Bukhara Travel Guide

Bukhara is the most complete medieval city in Central Asia — a walkable old town of madrasahs, trading domes, minarets and mud-brick alleys.

Top sights

  • Poi Kalyan Complex — the Kalyan Minaret, Mosque and Mir-i-Arab Madrasah
  • Ark Fortress — the emir's citadel
  • Lyabi-Hauz — the shady central pool and teahouses
  • Chor Minor — the four-minaret gatehouse
  • Ismail Samani Mausoleum — 9th-century brick masterpiece
  • Trading domes — silk, jewelry, carpets

Where to stay

Sleep inside the old town at a converted madrasah — Amulet, Komil Boutique or Lyabi House. Everything is a 10-minute walk.

Best time to visit

April–May and September–October. Summer regularly hits 40°C.