In the footsteps of history: travelling the Silk Roads today

Samarkand (Samarqand in Uzbek) has a history dating back 2,700 years, making it one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. It was the capital of the late Timurid empire created by Tamerlane (or Amir Temur in Uzbek) (1336–1405), and later his grandson Ulugbek (1394–1449) established a centre for science and astronomy there in the 15th century.

What's Samarkand like today? 
Samarkand sits on the banks of the Zeravshan River, in southeastern Uzbekistan, and is one of the most popular Silk Road cities with modern visitors. A vast and ancient city, it hosts some of the most magnificent architecture in the Islamic world with mosques, mausoleums, madrassahs, minarets and mosaics lining the streets. Visit the iconic Registan square which, by day, is filled with traders, ice cream sellers, and craft shops playing music. Stick around until the evening for a light and sound show that illuminates the sparkling mosaics for a captivating spectacle.

To the northeast of the modern town, you'll find Afrasiab, the site of the oldest parts of the city, from where the masters of Silk Roads trade, the Sogdians, ruled from around 700 BC to AD 750. Today it can be found next to the Afrasiab Museum of Samarkand, which is surrounded by a grassy landscape near the Bibi Khanum Mosque. The original mosque was completed in 1404 – though it was later destroyed in an earthquake in 1897 and then rebuilt in the 1970s.

Travel tip: Unravel the wonders of handmade silk clothing at Valentina Romanenko's studio. The products on offer are a blend of ancient costumes, traditional Uzbek suzane (hand-embroidered textiles), and silk evening dresses.

Tashkent (Toshkent in Uzbek) is the capital of and largest city in Uzbekistan. It is one of the most populous cities in Central Asia and the major economic, political, and cultural centre of the republic. Tashkent's history spans two millennia, although few monuments from ancient times have survived. Among the survivors are the 16th-century Ko'kaldosh Madrassah, the 14th- to 15th-century Sheikhantaur Ensemble and the Hazrati-Imam Complex (dating back to the 16th century).

What's Tashkent like today? 
After a disastrous earthquake in 1966, Tashkent was almost completely rebuilt. Modern apartment houses, new architectural complexes, administrative buildings and theatres decorated with traditional tilework make Tashkent a beautiful, fascinating city, with a modern (and striking) metro system that makes it easy to explore.

Travel tip: Visit Rakhimov's Ceramic Studio in the ancient district, established by Mukhitdin Rakhimov, a famous craftsman, scientist and researcher in the field of ancient ceramics. His work is continued by his son, Akbar Rakhimov, and his grandson, Alisher.

Bukhara also has ancient origins and was a major staging point on the Silk Roads, acting as a perfect rest stop. By about AD 500, it was already an important centre, defended by a citadel that still stands to this day. Located about 40km to the west of Bukhara, the ruins of Varakhsha are a UNESCO site and popular tourist spot. Bukhara is also the site of the Ark Fortress or 'Ark of Bukhara', the impressive residence of the former Emirs of Bukhara, which was built around the fifth century AD.

What's Bukhara like today? 
Modern Bukhara is filled with bazaars and labyrinthine alleyways – and provides ample opportunities to meet the locals and discover a thriving and diverse craft scene. The central square of this relaxed town is a great place to grab a drink and people-watch.

Did you know? Puppetry has been a tradition in Central Asia since the first century AD. Discover Bukhara's traditional puppet-making scene and visit the 16th-century Ko'kaldosh Madrassah puppet theatre for a performance. 

Rugged and mountainous, Tajikistan is the smallest of the Central Asian countries. Dominated by the towering peak of Ismoil Somoni (7,495m), this magnificent landscape has been inhabited since prehistoric times. The lush valleys that make up its northern and southern fringes have seen few visitors during the last century, but the area is growing in popularity due to its unspoilt natural wonders, hiking opportunities and rich cultural history.

What's Tajikistan like today? 
Today, the routes that made up the old Silk Roads wind their way through some of the country's most spectacular scenery, providing an opportunity to retrace Marco Polo's footsteps across the Pamir Plateau. Don't miss the epic road journey along the Pamir Highway, which goes from the Kyrgyz border near Karakul Lake to the city of Khorog, and on to the capital of Dushanbe. Or check out the turquoise waters of Margazor Lakes, the Zarafshan River and legendary Iskandar Kul lake, and the natural beauty of the Fann Mountains.

Head to the city of Panjikent to understand why Tajikistan is a destination that promises to ignite a real sense of discovery. From remarkable archaeological ruins and fascinating museums to buzzing bazaars, step back in time at this beautifully preserved historical site.

Travel tip: If travelling through both Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, you'll undoubtedly be exposed to what is known as the 'Plov contest'. Each country puts its own local spin on this rice and meat dish and claims theirs the best. Choose your favourite wisely!

To celebrate Silk Roads, Wild Frontiers is offering a fantastic prize of a 10-day Classic Silk Road Uzbekistan private tour for two people, including flights, accommodation, transfers, guided sightseeing and some meals. Enter the competition (this competition closed on 15 January 2025).

Wild Frontiers have been experts in off-the-beaten-track adventure travel since 1998. Watch their Silk Roads travel guide video.

Silks Roads is supported by 
The Huo Family Foundation

Additional supporters
James Bartos
The Ruddock Foundation for the Arts 
Uzbekistan Art and Culture Development Foundation