2026 Samarqand Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in February)

Here's a summary of the costs for Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan, famous for the blue city of Samarkand 🇺🇿 Here's a breakdown of the costs you might be curious about 👀 Airfare: From 120,000 yen (assuming departure from Kansai Airport) The cheapest option is around 44,000 yen, but considering layover times, it might not be very practical! If you're flying from Tokyo, Uzbekistan Airways' direct flights are convenient ✨ (though slightly more expensive!) Train fare: From 7,000 yen It takes about 3 hours to travel from Tashkent to Samarkand by train! Unfortunately, I forgot to take pictures of the train, but... It's more spacious and comfortable than Japan's Shinkansen 🌟 Opting for business class makes it even more comfortable! (And it's not that expensive.) Sightseeing costs: From 1,850 yen Sightseeing costs in Uzbekistan are generally around 1,000 yen, making them quite affordable! Since everyone's preferred destinations may vary, I've picked two spots you might visit in Samarkand. Hotel costs: From 3,000 yen This assumes an economy-class private room. Many places include breakfast. Don't forget to get a stay certificate. Meal costs: From 1,000 yen This assumes dining at a restaurant. Local food can be enjoyed for around 500 yen in some places. Depending on your choice, you can either save money or indulge in luxury. Other costs: Souvenirs, taxi fares, etc. Using the YandexGo ride-hailing app, taxi rides can cost just a few hundred yen!

Samarkand - the city of mosaics and turquoise domes 💙 Exploring it on your own is easy and safe: the city is quiet, the people are friendly, and the distances between the main attractions are perfect for walking or using Yandex Taxi 🚕 What to see in Samarkand: 🕌 Registan Square The beating heart of the city and the most iconic place in Uzbekistan. Three majestic madrasahs—Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori—create breathtaking views, especially at sunset or sunrise 🧡 🕌 Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum The resting place of Tamerlane (Amir Timur), the conqueror who made Samarkand his capital. The golden interior is one of the most beautiful in Central Asia. 🕌 Bibi-Khanym Mosque Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world. Today, restored, it retains all its charm and grandeur. 🕌 Siab Bazaar Colors, aromas, and smiles: dried fruits, spices, freshly baked bread, and plenty of local life. 🕌 Shah-i-Zinda An alley of mausoleums covered in turquoise ceramics, shining in the sun. A sacred and serene place, one of the most captivating in Central Asia. 🕌 Ulugh Beg Observatory Built in the 15th century by Ulugh Beg, a ruler and astronomer, and the grandson of Tamerlane. Here, he observed the stars with incredible precision for his time. 🕌 Afrasiab The ruins of ancient pre-Timurid Samarkand from the 7th century, a dive into the past among the remains and a small museum. 🌙 Samarkand is one of the safest cities in Central Asia: you can even take a walk in the evening, especially around Registan 😍 Have you been there? Share your impressions.

Exploring Samarqand 🇺🇿: Epic architecture, affordable vibes, and zero transit hassle! You’ve gotta see this think golden arches, blue mosaics, and historic beauty that totally pops (especially at night ✨). Must-See Places in Samarqand: Registan Square – Ulugbek Madrasah, Sher-Dor Madrasah, and Tilya-Kori Madrasah. You’ll find the jaw-dropping archway here, illuminated with dreamy blue & gold decorations after sunset. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (Address: 1 Amir Temur St, Samarqand) – Resting place of Amir Timur, iconic for its beautifully domed roof and intricate tiles. Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis (Address: M-37 Road, Samarqand) A winding avenue of mausoleums topped with stunning turquoise domes, perfect for daytime strolls and Insta snaps! Bibi-Khanym Mosque (Address: Bibikhonim St, Samarqand) Grand entrance, epic scale & fabulous mosaics, all while soaking up Central Asian vibes under the sun. Budget & Getting Around: Forget expensive taxis just fire up Yandex Go and cruise worry-free for super cheap. Rides between major landmarks rarely cost more than $1–2! Locals also recommend walking the old town, so save money and get killer street photos 🌳. Pro Tips: Samarqand is all about architecture: bring a camera for those archways + blue-and-gold tile shots, especially at Registan after dark. Entrance fees are reasonable ($3–5 for key sites), making this a budget-friendly gem. On food: Try plov and samsa at local cafés near Registan or Gur-e-Amir hearty, affordable, and quick between sightseeing. #SamarqandSpot #UzbekArchitecture #BudgetTravel #YandexGo #EpicMosaics

