Samarkand

When to Visit Samarkand

A favorable time to explore the attractions of Samarkand and immerse yourself in its culture is during the blooming spring and bountiful autumn when the stalls are filled with cheap and juicy fruits. Spring begins as early as March, and winter arrives only in November.

During summer, the average daytime temperature exceeds +30 °C. Forty-degree heat is not uncommon. Therefore, the summer months, especially July, are not the best time to visit Samarkand, especially for people with health issues. Breathing can be difficult, and nights are hot and stuffy. If you still decide to visit the city in the summer heat, be sure to wear a hat and use sun protection for your skin.

When choosing between April, May, September, and October, rely on your personal tolerance for heat. In May, the average daytime temperature already reaches +26 °C (sometimes even higher). Similar weather is typical for September, so it’s not guaranteed that everyone will feel comfortable. April and October, on the other hand, offer a more moderate climate with an average daytime temperature of +19 °C.

Many tourists visit in late March to experience the Central Asian New Year – Nowruz, celebrated brightly from March 21–23. Autumn guarantees an abundance of fruits at very affordable prices.

Winter in Samarkand is usually above freezing, around +4 °C, but sometimes drops to -1°C, -2°C. It’s not the most popular time for tourists. However, travelers who find themselves in the city during this time may encounter a delightful scene: it turns out that it snows in Samarkand too. Eastern architecture, enveloped in a snowy blanket, presents itself in a completely different light.

Tourist Center

The main tourist street of the city now bears the name of the country’s first president, Islam Karimov, although many still call it Tashkent Street. It is a three-kilometer pedestrian space in the center of Samarkand, stretching from Registan Square to Siab Bazaar. You can stroll along the street, ride bicycles (there are bike rental points), or take an excursion electric car.

A walk along Islam Karimov Street can be conveniently combined with shopping and visiting cafes and restaurants. There are many shops and souvenir stalls, but prices are much higher than at the market and in less popular tourist spots. However, bargaining is possible in any Samarkand store to negotiate a lower price.

Landmarks

The central attraction of the city is the architectural complex on Registan Square, considered one of the most picturesque squares on the planet. It is adorned with three madrasas – examples of traditional Central Asian architecture with ornate glazed facing. The oldest building is Ulugh Beg Madrasa, built in the first quarter of the 15th century. The second is called Tilya-Kori, literally meaning “Golden Madrasa”: stepping inside, you’ll see rich interiors decorated with gold. The youngest building in the triad is Sher-Dor, or the “Madrasa with Lions,” featuring intricate mosaic on its facade.

Try to see Registan both during the day and in the evening when the madrasas are illuminated with bright colors.

The old city sprawls around Registan, with many noteworthy buildings. For example, the turquoise Shah-i-Zinda – a memorial architectural complex with mausoleums from the 14th–15th centuries. The sacred Gur-Emir mausoleum, where Tamerlane’s remains rest, looks majestic. However, the Ishratkhona mausoleum, created for women from the Timurid dynasty, has only picturesque ruins left – it was heavily damaged by an earthquake.

Among Samarkand’s mosques, Bibi-Khanym stands out, named after Tamerlane’s beloved wife. It is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia. According to one legend, Bibi-Khanym built it herself in the 14th century; according to another, it was built by Tamerlane.

In ancient times, Samarkand was a center of science, as evidenced by Ulugh Beg’s Observatory on the Kuhak Hill. It was once one of the most advanced astronomical centers in the world. A museum reproducing the view of medieval observatories was built around its foundation.

Modern attractions in Samarkand are also noteworthy: the city is adorned with bronze tiger guards and other interesting sculptures, color-musical fountains, and parks.