Samarkand and Bukhara are linked by rail. Overnight stays along the route let you continue the next morning without returning to Tashkent after each city.
Uzbekistan pilgrimage tour: Samarkand and Bukhara
Duration:
Local English-speaking guides
Choose your date when booking
3 days / 2 nights
From Tashkent and back
Samarkand and Bukhara’s sacred sites in three days
A 3-day ziyarat tour in Uzbekistan: visit Imam al-Bukhari, Shah-i-Zinda, Naqshband and Chor-Bakr, the Registan and old Bukhara. CAJ arranges trains, local guides and two hotel nights. The tour starts and ends at Tashkent railway station.
From USD 367 per person · minimum 2 guests. Two guests sharing one double or twin room pay USD 734 for Standard or USD 814 for Comfort. Includes 3 trains, 2 nights, local guides, admission, transfers, 2 breakfasts and 2 dinners. International flights, lunches, insurance and transfers within Tashkent cost extra.
Before you book: the essentials
- Travel: three economy-class train tickets and local air-conditioned transport.
- Accommodation: one night in Samarkand and one in Bukhara; choose your package and room type when booking.
- Sightseeing: local English-speaking guides and admission to the sites in the programme.
- Meals: two halal breakfasts, two halal dinners and drinking water. Full list of included services.
- Price for two: USD 734 Standard or USD 814 Comfort, sharing one double or twin room. With an accompanying guide: USD 880 or USD 960 respectively for two guests for the whole route.
- Pace: an early start, walking tours and steps. Prayer breaks: agree longer stops before payment.
- Organiser: Central Asia Journeys, Tashkent. You can view the company documents. A published review of a trip with CAJ appears in the section about the organiser.
The route from a local operator’s perspective
Imam al-Bukhari requires a separate drive out of Samarkand. Time there must fit around the city visits and train arrival; discuss the pace in advance if you want longer prayer breaks.
Local guides lead the city excursions. A guide accompanying you throughout the route is an optional extra selected when booking. More about the guides · Prices and options
The tour starts at Tashkent railway station. Use the station, train and departure time shown on your ticket.
Sacred sites and historic ensembles on the route
The programme combines active places of worship with Samarkand and Bukhara’s monuments. All the complexes below are on the route; visit times appear in the daily programme.
Samarkand region
Imam al-Bukhari complex
The Imam al-Bukhari memorial complex is the main visit outside Samarkand on day one. The plan allows more than an hour at the site.
Samarkand
Shah-i-Zinda and Khoja Daniyar
Two distinct sacred sites in Samarkand: the tiled mausoleums of Shah-i-Zinda and the quiet grounds around Khoja Daniyar’s mausoleum.
Bukhara region
Bahauddin Naqshband and Chor-Bakr
The memorial to the founder of the Naqshbandi Sufi order and the Chor-Bakr necropolis form the pilgrimage part of the Bukhara programme.
Bukhara
Poi-Kalyan and Lyabi-Hauz
The Kalyan minaret, madrasas, covered trading domes and Lyabi-Hauz square introduce the layout of the historic city.
Is this route right for you?
- want to visit sacred sites and two major historic cities in one trip;
- prefer a package with trains, hotels and sightseeing already arranged;
- are comfortable with an early start and an active first day;
- are travelling as a couple, family or with your own group.
- an early departure from Tashkent and an active first day;
- walking tours and steps at Shah-i-Zinda;
- longer prayer breaks need to be agreed before payment;
- you can explore further with our Samarkand guide.
- your date and number of guests;
- a double/twin or single room;
- the Standard or Comfort package;
- guide language, walking limitations and preferred prayer breaks.
Price, accommodation and travel date
USD 367 per person
USD 734 for two guests sharing one double or twin room. Two single rooms: USD 395 per person, USD 790 for two.
USD 407 per person
USD 814 for two guests sharing one double or twin room. Two single rooms: USD 445 per person, USD 890 for two.
USD 146 for the whole group
A guide for the whole route is an optional extra. With this option, two guests sharing one double or twin room pay USD 880 for Standard or USD 960 for Comfort. Local sightseeing guides are already included in the base price.
