Best Bukhara Itinerary With Kids: Sleeping in a Caravanserai & Exploring Uzbekistan’s Silk Road City
- Kerry Purnell
- Nov 27, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Nov 28, 2025
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, more magical too. From slow train journeys across the desert to wandering through shady bazaars where artisans still 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 soon my doubts began to fade.
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 rich as the destination.
I was also lucky enough to have a young local man swap bunks with me so I could have the bottom bunk. Uzbek people are so lovely and hospitable.
Travel Tip: As we got off the overnight train from Tashkent to Khiva, we then purchased our onward tickets to Bukhara. It is not possible to purchase tickets online - and as we were already at the station, it made sense to purchase them, then & there. I am very glad we did as these train tickets do sell out.
If you do miss out on train tickets, you can get a private transfer.
Why the Train Is Great for Families
If you’re travelling through Uzbekistan with kids, the train is such a good option. You can lie down, nap, walk around, read… all things that are much harder in a taxi. And even though the train was fully booked and the four of us were scattered across different parts of the carriage, everyone was so friendly that it truly didn’t matter.
Arriving in Bukhara: First Impressions of this Silk Road City
Stepping into Bukhara felt like stepping sideways in time, sun-baked walls, cool stone archways, and quiet lanes that curve gently toward turquoise domes. Everywhere we turned, the facades were filled with detail: delicate brickwork, carved wooden doors, and mosaics that shimmered in blues and golds. Even the simplest buildings seemed to carry centuries of stories in their walls. Its a photographers dream!
What surprised me most was how beautifully preserved the architecture is. Many of the madrasas and mosques are covered in dazzling tiles — geometric patterns, swirling calligraphy, and deep lapis blues that catch the light differently as the sun moves across the sky. Some facades are intricate like lace; others feel bold and monumental, rising out of the desert landscape with quiet confidence.
We loved the peaceful courtyards that you can wander through. The kids were so intrigued about the history (mostly Genghis Khan and the brutal stories behind Kalyan minaret) but still exploring this city is such an amazing way for them to connect with history.
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 drifting 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.
Staying in a Traditional Caravanserai
Our accommodation in Bukhara was a highlight all on its own — an actual caravanserai ✨.
Caravanserai 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 hotels; 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. Caravanserais were also a safe place, providing essential services like food, water, stables for the animals, and even bathhouses. They were essential for the flow of goods and ideas, where merchants, pilgrims, and travellers could rest, trade, and share stories.
Thick stone walls that kept the rooms cool in the heat. Heavy wooden doors. An inner courtyard where traders once tied their camels. Staying in one of these old Silk Road inns is easily one of the most unique places to stay in Uzbekistan. Our kids were fascinated by it - maybe not as much as me! #dreamcometrue
If you’re looking for something memorable, caravanserai accommodation in Bukhara is such a special experience, and there are plenty to book in advance on booking.com
Exploring Bukhara’s Old City With Kids
Bukhara’s old city is ideal for slow wandering. It is a flat and easily walkable city, the streets are pedestrian-friendly, and there’s a sense of calm here that makes family travel feel effortless. There are great walking tours on offer too, if you prefer to have a guide.
Po-i-Kalyan at Sunset
The Po-i-Kalyan complex is one of the most famous attractions in Bukhara, and seeing it at sunset was unforgettable.
The minaret — one of the oldest in Central Asia — glowed a soft honey-gold as the sun dropped, and the madrasa tiles shimmered in that iconic Silk Road blue. The kids ran around the wide open space while we soaked in the beauty around us. It felt like standing inside a painting.
The Domed Bazaars: Artisans, Crafts & Local Treasures
The domed bazaars of Bukhara were one of our favourite places to wander. Cool and echoey and filled with tiny workshops. You can browse shops selling handicrafts like jewellery, textiles, and carpets, while enjoying the sounds and scents of the bustling bazaar. The experience is a unique blend of history and modern trade, as the ancient domed buildings, known as Taqi, continue to thrive as active marketplaces.
We watched woodcarvers tapping tiny patterns into walnut boxes, women stitching brilliant silk embroidery, and miniature painters balancing tiny brushes with impossible skill. It was such a hands-on way for the kids to learn about Uzbek crafts and traditions.
Sitorai Mokhi-Khosa Palace - Summer Palace
Slightly outside of Bukhara is Emir's Summer Palace. Surrounded by beautiful courtyards the palace itself is a fascinating blend of Uzbek, Persian and Russian influences. The girls loved being able to feed the peacocks that meander around the palace!
Lunch at Lyabi-Hauz
Lyabi-Hauz is a great place to stop for lunch (or an evening meal) The big, leafy trees around the pond cast wide patches of shade, and locals lounged on benches and sipped tea at the lakeside cafés. It was such a peaceful spot to take a break from exploring Bukhara’s old city. We shared a plate of watermelon, feta and mint along some some other delicious dishes and freshly squeezed juices — a perfect midday pause during a day of sightseeing.
Is Bukhara Good for Kids?
Absolutely! Bukhara is safe, walkable, calm, and full history. Our kids loved the bazaars, the open squares, the friendly locals, getting hands on with wood carving and the slow pace of the old city.
Final Thoughts: Why Bukhara Belongs on Your Uzbekistan Itinerary
Bukhara is a city rich in stories, colours and gentle 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.
To find out more about our personal favourite Silk Road City: Khiva, click HERE
For tips on travel in Samarkand, Click HERE
Not convinced Uzbekistan is for you? Click HERE
This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for supporting this blog - it helps us keep sharing family travel inspiration
Comments