The Silk Route has always been associated with history, culture, and adventure, which also fascinates travellers. In the past, it was used as a lifeline of trade between East and West, as it was thousands of kilometres long, passing through the deserts, mountains, and the busy bazaars. If in today's time we are exploring the …
Exploring the Silk Road: Top Cities to Add to Your Itinerary
The Silk Route has always been associated with history, culture, and adventure, which also fascinates travellers. In the past, it was used as a lifeline of trade between East and West, as it was thousands of kilometres long, passing through the deserts, mountains, and the busy bazaars. If in today’s time we are exploring the Silk Route, then we can find the traces of the trades run by the merchants, explorers, and conquerors. You can also explore the cheerful and vibrant cities, which are filled with historical stories and their past.
When you travel through the Silk Route, you will understand that the experience you will gain here is something you can never forget, and you will not get the experience anywhere else. The old ancient remains, the busy and colourful markets, and the landscapes are all breathtaking.
1. Samarkand, Uzbekistan – The Heart of the Silk Road
Samarkand is known to be one of the spiritual cities of the Silk Road. This city is known for its architecture, which is of Islamic style. The place has been a hub of cultures for many centuries.
Must-see sights:
- Registan Square: In this place, you will find that there are three giant madrasas standing with intricate mosaics.
- Shah-i-Zinda: This architecture dates back to the 9th century; it is a necropolis with blue-tiled mausoleums.
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque: This was considered to be one of the largest mosques in the world in the past.
Why visit? Samarkand is a place where you will find a perfect blend of history and modern Uzbek culture and tradition. The highlight of this place is the busy and colourful bazars, the local traditional food, along with the hospitality culture, which makes it way different from other Silk Route journeys.
2. Bukhara, Uzbekistan – A Living Museum
When we were in Samarkand, we were talking about grandness, but in Bukhara, we will talk about atmosphere. There are more than 140 architectural monument located here, and because of this, this place is known as an open-air museum.
Highlights:
- Ark Fortress: This place has been a seat of rulers for over a millennium.
- Po-i-Kalyan Complex: This is a beautiful mosque and minaret complex.
- Lyabi-Hauz: This place is known for its charming and beautiful square, along with the traditional and old tea houses.
Traveler’s tip: If you want to get exposure to the old and medieval atmosphere, you can stay in the guesthouse within the old towns of the place.
3. Khiva, Uzbekistan – A City Frozen in Time
Because of Samarkand and Bukhara, Khiva has always been overlooked and neglected. But in reality, it is one of the best-preserved Silk Road cities. The oldest town, Itchan Kala, has been considered to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which has been kept untouched by the travellers.
Don’t miss:
- Kalta Minor Minaret: This place is known and famous for undone and unfinished turquoise tiles, but it is still beautiful and majestic.
- Kunya-Ark Citadel: One of the historic seats of the Khivan rulers.
- Traditional handicrafts: The artisans of Khiva have always kept the old and traditional work, from carpets to woodwork.
4. Kashgar, China – Where East Meets West
Kashgar, which has been known as a trading hub for a long time, this place is located at the crossroads of Central Asia and China’s Xinjiang region. The Sunday Market attracts a lot of merchants from all over the world and the region, and this is the reason why it is known as the largest Sunday market in Asia.
Top experiences:
- You can roam around the Old Town, which is filled with narrow streets and houses made up of mud and brick.
- Visit the largest and famous Id Kah Mosque in China.
- You can witness the markets filled with livestock animals, and the traders bargaining over them, such as sheep, camels, and yaks.
If you want to see the mixture of different cultures of the Silk Road, a mixture of Uyghur, Han, and the traditions of Central Asia, then Kashgar is the perfect place.
5. Dunhuang, China – Gateway to the Desert
Dunhuang is a place that is known as a vital stop along the Silk Road. This place is known and famous for the Mango Caves. The caves are the abode of thousands of Buddhist paintings and statues, which makes this one of the world’s greatest representations of old and ancient art.
