19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a hidden gem for families seeking an epic journey without the typical stress of fast-paced travel. This 19-day itinerary focuses on the 'slow travel' philosophy, prioritizing comfort, stroller-accessible paths, and interactive experiences that keep children engaged while parents soak in the breathtaking Islamic architecture and Silk Road history.
Traveling with children in Central Asia is surprisingly easy thanks to the deep-rooted local culture of hospitality toward families. By utilizing high-speed trains and staying in centrally located, family-run boutique hotels, you'll minimize transit fatigue and maximize the time spent making memories in the turquoise-tiled heart of the Orient.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Arrival & Recovery
Airport Pick-up & Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport. Take a pre-booked transfer to your hotel to drop off bags and let the kids rest after the flight.
Lunch at Central Asian Plov Centre
Witness the making of Uzbekistan’s national dish in massive cauldrons. It’s a sensory experience that kids find fascinating, and the mild flavors are very child-friendly.
Walk through Tashkent City Park
This modern park features wide, paved paths perfect for strollers, a large playground, and a musical fountain show in the evenings.
Dinner at Magic City
A themed amusement and shopping park designed like a fairy-tale town. It’s the ultimate spot for a relaxed family dinner with plenty of entertainment for toddlers.
Day 2: Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Modern Greenery
Amir Temur Square
Explore the heart of the city with its wide pedestrian walkways. The nearby museums offer a cool retreat if the sun gets too warm.
Independence Square (Mustakillik Maydoni)
A vast, car-free area with beautiful fountains and monuments. It’s a safe space for kids to run around while you admire the Soviet-era grandeur.
Tashkent Metro Tour
Ride the subway to see some of the world's most beautiful stations. Kosmonavtlar station, with its space theme, is usually a big hit with children.
Evening at Alisher Navoi Opera Theater
Even if you don't go inside for a show, the square outside features a large fountain and plenty of space for an evening stroll.
Day 3: Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Old City Flavors
Chorsu Bazaar
Visit the iconic blue-domed market. Kids will love the colorful spice stalls and the freshly baked bread (non) sections.
Hazrat Imam Complex
Home to the world’s oldest Quran. The courtyard is peaceful and spacious, making it easy to manage with a stroller.
Kukeldash Madrasah
Observe the traditional architecture and the small woodcarving workshops located inside the courtyard.
Traditional Dinner at Karavan
A family-friendly restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and traditional live music that isn't too loud for little ears.
Day 4: Tashkent to Kokand, Uzbekistan - Fergana Valley Entry
Train to Kokand
Take the comfortable train through the Kamchik Pass. The scenic views are a great distraction for kids during the 4-hour journey.
Palace of Khudayar Khan
Explore the 'Pearl of Kokand' with its 7 unique courtyards. The bright colors of the facade are mesmerizing.
Jami Mosque
A peaceful mosque with 98 wooden columns, each carved differently. Kids can enjoy the large open courtyard.
Local Guesthouse Dinner
Stay in a traditional Fergana Valley guesthouse for an authentic family meal and warm hospitality.
Day 5: Rishtan & Margilan, Uzbekistan - Crafts & Silk
Rishtan Pottery Workshop
Visit a master ceramicist. Many workshops allow kids to try their hand at the potter’s wheel, which is a fantastic tactile activity.
Yodgorlik Silk Factory (Margilan)
See how silk is made from cocoon to carpet. It’s an educational and colorful experience for older children.
Kumtepa Bazaar
One of the most authentic markets in the country. It’s a great place to buy high-quality, locally-made fabrics.
Relaxed Evening in Fergana City
Enjoy a quiet walk through the Russian-style parks of Fergana city before dinner.
Day 6: Fergana to Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Return Journey
Morning Free Time
A slow morning to allow kids to play and pack before the return train journey.
Train back to Tashkent
Enjoy the return leg of the scenic pass. It’s a good time for a family nap or some travel journaling.
Japanese Garden Tashkent
A very serene, fenced-in garden. It’s quiet, stroller-friendly, and perfect for a low-energy afternoon.