Travel date
Choose your date in the booking form. Trains and hotels depend on availability that day; agree any special requirements before payment. Price conditions.
Three days on the route
Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara → TashkentChoose your date when booking
/
First night in Samarkand, second night in Bukhara.
367 USD per person sharing a Standard double or twin room · minimum 2 guests travelling on the same date
Book and pay for the tourChoose your date and accommodation in the form
Travelling alone? The single-room rate still requires a booking for at least two guests. A solo trip requires an individual quote; please ask CAJ before payment.
Choosing your travel options
- Choose your room arrangement. One double or twin room is shared by two people; two single rooms use the single-room rate.
- Compare the packages. Standard and Comfort offer different hotel options. CAJ will confirm the specific hotel for your date.
- Decide whether you want an accompanying guide. Local sightseeing guides are included; a guide throughout the route is an extra option for the whole group.
Budget and room arrangements
The total depends on your choices. The base rate is multiplied by the number of guests; the accompanying-guide supplement is added once per group, not per guest.
- The tour price. It covers the services listed below; lunches, insurance, international flights and transfers within Tashkent cost extra.
- Rooms. Standard and Comfort are CAJ packages, not guaranteed star ratings. Hotel names are stated in the confirmation.
- A guide accompanying you throughout the route is optional; local sightseeing guides are included.
- The published single-room rate still requires at least two participants.
- If you want more time for prayer or rest, discuss this before payment: day one is busy.
- Cancellations are subject to the booking terms and refund policy.
What the price includes
- 2 nights: Samarkand and Bukhara, in your chosen package and room type;
- 2 halal breakfasts, on days two and three;
- 2 halal dinners, on days one and two;
- water: 1.5 litres per person per day.
- economy-class train tickets from Tashkent to Samarkand;
- economy-class train tickets from Samarkand to Bukhara and from Bukhara to Tashkent;
- station transfers listed in the programme;
- air-conditioned transport for city and countryside sightseeing.
- excursions with local English-speaking guides along the route;
- admission to the sites in the programme;
- photo and video permits where provided by the programme and allowed by the site;
- arrangement of the meetings and transfers listed in the programme.
Meals by day
| Day | City | Meal |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Samarkand | Halal dinner. |
| Day 2 | Samarkand | Halal breakfast before departure. |
| Day 2 | Bukhara | Halal dinner. |
| Day 3 | Bukhara | Halal breakfast. |
| Every day | Along the route | Lunches cost extra. |
| Every day | Along the route | Water: 1.5 litres per person per day. |
Dietary requirements: tell us before payment. For an early train, check how breakfast will be provided; specific menus and restaurants are not fixed on this page.
What costs extra
- travel insurance;
- personal purchases and expenses;
- services outside the published programme.
- lunches during the trip;
- a guide for the whole route: USD 146 for the entire group;
- extra services selected when booking.
- single rooms are charged at the applicable single-room rate;
- early check-in;
- late check-out.
Dietary requirements: tell us before payment. The specific menu is agreed for your travel date.
Route and travel between cities
Three rail journeys and two overnight stays. The map locates the sights; the programme below determines the visit order and times. Gur-e Amir is on day two. Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa is an optional additional stop if time permits; the visit is not guaranteed. The map’s 3*/4* hotel labels are not guaranteed star ratings: accommodation follows your chosen CAJ package. Prices and supplements are listed in the price section.
3 days / 2 nightsStarts and ends in Tashkent
Samarkand and BukharaSacred sites and historic centres
Three rail journeysEconomy class + local transfers
The outward journey
Days 1–2
Tashkent → Samarkand → Bukhara
1
Tashkent → Samarkandtrain · economy class
The first sightseeing day starts with a meeting at Samarkand railway station.
Start: Tashkent railway station
2
Samarkand → Bukharatrain · economy class
After breakfast and Gur-e Amir, take the train to Bukhara; the railway station is in Kagan.
