Samarkand Uzbekistan 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Historical Center

  • Morning: Check-in at a centrally located hotel like Hotel Samarkand B&B or Grand Samarkand Hotel. After settling in, start your day with a traditional Uzbek breakfast at the Tashkent Choykhona near Registan.

  • Mid-Morning: Visit Registan Square, a stunning example of Islamic architecture featuring three magnificent madrasahs: Tillya-Kari (Golden), Sherdor, and Ulughbek Madrasahs.

  • Afternoon: Head to Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane). Explore the intricate architecture and the tombs of Timur and three of his family members. Nearby, you can find Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble, a series of mausoleums dating back to the 9th century.

  • Evening: Dinner at Buyol-Bukhara restaurant, offering a variety of traditional Uzbek dishes like plov, shashlik, and samsa. After dinner, take a leisurely stroll along the Siab Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in Central Asia.

Day 2: Architectural Wonders & Local Life

  • Morning: Start with breakfast at your hotel. Then visit Bibi Khanym Mosque, a breathtaking monument built by Timur’s wife, Bibi Khanym.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Afrosiab Museum for an insight into the history and culture of ancient Samarkand. In the afternoon, visit Ulugbek Observatory, one of the most important sites of astronomy in the medieval world.

  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Samarkand Teahouse, a cozy place with live music and traditional Uzbek dishes. After dinner, explore the local life by taking a walk around the Namag’Uvon (Mother of the Clouds) Park.

Day 3: Outskirts of Samarkand

  • Morning: Have breakfast at your hotel and then travel to Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur. Visit Ak Saray Palace, Dorus Saodat Ensemble, and Kok Gumbaz Mosque.

  • Afternoon: Return to Samarkand for lunch. In the afternoon, visit Khazrati Imam Complex which houses a number of important monuments including Tillya Sheikh Mosque, the largest mosque in Central Asia, and the oldest Quran in the world - Sadir Bukhari.

  • Evening: Enjoy your last dinner in Samarkand at Hudjumdor restaurant. After dinner, spend some time shopping for souvenirs at Siab Bazaar or any other local market.

Things to Know:

  1. Uzbekistan uses the Uzbek Som as currency. It’s recommended to have some local currency on hand.
  2. The best months to visit Samarkand are from April to October when the weather is pleasant.
  3. Haggling is common in bazaars, so don’t hesitate to bargain.
  4. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting religious sites.
  5. English is not widely spoken, so it might be helpful to have a translation app or hire a guide.

Transportation:

  1. Taxis are readily available in Samarkand. You can also use the local bus system for a more authentic experience.
  2. If you prefer private transportation, consider hiring a car with a driver for convenience and flexibility.