Bukhara in one day: Lyabi-Hauz, Kalyan & the Ark
One of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world. A centuries-old pool, a 12th-century minaret, the Ark fortress and quiet alleyways — or choose the country palaces of the Bukharan emirs.
Bukhara
Bukhara tour with XANAKA
A local team, licensed guides and time-tested routes.
UNESCO sites
Every monument on the route is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Licensed guide
A state-certified professional with deep knowledge of local history.
Entrance tickets
Included — no queuing at ticket offices.
Hotel pick-up
We pick you up and bring you back: hassle-free logistics.
What we visit in Bukhara
The entire historic centre on foot. Country palaces by car (~30 min.).
Lyabi-Hauz Square · 09:15
A medieval pool surrounded by thousand-year-old plane trees — the heart of old Bukhara.
Kalyan Minaret & Mosque · 10:30
The 47-metre symbol of Bukhara from the 12th century — it survived Genghis Khan.
Ulugh Beg & Abdulaziz Khan Madrasas · 11:30
Two masterpieces of Timurid and Ashtarkhanid architecture from the 14th–17th centuries.
Ark Fortress · 12:15
The emir's residence dating from the 1st–2nd centuries AD — fortress walls five thousand years in the making.
Toki Zargaron + Samanid Mausoleum · 14:30
16th-century covered bazaars + the oldest Islamic mausoleum in Central Asia (9th c.).
Sitorai Mohi Xosa Palace · (opt.2)
The emir's summer residence — a fusion of East and West from the 19th–20th centuries.
6–8 hours in Bukhara · hour by hour
Times are approximate. The itinerary is flexible — we can swap sights on request.
The guide meets you at your hotel. Bukhara is compact — most sights are within walking distance. We'll discuss the pace and any special wishes.
- The cobblestones in the centre make comfortable shoes a must
- Headscarves are provided for women at mosque entrances
Chor Minor (1807) is an unusual madrasa by Central Asian standards. Lyabi-Hauz: a medieval pool surrounded by thousand-year-old plane trees, madrasas and a teahouse.
- The hauz was the city's main water source
- The mythical Humo bird on the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasa
The 47-metre minaret (1127) survived Genghis Khan. Kalyan Mosque (1514) can hold 12,000 worshippers.
- 104 steps inside the minaret
- Mir-i-Arab Madrasa opposite is still operating today
Two madrasas facing each other: Timurid 14th century and Ashtarkhanid 17th century, just 50 m apart.
- Abdulaziz Khan Madrasa: carved gypsum plasterwork inside
A five-thousand-year-old citadel. Royal chambers, harem, treasury and prison all under one roof. Now a museum.
- Walls: up to 20 m high
- The last emir fled in 1920
The best spots are around Lyabi-Hauz. Bukhara plov with raisins differs from the Samarkand variety — well worth trying.
- Bukhara plov: slightly sweet, with raisins
The vaulted Toki domes: jewellers, silk and suzani. Then — Samanid Mausoleum (892–943 AD) — the oldest in Central Asia.
- The brickwork of the mausoleum plays with light throughout the day
The guide accompanies you to your hotel or any convenient point.
What you will see
Lyabi-Hauz Square
A medieval pool in the shade of thousand-year-old plane trees — the living heart of Bukhara.
Kalyan Minaret
The 47-metre symbol of 12th-century Bukhara — it survived Genghis Khan.
Ark Fortress
The emir's residence since the 1st–2nd centuries AD — 20-metre walls of history.
Chor Minor Madrasa
Four minarets from the 19th century — an unusual monument by Central Asian standards.
Toki Trading Domes
Jewellers and craftsmen in covered bazaars since the 16th century.
Sitorai Mohi Xosa Palace
The emir's summer residence — a blend of Eastern and European styles.
What is included in the price
Included
- English-speaking licensed guide (6–8 h)
- Comfortable transport around the city
- Entrance tickets to all sites
- Pick-up at your hotel
- 24/7 support in English
Not included
- Meals and drinks
- Tastings and workshops (on request)
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
- Travel insurance
Price from $70 / person for groups of 4+ · Private tour on request
Pick a day that suits you
Send a request — we confirm the date within 2 hours. Private tour or group — your choice.
What travellers say
"The guide was a true professional. Bukhara left an overwhelming impression. Highly recommend!"
“I booked just a day in advance. They met us at the hotel at 9:00 sharp. A packed itinerary, yet never rushed. A wonderful day!”
“A private tour for our family. The guide adapted to our pace — the kids were never bored!”
Frequently asked questions
Citizens of 90+ countries (including the EU, UK, Japan and South Korea) enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days. Most other nationalities can get an e-visa online in 2–3 days — we can advise on your case.
The Old City option is a walking tour of the historic centre: Lyabi-Hauz, Kalyan, the Ark and the trading domes. The Country Palaces option takes you by car to Sitorai Mohi Xosa Palace and the Chor-Bakr necropolis. Both itineraries are equally packed with highlights.
Yes — that is exactly the third option: "Both, 2 days". Day 1 — Old City, Day 2 — Country Palaces. Perfect if you have two days in Bukhara.
From Tashkent: the Zarafshan train (~2.5 h) or a flight (~1 h). From Samarkand: train (~1.5 h) or car (~3 h). We can help with logistics on request.
Book the Bukhara tour
Guide, transport and tickets — all included. 6–8 hours.
Get a free consultation
Fill in the form — we will get back to you with a personal offer.
You may also like
Samarkand · 1 day
Registan, Gur-Emir, Shah-i-Zinda and the Meros paper mill.
Tashkent · 1 day
Hazrati Imam, Chorsu Bazaar and the metro — the capital through local eyes.
5 days · highlights tour
Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara — three capitals in one trip.