Bukhara Old Town: Explore Historic Architecture

Discover Bukhara’s vibrant culture and cuisine on our Bazaar tour. Taste local delicacies, explore historic sites, and engage with artisans. Book your adventure now!

Duration: 11 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Lyab-i-Hauz - Labi Hauz, meaning ‘at the pond,’ is a central square in Bukhara, located in the southeast part of the city. This architectural ensemble was constructed in the 16th-17th centuries. The square is shaped like an irregular polygon, with the Divan-Begi madrasah situated in the eastern section.
  • Great Minaret of the Kalon - The Kalyan Minaret is part of the Po-i-Kalyan mosque complex in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, and stands as one of the city’s most notable landmarks.
  • Mir-i-Arab Madrasa - The Miri-Arab madrasah was the sole spiritual educational institution in the USSR that began operating after WWII. All the leading imams of that era graduated from this religious center.
  • Blacksmith Workshop - A key activity of the Bukhara museum-preserve is the revival and support of traditional Bukharan crafts. The museum-workshop features swords, knives, arrowheads, and various craftsmen’s tools.
  • Poi Kalyan Mosque - Po-i-Kalan, or Poi Kalan, is an Islamic religious complex in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. It includes three main parts: the Kalan Mosque, the Kalan Minaret, and the Mir-i-Arab Madrasah.
  • Moschea Bolo-khauz - The Bolo Haouz Mosque is a historic mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. Built in 1712, it is located opposite the Ark citadel in the Registan district and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site list along with other historic parts of the city. It served as a Friday mosque during the 1920s when the emir of Bukhara was under Bolshevik Russian rule.
  • Ark of Bukhara - The Ark of Bukhara is a massive fortress in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, originally built and occupied around the 5th century AD.
  • Trading Domes - Four trading domes remain in the ancient city, all positioned along a north-south route through the old city.
  • Nodir Devon Begi Madrasasi - Built in 1622-1623 by the vizier of Imamkuli-khan, Uzbek dignitary Nodir Devon, this structure was initially a caravanserai but later converted into a madrasah. In 1993, it was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List along with other monuments in Bukhara’s historical center.
  • Monument to Hodja Nasreddin - The bronze monument to Nasreddin Khoja is located in Bukhara’s central city square, next to the “Lyabi-Hauz” complex. Installed in 1979, it adds a touch of joy and humor to the ancient atmosphere of traditional buildings.
  • Maghak-i ‘Attari Mosque - The Maghoki Attori Mosque is a historic mosque in Bukhara, Uzbekistan, and is part of the Lyab-i Hauz historical religious complex.
  • Ulugbek Madrasah - Completed in 1420, this madrasah features exterior tiles, a fluted dome, stained windows, and old tombs.
  • Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah - Ulughbek, a renowned ruler, scholar, and patron of the sciences, built his first madrasah in 1417 in Bukhara.
  • Bukhara Synagogue - The synagogue is a sacred place of worship for the Jewish community. Before its construction, Jews in Bukhara prayed alongside Muslims in the same mosque.
  • Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum - Labi Hauz, meaning ‘at the pond,’ is a central square in Bukhara, located in the southeast part of the city. This architectural ensemble was constructed in the 16th-17th centuries. The square is shaped like an irregular polygon, with the Divan-Begi madrasah situated in the eastern section.
  • Palace of Moon-like Stars (Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa) - Nasrullah Khan, a mad and cruel khan, named the palace after his beloved wife who died in childbirth. He likened her beauty to the moon, and thus it became Sitora-i Mokhi Khosa Saroy, the palace of a star like the moon.
  • Samanid Mausoleum - The Samanid Mausoleum, located in the northwestern part of Bukhara, Uzbekistan, just outside its historic center, was built in the 10th century CE as the resting place for the influential Islamic Samanid dynasty. It contains three burials, including that of Nasr II. The mausoleum is a prime example of early Islamic architecture and is the oldest funerary building in Central Asian architecture. The Samanids, who ruled parts of modern Afghanistan, Iran, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Kazakhstan, established their independence from the Abbasid Caliphate in Baghdad. It is the only surviving monument from the Samanid era and is considered one of the finest in Persia by American art historian Arthur Upham Pope.
  • Chor-Minor - Chor Minor, also known as the Madrasah of Khalif Niyaz-kul, is a historic gatehouse for a now-destroyed madrasa in Bukhara, Uzbekistan. It is located in a lane northeast of the Lyab-i Hauz complex.
  • The Plov - Enjoy local cuisine at the top-rated restaurant “The Plov.” Plov, a dish made of rice, vegetables, meat, and spices, is popular throughout the Silk Road countries but is most closely associated with Uzbekistan. Widely consumed at least once a week, it is the national dish and an essential part of family celebrations, served at births, weddings, and to honor Muslims returning from Hajj.
What's Included
  • Private transportation
  • Photography Opportunities
  • Private Tour
  • Professional Local Guide
  • Traditional Lunch for Day 2
  • Entrance Tickets
What's Not Included
  • Tips and Gratuities
Additional Information

Day 1: Enter the captivating world of Bukhara’s Old Town, where each cobblestone and ancient archway tells stories of a past era. Stroll through the winding streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, admiring the splendor of architectural wonders like the Kalyan Minaret and the enchanting Lyab-i Hauz ensemble. Discover the impressive Ark Fortress, a testament to Bukhara’s royal history, and wander through the lively bazaars, where the vibrant culture of the Silk Road continues to flourish. This tour is a journey back in time, providing an immersive experience into the core of Bukhara’s rich history and lasting allure.

Day 2: Leave behind the city’s hustle and bustle and set off on an enchanting journey through the scenic landscapes of Bukhara’s countryside. Explore the ancient Samanid Mausoleum and the Summer Palace of the Emir, tranquil and sacred sites that offer insight into the region’s spiritual heritage. Relish a traditional Uzbek lunch in a delightful countryside setting.

Location
Lyab-i-Hauz
B. Nakshabandi,
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
5.0
(2 Ratings)
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Olga
Apr 1, 2024
Bukhara - Nigora - We liked the city and surroundings. Everything is quite compact. Nigora knows a lot and loves her city, she will not only tell you the history of this place in an interesting way, but will also recommend restaurants and souvenir shops to suit your taste and budget.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
_n4364eu
Mar 28, 2024
Best experience in Bukhara with Madina - Amazing tour with Madina. Her English was good and knowledge of history was perfect. We had great experience with her. We have seen local bazaars, tasted local food which tourist will never find herself. Thank you Madina
Review provided by Tripadvisor
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