Enjoy Vacation in Uzbekistan - Explore Day Trips from Samarkand

Which Uzbek tourist destinations are the best? Are you trying to find the most exciting activities in Uzbekistan? Now you go to the right place, we will introduce you to one of the must-see towns in Uzbekistan is Samarkand. This little town has a wealth of history and incredibly stunning architecture. From the way people live to the culture and food, you can't help but fall in love with Samarkand!

Now, we will explore what will be in day trips from Samarkand, let this article be your reference on your next trip to Uzbekistan!

Something About Samarkand Uzbekistan

The second-biggest city in Uzbekistan, Samarkand, is well-known for being one of the key Silk Road cities. For two millennia, ancient Samarkand has been at the nexus of global cultures.

It is among the world's oldest cities. It is much older than Rome, having been established in the 7th century BC! It is currently included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under the title "Samarkand, Crossroads of Cultures." Day trips from Samarkand are definitely worth that you cannot miss in your travel plan.

• The Uzbekistani Som (UZS) is the currency of Uzbekistan.
• English is not widely spoken in Samarkand or Uzbekistan in general. Since taxi drivers are frequently the hardest to get in touch with, ask your hotel to jot down the names of the locations you wish to visit by taxi.

How to get to Samarkand

Every day, a number of trains travel from Tashkent to Samarkand. They are usually on time, comfy, and quick. It takes less than three hours to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand, and the cost of the fast train is 105,000 UZS, while the standard train costs 70,000 UZS.

Getting around Samarkand

Unlucky for travelers, none of the cabs in Uzbekistan use meters, and the Yanix.Taxi app is not widespread in Samarkand. Therefore, you'll need to try to tell taxi drivers where you're going and haggle over the fare. 

Top Things to Do in Samarkand Uzbekistan

Day trips from Samarkand are definitely the highlight of the Uzbekistan trips. It has a rich history and amazing structures like the Registan and Shah-I-Zinda, but it also has a ton of amazing modern attractions to keep everyone engaged. Now, let’s begin to the journey through Samarkand!

Marvel at Registan Square

Registan Square is undoubtedly the heart of Samarkand and its most iconic landmark. This grand ensemble of three majestic madrasahs—Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tillya-Kori—is a masterpiece of Islamic architecture.

Tillya-Kori is there in front of you as soon as you step into the courtyard. Its inner space, which includes a tiny mosque, is the most impressive. The mosque's ceiling is magnificent, and its walls are adorned in elaborate gold decorations. Photos of the Registan before it was restored to its current splendor can be seen on the walls if you stroll around this area.

The Ulu Bey Medresesi is on the left, while the Sherdor Madrasa is on the right, facing the Tillya-Kori. Both feature charming courtyards at the rear, along with tiny stores selling goods from old Uzbekistan.

• Location: Corner of Registan and Toshkent
• Entrance fee: 30,000 Som p/p
• Opening hours: April to September: 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. | October to March: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Registan Square

Visit the Mausoleum of Gur-e-Amir

The next destination of day trips from Samarkand journey is Gur-e-Amir complex. Knowing as the “Tomb of the King”, this complex attracts many visitors to come here to check in. Muhammad Sultan, Temur's grandson, had initially intended for the structure to serve as an Islamic school. However, Temur ordered the structure to be converted into a mausoleum after his untimely death in 1403.

Temur and his other notorious grandson Ulugbek were buried at the Gur-e Amir, although their original plans were to be buried in their village of Shakhrisabz. In the middle of the opulent room containing all of the tombs lies Amir Temur's jade stone burial. With a magnificent arched gate at the entrance, there is a charming courtyard and garden outside.

• Location: Oksaroi St. 1, Samarkand
• Entrance fee: 25,000 UZS per person.
• Opening hours: 8 am to 7 pm

Gur-e-Amir Complex

Walk Along the Silk Road at the Ancient Afrasiyab

One of the biggest archeological sites in the world is the Afrasiab Ancient Site. Even though it is now merely a collection of dirt hills, the historic city is still worth seeing when you are looking for the top things to do in Samarkand.

The Mongols destroyed the old city in the thirteenth century, after it had been occupied from 500 BC to 1220 AD. Covering 220 hectares, Afrasiyab is the oldest section of the historic city of Samarkand.

Numerous artifacts were recovered during the 1894 excavation of the grounds by archaeologists, and many more have subsequently been found. The museum features more than 20,000 distinct artifacts, ranging from jewelry to swords to pottery.

Travelers who love history will like this museum, which chronicles the customs, culture, and way of life of the local population throughout the ages.

• Location: Tashkent Rd. Located near the Bibi Khanaum Mosque
• Entrance fee: 22,000 sum per person
• Opening hours: 8:30am – 6pm

Ancient Afrasiyab

Explore Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

A must-see when spending day trips from Samarkand is the Shah-i-Zinda Mausoleum, a stunning piece of art! Once inside, you have the impression that you are strolling down the main street of a city full of the most exquisite mausoleums. The facility is a photographer's paradise because of the vivid blue tilework that permeates everything!

The most revered of the shrines, Shah-i-Zinda, which means "Tomb of the Living King," is most likely Qusam ibn-Abbas's burial. He is renowned for having introduced Islam to this area in the seventh century. As Timur and Ulugbek buried their families and closest confidants here at later times, the mausoleums were constructed between the eleventh and nineteenth centuries.

• Location: Shah-i-Zinda Street in Samarkand
• Entrance fee: 15,000 per person
• Opening hours: 7 am to 7 pm

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Admire the Bibi-Khanym Mosque

It's time to see the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, one of the most significant and well-known Samarkand sights in the whole city.

According to legend, after Tamerlane's successful march into India, his wife commissioned the construction of this stunning mosque somewhere between 1399 and 1405.

The architect postponed the construction of the mosque because he was much in love with his wife. When Timur returned from India, he was incensed because he had kissed the woman on the cheek, leaving a burn on her skin.

Nobody knows what happened after that, but the mosque is still standing and has undergone meticulous restoration throughout the years in keeping with traditional Islamic construction.

The courtyard is fantastic, and the interior is really gorgeous. An excellent addition to any list of things to do in Samarkand.

• Location: Bibikhonim St
• Entrance fee: 22,000 UZS p/p + camera fee 5,000 UZS
• Opening hours:  8am to 8pm

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Shop at the Siab Bazaar

Day trips from Samarkand cannot be completed without Siab Bazaar (Siyob Bazaar). This is the oldest and biggest bazaar in Samarkand, which is located right opposite to Bibi-Khanym Mosque. When visiting Samarkand, this place is a must if you want to buy gifts to your friends and family to show them the specialties of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

The bazaar has been updated throughout time, yet it still has a distinct and captivating character. Once your tour of the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is complete, proceed through the enormous arches next door to enter the bazaar. There will be so many vibrant fruits and veggies that you won't know where to look, along with a variety of scents.

• Location: 8 Bibikhonim Str., Samarkand
• Entrance fee: No fee charged
• Opening hours: 5am to 7pm, closed on Mondays

Siab Bazaar

Conclusion

Day trips from Samarkand are a journey that enchants visitors with its timeless beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. From the awe-inspiring Registan Square to the tranquil gardens and bustling bazaars, there’s something for everyone in this historic city. Whether you’re delving into the grandeur of its architecture or savoring its delicious cuisine, Samarkand promises an unforgettable journey through the heart of the Silk Road.