Duration — (days): 8 hours
Samarkand is one of the oldest cities in the world, founded in the 5th century BC and known in antiquity as Marakanda, the capital of ancient Sogdiana. Located at the crossroads of the Great Silk Road, Samarkand played a key role in the cultural, commercial, and scientific exchange between East and West.
The city’s oldest settlement, later renamed Afrasiab, preserves important archaeological remains that reveal more than 2,700 years of urban history.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, Samarkand reached its golden age as the capital of the Timurid Empire, becoming a global center of Islamic architecture, astronomy, science, and art. Today, Samarkand is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most visited cultural destinations in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.
During this comprehensive Samarkand city sightseeing tour, you will visit the most important historical landmarks and cultural attractions:
The final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), founder of the Timurid Empire.
The underground crypt also contains the tombs of Miranshah, Shah Rukh, and Ulugh Beg (14th–15th centuries). This monument is a masterpiece of Timurid architecture and one of the top attractions in Uzbekistan.
One of the oldest Islamic monuments in Samarkand, dating to the 14th century. According to legend, a casket containing seven hairs of the Prophet Muhammad is kept beneath the dome, making it an important pilgrimage site in Central Asia.
The iconic heart of Samarkand and one of the most famous architectural ensembles in the world.
Surrounded by the Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari Madrasahs, Registan Square is the symbol of Samarkand’s intellectual and cultural heritage.
A unique cultural stop where the ancient Samarkand paper-making tradition has been revived using historical Silk Road techniques. Founded by the Mukhtarov brothers, the factory produces handmade paper from mulberry bark.
A sacred site revered in Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. Located near ancient Afrasiab, this distinctive five-domed mausoleum stretches along a hillside above the Siab River, symbolizing interfaith harmony.
A unique scientific and architectural monument built by Ulugh Beg, one of the greatest astronomers of the medieval world. The observatory played a crucial role in the development of astronomy and mathematics.
One of the most impressive sacred complexes in Central Asia, featuring a stunning collection of mausoleums from the 11th to 15th centuries, renowned for their exquisite tilework.
A magnificent 15th-century architectural masterpiece commissioned by Amir Timur. Once among the largest mosques in the Islamic world, it reflects the grandeur of the Timurid era.
The largest and most vibrant market in Samarkand, offering spices, dried fruits, oriental sweets, nuts, and traditional Uzbek bread. A perfect place to experience local culture and daily life.