Best Bukhara Itinerary With Kids: Sleeping in a Caravanserai & Exploring Uzbekistan’s Silk Road City
- Nov 27, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: May 5
Bukhara with Kids: Sleeping in a Caravanserai & Exploring Uzbekistan’s Silk Road City
Leaving Khiva felt harder than we expected.
But the Silk Road was calling — and next on our journey was Bukhara.
Bukhara is one of those rare places that feels timeless the moment you arrive — a city of turquoise domes, ancient caravanserais and long, sun-washed alleyways that seem to whisper Silk Road stories. Travelling here with kids was far easier than we expected, and honestly, just magical.
From slow train journeys across the desert to wandering through the bazaars where the kids could watch artisans carve, paint and stitch by hand, Bukhara offered the perfect blend of history, culture and family-friendly adventure.
Travelling From Khiva to Bukhara by Train
We travelled from Khiva to Bukhara by train — a seven-hour journey across a vast, open desert . At first, I wondered whether we should’ve just taken a taxi instead. It sounds crazy to taxi for such a long distance but taxis in Uzbekistan are unbelievably cheap, a taxi to Bukhara was almost the same price as 4 train tickets. But my doubts quickly disappeared.
The train was spacious, calm and comfortable. The kids sprawled out with books, snacks and card games. We watched the landscape stretch out. We chatted with the people around us and met some really lovely travellers and locals. Train travel in Uzbekistan is one of those experiences that makes the journey feel just as memorable as the destination.
Travel Tip: We purchased our onward tickets to Bukhara as soon as we arrived in Khiva — directly at the station after getting off the overnight train from Tashkent. It’s not always possible to book these tickets online, and they can sell out quickly, so buying them in person was the best option for us.
If you miss out, private transfer are always available — but the train is by far the better experience, especially with kids. To check private transfer availability click here.
First Impressions of Bukhara
Stepping into Bukhara felt like stepping sideways in time.
Everywhere we turned, there was detail — intricate brickwork, carved wooden doors, and mosaics shimmering in deep blues and golds, all so beautifully preserved. Its a photographers dream!
Exploring Bukhara with Kids
Something travellers should know: Bukhara is far more spread out than Khiva. The old city isn’t a compact pocket — it’s a collection of squares, domes, courtyards and monuments scattered across a wider area. You find yourself wandering from one architectural treasure to the next: a madrasa here, a minaret there, then a quiet street that suddenly opens into a marketplace. There’s a lot to see, and some places of interest - like Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, you'll need to book a Yandex/Taxi.
Despite this, it’s still incredibly family-friendly.
The city is flat, walkable, and calm, with a slower pace that makes exploring with kids feel easy. Our girls loved learning about the history (especially the dramatic stories of Genghis Khan), and the open spaces gave them room to move and explore.
Staying in a Caravanserai
Our accommodation in Bukhara absolute highlight — we stayed in a traditional caravanserai.
Caravanserai's are scattered all along The Silk Road and served as a secure stopping point for travellers, their animals, and the goods they were carrying and trading. These hubs were far more than just a place to stay; they were bustling centers where trading goods was one thing - but just as importantly they were trading stories, beliefs and learning about other cultures and traditions. This journey would be life changing for those that took it.
It was easily one of the most unique places we’ve ever stayed — and something the kids were completely fascinated by (although maybe not quite as much as me).
If you’re looking for something memorable, staying in a caravanserai is an experience you won’t forget — and there are several you can book in advance. You can browse options here
Wandering the Old City
Bukhara is made for wandering.
We spent hours drifting through quiet courtyards, shaded alleyways, and open squares, never really following a plan.
Some of our favourite moments included:
Watching the sunset at the Po-i-Kalyan complex, as the minaret glowed honey-gold
Exploring the domed bazaars, where artisans still carve, stitch, and paint by hand
Visiting Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace, where the girls loved feeding the peacocks
Stopping for lunch at Lyabi-Hauz, beneath shady trees beside the pond
If you prefer to have a guide, there are great walking tours on offer too,
The Domed Bazaars
The domed bazaars were one of our favourite places to explore.
Filled with tiny workshops, they’re still very much alive today. We watched woodcarvers tapping intricate patterns into walnut boxes and women stitching bright silk embroidery,
It felt like stepping into a living tradition — and for the kids, it was such a hands-on way to connect with Uzbek culture.
Is Bukhara Good for Kids?
Absolutely.
Bukhara is safe, welcoming, and easy to explore as a family. The slower pace, open spaces, and friendly locals made it one of the most relaxed stops on our trip.
From wandering bazaars to exploring courtyards and learning about Silk Road history, there was more than enough to keep the kids engaged.
Bukhara is a city rich in stories, colours and peaceful moments. From sleeping in a centuries-old caravanserai to wandering through glowing madrasa courtyards at dusk, it offered a depth and magic we didn’t expect.
If you’re planning an Uzbekistan itinerary or looking for an unforgettable cultural destination to visit with kids, Bukhara absolutely deserves a place at the top of your list.
If you haven’t yet read about our time in Khiva — our favourite Silk Road city — you can start here.
Curious whether Uzbekistan is the right destination for you? I’ve shared more thoughts here.
Next stop… Samarkand.
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