Samarkand, Uzbekistan 5 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Samarkand

  • Arrival: The closest international airport is Tashkent International Airport. From there, you can take a flight or train to Samarkand (Approx. 2.5 hours by high-speed train).

  • Check-in: Consider staying at hotels like Registan Hotel, Grand Samarkand Hotel, or Samarkand B&B which are centrally located and offer comfortable stays.

  • Explore the City Center (Registan Square): This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. The square is home to three magnificent madrasahs: Tillya-Kari, Sher-Dor, and Ulugbek Madrasah.

  • Dinner at Narafon Uyghur Restaurant: Try traditional Uzbek and Uighur dishes like Plov (Uzbek rice dish), Shashlik (kebabs), and Laghman (noodle dish).

  • Things to Know: Samarkand uses the US dollar as an unofficial second currency, which makes transactions easier for tourists. Always bargain in local markets.

Day 2: Ancient Wonders of Samarkand

  • Morning: Visit Gur-Emir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane). Also, explore Shah-i-Zinda Ensemble, a complex of mausoleums dating from the 9th to 14th centuries.

  • Lunch at Khana Bazaar: This bustling market offers a variety of local food stalls where you can taste traditional dishes.

  • Afternoon: Head to the Observatory of Ulugbek, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest medieval Islamic observatory. Then, visit the Siab Bazaar, one of the oldest bazaars in Samarkand.

  • Dinner at CafĂ© Arabesque: This restaurant offers a fusion of Middle Eastern and European cuisines, with a rooftop terrace offering great views of the city.

Day 3: Day Trip to Shahrisabz

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the historical town of Shahrisabz, the birthplace of Amir Timur. Visit the Ak-Saray Palace and the Dorus Saodat Ensemble.

  • Lunch in Shahrisabz: Try local dishes at one of the restaurants in the town.

  • Return to Samarkand and Evening: Spend the evening exploring the city on your own or relax at your hotel.

Day 4: Explore More of Samarkand

  • Morning: Visit the Afrosiab Museum, which houses artifacts from ancient Samarkand. Then, explore the Bibi Khanum Mosque and its adjoining gardens.

  • Lunch at Said Kim Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of traditional Uzbek dishes.

  • Afternoon: Visit the Paper Mill (Kuksa) to learn about traditional papermaking techniques. Then, head to the Museum of Memory and Glory dedicated to Amir Timur.

  • Dinner at Samarkand Restaurant: This restaurant offers a variety of local dishes in a traditional setting.

Day 5: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Depending on your departure time, you can do some last-minute shopping at the Siab Bazaar or visit any sights you may have missed.

  • Departure: Take a train or flight back to Tashkent and then connect to your international flight home.