Samarkand Uzbekistan 2 Day Itinerary

Two Days in Samarkand: A Traveler’s Guide

This itinerary offers a taste of Samarkand’s highlights for those with limited time.

Day 1: Exploring the Heart of Silk Road History

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast (8-9am): Start your day with a traditional Uzbek breakfast at “Chaihana” near Registan Square. Enjoy flatbreads, bread with cheese and jam, savory pastries, and strong tea.
    • Registan Square (10am-12pm): This is the must-see landmark of Samarkand. Immerse yourself in its grandeur and marvel at the three magnificent madrasahs: Ulugh Beg Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilya-Kori Madrasah. Explore their intricate tilework, towering minarets, and beautiful courtyards.

  • Things to know:

    • Time: The best time to visit Samarkand is during spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) for pleasant weather.

    • Weather: Be prepared for varying temperatures, especially if you travel during these seasons. Bring layers and a light jacket.

    • Currency: The currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbek som (UZS). You’ll find ATMs readily available but it’s always wise to have some local currency on hand.

  • Afternoon:

    • Lunch (1pm-2pm): Enjoy a delicious and affordable meal at “Samarkand Restaurant” in the city center, known for its traditional Uzbek cuisine like plov and samsa.
    • Gur-e Amir Mausoleum (2pm-4pm): This stunning mausoleum is the final resting place of Timur’s tomb, a testament to the powerful ruler who once controlled this vast empire.

  • Evening:

    • Dinner (8pm-9pm): Savor authentic Uzbek dishes like shashlik and lagman at “Shah-i-Zinda Complex,” renowned for its intricate tilework and serene atmosphere.

Things to know:

  • Where: The “Shahi Zinda” (meaning “The Tomb of the Living”) is a complex of tombs and mausoleums, not just one. It’s a complex with beautiful turquoise domes, intricately designed facades, and stunning tilework.
  • Food: Explore local restaurants in the area for an authentic Uzbek experience.

Day 2: Stepping Back in Time and Into the Future

  • Morning:

    • Breakfast (9am-10am): Enjoy a hearty breakfast at “Silk Road Cafe,” a popular cafe near the Bibi-Khanym Mosque.
    • Bibi-Khanym Mosque (10:30am-12:30pm): Visit this grand mosque, once one of the largest in the world.

  • Transportation:

    • While walking is ideal for exploring the historical sites within the city center, taxis and buses are readily available for getting around the rest of Samarkand.

Tips for a smooth journey:

  • Bargain for fares: Taxis in Samarkand don’t use meters. Be sure to agree on a price before you get in.

  • Learn some basic Russian phrases: While Uzbek is the official language, many locals speak at least some Russian and can be helpful if you need to communicate with drivers.**

  • Transportation:

    • Learn to navigate public transport: Buses are inexpensive and frequent, but learning how to read the routes and signs can be tricky.

  • Carry a map or download an app: This will help you get around the city confidently.

  • Visit Timur’s tomb:

    • Immerse yourself in history by visiting this impressive monument.

  • Experience the modern side of Samarkand:

Transportation:

  • Use “Uzbekistan Airways” for flights within the country: They are reliable and have good connections to other Uzbek cities.

  • Explore “Bibi-Khanym Mausoleum,” a beautiful example of ancient architecture and craftsmanship.

Food:

  • Enjoy the local cuisine at “Shah-i-Zinda” complex: You can find traditional Uzbek dishes like plov (rice dish), samsa (pastry filled with meat or vegetables), shashlik (grilled meat) and non (bread)

Accommodation:

  • Bibi-Khanym Plaza Hotel: This hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, all with stunning views of the “Bibi-Khanym” mosque.
  • Samarkand Darvoza Hotel: Located near the historic Registan Square and offering traditional Uzbek hospitality in a modern setting.

Transportation:

  • Explore local transport options: While buses are an option for exploring the city, consider using taxis or ride-sharing apps like “UzTaxi” or “Gett” to navigate.

  • Learn about the history of the city:

    • Take a walk through Samarkand’s Old City:

Explore the ancient alleyways and discover the historical charm of this ancient city.

  • Explore the bustling bazaars:

Experience the local culture and find unique souvenirs at “Siab Bazaar” or the “Shah-i-Zindan” market. Shopping for souvenirs in Samarkand:

  • Visit “Siab Bazaar,” a vibrant hub of traditional crafts, textiles, and food.

  • Explore the workshops around the city: Witness artisans crafting intricate ceramics, carpets, and jewelry.

  • Learn about the Silk Road’s impact on the region:

  • Learn to bargain: Prices are often negotiable in the “Siab Bazaar”

  • Visit Gur-e-Amir: This mausoleum is a must-see for its stunning architecture and the opportunity to learn about Timur’s legacy.

Explore the history of the city:

  • The “Bibi-Khanym” mosque itself is worth exploring, as it is a beautiful example of Timurid architecture.

