5 Incredible Road Trips Along Uzbekistan's Silk Roads

For over two thousand years, Uzbekistan has served as the backdrop for some of Asia’s most significant road trips, tracing the historic network of Silk Roads that once connected the east and west.

While the roads to Samarkand may now be paved with asphalt instead of gold, Uzbekistan still offers a wealth of evocative and picturesque road trips through the heart of Central Asia.

Navigating Uzbekistan is straightforward. Trains and shared taxis can reach every part of the country, but for those wanting to venture off the beaten path and visit lesser-known historical sites, hiring a taxi or a car with a driver for the day is unmatched. For a truly memorable road trip, you can even rent your own car and drive along the Silk Road. Here are the top routes to consider.

1. Silk Road Highlights: Journey from Samarkand to Bukhara

Ideal road trip for Silk Road enthusiastsSamarkand–Bukhara; 270km (168 miles); plan for one day

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling along the Silk Road, this is the perfect itinerary. The roads are well-maintained, and there are numerous historical and architectural gems to discover as you journey between Central Asia’s two legendary Silk Road cities.

After spending a few days admiring the architectural wonders of Samarkand, head northwest out of the city. Make a stop at the Imam Al-Bukhari Mausoleum to join fellow pilgrims, then continue along the M37 highway through the lush Zeravshan Valley. For your first Silk Road experience, visit the roadside Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai, which once served as a resting place for trade caravans and is located just past Navoi airport.

As you approach Bukhara, make a stop in Gijduvan to explore the 15th-century Ulug Beg Madrassah and the nearby pottery studio of renowned ceramics artist Abdullo Narzullaev. Just 15km (9 miles) further, take a short detour of 1km (0.6 miles) off the highway to see the impressive Vabkent Minaret, standing tall at 39m (128ft) and built in 1196. You’ll likely have these hidden Silk Road treasures all to yourself before joining the bustling sights of the beautiful and historic Bukhara – the holiest city in Central Asia.

Travel Tip: A fantastic alternate route back from Bukhara to Samarkand leads you through the ancient Hepthalite city of Erkurgan, where the highway cuts directly through the ruins of its city walls, before arriving at the historic city of Qarshi, known for its medieval madrassas, mosques, and impressive WWII Soviet-era War Memorial.

2. Surkhandarya Road Trip

Ideal road trip for those seeking adventureSamarkand–Termez; 380km (236 miles); plan for two days

Departing from Samarkand, embark on an exhilarating drive that winds up and over the Kitob (Takhta-Karacha) Pass, leading you to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the legendary 14th-century conqueror Timur (Tamerlane). Here, marvel at the stunning towers and blue tiles of the ruined Ak-Saray Palace, visit the tomb of Timur's eldest son Jehangir, and explore the Kok Gumbaz Mosque, constructed by Timur's grandson Ulug Beg. Shakhrisabz is perfect for a day trip or an overnight stay, even if you decide not to venture further south.

For an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience, continue southeast along the M39 highway into Surkhandarya province, stopping for an overnight stay in the remote town of Baisun. Along the way, you'll pass by the Iron Gates, the ancient border that separated the kingdoms of Sogdia and Bactria.

Transitioning from mountains to plains, you'll arrive in Termez, situated along the banks of the Amu Darya (Oxus) River, near Afghanistan. Explore the ancient Buddhist stupa and monastery of Fayoz Tepe, and the archaeological site of Kampyr Tepe, alongside the Mausoleum of Al Hakim al-Termezi and the remnants of the Kyrk Kyz fortress, dating back to the medieval Islamic period.

Travel tip: Exercise caution when driving near the unstable Afghan border; consider hiring a car and driver for this border region journey.

3. Exploring the Fergana Valley

Ultimate road trip for experiencing traditional Uzbek cultureTashkent–Tashkent; 700km (435 miles); set aside three to four days

Embark on a journey into the expansive Fergana Valley, where you'll immerse yourself in the heart of traditional Uzbek culture. The route is adorned with quaint kishlaks (traditional villages), intricately designed mosques, inviting teahouses, and bustling bazaars. Opt for a hired car and driver for a one-way adventure, or rent your own vehicle and retrace your steps.

