For at least two millennia, Uzbekistan has been the setting for some of Asia’s most important road trips, following the network of Silk Roads that once formed the major highway between east and west.
Today the roads to Samarkand may be made of tarmac and not gold, but there are still some superbly evocative and scenic road trips to be had in Uzbekistan, through the heart of Central Asia.
Getting Around in Uzbekistan
Getting around Uzbekistan is easy. Trains and shared taxis will get you to every corner of the country. However, to roam off the beaten track and explore lesser-visited historical sites, nothing beats the freedom of hiring a taxi or a car with a driver for a day.
For a road trip to remember, it’s even possible to rent your own car and drive yourself along the Silk Road. Here are the top routes to consider.
1. Silk Road Highlights: Samarkand to Bukhara
Best road trip for Silk Road dreamers
Samarkand–Bukhara; 270km (168 miles); allow one day
If you’ve ever fancied road-tripping along the Silk Road, this is the itinerary for you. The roads are in good repair and there are plenty of off-the-beaten-track historical and architectural detours to explore en route, as you travel between Central Asia’s two most storied Silk Road cities.
After spending a couple of days ogling the architectural glories of Samarkand, drive northwest out of the city. Stop to join pilgrims at the Imam Al-Bukhari Mausoleum, then continue along the M37 highway through the oasis-like Zeravshan Valley. Get your first Silk Road fix with a stop at the roadside Rabat-i-Malik Caravanserai, once an overnight stop for trade caravans.
At Gijduvan, stop off to see the 15th-century Ulug Beg Madrassah and the nearby pottery workshop of ceramics master Abdullo Narzullaev. About 15km (9 miles) further down the road, detour 1km (0.6 miles) off the highway to admire the towering 39m-tall (128ft) Vabkent Minaret, dating back to 1196. You’ll almost certainly have all these unsung Silk Road sights to yourself before you rejoin the tourist circuit at handsome, historic Bukhara – Central Asia’s holiest city.
Planning tip: An excellent alternative return route from Bukhara back to Samarkand will take you via the ancient Hepthalite city of Erkurgan, with its stunning historical significance.
2. Surkhandarya Road Trip
Best road trip for getting off the beaten track
Samarkand–Termez; 380km (236 miles); allow two days
From Samarkand, it’s an exciting drive over the Kitob (Takhta-Karacha) Pass to reach Shakhrisabz, the home town of 14th-century empire-builder Timur (Tamerlane). Highlights here include the epic towers and blue tiles of Tamerlane’s ruined Ak-Saray Palace. Shakhrisabz makes for a great day or overnight trip, even if you don’t continue further south.
To really get off the beaten track, continue southeast along the M39 highway into Surkhandarya province, pausing for an overnight in remote Baisun. You’ll pass near the Iron Gates, the historic dividing line between the ancient kingdoms of Sogdia and Bactria.
Swapping mountains for plains, you’ll arrive in Termez on the banks of the Amu Darya (Oxus) River. The Buddhist stupa of Fayoz Tepe and the archaeological site of Kampyr Tepe point to the area’s ancient past.
Planning tip: Be careful not to drive close to the unstable Afghanistan border; hiring a car and driver is advisable for safety in this region.
3. The Fergana Valley
Best road trip for traditional Uzbek culture
Tashkent–Tashkent; 700km (435 miles); allow three to four days
A road trip into the broad Fergana Valley takes you into the heartland of traditional Uzbek culture. Experience a landscape dotted with traditional villages, calligraphy-encrusted mosques, charming teahouses, and traditional bazaars.
Start off from Tashkent by following the A373 to Kokand, via Angren, then traverse the Chatkal range to enter the wide Fergana Valley. Kokand was once one of Central Asia’s great khanates, and you can still visit the palace of Khudayar, the last of Kokand’s khans.
From Kokand, drive to Russian-influenced Fergana city. Use Fergana as a base for a trip to nearby Margilon, to see the silk factory and its stunning range of tie-dye silks.
Don’t miss the Kumtepa Bazaar on a Sunday or Thursday for a true taste of local culture.
4. Khiva to Nukus via the Desert Forts of Karakalpakstan
Best road trip for amateur archaeologists
Khiva–Nukus; 240km (150 miles); allow two days
Hidden in the Kyzyl Kum desert are numerous ruined forts, or qala, that date back over a millennium. This road trip from Khiva to Nukus allows for leisurely exploration of fascinating historical sites. Unmissable sites include Topraq Qala and the Ayaz-Qala forts.
The city of Nukus, the capital of Karakalpakstan, is home to the Savitsky Museum, which showcases one of the world’s finest collections of avant-garde Soviet art.
Planning tip: The sites in Karakalpakstan are not well signposted and the roads can be faint, so traveling with a guide is recommended.
5. An Expedition to the Aral Sea
Best road trip for explorers
Nukus–Nukus; 600km (250 miles); allow two days
One of Central Asia’s most exciting overland adventures is the 4WD trip across the remote Ustyurt Plateau to view the ever-receding shores of the Aral Sea. This expedition covers extensive terrain and leads to Moynaq, a former fishing port famous for its beached fishing trawlers.
From Moynaq, dirt tracks traverse sections of exposed seabed leading into the Ustyurt Plateau, before descending to a Kazakh-style yurt camp for an overnight stay. Reflect on the environmental impacts of the Soviet-era irrigation projects that led to the sea’s decline.
Planning tip: Arranging guides and overnight stays in advance is essential for this expedition.
Driving Tips in Uzbekistan
The main highways are generally in decent condition, but hidden potholes can be hazardous. Checkpoints are frequent but typically routine. The main fuel in Uzbekistan is liquid natural gas, with petrol following close behind.
It’s advisable to carry a fuel filter, as lower-grade fuel may be available from roadside sellers. Speed limits generally stand at 100km/h on intercity roads and 50km/h in towns. Familiarize yourself with local driving rules, especially regarding roundabouts.
