10 Most Beautiful Silk Road Cities To Visit [By Train]

Beautiful silk road cities are one of the famous and amazing routes to travel especially for adventurous travelers. Silk roads connect different trade routes like Roman Empire, East & West. For over 2,000 years, silk roads had been developed to be an influential channel of cultural and religious exchanges.

Above all, silk road countries entice adventurous travelers with epic scenery views, famous attractions and unmatched history. All in all, this is a mix of adventure, travel, fun and exploring the ancient history of old times. Let us show you what these silk cities have to offer to tourists.

10 Impressive & Most Beautiful Silk Road Cities

Here is a list of 15 most beautiful silk road cities to visit & explore.

1. Khiva, Uzbekistan

Khiva is one of the ancient cities to visit. This place is enriched with immersive culture, science and education. In 1990, Khiva was inscribed onto the list of UNESCO world heritage site.

The Ichon-Qala is a beautifully preserved walled medieval town with dozens of monuments. Khiva is not only about exploring ancient history but also it comes with different street stalls where you could easily find anything of your choice.

Pro Tip: Explore silk road by train and visit early to avoid crowds so you could enjoy your time easily.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Kalta Minor Minaret
• Muhammad Amin-khan Madrasah
• The Walls of Itchan Kala

How to Reach by Train?

• You can take a direct train from Bukhara but be sure to check train schedule earlier.

2. Xi’an, China

The old name of Xi’an, China is “Chang’an” and considered as one of the oldest cities in East Asia. Xi’an is located in the fertile valleys of the Wei and Yellow Rivers where you will explore the ancient China’s history and past glories.

Other things that make Xi’an one of the beautiful silk road cities in the world are Big Goose & Little Goose Pagodas. Qing Zhen Si, a famous mosque founded back in 742 that still serves as a place of worship for Chinese Muslims.

Pro Tip: Try to visit in mild weather conditions i.e., May & September.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Xi’an City Wall
• Great Mosque of Xi’an
• Hua Qing Chi

How to Reach by Train?

• To reach Xi’an by train, you can take a train from any other city of the China.

3. Bukhara, Uzbekistan

Bukhara is a medieval city in Central Asia with having more than 2,000 years old history. It was the birthplace of famous scholar named as “Imam Bukhari”. In each street of Bukhara, you will find multiple of religious places in the form of mosques, madrassahs and tombs.

Labi-I Hauz Complex, Mir-I Arab Madrassah, and Kalyan Minaret are few of the famous worth-exploring spots. With the time, Bukhara importance has grown enormously as it is one of the largest cities in natural gas region.

Pro Tip: When visit, do not forget to buy souvenirs, especially silk carpets and robes.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Ark of Bukhara
• Kukaldosh Madrasah
• Rabati Malik

How to Reach by Train?

• Take overnight train from any of the city by booking your reservations in advance.

4. Merv, Turkmenistan

Merv in Turkmenistan is one of the major trading cities along the Silk Road with bustling history. It is also known as “Merv Oasis” and renowned for famous Iranian city near Today’s Mary.

Today, Merv is a large archaeological park which includes remains of Bronze Age centres. This ancient place is a combination of five major cities which covers the area of more than 1,000 hectares.

Pro Tip: It is advised to get a tour guide to make your trip better with additional information.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• State Historical and Cultural Park Ancient Merv
• Great Kyz Kala
• Gyaur Kala

How to Reach by Train?

• Arrive to Mari and take a train to Merv early in the morning.

5. Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Samarkand is one of the famous cities on the Silk Road map, generally considered as old inhabited site in Central Asia. In 1888, with the arrival of railway, now it has become the main exporter of wine, dry fruits, cotton, silk, leather and rice.

The advantageous geographical location, favorable climate and abundance of natural springs make it one of the top-tourist attraction. Before the Commone Era, strong walls and majestic buildings raised.

Pro Tip: Book train tickets in advance via online or through the Uzbekistan Railways app.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Registan Square
• Chorsu Bazaar
• Bibi-Khanym Mosque

How to Reach by Train?

• The “Afrosiab” combines Tashkent & Bukhara so you could easily pick train from here.

