9 of the best road trips through Uzbekistan's Silk Roads

Uzbekistan is a travel dream for history, culture and landscape lovers. A road trip through Uzbekistan is unique as it starts from grand cities of Samarkand and Bukhara to remote desert fortresses and mountain pass. Whatever the route, there’s something extraordinary to see whether it’s ancient mosques buzzing bazaars or the sleepy scenic highways.

Before you hit the road, set all your Uzbekistan visa plans in place. The road trips in Uzbekistan are going to be an unforgettable journey through the country’s history, nature and hidden gems. The final Silk Road experience is what you’ve been waiting for.

Here are the 9 of the best road trips through Uzbekistan's Silk Roads

1. Tashkent to Samarkand

The first step on this journey from Uzbekistan’s thriving capital, Tashkent, to legendary city Samarkand could not be better: it’s the Silk Road. There are 300 km of stunning countryside to drive through, and spectacular stopovers in Jizzakh for that local cuisine. Once in Samarkand, visit Registan Square (also known as the Schah Diz Necropolis), tomb to Amir Timur, or Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. Its classic route is a history lover’s and first time visitor’s must.

2. Samarkand to Bukhara

Driving from Samarkand to Bukhara (280 km) is as if you are traveling back in time. On the way stop at Gijduvan known for its traditional ceramics and local crafts. Visit the Ark Fortress in Bukhara, and walk around the Lyabi-Hauz complex and Kalyan Minaret, which is one of the stunning things that you should see in the world. The roads between these two ancient Silk Road cities are scenic and full of centuries old architecture.

3. Bukhara to Khiva

An exciting 450 km road trip crossing the Kyzylkum Desert for the first time is provided by this, with nearby mountain ranges, desert landscapes and breathtaking panoramas guaranteeing action packed viewing. Silk Road city of Khiva, with its impressive Itchan Kala, a UNESCO-listed old town with palaces, mosques and minarets, welcomes travelers. The drive may be long, but the desert and magic of Khiva are so beautiful that it is worth it.

4. The Ancient Fortresses of Elliq-Qala

Head to the ancient Elliq-Qala (Fifty Fortresses) in Karakalpakstan, northwest Uzbekistan. The beginnings of this road trip involve the ruins of ancient desert fortresses, Ayaz-Kala and Toprak-Kala, and any tribe that happens to have looked down at these long forgotten civilizations. As the road has stunning desert scenery and there are stops in Nukus for the world famous Savitsky Art Museum with its collections of avant garde Soviet art. This tripping appeals to the history buffs and off the beaten path explorers.

5. Tashkent to Fergana Valley

The journey from Tashkent to the Fergana Valley (350 km) passes through the breathtaking Kamchik Pass with breathtaking mountain views. Famous for its silk production, vibrant markets and historic cities like Kokand and Rishtan, famous for handmade ceramics, this is the Fergana Valley. Uzbekistan has iconic mountain ranges, lush green valleys or expansive plains visited during this journey are all places which can boast plenty of nature for any nature lovers to experience.

6. The Surkhandarya Route

It is a road trip through Surkhandarya in southern Uzbekistan to the less known but fascinating Termez region. Visit ancient Buddhist sites such as Fayaz-Tepa and Kara-Tepa, explore the Baysun Mountains, and make a visit to the Derbent Canyon. This remote route combines history, adventure and spectacular natural landscapes and is a unique journey through Uzbekistan’s past.

7. Khiva to Muynak

The trip from Khiva to Muynak is one of Uzbekistan’s most striking road trips, and what remains today of one of the most tragic disasters to befall the Aral Sea. The journey of 400 km takes you across the Karakalpakstan desert and gets you to the eerie 'Ship Graveyard', old battered vessels lost in the sand. When it comes to traveling, this trip is sobering in the view of the environmental changes that surround the area and how communities are resilient.

8. Samarkand to Shahrisabz

A short but scenic drive (90 km) from Samarkand to the birthplace of the great conqueror Amir Timur, Shahrisabz. You can visit the Ak-Saray Palace, the Dorus-Saodat Complex, and have a panoramic mountain view here. The route is full of historical landmarks and a great way to see Uzbekistan’s rich heritage beyond its main cities.

9. Chimgan & Charvak

If you are a nature lover, you simply have to take a road trip to Chimgan and Charvak Reservoir (80 km from Tashkent). On this route you will pass through the impressive Western Tien Shan Mountains with hiking, skiing and paragliding opportunities. The turquoise waters of Charvak Lake make it a perfect place for relaxation as well as the scenic mountain roads which will give you an unforgettable driving experience. Adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiast should highly consider this the ideal getaway.

Conclusion

Great road trips are in Uzbekistan’s Silk Road which are mixed with ancient cities, huge deserts and amazing mountains. Each journey takes you to some of the magnificent cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, to the remote fortresses of Karakalpakstan, or alongside the magnificent Fergana Valley, and each journey has something unique and unforgettable.

Before you set off on your Uzbekistan adventure, don’t forget to fill out your Uzbekistan visa applications online and avoid any hassles. After all, the ride through Uzbekistan’s legendary Silk Road is practically mapped out and your travel papers are ready for an extraordinary journey.