Begin your adventure in Tashkent, traveling along the A373 to Kokand, passing through Angren. Then, navigate the road tunnel beneath the Qamchiq (Kamchik) Pass to cross the Chatkal range and enter the vast Fergana Valley. Kokand, once a prominent khanate in the 19th century, still features the palace of Khudayar, the last ruler of Kokand.

From Kokand, continue your drive to the Russian-influenced city of Fergana, stopping by the Uzbek ceramics hub of Rishton. Use Fergana as your base for excursions to nearby Margilon, home to an intriguing silk factory renowned for its exquisite atlas tie-dye silks. Be sure to visit the vibrant Kumtepa Bazaar on a Sunday or Thursday.

From Fergana, journey north to the traditional city of Namangan, stopping at the ancient archaeological site of Aksikent, which dates back 2000 years and lies in the valley's heart. To add some excitement on your return to Tashkent, consider a route through the traditional workshops of pichok (knife) makers in Chust.

4. Journey from Khiva to Nukus through the desert forts of Karakalpakstan

Ideal road trip for budding archaeologistsKhiva–Nukus; 240km (150 miles); allocate two days

Nestled in the Kyzyl Kum desert, northeast of the Amu Darya (Oxus) River in northwestern Uzbekistan, are numerous ancient forts, or qala, that date back over a thousand years. You can connect several fascinating sites in a long day trip from the historic city of Khiva, but opting for an overnight stay in Nukus allows for a more relaxed exploration.

Must-visit sites include the ancient Khorezmian capital of Topraq Qala and the three forts (along with a yurt camp) at Ayaz-Qala. There are also many other ruins to uncover. After this, continue on to Nukus, stopping at the ancient Zoroastrian dakhma (Tower of Silence) at Chilpak Qala, which serves as a reminder of ancient Persian heritage.

Nukus serves as the capital of Karakalpakstan (Qaraqalpaqstan), a unique autonomous region within Uzbekistan, akin to a Russian doll. A highlight of your visit here is the Savitsky Museum, which houses one of the world's most distinguished collections of avant-garde Soviet art.

Planning tip: The qalas of Karakalpakstan are not clearly marked, with few settlements and faint, sandy roads. Therefore, it’s advisable to travel with a driver or guide who is familiar with the area.

5. A journey to the Aral Sea

Best road trip for adventurersNukus–Nukus; 600km (250 miles); allow two days

One of the most thrilling overland experiences in Central Asia is the 4WD journey across the remote Ustyurt Plateau, where you can witness the shrinking shores of the Aral Sea, once the world's fourth-largest freshwater body. This expedition will lead you from Nukus to Moynaq, a former fishing port now known for its beached fishing trawlers—often referred to as the 'ship graveyard'—which sit nearly 100km (62 miles) from the nearest water source.

From Moynaq, dirt tracks reminiscent of Mad Max navigate through areas of exposed, salt-covered seabed, climbing up into the canyons of the Ustyurt Plateau before descending to spend the night in a Kazakh-style yurt camp. Take a moment to reflect at the sight of the faint blue line marking the shallow, salty sea, and consider the consequences of the Soviet-era irrigation projects that drained this once-great natural marvel.

Planning advice: It's essential to arrange for guides, drivers, and overnight stays in the yurt camp ahead of time. Begin reaching out to agencies and seek fellow travelers to share costs a few weeks prior to your trip.

Driving tips for navigating Uzbekistan

Most main highways are in good shape, but beware of sudden clusters of potholes that can damage your vehicle. You'll encounter frequent checkpoints throughout Uzbekistan, which are usually routine and straightforward.

Liquid natural gas is the primary fuel in Uzbekistan, with petrol as the second choice. Diesel fuel can be difficult to find, especially in western regions and during the cotton harvest in September. In rural areas, you may need to purchase fuel from roadside vendors in plastic bottles, so consider bringing a filter, as the quality is often poor.

Car rental options include RentCar.uz and the international firm Sixt, which operates in Tashkent and Samarkand. Be prepared to provide a significant cash deposit. Typically, international driving permits are not required.

Speed limits typically stand at 100 km/h (60 mph) on intercity roads and 50 km/h (30 mph) within urban areas. Note that in Uzbekistan, the driver entering a roundabout has the right of way, which differs from the rules in many other countries.