  • Experience the local culture:

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere: Visit the bustling “Siab Bazaar” to experience the diverse culture and history of the Silk Road.

Accommodation:

  • Shah-i-Zinda Hotel: This hotel offers a variety of rooms and suites, all with stunning views of the “Gur-e-Amir” mausoleum.
  • Learn about the city’s architecture: Visit the “Bibi-Khanym” mosque and admire the intricate turquoise tilework on its dome.

Things to do:

  • Visit a historical site: Explore the ancient ruins of “Afrasiab,” the “Gur-e-Amir” complex, or the “Bibi-Khanym” mosque.

  • Explore the local markets: Find unique souvenirs and experience the traditional trading culture.

  • Discover the history of the Silk Road:

  • Museums and historical sites: Explore the “Afrasiab Museum” for a deeper understanding of this ancient trade route.

Things to know:

  • Transportation:

  • Buses are a common and affordable transportation method in Samarkand, but be prepared for crowded conditions and potential delays.**

  • Currency: The local currency is the Uzbek som (UZS).

  • Travel season:

The best time to visit Samarkand is during the shoulder seasons of spring and autumn.

  • Bargain carefully: Prices are often negotiable, especially at “Bibi-Khanym” bazaar.

  • Learn basic phrases:

Knowing a few words in Uzbek will be helpful for ordering food or souvenirs.

  • Taxis:

Remember to negotiate the fare before you get in! Prices are usually set based on distance and negotiation.

  • Currency:

  • Negotiate a price beforehand, as they don’t use meters.

  • Transport:

  • Travel:

You can visit “Bibi-Khanym” plaza to find traditional Uzbek souvenirs.

  • Food:

  • Culture:

  • Transportation:

  • Market: For a unique experience, consider visiting the “Siab Bazaar” for local crafts and produce.

Remember:

  • Be respectful of local customs.

  • Learn about the history of the Silk Road

  • Learn to bargain:

  • Remember: Prices are usually negotiable.

  • Carry a few small notes for smaller purchases.

  • Negotiating with taxi drivers: The “Siab Bazaar” is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, so you’ll be in good company when it comes to haggling.

  • Food:

For transportation:

  • Public transport: Taxis are readily available and can be a good way to get around the city quickly and cheaply.

  • Learn:

To bargain for the best price, be polite but firm.

  • Try: Asking locals what they think is a fair price for a ride or a “Bibi-Khanym” souvenir.

  • Travel:

  • Explore:

Remember to:

  • Negotiate prices: Always negotiate a fare before getting in a taxi, as drivers often don’t use meters.

  • Visit: The Registan and the surrounding area for a truly immersive experience.

Things to do:

  • Experience the “Bibi-Khanym” Complex:

A good starting point is “Siab Bazaar,” which is a traditional market known for its vibrant atmosphere and diverse goods.

  • Consider:

  • The location:

Can be a great place to purchase souvenirs, as it’s a popular destination for tourists and locals.

  • Exploring the local culture:

To explore the “Shah-i-Zinda” Complex:

  • Explore the “Registan” complex: A large and fascinating marketplace with a variety of stalls selling everything from traditional carpets and pottery to spices and souvenirs.

  • Experience the bustling atmosphere:

  • The Registan Square:

Is a great place to learn about the history of the Silk Road.

  • Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere:

  • Savor:

  • Explore the “Bibi-Khanym” complex:

This is a perfect opportunity to experience the city’s rich architectural heritage and learn about its past as a major trading center on the Silk Road.

  • Markets:

Enjoy the experience of local markets:

Visit the “Shah-i-Zinda” museum for a taste of history:

The history of the “Bibi-Kh afrontar a Khanym” mosque and mausoleum:**

  • Explore the “Shah-i-Dunya” (the world) complex:

This can be a great place to find local crafts.

  • Consider the “Silk Road” theme:

You are looking for a unique experience:

The “Si” is a good example of a traditional Uzbek market,

where you can find a variety of local goods and souvenirs.

For transportation:

  • Negotiating:

Prices are usually negotiable in “travel” settings.

  • Travel:

You’ll want to consider the location carefully.

  • **Explore the “Bibi-Khanym” marketplace:

Consider visiting the “Shah-i-Zinda” and “Gauris” markets, popular for:**

  • **Local crafts:

Bargaining is essential in Uzbekistan, as it’s a cultural norm to negotiate prices in markets.

  • Prices:

  • Explore the local history: The “Registan” was a place where merchants met and traded during the Silk Road era.

You can learn about this historical site:

  • Learn the local market culture:

  • Learn:

To explore the various aspects of the city’s past, such as its traditional architecture and markets.

  • Travel:

  • Bibi-Khanym: For a glimpse into the past,

Visit the “Shah-i-Zinda” Complex in the heart of Samarkand to see:

  • The bustling marketplace:

Learn about the history of the “Siab” Zind and the history of the Silk Road.

