Samarkand Uzbekistan 6 Day Itinerary
Title: 6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Samarkand, Uzbekistan
Day 1: Arrival & Orientation
- Arrive at Samarkand International Airport (SKD)
- Check-in at Hotel Registan or Lotus Boutique Hotel for a comfortable stay.
- Lunch: Try traditional Uzbek cuisine at Gafur Gauhani Madrasah Restaurant located near Registan Square.
- Afternoon: Visit Registan Square, a stunning architectural complex with three impressive madrasahs dating back to the 15th and 17th centuries.
- Evening: Explore Siab Bazaar for shopping souvenirs, local fruits, spices, and textiles.
Day 2: Historical Sites & Museums
- Breakfast at the hotel or a local café.
- Morning: Visit Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble, a series of mausoleums dating from the 9th to the 14th centuries, each containing richly decorated interiors with beautiful glazed tiles.
- Lunch: Savor traditional Uzbek cuisine at Samarkand Restaurant located near Shahi-Zinda.
- Afternoon: Explore the Afrasiyab Museum to learn about Samarkand’s history and archaeology. Then, visit the Gur Emir Mausoleum, the resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane).
- Evening: Relax at Ronibek Madrasah Square or Bibi-Khanym Mosque and enjoy the sunset view.
Day 3: Exploring the Outskirts
- Breakfast at the hotel or a local café.
- Morning: Take a day trip to Ulugbek’s Observatory, the remnants of an astronomical observatory built in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, a renowned scientist and Timurid ruler.
- Lunch: Pack a picnic lunch or visit a local restaurant near the observatory.
- Afternoon: Head to Kok-Saroy, a picturesque village where you can experience rural Uzbek life and enjoy scenic views.
- Evening: Return to Samarkand, have dinner at a local restaurant and rest for the day trip ahead.
Day 4: Day Trip to Shahrisabz
- Breakfast at the hotel or a local café.
- Morning: Take a day trip to Shahrisabz (approximately 2 hours drive), the birthplace of Amir Timur, also known as Tamerlane.
- Visit the Ak-Saray Palace, Kok Gumbaz Mosque, and the Dor-us Saodat Ensemble.
- Lunch: Try traditional Uzbek cuisine at a local restaurant in Shahrisabz.
- Afternoon: Return to Samarkand, have dinner and rest for the next day’s adventures.
Day 5: Relax & Explore
- Breakfast at the hotel or a local café.
- Morning: Visit Bibi-Khanym Mosque and the nearby Mausoleum of St. Daniel.
- Afternoon: Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Chorsu Bazaar or stroll along the Registan Canalside Walkway.
- Evening: Dine at a local restaurant with live Uzbek folk music performances.
Day 6: Departure
- Breakfast at the hotel or a local café.
- Check-out from the hotel and transfer to Samarkand International Airport (SKD) for your onward journey.