Meeting and transfer to Bukhara
The return journey
Day 3
Bukhara → Tashkent
3
Bukhara → Tashkenttrain · economy class
Return to Tashkent after visiting the sacred sites around Bukhara.
Finish: Tashkent railway stationLocal meetings: the driver meets you at the station and takes you to the start of the excursion. Read about your guide arrangements in the guide section.
Day-by-day programme with times
All times are local and indicative. Your ticket and CAJ confirmation specify the exact trains, stations and meetings. The plan includes travel, lunch and boarding time; the order is adjusted for your chosen date. Lunches cost extra.
Day 1 — Samarkand and Imam al-Bukhari
| Time | Programme | Practical details |
|---|---|---|
| 05:50–06:33 | Arrive at Tashkent railway station and board. | Make your own way to the station. Bring your passport and ticket. |
| 06:33–08:46 | Train from Tashkent to Samarkand. | Indicative rail journey. The exact train depends on your travel date. |
| 08:46–09:10 | Meeting at Samarkand railway station. | Time to leave the train, collect your luggage and meet the driver. |
| 09:10–11:20 | Drive to Imam al-Bukhari and visit the complex. | Drive 09:10–10:05; visit 10:05–11:20. The plan allows 75 minutes for sightseeing and a personal break. |
| 11:20–12:40 | Return to Samarkand. Khoja Daniyar Mausoleum. | Drive 11:20–12:10; visit 12:10–12:40. Continue towards the city centre. |
| 12:40–13:30 | Travel to lunch and take a break. | Transfer 12:40–12:50; lunch 12:50–13:30. Lunch costs extra. |
| 13:30–14:40 | Transfer and visit to Shah-i-Zinda. | Transfer 13:30–13:45; visit 13:45–14:40. There are steps within the complex. |
| 14:40–15:55 | Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar. | Transfer until 14:50; Bibi-Khanym 14:50–15:25; walk until 15:30; Siab 15:30–15:55. |
| 15:55–17:45 | Registan Square. | Walk or drive 15:55–16:15; guided visit 16:15–17:45. |
| 17:45–18:30 | Transfer to the hotel and check-in. | First night in Samarkand. Time for luggage and check-in is included before dinner. |
| 18:30–19:00 | Buffer time and rest. | 30 minutes allow for delays on the road or at sights. If the day runs to plan, this is free time. |
| 19:00–19:45 | Halal dinner. Overnight in Samarkand. | Dinner is included. You visit Gur-e Amir the next morning before the train to Bukhara. |
Overnight: Samarkand · Pace: an active day with a trip out of town and city walks.
Day 2 — Gur-e Amir, train to Bukhara and the old town
| Time | Programme | Practical details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–08:30 | Breakfast, check-out and departure with luggage. | Breakfast 07:30–08:15; ready to leave by 08:30. After sightseeing, go straight to the station. |
| 08:30–09:40 | Transfer and visit to Gur-e Amir Mausoleum. | Drive 08:30–09:00; visit 09:00–09:40. The final stop in Samarkand. |
| 09:40–10:59 | Transfer to the station and boarding. | Arrive by 10:10; allow 49 minutes before departure. |
| 10:59–12:36 | Train from Samarkand to Bukhara. | Arrive at Bukhara-1 station in Kagan; check the station name on your ticket. |
| 12:36–13:15 | Meeting and transfer to Bukhara. | Leave the train with your luggage and drive into the city. |
| 13:15–14:15 | Lunch and travel to the start of the walk. | 50 minutes for lunch, paid separately. Luggage stays in the vehicle until hotel check-in after the walk. |
| 14:15–15:15 | Samanid Mausoleum and Chashma-Ayub. | Samanids 14:15–14:45; walk until 14:55; Chashma-Ayub 14:55–15:15. |
| 15:15–16:20 | Transfer and visit to Poi-Kalyan. | Drive until 15:35; visit 15:35–16:20. |
| 16:20–17:40 | Ulugh Beg Madrasa and the trading domes. | Walk until 16:30; madrasa 16:30–16:55; trading domes 16:55–17:40. Museum visits are planned before evening. |
| 17:40–18:25 | Walk to Lyabi-Hauz and explore the ensemble. | Walk until 17:55; finish the excursion beside the historic pool. |
| 18:25–19:30 | Transfer to the hotel, check-in and rest. | Checking in after the tour leaves more daytime for museum visits. |
| 19:30–20:15 | Halal dinner. Overnight in Bukhara. | Dinner is included in the price. |
Overnight: Bukhara · Pace: a morning visit in Samarkand, the train journey and an afternoon walk in Bukhara.