Pizza Dinner at Bella Napoli
Sometimes kids just need a break from local food. This is widely considered the best pizza in the city.
Day 7: Tashkent to Samarkand, Uzbekistan - High Speed Rail
Afrosiyob High-Speed Train
This is the highlight of Uzbek transport. It’s fast (2 hours), clean, and offers snacks, making it very family-friendly.
Hotel Check-in near Registan
Drop your bags at a boutique hotel within walking distance of the main square.
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
The final resting place of Tamerlane. The gold-leaf interior is stunning and usually keeps kids in awe.
Registan Square at Sunset
The most famous site in Uzbekistan. The evening light is perfect for family photos without the midday heat.
Day 8: Samarkand, Uzbekistan - Grand Architecture
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
One of the largest mosques in the world. The massive scale is impressive for all ages.
Siyob Bazaar
Located right next to the mosque, it's the best place to try Samarkand's famous heavy bread and local sweets.
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
A 'street' of blue-tiled tombs. While there are steps, the vibrant patterns are visually stimulating for kids.
Dinner at Samarkand Restaurant
A large venue with plenty of space for families and a diverse menu that includes European options.
Day 9: Samarkand, Uzbekistan - Cultural Immersion
Konigil Meros Paper Mill
A tourist village on the outskirts. Kids can see how paper is made from mulberry bark and watch water wheels in action.
Lunch in the Village
Enjoy a riverside lunch at the paper mill. It’s cooler here than in the city center.
Ulugh Beg Observatory
Learn about medieval astronomy. The small museum is easy to digest for younger travelers.
Registan Light Show
Return to the square for the spectacular 3D light projection show (check schedule locally).
Day 10: Samarkand, Uzbekistan - Relaxed Exploration
Afrasiyab Museum
Located on the site of the ancient city, it contains incredible 7th-century murals. It’s less crowded and peaceful.
St. Daniel’s Tomb
A unique religious site where the sarcophagus is 18 meters long! Kids will find the legend of why it's so long quite intriguing.
Wine Tasting (for Parents) & Garden Time
Visit the Hovrenko Winery while the kids enjoy the garden areas. Uzbekistan has a long history of winemaking.
Family Dinner at Old City
A cozy spot with excellent kebabs and a friendly local atmosphere.
Day 11: Samarkand to Bukhara, Uzbekistan - Journey West
Morning Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some silk scarves or miniature paintings in the shops inside the Registan madrasahs.
Train to Bukhara
Another comfortable train ride. Bukhara’s station is actually in the nearby town of Kagan.
Arrival & Lyabi-Hauz Square
This square is built around a pool. It’s the heart of the social scene and perfect for people-watching with an ice cream.
Dinner by the Pool
Eat at the Lyabi-Hauz restaurant. The sound of water and the ancient mulberry trees make for a magical evening.
Day 12: Bukhara, Uzbekistan - The Holy City
Po-i-Kalyan Complex
Featuring the Kalyan Minaret and Mosque. The architecture is iconic, and the square is vast and pedestrian-only.
Toqi Sarrofon Trading Dome
Wander through the ancient domed marketplaces. They are naturally cool and shaded, great for escaping the sun.
Bukhara Puppet Show
Attend a traditional puppet show. It’s a wonderful, wordless performance that children of all ages will love.
Sunset at the Ark of Bukhara
Explore the massive fortress wall. The views of the city from the top are spectacular.
Day 13: Bukhara, Uzbekistan - Hidden Gems
Chor Minor
A small, unique mosque with four towers. It’s located in a quiet neighborhood and is very photogenic.
Bolo Haouz Mosque
Famous for its tall, thin wooden pillars and the reflecting pool in front. It’s one of the most beautiful mosques in Central Asia.
Samanid Mausoleum
Located in a park, this 10th-century masterpiece is surrounded by a small amusement park for kids.
Folk Show & Dinner
Enjoy a traditional dance performance in the courtyard of Nodir Devon Begi Madrasah.
Day 14: Bukhara, Uzbekistan - Summer Palaces
Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa
The Summer Palace of the last Emir. Kids will love seeing the peacocks roaming the palace gardens.
