If you’re planning a trip to Bukhara, a guided tour offers a stress-free way to navigate the city’s rich history. Leave behind the uncertainties of navigating unfamiliar territories and the potential challenges of deciphering local customs.
With a knowledgeable local guide by your side, rest assured that you’ll effortlessly breeze through the day, free from the worry of confusing directions, language barriers, and missing out on some of the city’s hidden gems.
Enjoy a comfortable and relaxing experience as your guide ensures a seamless journey, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the captivating beauty of Bukhara without the typical travel uncertainties.
In this article we share the best Bukhara tours, day trips and excursions based on our knowledge of the city.
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Bukhara Tours
Bukhara Old City Full Day Private Tour
Embark on a captivating full-day journey through the enchanting city of Bukhara, accompanied by a knowledgeable local guide. Explore the iconic landmarks, including the majestic Great Minaret of the Kalon, one of the most prominent landmarks of the city that even Genghis Khan was impressed by. Delve into the intricate tile patterns of Mir-i-Arab Madrasa and the four unique minarets of the Chor-Minor gatehouse.
Immerse yourself in the massive Ark of Bukhara, an ancient fortress with walls dating back to the 5th century AD. Visit the Islamic complex of Poi Kalyan Mosque and experience the vibrant Lyab-i-Hauz Ensemble. Discover the cultural significance of the Bukhara Synagogue and explore other notable sites like the Trading Domes and Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah.
This tour of Bukhara’s old city covers all of the main tourist landmarks and monuments and is the most popular on our list.
Review: “In this case, the guide (Mrs.Shakhnoza) made all the difference, she had all the qualities of an exceptional guide, she was knowledgeable, passionate about Bukhara, patient, flexible, transparent, helpful and extremely friendly. We would recommend her to anyone who is traveling to Bukhara and in need of a guide.” Read More Reviews…
Best of Bukhara: All Day Private Tour
Begin your journey at the iconic Great Minaret of the Kalon, a prominent landmark boasting intricate architecture. Immerse yourself in the rich educational legacy of Mir-i-Arab Madrasa, where leading imams once studied. Stroll through the charming Lyab-i-Hauz square, surrounded by architectural wonders like the Poi Kalyan Mosque and the historic Bolo Haouz Mosque. Discover the imposing Ark of Bukhara, a massive fortress with a history dating back to the 5th century.
Traverse the city’s trading domes and explore the UNESCO-listed Nodir Devon Begi Madrasasi. Witness the whimsical Monument to Hodja Nasreddin, and delve into the historical Maghak-i ‘Attari Mosque. Uncover the beauty of Ulugbek Madrasah, the ancient Samanid Mausoleum, and the scholarly Abdulaziz-Khan Madrasah. Conclude your captivating tour at the Bukhara Synagogue, a testament to the city’s diverse cultural heritage.
Review: “Shakhoza gave us an amazing tour around Bukhara city. We saw all the landmarks and monuments the city has to offer and we learned a lot about the culture and the locals way of life. She made the city tour one of our highlights in our trip in Uzbekistan.” Read More Reviews…
Day Trips and Excursions from Bukhara
Bukhara Countryside Tour
Discover Bukhara’s hidden treasures on a distinctive private tour, exploring lesser-known yet captivating attractions beyond the usual tourist paths. Explore 10th-century Muslim monuments, unraveling the city’s rich history and culture with a knowledgeable guide. This off-the-beaten-path experience offers seamless transportation for an exclusive journey into Bukhara’s less-explored gems.
Explore the Palace of Moon-like Stars (Sitorai-Mokhi-Khosa), named after Muzaffar-Khan’s beloved wife, the spiritual Bakhautdin Naqsband Mausoleum, founded by Bahá-ud-dín Shah an-Naqshband, perhaps Bukhara’s most famous Sufi, and the Chor-Bakr necropolis, a tranquil memorial complex built over the burial place of Abu-Bakr-Said.
Rating: 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Duration: 3 – 5 hours | Check Prices
Review: “Again everything was organized perfect and a feeling, that the local people are always very warm welcome you as their guest. In general i have to tell that uzbek people are one of the most friendly people i have ever met on my holiday so far. The country and all sights and people made my trip just wonderful and the organisation of the trip was really professional.” Read More Reviews…
Seven Saints of Bukhara Tour
This guided journey takes you to the burial sites of seven influential Nakshbandi Sufi leaders, including figures like Khoja Abdulkhalik Ghijduwani and Khoja Bahauddin Nakshbandi.
Learn about the principles of Sufism, a mystic branch of Islam emphasizing divine connection and spiritual growth. The tour, spanning seven mausoleums, provides private transportation, a licensed guide, and admission to all monuments.
Reviews highlight the guides’ knowledge and the tour’s distinctive spiritual atmosphere, making it an exceptional experience for those interested in Bukhara’s authentic spiritual essence.
Note from author: This is a specialized tour and is quite expensive. Read our full review for more details about the Seven Saints of Bukhara Tour.
Rating: 5.0 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Duration: 7 – 8 hours | Check Prices
Review: “Uzbeks make this pilgrimage several times throughout their lifetimes. If a person sick and wants healing they make the pilgrimage. Healed? Make the pilgrimage to show gratitude. Wand a child? Make the pilgrimage. Pregnant? Give thanks by doing the pilgrimage again. You get the process. Shakhnoza was a terrific guide. She gave me information about each saint and answered all my questions. She helped me purchase items at the gift shops, told me about local customs, and was generally helpful in all aspects of the tour. I highly recommend her.” Read More Reviews…
2 Day Desert Yurt Camp Tour (Leaving from Bukhara)
If you’ve ever dreamed of camping in the desert far away from the hustle and bustle of every day life then venture into the heart of the Uzbek desert to experience Uzbek hospitality, staying overnight in a traditional yurt.
Indulge in an all-inclusive desert tour with round-trip transfers, traditional music, and delectable meals. Spend a serene night in a yurt camp amid the desert’s tranquility. Day 1 explores the Chashma complex, guided by our driver, showcasing ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, a holy spring, and a Friday mosque.
On Day 2, discover Aydarkul’s shores, spotting diverse bird species. Enjoy a refreshing swim or a leisurely lakeside stroll, depending on the season.
Your comprehensive package includes pickup, drop-off, dinner, breakfast, a 20-minute camel ride, and a sedan for up to 3 people, providing a captivating blend of history, nature, and local hospitality.
Rating: 4.5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Duration: 2 days | Check Prices
Review: “2 perfect days spent with our tour guide in the desert. We totally recommend this experience. People are great and food was delicious.” Read More Reviews…
Can I Tour Bukhara alone?
You can easily tour Bukhara alone and the old city is in fact very easy to navigate. The entry fees to landmarks are very cheap and many are free. The downside however is that information about the monuments is limited, especially in English, and you won’t necessarily know what you’re looking at.
Hiring a knowledgeable, professional tour guide has the benefit of providing in-depth historical and cultural insights, enriching your experience by unveiling the significance and stories behind each monument or landmark.
Don’t need a guide? Read our Bukhara travel itinerary for a list of the best places to visit in this ancient city.
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