Samarkand, Uzbekistan 2 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring Historical Wonders of Samarkand

Morning:

  • Arrival at Samarkand International Airport (airport code: SKRD). You can arrange a pre-booked taxi or use local transportation such as shared taxis or marshrutkas.
  • Check-in at your hotel. Recommended places to stay include:
    • Hotel Samarkand: Centrally located and offers a rooftop restaurant with stunning views.
    • Boutique Hotel Konstantin Koni: A smaller, more intimate option with modern amenities.

Breakfast:

  • Enjoy a traditional Uzbek breakfast at one of the local cafes or your hotel. Dishes to try include plov (rice pilaf), shashlik (kebabs), and non (green tea).

Morning Activities:

  • Registan Square: A must-visit for its iconic architecture, including three magnificent madrasahs: Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tillya-Kari Madrasah.
  • Gur-Emir Mausoleum: The resting place of the Timurid dynasty, including Amir Timur himself.

Lunch:

  • Have lunch at a local chaikhana (tea house). Try samsa (meat-filled pastries) and lagman (noodle soup).

Afternoon Activities:

  • Bibi-Khanym Mosque: One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, named after Timur’s favorite wife.
  • Siab Bazaar: A lively market where you can buy traditional Uzbek handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.

Dinner:

  • Dine at Kukeldash Madrasah Restaurant, where you can enjoy a buffet of traditional Uzbek dishes in a historic setting.

Evening:

  • Relax at your hotel or explore the local nightlife, perhaps with a drink at one of the rooftop bars with views of the Registan Square.

Day 2: Ancient Sites and Modern Charm

Morning:

  • Shah-i-Zinda: A complex of mausoleums dating back to the 14th century, considered one of the holiest sites in Islam in Central Asia.
  • Ulugbek Observatory: Visit the site where Ulugbek, a notable astronomer and ruler, built an observatory in the 15th century.

Lunch:

  • Head to Mohammad Amin Techkhona, known for its delicious plov.

Afternoon Activities:

  • Afrosiab Museum: Learn about the history of Samarkand with exhibits dating back to the Bronze Age.
  • Samarkand Regional Museum of Fine Arts: Appreciate Uzbek and Central Asian art at this museum.

Dinner:

  • Enjoy a final meal in Samarkand at Sultan Behdim, a popular restaurant known for its traditional Uzbek dishes.

Evening:

  • Departure preparations or explore more of the local nightlife before your departure the next day.

Transportation:

  • Local transportation includes shared taxis (marshrutkas) and buses, as well as pre-booked taxis. It’s recommended to agree on prices in advance.

Things to Know:

  • Uzbekistan uses the UZS (Uzbekistani Som). Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s best to have cash on hand.
  • English is not as common as Russian, so it may be helpful to learn a few phrases or hire a guide.
  • Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting religious sites.