Samarkand, Uzbekistan-6-day-itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Registan Square

  • Morning: Arrive at Samarkand International Airport. Take a taxi or shuttle bus (approx. $5-$10) to your hotel.
  • 9:00 AM: Check-in to your hotel, preferably one in the city center for easy access to main attractions. Some recommendations:
    • Hotel Registan Plaza (Budget-friendly)
    • Hotel Zilol Barchin (Mid-range)
    • Hotel Plaza Samarkand (Luxury)
  • 10:00 AM: Visit Registan Square, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the heart of Samarkand’s historic district. Admire the stunning architecture of the Tillya-Qori Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Ulugh-Beg Madrasah.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at:
    • Cafe Registan (Try their traditional Uzbek dishes like plov, shashlik, or mantu)
    • Restaurant Turquoise Mountain (Enjoy local cuisine with a modern twist)
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Bibi-Hanym Mosque and Mausoleum, one of the few buildings in Samarkand dedicated to women.
  • 6:00 PM: Explore the surrounding streets for souvenir shopping and try some traditional Uzbek sweets at a local shop.

Day 2: Ancient History and Local Life

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Timur (Tamerlane) and his family members.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Chorsu Bazaar, a bustling marketplace filled with local produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Haggling is a part of the fun!
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at:
    • Restaurant Gur-e-Amir (Try their Uzbek cuisine with a focus on meat dishes)
    • Cafe Sufra (Enjoy traditional Uzbek food in a cozy atmosphere)
  • 3:00 PM: Visit the Afsona Bazaar, another bustling marketplace filled with local goods and souvenirs.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner at:
    • Restaurant Navoiy (Try their signature dish, shashlik, or their delicious Uzbek salads)

Day 3: Siob Bazaar and Local Craftsmanship

  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Siob Bazaar, one of Samarkand’s largest markets. Browse the stalls selling fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs.
  • 11:30 AM: Attend a traditional Uzbek craft demonstration at:
    • The Siob Bazaar (Watch artisans at work, making pottery, carpets, or other crafts)
    • The local crafts workshop at the hotel (Some hotels offer this service to their guests)
  • 1:00 PM: Take a break for lunch at:
    • Restaurant Navoiy (Try their Uzbek cuisine with a focus on meat dishes)
    • Cafe Sufra (Enjoy traditional Uzbek food in a cozy atmosphere)
  • 3:30 PM: Visit the Tashkorgani Mausoleum, a beautiful example of ancient Samarkand architecture.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy a relaxing evening at your hotel or explore the nearby streets for some local life.

Day 4: Day Trip to Shakhrisabz

  • 8:00 AM: Take a taxi (approx. $20-$30) or join a guided tour ( approx. $40-$60 per person) to Shakhrisabz, Timur’s birthplace.
  • 9:00 AM: Visit the Ak-Saray Palace, a beautiful example of Timurid architecture.
  • 11:00 AM: Explore the nearby Tamerlane Museum and the remains of the Ark-i-Shahabad Palace.
  • 1:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at:
    • Restaurant Shakhrisabz (Try their Uzbek cuisine with a focus on meat dishes)
    • Cafe Sufra (Enjoy traditional Uzbek food in a cozy atmosphere)
  • 3:00 PM: Return to Samarkand and spend the rest of the day exploring the city or visiting any attractions you missed earlier.
  • 6:00 PM: Enjoy a traditional Uzbek dinner at:
    • Restaurant Navoiy (Try their signature dish, shashlik, or their delicious Uzbek salads)

Day 5: Local Life and Traditional Crafts

  • 9:00 AM: Attend a traditional Uzbek tea-making ceremony at:
    • The local tea house (Some hotels offer this service to their guests)
    • The nearby bazaar (Watch artisans making traditional tea sets)
  • 11:00 AM: Visit the local crafts workshop, where you can see artisans at work making pottery, carpets, or other crafts.
  • 12:30 PM: Take a break for lunch at:
    • Restaurant Navoiy (Try their Uzbek cuisine with a focus on meat dishes)
    • Cafe Sufra (Enjoy traditional Uzbek food in a cozy atmosphere)
  • 2:00 PM: Visit the nearby Kukeldash Madrasah, one of the largest and most beautiful madrasahs in Samarkand.
  • 5:00 PM: Attend a traditional Uzbek dance performance at:
    • The local cultural center (Some hotels offer this service to their guests)
    • The nearby park or square (Free public performances)

Day 6: Departure

  • 9:00 AM: Spend the morning shopping for souvenirs, visiting any last-minute attractions, or simply enjoying the city.
  • 11:00 AM: Check-out of your hotel and head to the airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Samarkand is a Muslim country. Dress modestly and remove your shoes when entering mosques and madrasahs.
  • Be prepared for crowds and haggling in the markets.
  • Tipping is not expected, but appreciated (around 5-10% of the bill).
  • Learn some basic Uzbek phrases to show respect for the local culture.

Transportation

  • Taxi: $5-$10
  • Shuttle bus: $2-$5
  • Guided tour: $40-$60 per person
  • Car rental (for Shakhrisabz day trip): $50-$70

Tips and Recommendations

  • Try the traditional Uzbek tea, green tea, or black tea with sugar and spices.
  • Be prepared for crowds in the markets and streets during peak travel seasons.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Learn about the history and significance of the landmarks you visit.

Other Attractions and Activities

  • Visit the nearby city of Bukhara (approx. 4-hour drive)
  • Explore the surrounding countryside on a horseback ride or camel trek
  • Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Uzbek dishes
  • Attend a live music performance at one of the local cultural centers

Additional Tips for Tourists

  • Download the Google Translate app to help with communication.
  • Bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a camera.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Enjoy the warm hospitality of the Uzbek people!