Layover Diaries: Tashkent — Gateway to the Silk Road in Under 12 Hours

When planning my Umrah Plus Turkey journey, I realized that with a bit of creativity (and the right multi-city search on Trip.com ), I could turn long layovers into new adventures. That’s how Layover Diaries was born.

After Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Athens/Bucharest, and Muscat, my final surprise stop came on the way home: Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

With an 18-hour layover on my Istanbul → Kuala Lumpur flight, I had almost a full day to explore one of Central Asia’s most underrated capitals.

Why Tashkent?

Tashkent may not be the first city you think of when planning a holiday, but that’s exactly what makes it intriguing. As the gateway to the Silk Road, it’s a blend of Islamic heritage, Soviet-era architecture, and Central Asian charm. For travelers like me, it’s a chance to see a city that would otherwise require a separate (and expensive) trip.

• Flight connections: Uzbekistan Airways often offers competitive fares between Istanbul and Kuala Lumpur, with Tashkent as the transit hub.
• Visa requirement: Malaysians enjoy visa-free entry for up to 30 days — making Tashkent one of the easiest Silk Road capitals to visit.
• Affordability: A meal or taxi here costs much less than in most Middle Eastern or European stopovers.

How to Spend 12 Hours in Tashkent

Since my flight arrived at 4:10 AM, my plan was simple:

• Rest or freshen up at the airport prayer room and café.
• Start exploring the city after sunrise (around 8 AM).
• Return to the airport by 8–9 PM for my 11:05 PM flight.

Here’s a compact Silk Road layover itinerary:

1. Chorsu Bazaar 🥙

Start your morning where locals shop. This huge dome-covered market is full of spices, nuts, dried fruits, and colorful textiles — perfect for capturing the essence of Uzbekistan. 👉 Explore Taskent in just hours — book with Trip.com

2. Khast Imam Complex 🕌

The spiritual heart of Tashkent. This complex includes the Barak Khan Madrasah, mosques, and the library housing the famous Uthman Qur’an, considered one of the oldest in the world. 👉 Explore Khast Imam Complex — book your tickets and guide through Trip.com

3. Amir Timur Square ⛲

A symbol of Uzbekistan’s national pride, surrounded by grand Soviet-style buildings. Good spot for photos and a taste of modern Tashkent. 👉 Explore Tashkent with Tashkent Historical City Highlights Guided Walking Tour through Trip.com

4. Metro Stations (Metro Taschkent) 🚇

Tashkent’s metro is like an underground art museum — chandeliers, mosaics, and marble columns. If you only ride a few stops, it’s worth it for the design alone. 👉 Explore Metro Stations (Metro Taschkent) — book your tickets and guide through Trip.com

Bonus Option: Day Trip to Samarkand 🚆

If your layover is longer than 18–20 hours, or if you’re up for a fast-paced adventure, consider taking the Afrosiyob high-speed train from Tashkent to Samarkand (about 300 km away, ~2–3 hours each way).

Alternatively, you can book a guided experience like the Samarkand One Day Tour — Departure From Tashkent or explore other Samarkand day tours available on Trip.com.

Highlights include:

Registan Square — the breathtaking trio of madrasahs, the jewel of the Silk Road. 👉 Explore the Registan Square — book your tickets and guide through Trip.com

Bibi-Khanym Mosque — once among the largest mosques in the Islamic world. 👉 Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque — book your tickets and guide through Trip.com

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis — a sacred avenue lined with dazzling blue-tiled mausoleums. 👉 Explore  Samarkand with  Historical Monuments Guided Walking Tour from Trip.com

💡 Tip: Train tickets sell out quickly, so book online in advance to secure your spot.

Halal Food & Prayer

Food: Try plov (rice with lamb and carrots), shashlik (grilled skewers), and fresh non bread. All widely available and halal.

Prayer: Most major mosques in Tashkent welcome visitors, with Khast Imam (Hazrati Imam)  being the most convenient.

Quick Tips for Layover Travelers

• Currency: The local currency is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). RM1 ≈ 2,500–2,700 UZS (rates may vary), so be ready for large numbers on your notes.
• Transport: Taxis are cheap, but agree on a price or use apps like Yandex Go.
• Language: Uzbek is official, but Russian is widely spoken. Few speak English — Google Translate helps.
• Luggage: Since it’s a through-ticket, there’s no need to collect & re-check baggage — just pack essentials in your hand carry.

Layover at a Glance: Tashkent

• Visa: Malaysians get 30 days visa-free.
• Airport → City Center: 15–20 mins by taxi (~UZS 50,000 ≈ RM20).
• Must-Sees: Chorsu Bazaar, Khast Imam Complex, Amir Timur Square.
• Halal Food: Plov, samsa, shashlik (all halal).
• Prayer Spots: Khast Imam Complex.
• Currency: 1 MYR ≈ 2,500–2,700 UZS (rates may vary)
• Pro Tip: Uzbekistan currency comes in large notes — bring a money clip!

Final Thoughts

Tashkent might not be as famous as Istanbul or Cairo, but that’s its charm. With just a half-day, you can taste the Silk Road, pray at centuries-old mosques, and wander a city that blends East and West in its own unique way.

For me, this layover wasn’t just a stop — it was the grand finale of my Umrah Plus Turkey journey. And the best part? It didn’t cost me extra airfare.

✈️ Coming next: I’ll wrap up my Layover Diaries series with a reflection on how adding Abu Dhabi, Cairo, Muscat, Athens/Bucharest, and Tashkent transformed a simple Umrah+ trip into a five-country adventure.