6. Konye Urgench, Turkmenistan

Konye Urgench in Turkmenistan is also known as Old Urgench or Urganj with more than 30,000 inhabitants. It is located just south of Uzbekistan. The multiple of grand and ornate buildings make it impressive in the eyes of tourists.

Today, there are only few monuments left with authentic and beautiful examples of traditional architecture. Make your visit to this one of the amazing silk Road countries memorable.

Pro Tip: Bring enough water with yourself and must contact with local people.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Turabek Khanum Mausoleum
• Kutlug-Timur Minaret
• Gate of the Caravanserai

How to Reach by Train?

• Dashoguz new town is best place to catch a train and also you could leave here via train from any other city.

7. Almaty, Kazakhstan

Almaty is one of the largest cities of Kazakhstan with having more than 2 million population. From 1929 to 1936, it was the capital of Kazakhstan. The vibrant cultural life, busy markets, amazing atmosphere and delicious food make it hub spot for tourists.

If we talk about the ancient history of this city. Coming back to Bronze age, the government was ruled by Saka and then Wusun tribes along the Silk Road. We promise that you won’t regret after visiting this place.

Pro Tip: Exchange money at authorized places and use reputable taxi apps.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Ascension Cathedral
• Big Almaty Lake
• Zeleny Bazar.

How to Reach by Train?

• From China, Urumqi is the accessible train to get passengers into Almaty.

8. Sheki, Azerbaijan

In Azerbaijan, Sheki is one of the charming cities that welcome visitors with majestic landscapes, scenic views and dynamic atmosphere. It is a significant city at the crossroads of the historic silk.

Since Middle Ages, the trade still continues along the Silk Roads. Sheki’ famous architectural themes witness to the different cultures and ideas of history within it. Definitely, its a Worth-visit place for tourists.

Pro Tip: Plan to stay at least one night to see beautiful attractions of the city.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Palace of Shaki Khans
• Sheki Caravanserai
• Gelersen-Gorersen Fortress

How to Reach by Train?

• If you want to catch a train from Baku, you can catch overnight train at 11:20 pm from Baku train station.

9. Shiraz, Iran

Once the Shiraz in Iran was the capital of Persia and nowadays it is lying on the beautiful silk road cities map. Shiraz is not only silk road city but also a cultural spot as a trading route to and from the Persian Gulf.

This city has always been a symbol of natural beauty in the form of red flowers with tranquility. But the long history of this place showed some misfortunes as it was damaged by earthquakes. Ancient Vakil Bazaar is a must-visit spot.

Pro Tip: This place is partially safe so do not forget to follow safety measures.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Nasir al-Mulk Mosque
• Shah-e-Cheragh Shrine
• Qavam House

How to Reach by Train?

• From Tehran, you can reach via train affordably by just paying $18, that is far less than other modes of transportation.

10. Bhaktapur, Nepal

A silk route of Bhaktapur in Nepal connects a vast part of the Asia. Not only this city is considered as “Nepal’s cultural capital” but also it provides tourists with religious semblance. Each of Bhaktapur’s temple is rich with Newari architecture.

Dattatryara, Pashupatinath, Taleju Bhabani and Nyataponla are few of the famous temples that you could visit for religious sermon. Apart from religious and cultural history, this place is also famous in providing delicious tastes.

Pro Tip: Dress modestly and try not to make religious conversations with anyone.

Popular Tourist Attractions

• Nyatapola Temple
• Taleju Temple
• Bhaktapur Durbar Square

How to Reach by Train?

• Raxaul Junction railway station is nearly accessible Nepal’s station so catch a train from here to get into Bhaktapur.

Final Words!

Inspired to visit the most beautiful silk road cities? These 10 most beautiful silk road cities in the world will turn your adventurous travel imaginations into reality. From exploring the ancient history to getting an informative idea about trading routes, these cities are best in their own silk road history.

Silk road usually connects the different parts of Asia and Europe so we think nothing best than exploring the inhabitant trade routes. Book your trip from now and get ready to enjoy totally unique experience filled with charm, history and fun.

Frequently Asked Questions