Samarkand, Uzbekistan-5-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Samarkand

Morning

  • Arrive at Samarkand International Airport
  • Take a taxi or shuttle bus to your hotel (approximately 10-15 minutes)
  • Check-in to your hotel, such as the Hotel Dilimah or Samarkand Palace Hotel
  • Freshen up and have breakfast at the hotel or nearby café

Afternoon

  • Visit the Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive squares in Central Asia
  • Explore the surrounding madrasahs, including the Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilya-Kori Madrasah
  • Take a stroll through the nearby Chorsu Bazaar, a bustling marketplace offering local handicrafts, souvenirs, and snacks

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Caravan Café, serving traditional Uzbek cuisine
  • Take a leisurely walk around the city, absorbing the atmosphere and architecture

Day 2: Historical Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane) and his descendants
  • Explore the adjacent Khazrat-Khizr Mosque, a beautiful example of Islamic architecture
  • Stop by the Rukhabad Mausoleum, another impressive monument to Samarkand’s rich history

Afternoon

  • Visit the Afrosiyob Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the surrounding landscape
  • Explore the Museum of History and Culture, featuring exhibits on Samarkand’s history, art, and culture

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Platan Restaurant, serving a range of international and local dishes
  • Relax at your hotel or explore the city’s evening atmosphere

Day 3: Day Trip to Konigil Village

Morning

  • Take a guided tour to Konigil Village, located approximately 12 km from Samarkand (around 30 minutes by car)
  • Visit the Konigil Paper Mill, where you can learn about traditional paper-making techniques
  • Explore the village, observing local life and scenery

Afternoon

  • Enjoy lunch at a local family’s home, sampling traditional Uzbek cuisine
  • Return to Samarkand in the late afternoon

Evening

  • Dine at Old Town Restaurant, offering a range of local and international dishes
  • Relax at your hotel or take a stroll around the city

Day 4: More Historical Landmarks

Morning

  • Visit the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the largest mosques in Central Asia
  • Explore the adjacent Siab Bazaar, offering a range of local products and souvenirs

Afternoon

  • Visit the Necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, a beautiful mausoleum complex featuring intricate tilework
  • Stop by the Khodja Akhrar Vali Mausoleum, another impressive monument to Samarkand’s rich history

Evening

  • Enjoy dinner at Sogdiana Restaurant, serving traditional Uzbek cuisine
  • Relax at your hotel or explore the city’s evening atmosphere

Day 5: Departure

Morning

  • Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs or exploring any last-minute sights
  • Check-out of your hotel and transfer to Samarkand International Airport (approximately 10-15 minutes)
  • Depart from Samarkand, bringing back memories of this incredible city

Things to Know

  • Uzbekistan is a cash-based economy, so it’s essential to have local currency (UZS) with you at all times
  • Dress modestly when visiting mosques and mausoleums
  • Respect local customs and traditions
  • Be prepared for variable weather conditions, including heat and sun exposure

Transportation

  • Taxi: widely available, but agree on the price before departing
  • Bus: a budget-friendly option, with routes covering most areas of the city
  • Walking: Samarkand is a walkable city, but be mindful of traffic and pedestrian paths

Tips

  • Learn some basic Uzbek phrases to show respect for the local culture
  • Bargain when shopping at markets, it’s part of the local culture
  • Be prepared for crowds and long lines at popular tourist attractions
  • Try traditional Uzbek cuisine, including plov, shurpa, and sambusa

Other Things of Interest

  • Take a cooking class to learn about traditional Uzbek cuisine
  • Attend a cultural performance or festival (if scheduled during your visit)
  • Explore the surrounding countryside, offering scenic views and rural landscapes