Bukhara in 1–2 days: what to see

A walking route through the old town of Bukhara for one day, and what to add on the second day — palaces, pilgrimage sites and ceramics.

Day 1: the old town on foot

Almost everything is within walking distance. Start at the Ark, the ancient fortress and residence of the emirs, and the Bolo Hauz mosque with its wooden columns opposite. Walk to the Samanid Mausoleum (10th century), one of the oldest buildings in Central Asia.

Then the heart of Bukhara — Po-i-Kalyan: the Kalyan Minaret (1127, about 46 m), the Kalyan Mosque and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah with its blue domes. Continue through the covered trading domes, where craftsmen sell carpets, knives and embroidery.

Finish at Lyabi-Hauz, the square around an old pool shaded by mulberry trees, with the Kukeldash and Nadir Divan-Begi madrasahs. On the way, look into the small Chor-Minor with its four towers.

Day 2: outside the old town

Sitorai Mohi-Hosa is the summer palace of the last emir, a mix of Eastern and European styles. The Bahauddin Naqshband memorial complex is an important pilgrimage site. Both are a short drive from the city and fit into half a day.

Lovers of crafts can go to Gijduvan, famous for its ceramics workshops.

Tips

Walk early in the morning or in the evening — in summer it is very hot at midday. Wear comfortable shoes: the old town is paved with stones. Many sights have a small entrance fee, so keep some cash in sum.

Updated: 05.11.2026