Things to Do in Samarkand
Explore Samarkand, Uzbekistan’s second-largest city, and uncover its rich history, stunning landmarks, and vibrant bazaars on this immersive private tour!
Hello dear guests of our beautiful Uzbekistan!
In this tour program we will see some of the main popular attractions of Samarkand.
Itinerary:
The Gur-Emir Mausoleum is the burial place of Tamerlane and his descendants. You will hear related facts and legends.
Registan Square is a visiting card of Samarkand. I will tell you about the magnificent mosques and madrasahs located in it.
Bibi-Khanum Cathedral Mosque - You will admire its sky-blue dome and arch the size of the Milky Way.
Hazrat Khizr Mosque was reconstructed in the 19th century, replacing the one destroyed in the 13th century. The original mosque on this site dates back to the 8th century.
The memorial complex Shakhi-Zinda is one of the mysterious architectural monuments of Samarkand. It is believed that this is where the grave of Kusam ibn Abbas, an associate of the Prophet Muhammad himself, is located.
My motherland Samarkand divided into three parts: the new city, the old city and the ancient city.
This tour program is for those who are interested in the history of ancient Samarkand, before the Islamic period, and the history of the state of Sogdiana. The tour takes place on the territory of the ancient settlement of Afrasiab.
Itinerary:
The Hazrat Khizr Mosque was the original mosque on this site dates back to the 8th century and this mosque was built on the site of a Zoroastrian temple.
The Afrosiab Museum is located in the north of Samarkand, near the ancient settlement of Afrosiab. The museum presented its modern appearance to visitors in the 20th century . An archaeological excavations began at this site in the 19th century , as a result of which many artifacts were discovered, which later formed the museum’s exposition.
The Mausoleum of Khoja Daniyar is called by Muslims, or the biblical prophet Daniel - as Christians call him, or Daniel - one of the four great Jewish prophets, located next to the Siab River, between the hills of Afrosiab.
Observatory of Ulugbek was built by order of Amir Timur's grandson Muhammad Taragayom, better known as Ulugbek. It should be noted that “Ziji Jadidi Guragani” or “New Guragan astronomical tables” - the main scientific work of Ulugbek, was created as a result of research at this observatory.
Discover the Magic of Samarkand: A Journey Through Time
Join me on an unforgettable tour of Samarkand, where history, culture, and culinary delights come together in a unique experience! We’ll begin at the awe-inspiring Gur-e-Amir, the magnificent mausoleum of Tamerlane, the legendary conqueror. The entrance fee is 50,000 UZS for tourists. As we explore this grand site, I’ll share the captivating stories of Tamerlane’s reign and the significance of this resting place, which still echoes with the power and grandeur of his empire.
Next, we’ll stroll to the iconic Registan Square, the heart of Samarkand and a masterpiece of Islamic architecture. The entrance fee for tourists is 65,000 UZS. Here, you’ll stand in awe of the three stunning madrasahs, with their intricate mosaics and towering minarets. I’ll guide you through the history of this central square, where scholars and traders once gathered, making it a vibrant hub of culture and knowledge.
Just a short walk away, we’ll visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, a site that was once the jewel of Samarkand and one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. The entrance fee is 50,000 UZS for tourists. I’ll reveal the intriguing legend behind its construction—a tale of love and ambition that has been passed down through generations. As you stand beneath its grand arches, you’ll feel the weight of history and the beauty of this architectural wonder.
Our journey continues to the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, a stunning collection of mausoleums that have stood the test of time. The entrance fee for tourists is 50,000 UZS. This sacred site is not just a cemetery but a place of deep spiritual significance. As we walk through its ancient pathways, I’ll share the stories of the historical figures buried here and the legends that surround them, offering you a glimpse into the soul of Samarkand.
Finally, we’ll wrap up our tour with a culinary experience like no other. I’ll take you to the best local spots where you can taste authentic Uzbek dishes—rich, flavorful plov, succulent shashlik, and freshly baked non. These meals are not just food; they are a cultural experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the traditions and hospitality of Uzbekistan.
Book your tour today and explore the wonders of Samarkand with a passionate local guide who knows every corner of this magical city! Please note that entrance fees may vary from place to place and are subject to change by the government.
Welcome to Samarkand! The tour is a walk through centuries of myths, memories, and moments that shaped one of the most legendary cities on the Silk Road.
Practical Details:
🔹 Entrance fees to historical sites are not included. Each ranges between $5 and $9.
🔹 I keep group sizes small to make the tour feel more personal and flexible.
The tour will cover five historical places of Samarkand:
1. Gur-E-Emir Mausoleum
2. Registan Square
3. Bibi-Khanum Mosque
4. Hazrat Khizr Mosque
5. Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble
To make your experience more comfortable, I recommend bringing:
- a bottle of water (especially on hot days)
- sunglasses or a hat
- sunscreen or an umbrella depending on the weather
- comfortable walking shoes
If you're tired of tours that are mainly history lectures, then book a tour with me! I promise you an experience that will stay with you long after your footsteps fade from its ancient stone!