  • The “Bibi-Khanym” complex:

  • Tiling: Consider visiting the “Shah"i-Zinda” cemetery for a glimpse into the local cultural heritage.

**To get a taste of the local history,

you can explore the “Shah-i-Zinda”

Exploring the “Shah-i-Zindan”:

  • The “Shahi-Zinda” mosque:

  • The bustling marketplace:

  • Torium: Learn about the history and architecture of the “Tashkent” region.

  • Experience the local markets in “Samarkand”:

The “Siab” is a great example of the local trade culture.

Things to remember:

  • Local currency:

Prices are generally negotiable, but it’s best to be polite and respectful.

  • Respect for local culture:

Always be mindful of local customs when interacting with merchants.

  • Learn about the history of the “Tashkent” region:

Understanding the context of the Silk Road can help you understand why the prices are what they are.

The marketplace is a reflection of the region’s culture:

  • Bargaining:

Remember to negotiate, but always be respectful and mindful of the local culture.

  • Transportation:
  • Travel:

For example, you can learn about the history of “silk”

as a material that was sold at these markets.

To ensure a positive experience for everyone:

  • Learn the language:

Knowing basic phrases like “How much?” and “Can I negotiate?”

is a good way to start.

  • Respect local customs:

Remember

that the marketplace is a place where locals sell their goods, so be

prepared to encounter different practices and cultural norms.

Research the location:

  • **Learn about the history of the “Silk Road”

  • Travel:

  • Remember:

To negotiate in good faith and with respect for the prices

being offered.

  • The “Shahi” Mosque:

This is a great place to learn about the local culture and

history.

Local culture:

  • Respect the marketplace’s history:

Learn the origins of the “Shah-i-Khanym” complex.

  • Visit the “Bibi-i-Khanym” mosque:

Remember to be respectful

of the locals, their traditions, and the cultural significance of the

marketplace.

Important note: The “Shah-i-Zinda” Complex is a historical site, not a modern market. You can’t travel back in time, but you can experience the history:

  • **Visit the “Bibi-i-Gurman” (the Mausoleum of the Prophet

Muhammad’s daughter) and explore its ancient architecture and

history.**

Remember:

The “Shahi Zinda” is a marketplace.

**You are now ready to enjoy your trip with a

better understanding of the local culture and

how to navigate it respectfully!**

  • Visit the “Siab” Zindan:

The “Shah-i-Zand” mosque,

with its rich history and architecture,

is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

This is a great way to learn about the region’s history and culture.

  • Consider the “Bibi-Khanym” mosque
  • Visit the “Tashkent” for a unique experience:

The “Bibi-i-Zinda” Complex is a UNESCO World Heritage Site,

while the “Registan” is a famous square in the city.

**For the best experience, it’s essential to

understand the cultural context of the marketplace and the

importance of the “Bibi-i-Zindan” mosque

  • Local merchants:

  • Tashkent:

  • How much:

The history of the Silk Road

  • Local markets:

  • **To experience the culture, consider

bringing a gift for the “Shahi-Khanym”

(a local market)

In addition to this 2-day itinerary:

  • Travel: You’ll find great deals on everything from carpets and ceramics to spices and food in Samarkand.

Tash:

  • Learn:
  • T-Shab:

A museum is a good idea to visit

“Bibi-i-Zinda” (a complex of religious sites and

markets):

  • How much does it cost?

Remember, the “Registan” is a specific historical site.

The “Silk Road” was a network of trade routes, not a single market.

  • Explore “Shahi Zindan”:

Learn about the history of the “Tashkent” region.

  • Visit:

The “Shah-i-Zinda”

is a complex of mausoleums and mosques

  • **the “Silk Road”

and the rich cultural traditions it

represents.**

  • For the best experience:

Explore the “Shahi Zind” Mosque,

a local market.

  • Local history and culture:

Here’s what you can do to learn about the local culture:

  • The “Tashkent”:

Consider exploring the “Registan”.

  • Travel:

Exploring a specific site is not the same as experiencing the entirety of the “Silk Road” culture.

  • Learn the history of the “Bibi-i-Zinda”:

    • Visit the Registan:

The “Shahi Zind” complex is a testament to the city’s rich

heritage. *

  • Learn about the merchants and their traditions by visiting the “Shur-Sa” Museum.

  • **Learn about the history of Samarkand and its role in the

Silk Road trade:** *

You can learn about the history of Samarkark

(Tashkent)

to explore a variety of traditional crafts, textiles, and food.

To experience the “Shur-Sa”:

Learn about the Silk Road’s history through its architecture and

artifacts.

Visit the “Shur-i-Zinda” Mosque:

  • Learn about the different types of

turbanes:**

  • Remember:

  • Tashkent:

The “Shur-i-Zinda”

is a historical complex

  • **The “Gur-i Zindan” is a marketplace and cultural

center in Samarkan":**

You’re going to need to use the correct name:

  • Bibi-Khanym Mosque

  • Tashkent:

It’s important