Centuries ago, camel caravans to-and-froed across the steppes of Central Asia for trade. This Silk Road linked east with west, and alchemised nomad camps into grand cities coveted by the empires of old.
Uzbekistan was at the heart of it all and preserves some of the greatest monuments of this golden era. It’s also a destination of traditional crafts and rich cuisine. The railway is one of the best ways to experience Uzbekistan for yourself, and here is why.
Relax aboard comfortable sightseeing trains
If you’re imagining cramped carriages and jolting journeys, think again. Uzbekistan’s Silk Road treasures are connected by comfortable, sightseeing trains, including sleeper services – perfect for covering the long distances between cities without having to stop over each night.
The Orient Silk Road Express, featured on Cox & Kings’ Legendary Silk Road holiday, exemplifies the standard you can expect. There are cabin options to suit all budgets, but we recommend the ‘Aladdin’ class and above for the most comfort. Interiors weave in traditional Arabesque patterns, passengers receive attentive service, and dining carriages provide a melange of local and international dishes. As you roll gently between stops, gaze out on wide-open plains unchanged for centuries.
Enjoy low-stress, sustainable travel
Rail travel is one of the most environmentally friendly ways to see the world, with a carbon footprint typically much lower than air or road travel. While there are airports in Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand, choosing to take the train between Uzbekistan’s star cities instead of domestic flights is gentler on the planet.
Train travel is typically less stressful than flying, too. You needn’t arrive hours ahead of departure or pass through multiple security checks. And Uzbekistan’s rail services have a reputation for being punctual and dependable.
Easily explore the highlights
Uzbekistan’s sightseeing trains conveniently link together the highlights, from Samarkand with its ornate madrasas, to Bukhara and its vast Ark fortress.
Some routes even offer expanded journeys that encompass the other Stans of the Silk Road, including Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan. This includes Cox & Kings’ multi-country holiday, The Legendary Silk Road: Almaty to Tashkent.
Samarkand, the Jewel of Islam
Samarkand is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, and attracted the conquering armies of the ancient Greeks, Persians, Turks and Mongols. It was also the first capital of the empire established by the 14th-century ruler, Timur.
Today, Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a worthy stop on any Uzbekistan rail holiday. Its main draw is its Islamic-renaissance buildings, which sparkle with turquoise mosaics, angular Kufic calligraphy, and Arabesque motifs. The Registan square was the city’s agora during the Timurid era and is a must-see for its three beautiful madrasas: Ulugh Beg Madrasa, Tilya-Kori Madrasa, and Sher-Dor Madrasa.
Further highlights include the ornate necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda; the old Siab Bazaar for the bustle of life and aroma of spices; the ancient ruins and uncovered frescoes of Afrasiyab; and the Ulugh Beg Observatory, founded by and named after emperor Timur’s grandson, a pioneering astronomer.
Bukhara, the Noble City
Another of the world’s longest-settled cities, Bukhara is an essential stop on a rail tour of Uzbekistan. During the golden age of the Silk Road, Bukhara’s caravanserais traded spices, silks and furs, and hundreds of monuments from this prosperous era survive.
Bukhara’s historic centre is UNESCO-listed for being one of the most complete examples of a medieval city in Central Asia. Exploring the old town leads you to many an impressive sight, not least the restored, fifth-century Ark fortress; the elegant 10th-century Ismail Samani Tomb; the 48-metre Kalyan Minaret; and the Lyab-i Hauz Ensemble, whose ornate buildings frame a 17th-century pool.
Khiva, the Open-Air Museum
It’s no wonder Khiva is referred to as the ‘City of 1001 Nights’. It is a picture of sand-hued forts, foiled archways and canine crenelations, punctuated by cerulean mosaics and twinkling onion domes. Khiva was the first city in Uzbekistan to be inscribed by UNESCO, particularly for its well-preserved mosques, minarets, mausoleums and madrasas. Despite this abundance of historical sights, Khiva is less visited than Bukhara and Samarkand, meaning you can enjoy its star attractions with fewer crowds.
Itchan Kala is Khiva’s focal point. Cloistered within its mudbrick walls is a labyrinth of atmospheric streets. Turn the corner from one quiet passageway and suddenly you’re amid the hubbub of a market; turn again and you’re in front of an ornate centuries-old mosque or madrasa; and again to stumble into a choyxona (teahouse) with seats spilling onto the sunlit pavement. Khiva is a city that rewards you for wandering.
Shakhrisabz, the Birthplace of Timur
A popular detour on the journey between Samarkand and Bukhara, Shakhrisabz was the birthplace of Timur, the fearsome 14th-century ruler who built an empire spanning Central Asia.
Timur’s palace here, the UNESCO-listed Ak-Saray, lies in ruins, yet it’s arguably as compelling for its crumbling, Ozymandian quality. You can still see glimpses of past grandeur, not least in the two 38-metre-tall pylons; once connected to form a gateway, they are partly decked in blue tiles and display a Kufic inscription: “God prolong the days of the Sultan”. Timur is gone, but his monumental legacy hangs on in Uzbekistan.
Tashkent, the Metro Marvel
Your rail holiday in Uzbekistan will likely begin and end in Tashkent, the country’s capital and economic centre. Though less rich in Silk Road sights than Samarkand or Bukhara, the city has its own charms worth venturing into town for.
Tashkent wears its Soviet history on its sleeve, especially in its characterful metro stations with their polished marble, themed murals and period features. Meanwhile, the covered market of Chorsu Bazaar showcases authentic Uzbek produce, from the wearable to the edible. Nearby you’ll find Kukeldash Madrasa, a restored 16th-century Islamic school overlooking a leafy, landscaped garden.
Interested in seeing Uzbekistan by train? Speak to Cox & Kings’ Central Asia experts by phone or online, or find more inspiration in our Uzbekistan tours.
Orient Silk Road Express photography credits: Detlev Rösler and Dennis Schmelz