Добро пожаловать на интересную пешеходную экскурсию по городу Самарканду.
Нашей первой остановкой станет Мавзолея Амира Темура, Регистан и Биби Ханум.
Мы посетим самую низкую мечеть Самарканды высотой 35 метров и посетим старый рынок города.
Насладиться архитектурой Самарканды мы сможем во время 3-часовой экскурсии.
Самарканд – один самых красивых и загадочных городов Узбекистана. Он занимает второе по величине место в стране. Это один из древнейших городов в мире, центральная точка Великого Шелкового Пути между Китаем и Европой.
Будучи ровесником древних Афин и Рима, Самарканд имеет тысячелетнюю историю. В античные времена он был известен как Мараканд и служил столицей древнего государства Согдиана. О Мараканде впервые упоминается в 6 веке до н.э.в Авесте, священной книге зороастризма.
The Samarkand Culinary Masterclass is a memorable and immersive experience that introduces you to the heart of Uzbek cuisine. Set in a traditional guesthouse and an old neighborhood bakery, this journey invites you to discover the secrets of two iconic dishes: Samarkand plov and tandoor flatbread.
Your experience begins in a warm, family-run guesthouse, where a local chef will guide you through the preparation of authentic plov. You'll learn about the history and cultural importance of this beloved dish, as well as the specific ingredients that make Samarkand plov unique—fragrant rice, yellow carrots, tender meat, and traditional spices. You'll take part in every step of the process, from slicing vegetables to stirring the large kazan over an open flame.
While the plov is cooking, you’ll visit a nearby mahalla bakery, where flatbreads are still made the traditional way. Watch as the baker shapes the dough, decorates it with a bread stamp (chakich), and bakes it in a clay tandoor oven. You’ll even get a chance to try the technique yourself.
The masterclass ends with a shared meal, where you’ll enjoy the dishes you’ve helped create, surrounded by warm conversation and authentic hospitality. It’s a truly unforgettable taste of Samarkand’s soul.
*The additional cost of 25$ per person will be only for food expenses and lunch.
Our tour will start from the statue of Amir Temur which is in the center of the city. I will tell you a story about this great men, so you can understand why his statue is in the middle of the city, separating two parts of the city. Then we will visit mausoleum of Tamerlane. After we will have a walk till the "heart of Samarkand" - to Registan square that is main square in the city that was built in 15-17 centuries. Having a walk down to the Bibikhanim mosque you will understand the power and marvelous work of masters and then we will visit Siyab Bazar that is just next to the mosque. The last place in our list will be Complex of Shakhi Zinda the history of this place you know by the end of our tour. (We will see all monuments just outside)
Are you ready for a trip back in time?
Imagine walking the same streets once trodden by emperors, scholars, and Silk Road merchants. It all begins in front of the majestic mausoleum of Amir Temur, where I'll share the secrets of this great conqueror. Little by little, the past will come alive as we continue through the jewels of Samarkand.
But not everything is what it seems...
The Registan, with its imposing madrasas, holds legends that few dare to tell. We'll continue to the Bibi Khanym Mosque, built out of love... or pride? Then, at Shah-i-Zinda, among heavenly mausoleums, you'll feel a special energy, as if ancient souls were still whispering stories.
Why is this tour different?
Because you won't just see monuments, you'll experience them. As a local guide, I'll not only show you the beauty of Samarkand, but I'll also share anecdotes, interesting facts, and details you can't find in books.
Itinerary:
- Mausoleum of Amir Temur
- Registan Square
- Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- Shah-i-Zinda Complex (end of tour)
Book now and let yourself be carried away by the magic of Samarkand!
A unique experience awaits you... and the secrets of the past are ready to be revealed.
Some madrasas and mausoleums may have an entrance fee.
🙏🏻 To enter the historical monuments of Uzbekistan you have to pay , so it is necessary to buy a ticket.
For example:
- Mausoleum of Amir Temur (75,000 sum)
- Registan (100,000 sum)
- Bibi Khanum (50,000 sum)
- Shahizinda (50,000 sum).
The visit to Samarkand starts from the Shakhizinda necropolis, the second monument is the Mirzo Ulugbek observatory and the last is the paper factory, but not on foot but by taxi
Welcome to this interesting walking tour of the city of Samarkand.
Our first stop will be a visit to the Mausoleum of Amir Temur . Afterwards we will see Registan Square , the first madrasa of science and the remains of the Silk Road.
We will visit the tallest mosque in Samarkand , which measures 35 meters, and explore the city's old market.
We will be able to enjoy the 3-hour tour of Samarkand's architecture
