Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, walking the streets of Old Bukhara somewhat feels like living in an open air museum, with well-preserved Islamic Architecture elements, ancient minaret towers, mosque and mausoleums. Compared to Samarkand, Bukhara is more rugged and unpolished/rough on the edges, offering visitors an authentic old world feels. It is also relatively smaller, that the call for Islamic prayer 5x a day can be heard throughout the place. I stayed at a guesthouse in a community just outside of the old fortress, which actually elevated my Bukhara experience.

I arrived in Bukhara from Samarkand by regional train (3 hours). For public transport details, refer here.

Bukhara is known as a major Silk Road trading hub with over 2,000 years of history and a remarkably well-preserved medieval Islamic old town. By the 10th century, Bukhara emerged as a major center of Islamic scholarship and theology in Central Asia.

Standing at roughly 45 meters tall, the Kaylan Minaret (call for prayer tower) is Bukhara’s most recognizable Architectural treasure. The pillar is made of baked terracotta bricks adorned with intricate geometric patterns and bands of Islamic calligraphy. Our guide mentioned that when Genghis Khan conquered Bukhara in 1220, the Mongol invading forces destroyed much of the city. However, legend says he was so struck by the height and beauty of the Kalyan Minaret that he ordered it spared.

The Registan Square of Bukhara and its surrounding bazaars and carpet museum.

The Funny Man statue in Bukhara is revered as a monument for happiness and luck.

The unusual-looking Chor Minor in Bukhara. Its name translates to “Four Minarets,” referencing its four distinct, stubby towers topped with bright turquoise-blue ceramic domes

Adding to Bukhara’s old world vibe are vintage shops that is hard to miss. The shops sell trinkets from the Soviet Era, as well as antique metal works that are not cheap. Vintage shop even sells expired passport of deceased individuals from the Soviet Union.

Sunset in Bukhara. Best experienced from a nearby rooftop cafe

Stayed in Bukhara for 3 days, and I had quite a lot of time to try local restaurants and cafes. Dining and getting around is relatively inexpensive. Bukhara food is regional Central Asian, which is comparable to the dishes I had in Kyrgyztan. plov, lacman noodles, manti dumplings and nan.

I stayed at Oximlon Guesthouse, which is located in a community just outside of the old fortress. With the proximity, I got to explore the fortress during early morning, as well as late. Only 750 Pesos per night or an airconditioned private room booked through Agoda.