.
Inside the small domed chamber, you will just find a handicraft stall. This will be a quick visit as the 4 towers look like traditional minarets but were built mainly for architectural symmetry and didn’t function for the call to prayer. Consequently, there are no internal staircases, and you can’t climb the towers.
Opposite Chor Minor we discovered a small antique/second-hand stall full of fascinating Soviet-era trinkets for sale. I didn’t buy anything but loved this little step back in time to discover snapshots of life in Uzbekistan not so long ago.
Sitorai Mohi Hosa
Located a few kilometres north of Bukhara is Sitorai Mouhi Hosa, which was the summer palace of the last emirs of Bukhara.
Built in the late 19th century, it is a blend of Oriental and Russian styles. Highlights include ornate mirrored walls in the White Hall, colourful tile decorations and stunning ceilings in the main pavilion.
Several rooms are now museums housing very interesting displays of costumes and needlework. I loved the room displaying beautiful vases, including some stunning Japanese vases gifted to the Emir from Japan.
Our guide told us a story about the wooden viewing gallery in the palace harem. He tried to tell us that the Emir would sit there watching his wives and concubines bathing in the pond and choose his companion for the evening. I have read that the platform served as a viewing vantage point for the ladies rather than the Emir, to discreetly observe palace life. Actually, it probably served both of those purposes. 😁
As you wander the grounds today, you will see beautiful gardens, a peacock enclosure (as any self-respecting Emir would have!) as well as artisans displaying traditional handicrafts such as needlework or metalwork.
Ismail Samani Mausoleum
This mausoleum is the oldest building in Bukhara. It was built between 892 to 943 and has a fascinating history! It survived the ravages of time by accident, laying undisturbed in sand for centuries, to be discovered by a soviet archeologist in the 1930’s. Miraculously, it is in its original form, with only the roof being replaced.
From Bukhara to Samarkand
After our wonderful few days in Bukhara, we made our way to Samarkand. Someone told me before the trip that when you see Khiva for the first time you will think ‘Wow!’ Then, you see Bukhara and it is even more stunning. But wait until you see Samarkand, it will leave you speechless! I have to say, I agree and I’m glad we saw the Uzbekistan cities in the order that we did, with each city more stunning and impressive than the last.
Deb Morrow is a wife and mum of two in her 50’s, who works in education. She has a passion for travel and through sharing her travel experiences, tips and recommendations, wants to encourage other women her age to start making time for themselves, grab their besties, and go see the world!
