Get Exclusive Access to My Top 10 International Travel Tips - Subscribe Now!
Samarkand is an ancient city in Uzbekistan that was a major trading center on the Silk Road. It has been continuously inhabited for over 2500 years, making it older than Rome, the Maya civilization, and many other ancient empires! Samarkand has also been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to its well-preserved buildings and monuments.
No trip to Central Asia is complete without visiting Samarkand. In our Samarkand travel guide, we will discuss the top attractions in Samarkand, how to get there, where to stay, and tips for visiting.
Table of Contents
Where is Samarkand?
Samarkand is located in southeastern Uzbekistan, approximately 270 km southwest of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. It is also about 60 km west of Panjakent, Tajikistan.
How to Get to Samarkand
There are several ways to get to Samarkand.
By Air
Samarkand has an airport that serves both international and domestic flights. It is very convenient to fly into the city directly.
I flew into Samarkand from Abu Dhabi. If you are in Europe or the Middle East, check out Wizz Air. They offer cheap flights to Samarkand.
By Train
If you’re traveling within Uzbekistan or from neighboring countries, you should consider taking a train to Samarkand Railway Station. Samarkand is well-connected by train to major cities in Uzbekistan like Tashkent and Bukhara.
Seats fill up quickly, so be sure to book your tickets in advance!
By Bus
If you are traveling within Uzbekistan, it is possible to take a bus to Samarkand. However, the train system is so convenient, that I would only recommend taking a bus if you are in a small town not connected by the railway.
Top Attractions in Samarkand
Samarkand is a great place to visit because you will find plenty of things to do. Whether you stay for just a day or two, or decide to spend a whole week here, you will never cease to be amazed by the incredible architecture and rich culture of the city.
Here are the top things to see and do:
Registan Square
Registan Square is Samarkand’s most iconic monument. This square contains three large madrasas (Islamic educational institutions) that were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. At night, this square lights up and serves as a popular gathering spot for both locals and travelers.
For foreign adults, it costs 50,000 UZS ($4.15 USD in 2023. See current rates here) to enter Registan Square.
Check out our travel guide for Registan Square.
Gur-e-Amir Complex
The Gur-e-Amir Complex, also known as the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, is located a few minutes away from Registan Square. This opulent monument is the final resting spot for Tamerlane, the 14th-century conqueror of Asia. His remains are buried in the mausoleum located under the large turquoise domed roof. This is a great place for history buffs to learn more about the ruler.
For foreign adults, it costs 30,000 UZS ($2.50 USD in 2023, see current rates here) to enter the Gur-e-Amir Complex.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
The Bibi-Khanym Mosque is a large monument that can be seen from across the city. Once the largest mosque in the Islamic world, it is said to have been inspired by the wife of Temurlane, Bibi-Khanym. As the legend goes, Temurlane scheduled for the mosque to be built while his wife was away to surprise her.
For foreign adults, it costs 30,000 UZS ($2.50 USD in 2023, see current rates here) to enter Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
Shah-i-Zinda
Shah-i-Zinda is another must-see attraction in Samarkand. This necropolis translates to “The King who lives” in Persian, and refers to the numerous important people buried here. Temurlane’s nephew, Ulughbek’s wife, and Qutham ibn Abbas, the cousin of the prophet Muhammad who brought Islam to Uzbekistan, are all buried here. The intricate turquoise-colored tiles and detailed mosaics will
leave you in awe as you wander through this historical complex.
For foreign adults, it costs 30,000 UZS ($2.50 USD in 2023, see current rates here) to enter Shah-i-Zinda.
Hazrat Khizr Mosque
The Hazrat Khiztr Mosque is located just a few minutes from both the Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Shah-i-Zinda. This beautifully painted mosque offers visitors a relaxing courtyard where you can enjoy the calm atmosphere. In addition, after admiring the architecture and serenity of the mosque, you can enjoy a great view of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque from across the highway.
The Hazrat Khiztr Mosque is free to enter.
Ulugbek Observatory
The Ulugbek Observatory is located near Shah-i-Zinda. This observatory is dedicated to the scientific achievements of Ulugbek. There is a long tunnel where an observatory quadrant was originally used to measure the position of the sun. A small museum is also in the observatory that explains the importance of Ulugbek’s work in mathematics and astronomy.
For foreign adults, it costs 30,000 UZS ($2.50 USD in 2023, see current rates here) to enter the Ulugbek Observatory.
Muzhiza Amphitheatre
If you want to witness a cultural performance, check out the Muzhiza Amphitheatre. I was lucky enough to walk by it during a large performance celebrating Uzbekistan’s Independence Day (September 1). There were different performances by the military, police, martial artists, dancers, and even children. It was also free to watch!
Where to Stay in Samarkand
There are a few different options to choose from when deciding where to stay in Samarkand. We provide a list of highly-rated accommodations, organized by budget. Click each accommodation to see prices and availability.
Low budget - less than $25 USD/night
Medium budget - between $25-80 USD/night
High budget - $80+ USD/night
Where to Visit After Samarkand
Bukhara
Bukhara is another ancient city on the Silk Road that is worth visiting. You can easily travel there via train. The Afrosiyab is the faster (and slightly more expensive) option, while the Sharq is slower and cheaper. You can buy your ticket here.
Expect to pay between 70,000 and 150,000 UZS ($5.75 -12.40 USD in 2023, see current rates here) for the ticket.
Tashkent
You can easily visit Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, from Samarkand. Depending on which train you choose, you can get there in either 2 hours (Afrosiyab) or 3.5 hours (Sharq).
Expect to pay between 85,000 and 150,000 UZS ($7 -12.40 USD in 2023, see current rates here) for the ticket.
Panjakent, Tajikistan
Samarkand is conveniently located near the border of Tajikistan and the town of Panjakent. This is a great base for taking day trips to hike in the Fann Mountains. Some popular hikes include the Seven Lakes and Lake Iskanderkul.
You will have to take a taxi to the border, walk across, then take a taxi to Panjakent. 150,000 UZS for the whole taxi ($12.40 USD in 2023, see current rates here) to the border, then 20 TJS ($1.80 USD in 2023, see current rates here) to Panjakent are typical prices.
FAQs about Samarkand
1. What religion is practiced in Samarkand?
The main religion in Samarkand, as with the rest of Uzbekistan and Central Asia, is Islam.
2. Do any monuments offer student discounts?
Unfortunately, no monuments offer student discounts for foreign adults. However, I always recommend bringing your student ID just in case.
3. What's the dress code for Samarkand?
Dress conservatively! Do not wear shorts, and make sure that your shoulders are covered. In some places, such as the mosques, you will not be allowed to enter if you do not dress conservatively.
4. How did Samarkand become so famous?
Samarkand gained its wealth from the Silk Road. Caravans traveling across Asia brought wealth and new ideas to Samarkand. This helped Samarkand become a world leader in scientific achievement.