Day 3 — Bukhara’s sacred sites and return to Tashkent
| Time | Programme | Practical details |
|---|---|---|
| 07:30–08:40 | Breakfast, check-out and departure with luggage. | Breakfast until 08:20; remaining time for packing. There is no need to return to the hotel before the train. |
| 08:40–09:20 | Transfer and Chor-Minor. | Drive and walk to the site by 09:00; exterior visit 09:00–09:20. Interior access or a climb is not promised. |
| 09:20–10:55 | Drive to Chor-Bakr and visit. | Drive 09:20–10:05; memorial complex 10:05–10:55. |
| 10:55–12:20 | Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa — if time allows. | Drive until 11:40; visit 11:40–12:20. This additional stop is skipped if there are delays; the visit is not guaranteed. |
| 12:20–13:10 | Lunch break. | 50 minutes; paid separately. Skipping the palace leaves more time for travel and rest. |
| 13:10–14:40 | Drive to Bahauddin Naqshband and visit the complex. | Drive 13:10–13:45; complex 13:45–14:40. |
| 14:40–15:15 | Transfer to Bukhara-1 railway station in Kagan. | Drive directly from the visit with your luggage. |
| 15:15–16:22 | Enter the station and board. | A planned 67-minute buffer before departure; do not use it for extra sightseeing. |
| 16:22–20:30 | Train from Bukhara to Tashkent. End of the tour. | The programme ends on arrival at Tashkent railway station. Dinner and onward transfers are not included. |
Finish: Tashkent railway station · Pace: visits outside the city and the return train.
Where you spend the two nights
The first night is in Samarkand, the second in Bukhara. Both cities offer Standard and Comfort packages. These are example hotels; the exact property and room depend on your date and appear in the confirmation.
Night 1 · Samarkand
Samarkand
Standard: Registon Saroy. Comfort: Grand Plaza.
- Check-in after day one’s sightseeing
- Breakfast before Gur-e Amir and the train to Bukhara
- Double/twin or single room
- Choose your package when booking
Night 2 · Bukhara
Bukhara
Standard: Nodirabegim Boutique Hotel. Comfort: Paradise Plaza.
- Check-in after the old Bukhara walk
- Breakfast before the countryside visits
- Double/twin or single room
- Choose your package when booking
Accommodation along the route
| City | Nights | Package | Place in the itinerary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samarkand | 1 | Standard | Night after day one, before the train to Bukhara. |
| Samarkand | 1 | Comfort | An alternative package for the same night, not an extra overnight stay. |
| Bukhara | 1 | Standard | Night between the historic centre and the sacred sites outside the city. |
| Bukhara | 1 | Comfort | An alternative package for the same night, not an extra overnight stay. |
How your room is confirmed
The shared-room rate is based on two people in one room. State whether you prefer one double bed or two separate beds when booking; the final room type is specified in the confirmation.
Single rooms are selected separately. Rates of USD 395 and USD 445 per person require a booking for at least two guests; they are not the total price of a solo tour.
Your selected package determines the accommodation offer. Check the exact hotel and room type in CAJ’s written confirmation.
Check-in and check-out: times depend on the hotel. Early check-in and late check-out cost extra.
Season, clothing and physical demands
Active places of worship require modest clothing that covers the body. Follow each site’s rules; comfortable shoes will be useful on all three sightseeing days.
Shah-i-Zinda has steps; historic centres have paving and uneven surfaces. Tell us about walking limitations before booking so we can agree a manageable programme.
