Bukhara is probably the most famous city in Uzbekistan to visit after Samarkand. Indeed, the city was at the center of the ancient Silk Road. It is renown for its rich history and for hosting some of the most prominent islamic scholars. In fact, the world-famous Imam Al Bukhari is one of them. This article is a collection of the best authentic places in Bukhara.
How to get there?
From Tashkent:
- By high-speed train (Called Afrosiab), it takes around 4 hours and costs 171,000 UZS (15 USD)
- By regular train, it takes around 6 hours and costs 100,000 (9 USD)
From Samarkand:
- By high-speed train (Called Afrosiab), it takes around 1.5 hours and costs 77,000 UZS (7 USD). Alternatively, there are slower and cheaper trains available.
From Khiva:
- By train, it takes around 5 hours and costs 175,000 UZS (16 USD). It runs only on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
- By taxi, it takes around 8 hours and costs 440,000 UZS (40 USD). You may also ask the driver to make a detour to the Khorezm Archeological Fortress.
Where to stay in Bukhara?
- If you looking for a cheap stay you can try OHUN Caravan Sarai XIX
- The perfect intermediate option and the one I chose was Minorai Xurd. Indeed, this guesthouse is a real gem. The rooms are clean and it is well located. However, it is mostly the hosts that make it exceptional. In fact, Bakhtiyor and his family really make you feel at home. Despite reaching at 2 am with no booking, he started cooking food for me even though it is not included in the price. In a word, they love discussing with travelers and learn about where you come from.
- If you want a more comfortable stay, the Ark Hotel or Sahid Zarafshon would probably better fit you.
The Lyabi Hauz Ensemble
Of the best authentic places to see in Bukhara, you may start with the Lyabi Hayz Ensemble. Indeed, you will most probably get to meet local craftsmen. In fact, they often create their pieces of art around the calmness, serenity and beauty of the surrounding pools.
Chor Minor
Then, this beautiful mosque of Char minor is located away from the main touristic squares. I found it by chance while walking randomly in one of Bukhara’s old neighborhood.
Thus, the four towers building used to be part of a bigger madrassa from the 19th century. However, what is left now is just an area that was used as a shelter and for rituals transformed as a souvenir shop. Additionally, it is also possible to get to the upper level for a few Uzbek Soms.
Eventually, there is a very interesting shop just in front of Chor Minor. Indeed, it is full of artifacts from the Soviet Times. In there, you will find a display of flags from the communist party, old military uniforms and even football crests.
Poi Kaylan Minaret
The minaret is located at the center of a greater complex. Thus, in this complex, two main gates of a madrassa and a mosque face each other. In fact, this is probably the most emblematic of the best authentic places to see in Bukhara.
In fact, the main attraction is the minaret itself. The 48 meters high tower dates back from 1127 and still stands strong today. On the other hand, the adjacent mosque was destroyed during the invasion of Gengis Khan. It was eventually rebuilt afterwards.
NassPacker Tip: My advice is to come here in different times of the day (Sunrise, sunset and night time). Indeed, you will maximize your chances to get the best views of the tower.
The mosque itself had a big a beautiful courtyard. The courtyard is also used by worshippers to pray. Thus, it is the 3rd biggest mosque in Central Asia after the Bibi Khanum Mosque (Samarkand ,Uzbekistan) and the Great mosque of Herat (Afghanistan).
Best authentic places to see in Bukhara: The Market
There are a few different markets laying at the center of the historical district. In fact, most of them are covered and directly embedded into the old structures. In there, you may find souvenirs, clothes but also some of the most expensive carpets in the world.
Abdulaziz Khan Madrassa & Ulugh Beg Madrassa
These 2 emblematic madrassas of Bukhara were respectively built in 1652 and 1420. In fact, they are located in the main touristic square. As for all the other religious buildings, there were as well turned into historical monuments. In fact, today you will mostly find merchants selling their products in the interior courts. However, at the time of their construction, they were probably home to dozens of students.
The Ark of Bukhara
The Ark of Bukhara is a fortress build in the 5th century. In fact, it used to be the center of the town. Indeed, it served as a protection for the population. At this time, it was not unusual to witness attempts to invade the city. Today the building contains several museums of different topics.
In addition, just across the street lays a very curious structure called the Bukhara Tower. It has a restaurant/cafe on top. In fact, you can even go up to enjoy a view of the city.
Best authentic places to see in Bukhara: Bolo Khauz Mosque
This mosque was built in 1712. In fact, it is among the best authentic places to see in Bukhara. Indeed, its architecture is quite interesting. It is located in front of the Ark Citadel. While there, I have got the chance to hear prayers broadcasted live in the speakers around the mosque.
Besides, the inside of the mosque is very beautiful. Indeed, it is predominantly blue. In Uzbekistan, most of the historical buildings are blue. In fact, it is the only double landlocked country in the world along with Liechtenstein. Thus, it seems that the blue of the buildings represents the blue of the sea. A color that is not much present in the surrounding nature.
Best authentic places to see in Bukhara: The Samanid Mausoleum
The Samanid were a dynasty that ruled over the region from 900 to 1000. Thus, they controlled most of Central Asia. The area would comprise modern Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kazakhstan.
The building was buried throughout history. Nevertheless, it was discovered again by the USSR authorities. They launched an excavation and restoration mission to bring it back to its original state.
There is a fee of 5000 UZS (USD) to enter inside the mausoleum.
Once you have visited the beautiful city of Bukhara, you can either:
- Visit the cultural center of Central Asia and center of the Silk Road: Samarkand
- Continue your trip towards the gorgeous city of Khiva
- Head back to the capital city of Tashkent
- Or head to the opposite part of the country to visit the mysterious Autonomous Republic of Karakalpakstan.
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