Things to do:
- You can explore and get the experience of the camel ride along with a sand sled, and you can get the experience in the Mingsha Sand Dunes.
- You can even visit and explore the natural oasis in the desert by visiting Crescent Lake.
- You can even visit the exhibitions of the Silk Route at any local museum.
6. Tashkent, Uzbekistan – A Modern Silk Road Capital
Tashkent has a unique blend of architecture of Soviet architecture, the Islamic heritage, and a touch of modern city life. This place deserves proper attention from the travellers; it is a transit point.
Highlights:
- Chorsu Bazaar: This is a beautiful and colourful market which is located under a huge blue vault.
- Khast Iman Complex: This place is the home of the oldest Qurans in the world.
- Metro stations: The metro stations here are decorated with unique art forms.
Tashkent not only gives the travellers the exposure of tradition, history, and comfort but also provides the sense of modern touch and cheerful and vibrant nightlife.
7. Merv, Turkmenistan – Ancient Ruins in the Desert
Merv is known to be the powerhouse of the Silk Road, and is considered to be the world’s largest city. In today’s time, there only remain the ruins, but it is considered to be a vast archaeological site, which gives you knowledge of the past and the history of the place.
Must-see ruins:
- Erk Kala: Here comes the ruins of the original fortress.
- Sultan Sanjar Mausoleum: It is the most famous and remarkable structure from the 12th century.
- Great Kyz Kala: It is a palace that is designed in a unique way, which is made up of mud and brick.
8. Tehran, Iran – A Gateway to Persian Culture
Silk Road was not just about trading of goods and materials, but it was also about exchanging culture, and Tehran was the representation of the same. Tehran connects the travellers to the rich heritage of Iran, but Tehran is itself not an old and ancient Silk Road.
Top attractions:
- Golestan Palace: It is a luxury complex of the Qajar era.
- Grand Bazar: This market is filled with people buying stuff like spices, carpets, and antiques.
- National Museum of Iran: This museum contains artifacts that are almost a thousand years old.
If the travellers want to explore more than they can visit the old and historic Persian cities such as Isfahan and Shiraz, which are both connected to Silk Road routes.
9. Istanbul, Turkey – The Grand Finale
Istanbul was the ultimate destination of the Silk Route, where goods from all over Asia were transported into Europe. In today’s world Istanbul is just known for connecting continents with traditions and creating a cultural fusion.
Don’t miss:
- Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque: Visiting this place, you can find the icons of Byzantine and Ottoman heritage and tradition.
- Grand Bazaar: This place is the home of the world’s oldest and largest markets.
- Topkapi Palace: This is a luxurious palace that was once the residence of the Ottoman sultans.
Istanbul is a place where you can witness the balance between both history and modernity; it can balance both modern energy and a rich historical past.
Tips for Traveling
- Best time to visit: You should visit the Silk Road when the weather is pleasant in most regions. So, visiting during spring (April-June) and autumn (September-October) is more advisable.
- Visas and permits: You should be very careful with your visa permission, as the Central Asian countries often ask for a visa, so make sure you have one. Whereas Uzbekistan now offers online visas for many nationalities.
- Transportation: You can travel in overnight trains or use shared taxis for transportation. Buses are the most common in Central Asia. If you are travelling a long distance, then prefer travelling by flight.
- Cultural etiquette: You need to respect the local traditions of the place and need to dress appropriately, especially in religious areas.
When you think of visiting the Silk Route, it not only means exploring the old historic site, but it also means understanding and getting involved in the culture, hospitality, and exchange that have been going on for centuries. The route is not just about the exchange of goods; these roads in themselves tell a lot of stories that are relatable in today’s world, be it Uzbekistan’s blue-domed cities or be it China’s oases.
Whether you are a person who wants to know about the history of the place, or just someone who wants some adventure, or simply a traveller, the Silk Road provides you with an authentic experience of both history and modernity, which you will never forget.
