Tag: silk road

72 Hours in Khiva: The Pearl of Uzbekistan

By wanderlustale July 15, 2026

Of all the cities we discovered during our trip to Uzbekistan, Khiva was our true favorite. In our minds, Samarkand and Bukhara stood out as the must-see stops on any trip to Uzbekistan, while Khiva remained far less talked about. Yet the moment we passed through the walls of Itchan Kala, the fortified old city, we realized that this place was something special, different from anywhere else we had visited.

We spent three days wandering through its ochre-colored streets, admiring its turquoise-tiled minarets, and enjoying its unique atmosphere. More than a museum city, Khiva truly feels like traveling several centuries back in time. For us, it is simply the most authentic (and least touristy) of Uzbekistan’s Silk Road cities.

Around the world Asia Uzbekistan

48 Hours in Tashkent: Discovering Uzbekistan’s Overlooked Capital

By wanderlustale July 13, 2026

When planning a trip to Uzbekistan, most people immediately think of Samarkand, Bukhara, or Khiva. Tashkent, the country’s capital, is often seen as little more than a gateway before boarding the train to the historic Silk Road cities. That would be a mistake.

With its wide Soviet-era boulevards, spectacular metro stations, bustling bazaars, and ultra-modern districts, Tashkent offers a completely different perspective on Uzbekistan. It is a city of contrasts, where history exists side by side with bold modernity.

We spent our very first day in Uzbekistan here, and it introduced us to an entirely different side of the country.