Uzbekistan: 9 Days in Late February – Advice and Tips

Posted by: @hireling

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Is this plan realistic?

Yes, it’s entirely doable.

Posted by: @hireling

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2 days in Tashkent worth it, or should we plan a short trip outside the city instead?

You could consider a trip to the mountains (Chimgan/Charvak), but it depends on the weather.

Posted by: @hireling

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is the train the best option?

For high-speed trains like Afrosiyob, book tickets in advance. For regular trains, it’s up to you. Alternatively, you could fly between Khiva-Bukhara and Samarkand-Tashkent. Domestic flight prices are reasonable.

Posted by: @hireling

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hiring guides in Samarkand, Bukhara, or Khiva?

Depends on your interests and budget. Guides can add depth to your visit, but they're not essential for everyone.

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What’s the easiest way to do a day trip to Shakhrisabz from Samarkand?

Options include shared taxis, renting a car, or arranging a driver-guide.

Posted by: @hireling

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What kind of weather should we expect?

It’s likely to be warm during the day (around 20°C) but may rain occasionally. Layers are best.

Posted by: @hireling

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Should we rent a car to explore the outskirts?

For Shakhrisabz, renting a car in Samarkand is practical. In Khiva and Bukhara, taxis are inexpensive, so renting isn’t necessary.

 

 

 

 

 

After a second thought I’m considering now shifting the trip to late March 2025 for warmer weather.

Questions:

1. What’s the weather like in late March? Will anything be blooming?
2. We’ll have a long layover in Tashkent in November. Is it worth including Tashkent in our main trip, or can we see enough during a 5–6-hour stopover?
3. Are 2 days each for Samarkand and Bukhara and 1 day each for Khiva and Urgench sufficient? Is Shakhrisabz worth visiting?
4. What’s the most convenient way to plan flights? Arrival and departure from Urgench or arrival in Urgench and departure from Samarkand?

1. Weather in late March?
   Late March weather can be unpredictable. It’s usually warm (20°C or higher), but it might be cloudy or rainy. Greenery will be everywhere, and if it’s a warm March, lilacs might bloom toward the end of the month.
2. 5–6 hours in Tashkent – enough?
   Absolutely not! You might be able to rush through a few key spots with a driver, but you won’t truly experience Tashkent in such a short time. It deserves at least a full day, if not more.
3. 2 days for Samarkand and Bukhara, 1 day for Khiva and Urgench?
   For major sights, 2 days in Samarkand (Registan, Guri Amir, Shakhi Zinda, etc.) and Bukhara (Lyabi-Hauz, Ark, etc.) are adequate. Khiva is smaller, so 1 day is fine. Urgench doesn’t require much time unless you have specific interests like museums or local dining.
4. Flights: What’s most convenient?
   You could start in Samarkand and end in Urgench or vice versa. For example:

• Fly into Samarkand → Train to Bukhara → Drive to Khiva → Fly out from Urgench.
• Or reverse, saving Samarkand for the grand finale.