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1 day self-guided Samarkand tour

(6 Reviews)
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+99 888 1664000

+99 888 1664000

info@uzbekistan1.com

1 day
Availability : All year round
Samarkand
Samarkand
Tour Details

Welcome to Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road and a city steeped in history and architectural marvels. In this self-guided 1-day tour, we will take you on a journey through the enchanting streets of Samarkand, where you will discover its fascinating past, awe-inspiring monuments, and vibrant culture. Get ready to immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Samarkand’s heritage as we explore its iconic landmarks and hidden gems.

Duration: Approximately 8-10 hours
Distance: Approximately 6-8 kilometers (4-5 miles)

Itinerary:

  1. Registan Square:
    Start your day at the heart of Samarkand, the magnificent Registan Square. This UNESCO World Heritage site is adorned with three grand madrasahs: Ulugbek, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori. Marvel at the intricate tile work, majestic domes, and ornate portals that showcase the architectural brilliance of the Timurid dynasty. Take a moment to soak in the historical significance of this central hub of trade, learning, and culture.

  2. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum:
    Next, make your way to the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of the great conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) and other members of the Timurid dynasty. Admire the stunning turquoise dome and the intricate mosaic work that adorns the walls. Step inside to witness the grandeur of the interior, which features exquisite marble and gold accents.

  3. Bibi-Khanym Mosque:
    From Gur-e-Amir, head towards the impressive Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a testament to the grandeur of Timur’s empire. Explore the vast courtyard and marvel at the massive entrance portal. Legend has it that the mosque was named after Timur’s favorite wife, Bibi-Khanym, who oversaw its construction. Don’t miss the chance to admire the intricate tile work and the towering minaret.

  4. Siyob Bazaar:
    Take a break from the historical sites and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Siyob Bazaar. This bustling market offers a sensory feast with its colorful displays of fruits, spices, textiles, and handicrafts. Engage with the friendly locals, taste the flavors of Uzbek cuisine, and pick up some unique souvenirs to remember your visit.

  5. Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis:
    Continue your journey to the sacred Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a breathtaking ensemble of mausoleums and tombs. Legend has it that the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad, Kusam ibn Abbas, is buried here. Marvel at the intricate tile work and the vibrant blue hues that adorn the structures. Explore the narrow alleyways and discover the stories behind each mausoleum.

  6. Ulugbek Observatory:
    Make your way to the outskirts of Samarkand to visit the Ulugbek Observatory, built by the renowned astronomer and mathematician, Ulugbek, in the 15th century. Admire the remains of the observatory’s sextant, which was used to measure the positions of celestial bodies. Learn about Ulugbek’s significant contributions to astronomy and his pursuit of knowledge during the Timurid era.

  7. Afrosiab Museum:
    Head back to the city center and visit the Afrosiab Museum, located near the ancient ruins of the Afrosiab settlement. Explore the exhibits that showcase the history of Samarkand from its prehistoric origins to the Timurid period. Admire the archaeological artifacts, ancient murals, and reconstructed pieces that provide insights into the city’s past.

  8. Hazrat-Khizr Mosque:
    End your day by visiting the serene Hazrat-Khizr Mosque, nestled amidst the bustling streets of Samarkand. This peaceful sanctuary is believed to be one of the oldest mosques in Central Asia. Take a moment to reflect and soak in the tranquility of the surroundings.

As your self-guided 1-day tour of Samarkand comes to an end, you will have experienced the grandeur of Registan Square, explored the mausoleums and mosques that bear witness to the city’s rich history, and delved into the vibrant culture of the Siyob Bazaar. Samarkand’s timeless beauty and captivating heritage will leave an indelible mark on your journey. Remember to take your time, savor each moment, and let the spirit of Samarkand guide you through its enchanting streets.

Ideas for 1 day in Samarkand

Ideas for 3 days in Samarkand

Get acquainted with Samarkand on Registan Square, where the “Golden Madrasa,” the “Madrasa with Lions,” and Ulugh Beg Madrasa are located. Then head down Islam Karimov Street to Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and from there, to Siab Bazaar. Spend an hour or two at this Eastern market, then turn towards the Shahi-Zinda complex and Ulugh Beg’s Observatory. On the way, you’ll see several interesting mosques and mausoleums.