1. Arrive in Tashkent and enjoy plov in one day. 2. Take the high-speed train for a few hours to Samarkand and visit Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, and Siyob Bazaar. You can see everything in two days, but I recommend three days to give yourself some time. 3. Take the high-speed train for a few hours to Bukhara. Spend three days in Bukhara. Bukhara is home to several important madrasas, all located in one place, making them easy to navigate. Similarly, you can see everything in one day, but I recommend two to three days to give yourself some time. 4. Take a longer train instead of the high-speed train to Khiva. Khiva's traditional castle is very well preserved. I recommend spending three to four days in Khiva. Most of it is located within the castle walls, making it easy to see everything. 5. After your Khiva tour, travel to nearby Urgench and fly back to Tashkent. (Day 1) This is how I described my 11-day journey. If you have any questions, please leave a comment.

Drivers in Samarkand quote 25,000 soms, 50 minutes to Tajikistan; shared taxi drivers in Dushanbe ask for 200 somoni, the station shaded by green trees feels like home. Just got off at Kaftarxona bus station in Samarkand, and a driver approached: "Panjakent? 25,000 soms, 50 minutes to the border." Exiting Uzbekistan felt like fast-forwarding; they didn’t even mention the rumored "small white slip," and the stamping officer even smiled at me. [ThumbsUp][ThumbsUp][ThumbsUp] Entering Tajikistan slowed everything down: a system crash notice stood in the scorching open space, I squatted in the shade clutching my passport, watching officials run around with notebooks. Four hours later someone suddenly called out, "Tourists go first"—they had switched to handwritten registration, and on the ink-not-yet-dry form, my crookedly written name carried warmth. [ThumbsUp][ThumbsUp][Clapping][Clapping][Clapping] A shared taxi driver holding a "Dushanbe" sign approached, the 200 somoni fare wrapped in the smell of dust. Outside the window, barren mountains gradually gave way to green trees, and the blue sign of the northern city bus station suddenly came into view. Then I took a green trolleybus to the city center, the meter stopped at 40 somoni, and the driver pointed to the dashboard: "Tajik time, no cheating." [Clapping][Clapping][Clapping] The airport shuttle stopped on Vakhān Street, the route map’s lettering looked freshly painted: station names like "Bus Station, Market" were sealed under tape. Following the directions, I suddenly entered a colorful market. The three-story corrugated iron building was packed with fabrics, dried fruits, phone cases; girls wearing headscarves packed fruits and vegetables into baskets, men in tight pants drooled at the spices through their cameras—their eyes were more vivid than the vendors’: "There are many stories here." [Clapping][Clapping][Clapping] A red sign at the corner seemed to wave: the word "Alavi" was translated into English, Russian, and Uzbek—just like the ambitious world map at the door. The front desk guy asked for a long time before confirming I didn’t have a credit card: "Use cash then." Carrying my luggage up to the fifth floor, the air conditioner was blowing cold air fiercely—this country’s prices seem to have distinct seasons: "Cold air is free." [ThumbsUp][ThumbsUp][ThumbsUp] While climbing the hill, I suddenly saw a small tower: its ochre walls shone in the wind, pigeons circled low in flight—as if chasing the sunlight around. The entrance gate was tightly closed, the ground piled with grass and fallen leaves; nearby a small stall sold ice cream and sparkling water—ice cream came in strawberry and grape flavors, the sparkling water was clear—just like this city, transparent and straightforward: "Ice cream 25,000 soms, sparkling water 10,000 somoni." [Victory][Victory][Victory]

