My partner and I were pleasantly surprised that our visit to the Ark was much more interesting than we initially thought. The dioramas of the Ark as a fortress after the entrance/ticket window weren't particularly great, but the exhibits inside gave a nice history of Bukhara. The restored mosque was a highlight, as was one of the restored courtyards. If you're lucky (and pay a little extra), you might get a guide to let you see the unrestored sections (and Bolshevik damage) of the Ark in addition to a panoramic view of the Old City.

Well preserved with more being opened up as exploration/ excavations continue. Old mosque & coronation room were highlights. Museum was informative . The views over the city and country side from the battlements were worth the entry fee on their own .Easy to imagine it as self contained citadel with stabling , market , administration buildings as well as the usual “ royal” buildings .

The massive Ark structure is yet another iconic structure of Bukhara. Fascinating to look at and a great point of reference in relation to other sites in this beautiful ancient city. Didn’t bother going inside because through the entrance, it looked like a lot of renovations were being carried out.