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.

Day One: After exploring the architectural complex on Registan Square, take a stroll along Islam Karimov Street. Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the Shahi-Zinda complex, admire other landmarks in the old city. Explore the medieval observatory and study the exhibits at the Mirzo Ulugh Beg Museum.

Day Two: Dedicate this day to exploring the ancient history of Samarkand at the Afrasiab archaeological site. After a tour of the museum of the same name, which houses archaeological finds, immerse yourself in the colors of Siab Bazaar. Spend the evening in an Eastern hammam or a national costume theater.

Day Three: On this day, starting from Registan again, head in the opposite direction towards the Rukhabad mausoleum. Walking along Registan Street, you will reach the monument to Tamerlane. From there, it’s not far to the Samarkand Regional Local Lore Museum, and after visiting, you can relax by the fountain in Alisher Navoi Park.

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6 Reviews
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Martin K - UK

Solo Traveller

This tour was an absolute blast! The itinerary was well-planned, and we got to see so much in just 1 day. Highly recommend

11.10.2023

David Buchet

Solo Traveller

Overall, I found the self-guided tour in Samarkand to be a fantastic experience. The itinerary that you compiled was well-organized and helped me make the most of my limited time in the city. The tour covered all the major highlights and historical sites, allowing me to immerse myself in the rich history and culture of Samarkand.

One of the highlights of the tour was visiting Registan Square. The stunning architectural beauty of the three madrasahs, Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilya-Kori Madrasah, left me in awe. The intricate tile work and majestic domes truly reflected the grandeur of ancient Samarkand.

Another notable stop was the Shah-i-Zinda complex. The labyrinthine alleys adorned with mausoleums and tombs were simply mesmerizing. Each mausoleum had its unique charm, and the spiritual ambiance added to the overall experience.

I also enjoyed exploring the ancient city of Afrasiab. The Museum of Afrasiab provided valuable insights into the history of Samarkand. The ancient wall paintings and artifacts showcased the artistic and cultural heritage of the region.

The tour directions and suggestions were clear and easy to follow, making navigation hassle-free. The inclusion of historical anecdotes and background information about each site added depth to the tour and enhanced my understanding of Samarkand’s rich past.

If I were to suggest any improvements, it would be to provide more recommendations for local restaurants or cafes along the way. Exploring the local culinary scene is an important aspect of any travel experience, and having some suggestions for authentic Uzbek cuisine would have been helpful.

In summary, the self-guided 1-day tour in Samarkand was a great way to explore the city at my own pace. The itinerary was well thought out, and the tour provided a good balance between historical landmarks and cultural sites. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Samarkand for a day.

04.10.2023

Mei from Beijing, China

Group Traveller

Exploring Samarkand was like stepping into a living history book! Gur-Emir Mausoleum’s architecture was majestic, and the Shakhi Zinda Necropolis felt like a stroll through time. Siab Bazaar’s local flavors were a treat, and Tilla-Kori Madrasah’s gold embellishments were exquisite.

22.09.2023

Elena Petrenko

Family Traveller

A day immersed in Samarkand’s wonders! Registan Square’s grandeur set the tone, and the Bibi Khanum Mosque’s history was captivating. Siab Bazaar was bustling with energy, and the Afrasiab Museum’s artifacts told stories of ancient times. Samarkand is a treasure trove! The Afrasiab Museum showcased the city’s evolution, and Tilla-Kori Madrasah’s intricate details were captivating.

31.05.2023

Ahmed K (Dubai, UAE)

Couple Traveller

A journey through the heart of Samarkand! Gur-Emir Mausoleum and Shakhi Zinda offered a glimpse into the city’s rich history. Siab Bazaar was a sensory delight, and the Tilla-Kori Madrasah’s gold leaf designs were stunning.

20.04.2023
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