Darvaza

Aral Sea

Lenin

Khiva

 Bukhara is considered to be the holiest city in Central Asia. It's a key stop on a  trip to Uzbekistan between mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools), and even mausoleums that have been here for thousands of years. 

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One can have a somewhat superficial image of Uzbekistan with its "museum" cities. Personally I really liked Bukhara, because we came in contact with the locals. I especially could meet some Uzbeks thanks to the Couchsurfing.com website. These encounters allowed me to have a local's view of the city while avoiding the traditional tourist destinations. I went to lose myself in the narrow streets of Bukhara, and I let myself be guided by the city's minarets, including the Kalyan minaret, impressive at 48 meters tall. For music lovers, I recommend that you discover Uzbek folklore by going to a traditional music concert in an ancient madrassa. Nadir Divan-begi, for example. Don't forget to visit the city's bazaars to soak up the local atmosphere. Avoid visiting Bukhara in full summer or winter, because this city sees significant changes in temperature. Nevertheless, the city has a clear blue sky most of the time.

Bukhara is considered to be the holiest city in Central Asia. It's a key stop on a trip to Uzbekistan between mosques, madrassas (Islamic schools), and even mausoleums that have been here for thousands of years.

When I arrived in Bukara at 6 a.m., traveling by overnight train from Samarkand, it took my breath away! People had been talking constantly to me about Bukhara over the last two weeks of my visit, and I can confirm that the place isn't overrated at all - it genuinely is that beautiful. To my eyes, there are two trips that you absolutely must take: <ul> <li>The "off the beaten track" option involves walking through the maze of streets that surrounds the historic city center, where ancient madrassas and minarets truly give you a sense of returning to the fourteenth century, when Timur dominated Asia. Don't worry: as you move closer to the "classic" tourist trail, the shops and somewhat pushy souvenir merchants will quickly remind you how tourism has developed in Bukara since.</li> <li>The "classic" trail couldn't be more touristy if it tried - but it is nothing if not an experience! From the outside, the ancient fortress (the Ark) is impressive, as is the square where the minaret and the Kalon Mosque are located.</li> </ul> A little bonus: the Modrai Khan and Abdullah Khan madrassas, which are a little way away from the center, are superb and are forgotten by the majority of tourists.

Even though the city is transitioning into a popular tourist destination, where stores of all kinds are flourishing, the magnificence of its historic monuments and ancient streets means that Bukhara is a must-see destination during your <a href="/uzbekistan/">journey to Uzbekistan</a> <a href="/uzbekistan/"></a>.

It was amazing to visit to Bukhara and I was so glad to be here. It is difficult to explain my expression, because I made my dream become true. Everything was very good and organized at high level. Transportation between Tashkent to Bukhara train "Afrosiyob" was one of the best option to travel and I have used to try it twice. Services were well organized and I have satisfied with all. I highly recommend to visit to Bukhara 

Bukhara Vacations

Bukhara: How to get there?

Bukhara: When to go?

Bukhara: For how long?

Bukhara: What to see in the surroundings?