Samarkand, Uzbekistan: how to get there and what to see
The Registan, Gur-Emir and Shah-i-Zinda: the best of Silk Road architecture.
About Samarkand, Uzbekistan: how to get there and what to see
Samarkand was one of the great cities of the Silk Road, and its core is the Registan, a square framed by three madrassas covered in blue tile and gold. Nearby are the Gur-Emir mausoleum of Timur and the Bibi-Khanym mosque. Its historic area is inscribed as the UNESCO World Heritage property Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures.
Shah-i-Zinda, a street of blue-domed tombs, is the most beautiful place in town. Allow two days and plan for the early morning and evening, when light and temperatures are kinder.
Tour with this place
Tours that include Samarkand
Good to know
How do I visit Samarkand?
Tell us your dates and starting city. We build a private programme with transport and a guide, and you decide the pace.
Can I add it to a longer route?
Yes. Most travellers combine it with neighbouring places and we adjust days, hotels and stops to fit.
When is the best time to visit Samarkand?
Towns are pleasant from spring to autumn; summers can be hot and winters cold, although old streets are quiet and atmospheric out of season. We suggest how many hours or nights to allow and the best times of day to walk around.
What should I bring to Samarkand?
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket, cash for bazaars and small shops, and a camera.
How to get to Samarkand from Tashkent
The easiest way to see Samarkand is a private tour with a driver-guide starting in Tashkent: you travel by 4x4 SUV, and the guide handles tickets, permits and the schedule. It is more comfortable than public transport or a shared minibus, especially if time is short or you travel with family.
Samarkand fits well into a one-day or multi-day route. Travellers often combine it with Kolsai Lake, Charyn Canyon, Kaindy Lake.
Best time to visit Samarkand
Towns are pleasant from spring to autumn; summers can be hot and winters cold, although old streets are quiet and atmospheric out of season. We suggest how many hours or nights to allow and the best times of day to walk around.
What to bring to Samarkand
Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, a light jacket, cash for bazaars and small shops, and a camera.
Request a tour
Tell us the dates, group size and places you want to see. A manager replies within an hour with a route and a fixed price.
Prefer a chat? WhatsApp · +7 (701) 740-00-33 · info@silktravel.kz