Samarkand to Bukhara 1

Samarkand to Bukhara

Samarkand and Bukhara are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Uzbekistan. They are both ancient cities with a rich history and culture. Samarkand is known for its stunning architecture, while Bukhara is known for its well-preserved medieval city center.

The distance between Samarkand and Bukhara is about 270 kilometers (168 miles). The journey can be made by train, bus, or car. The train journey takes about 4 hours, while the bus journey takes about 5 hours. The car journey takes about 3 hours.

Language

The official language of Uzbekistan is Uzbek. However, Russian is also widely spoken. In tourist areas, you will also be able to get by with English.

Currency

The currency of Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani som (UZS). You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and hotels.

Distance

The distance between Samarkand and Bukhara is about 270 kilometers (168 miles).

How to Reach

The journey between Samarkand and Bukhara can be made by train, bus, or car.

• Train: The train journey takes about 4 hours. There are several trains per day that run between Samarkand and Bukhara.
• Bus: The bus journey takes about 5 hours. There are several buses per day that run between Samarkand and Bukhara.
• Car: The car journey takes about 3 hours. The road between Samarkand and Bukhara is in good condition.

Expenses

The cost of travel between Samarkand and Bukhara will vary depending on the mode of transport that you choose.

• Train: The cost of a train ticket ranges from 100,000 to 150,000 UZS (about $10-$15).
• Bus: The cost of a bus ticket ranges from 50,000 to 100,000 UZS (about $5-$10).
• Car: The cost of renting a car ranges from 150,000 to 250,000 UZS (about $15-$25) per day.

Best time to go

The best time to visit Samarkand and Bukhara is in the spring (March-April) or fall (September-October). The weather is mild during these months, and there are fewer tourists.

What to Eat

Uzbek cuisine is a mix of Central Asian, Persian, and Russian influences. Some of the most popular dishes include:

• Plov: A rice dish with meat, vegetables, and spices.
• Shashlik: Grilled meat skewers.
• Lagman: A noodle soup with meat and vegetables.
• Samsa: A pastry filled with meat or vegetables.
• Bukhara bread: A round, flatbread that is cooked in a tandoor oven.

Where to Go

In Samarkand, some of the most popular tourist attractions include:

• Registan Square: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to three stunning madrasas (Islamic schools).
• Gur-e Amir Mausoleum: The burial place of Timur (Tamerlane), the founder of the Timurid Empire.
• Bibi-Khanym Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Central Asia.

In Bukhara, some of the most popular tourist attractions include:

• Poi Kalyan Complex: A UNESCO World Heritage Site that includes the Kalyan Minaret, the Kalyan Mosque, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa.
• Ark Fortress: A former citadel that is now a museum.
• Lyab-i-Khauz Complex: A square that is surrounded by madrasas and mosques.

FAQ

Here are some frequently asked questions about traveling from Samarkand to Bukhara:

• Is it safe to travel from Samarkand to Bukhara? Yes, it is safe to travel from Samarkand to Bukhara. There are no safety concerns to be aware of.
• Do I need a visa to travel from Samarkand to Bukhara? No, you do not need a visa to travel from Samarkand to Bukhara. Uzbekistan has a visa-free regime for citizens of most countries.
• What is the best way to get from Samarkand to Bukhara? The best way to get from Samarkand to Bukhara is by train. The train journey is comfortable and takes about 4 hours.
• How much does it cost to travel from Samarkand to Bukhara? The cost of travel from Samarkand to Bukhara will vary depending on the mode of transport that you choose. The train journey costs about $10-$15, while the bus journey costs about $5-$10.