Chor-Bakr Memorial Complex
The 'City of the Dead,' but very peaceful. The interconnected courtyards are fun for kids to explore safely.
Gijduvan Pottery Trip
A short drive out of town to another famous pottery center, known for its distinct earthy colors.
Home-cooked Dinner
Ask your guesthouse to prepare a traditional 'Shurpa' soup for a light and healthy family meal.
Day 15: Bukhara to Khiva, Uzbekistan - Crossing the Desert
Kyzylkum Desert Drive or Train
This is the longest travel day. Opt for the train for more space for kids to move around during the 6-hour ride.
Arrival in Khiva
Check into your hotel within the walls of Ichan-Kala, the walled inner city.
First Walk of Ichan-Kala
Because there are no cars inside the walls, it is the safest place in Uzbekistan for kids to wander.
Dinner at Terrassa Cafe
The best views of the Kalta Minor minaret at night. The menu has great options for children.
Day 16: Khiva, Uzbekistan - The Living Museum
Kalta Minor Minaret
The iconic unfinished blue minaret. It’s the centerpiece of the city and perfect for a family portrait.
Juma Mosque
A unique mosque with 213 wooden pillars. It’s dark and cool inside, providing a nice break from the sun.
Kunya-Ark Citadel
Explore the former residence of the Khans, including the harem and the mint.
Watch Woodcarvers at Work
Khiva is famous for woodcarving. Many workshops are open-air, and kids can watch masters at work.
Day 17: Khiva, Uzbekistan - Local Life
Pahlavan Mahmoud Mausoleum
The most sacred spot in the city with incredible tilework and a peaceful atmosphere.
Islam Khoja Minaret & Madrasah
For those with older kids, climbing the minaret offers the best view of the desert oasis.
Local Family Visit
Arrange a bread-baking class with a local family. Kids love getting their hands in the dough!
Khorezmian Dance Performance
Traditional dances of the region are energetic and colorful, often held in old madrasah courtyards.
Day 18: Khiva to Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Homeward Bound
Urgench Airport Transfer
Take a 30-minute drive to Urgench for your domestic flight back to Tashkent.
Flight to Tashkent
A quick 1.5-hour flight saves you a 14-hour drive, keeping the kids happy and rested.
Last-Minute Shopping at Broadway Alley
A pedestrian street in Tashkent with artists, street food, and small carnival games for kids.
Farewell Dinner
Choose a nice restaurant like 'Afsona' for a modern twist on traditional Uzbek cuisine.
Day 19: Tashkent, Uzbekistan - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy one last Uzbek breakfast with fresh fruits, nuts, and hot non bread.
Hotel Checkout
Most hotels offer late checkout for a small fee if your flight is in the evening.
Tashkent TV Tower
Visit the tallest structure in Central Asia for a final bird's-eye view of the city.
Transfer to Airport
A short 15-minute drive from the city center to the international terminal for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Uzbekistan
The best time to visit Uzbekistan with a family is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (April to June) and Autumn (September to early November). During these periods, the weather is pleasantly warm (20-30°C), making it comfortable for walking with strollers and exploring outdoor monuments. Summer can be scorching, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C, while winter is quite cold and may involve snow, which can make travel with young children more challenging.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Uzbek Som (UZS). While credit cards are increasingly accepted in Tashkent’s hotels and upscale restaurants, Uzbekistan remains a very cash-heavy society, especially in bazaars and smaller cities like Khiva and Bukhara. ATMs are widely available in major cities, but it’s always wise to carry USD in cash (crisp, new bills) to exchange at banks or hotels. Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory; 10-15% is often already included in restaurant bills.
Getting Around Uzbekistan
Intercity travel is best handled via the 'Afrosiyob' high-speed trains connecting Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara; they are modern, air-conditioned, and very efficient. For reaching Khiva, a domestic flight from Urgench to Tashkent is the most comfortable family option. Within cities, the 'Yandex Go' app is the safest and most transparent way to book taxis, as it eliminates the need to negotiate fares and allows you to track your route.