In hot weather, bring a hat and water. In cooler months, an extra layer is useful in the morning and evening; check the forecast for your dates.
Prayer breaks: tell us your preferences before payment. Religious holidays and large visitor numbers may affect the order of visits.
| What to consider | Duration or walking demands |
|---|---|
| Day one | The most active day: an early train, a visit outside the city and several city stops. |
| Day two | On foot: Gur-e Amir in the morning, then Bukhara’s historic centre after the train; hotel check-in follows the excursion. |
| Day three | Visits outside the city, hotel check-out and the return train. |
What to bring
- comfortable shoes with a secure grip;
- modest clothing for sacred sites;
- a hat and sun protection, depending on the weather;
- your personal medication;
- passport, tickets and trip confirmation.
What depends on train times
The three trains must fit the sightseeing programme. Check the following in your confirmation:
- Tashkent → Samarkand: arrival time and the meeting before the first sightseeing day;
- Samarkand → Bukhara: breakfast, transfer and arrival times;
- Bukhara → Tashkent: when countryside sightseeing ends and the transfer to the station begins.
Do not arrange a non-refundable onward journey immediately after the expected return until your tickets and the necessary connection time are known.
Who accompanies you
Local English-speaking guides lead the city excursions. You travel independently on trains between cities unless you select an accompanying guide for the whole route. This option costs USD 146 for the entire group. The accompanying guide also speaks English.
From choosing a date to written confirmation
Open the tour 23 booking formand choose your date, number of guests, accommodation and options.
Check the total and pay by Visa or Mastercard. CAJ receives your booking after payment.
CAJ sends confirmation of the purchased tour with your travel details. Compare it with your selected arrangements.
Payment: Visa and Mastercard on the website. The amount depends on accommodation and selected extras.
Confirmation: keep it with your tickets; it should contain your trip details.
What to agree before payment
- An individual pace, longer prayer breaks, another guide language and specific accessibility requirements.
- Check that the booking form has the correct dates and guests.
- Read the booking terms and refund policy.
Why entrust your trip to CAJ?
Central Asia Journeys is based in Tashkent and arranges the guides, transport, hotels and rail journeys along the route. CAJ’s contact details are available on the website.
Registration certificate No. 000346-07 and licence No. T-0292-14 are published on the company website. You can open both documents using the links below before booking.
“The driver and guides were super!”
Read traveller reviews · Registration certificate No. 000346-07 · Licence No. T-0292-14
Questions before booking
Can I travel alone?
Published rates apply to bookings for at least two guests. A single room is a separate room for a group participant; a solo trip requires an individual quote.
Will I travel on Afrosiyob?
Train type and seats depend on your travel date. Economy-class tickets are included; the exact train is selected during the booking process. Indicative programme times do not confirm seat availability.
Can I have more time for prayer?
Yes, discuss your wishes before payment. Longer breaks require agreement on timings, visit order or the amount of sightseeing, particularly on day one.
Are Tashkent airport transfers included?
No. The tour starts and ends at Tashkent railway station. You make your own way to the station; included station transfers in Samarkand and Bukhara are listed in the programme.
What happens if I cancel?
If you cancel at least 24 hours before the start, CAJ does not charge its service cancellation fee. Non-refundable tickets and suppliers’ conditions may reduce the refund; the applicable terms are in CAJ’s policy.
Useful for your route
The cities on your trip
Trains and hotels
Travel arrangements
Choose your pilgrimage tour date
Samarkand and Bukhara in three days: choose your date, accommodation and number of guests. Agree any requests concerning pace, language or guiding before payment.
Ready to book?
Open the form, check the total and book your trip.
Email: cajourneys@gmail.com
5
5
20
Price for 1 pax
Standard accommodation. This rate applies to bookings for 2 or more guests.
Double/twin room
$367
Single room
$395
Comfort accommodation. This rate applies to bookings for 2 or more guests.
Double/twin room
$407
Single room
$445
Escort tour guide
$146
Book now.
Prices valid until: 31.12.2026