Walled desert museum-city.
Best time: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Budget: $40-80/day
Top fact: Khiva's Itchan Kala, the inner town, is a UNESCO World Heritage site, renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and over 50 historic monuments.
View Khiva →Silk Road mosaics.
Best time: Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct
Budget: $40-80/day
Top fact: Samarkand is home to the Registan, a monumental complex that dates back to the 15th century and features stunning tile work and intricate mosaics.
View Samarkand →Both in Uzbekistan — compare vibe, budget, and best season.