Uzbekistan is a young country, having declared independence only 25 years ago. In this ancient yet young country, what are some of the most distinctive handicrafts? ☀️【Ethnic clay dolls】 Uzbekistan's handicrafts are very famous. The most popular souvenirs among tourists are the clay dolls that can be found in major markets. They have different expressions, some serious and some playful; they are dressed in different styles of national costumes, with bright or plain colors. The clay dolls have various images, some showing the daily life of Uzbeks. In Samarkand, clay dolls are often made in the image of a wise man named Hoje Nasreddin from oriental folk tales. So you will see a cute old man~ ☀️【Traditional embroidery that penetrates into people’s lives】 🕺🏻Uzbeks are good at embroidery. Their bed sheets, pillowcases, hats, clothes, etc. all have exquisite embroidery. In different cities and regions of Uzbekistan, the patterns, colors and design styles of embroidery are different. Gold needle embroidery is a national art form of Uzbekistan. In the 19th century, Nurata, Bukhara, Samarkand, Shahrisabz, Tashkent and Fergana became the centers of gold needlework art. Popular designs in Uzbek gold needlepoint include sun and moon disks, flowers (tulips, carnations, and irises), leaves and vines, fruit (pomegranates), and the occasional fish and bird. 📌Uzbek carpets and hats with exquisite embroidery Beautifully made hat. These traditional embroideries are embellished on Uzbek national costumes, bags, carpets and other items, and are present in every corner of Uzbek people's lives. ⚙️【Ceramic craftsmanship with hundreds of years of history】 Uzbekistan's ceramic craft has a very long history and has reached a very high artistic level. It is said that there are ceramic schools in every region of the country. Like embroidery, the ceramic handicrafts produced in each region are different in patterns, colors and design styles. For example, Khiva's ceramic crafts are mostly plates printed with blue, sky blue patterns or geometric designs. 🤨The pottery center of Uzbekistan is Rishtan, and Rishtan's ceramic handicrafts are also famous in the world. Legend has it that the pottery-making craft here has been passed down from generation to generation for more than 800 years. Today, the 2,000 potters here combine traditional craftsmanship with modern machinery manufacturing to produce more than 5 million ceramic products each year.

My global journey has brought me to Central Asia, starting from Horgos in Xinjiang, crossing Kazakhstan to reach Uzbekistan, a place of immense awe in our itinerary. 🕌️ The 2600-year-old city, Samarkand It can be said to be the essence of Uzbekistan, especially the Shah-i-Zinda mausoleum complex, which feels like stepping into a scene from 'One Thousand and One Nights'. Walking along the avenue of tombs, with beautiful blue 🕌️ on both sides, every angle is astonishing ❗️ To avoid the crowds, we arrived at 8 am, bought tickets, and entered, climbing a short flight of stairs. The blue doors that appeared and disappeared behind the arches attracted me, until the top, where a whole exotic world opened up. The blue-green tiles were delicately laid on top, and above each door lintel was a carefully designed scroll, each door unique in shape. We looked up at these tall and elegant buildings, stunned. Walking straight to the deeper parts, passing through different tombs, we reached the highlight, and what surprised me even more was looking back at the path we came from, seeing the locals with headscarves on the road, a scene that I will remember for a very long time!! Samarkand in Uzbekistan, as a must-pass on the Silk Road, its past glory spanning a thousand years, brings us a spiritual shock! Our Uzbekistan itinerary Tashkent——✈️Khiva——🚌Bukhara——🚄Samarkand——🚄Tashkent We chose to go the opposite way, first flying from Tashkent to Khiva, then taking public transportation by bus and train, which was quite easy to buy, traveling casually. Having come this way, I highly recommend everyone to visit Samarkand, to see a different world.

This area is decorated with colorful turquoise tiles and is home to the graves of members of royalty and other members of the royal family. The uniform blue color is very beautiful. All the tomb buildings are large and impressive, making them a sight to behold. They are wonderful simply as buildings, but since they are also tombs, I think it is best to pay your respects when entering. #Tourism #Uzbekistan #Samarkand

Nestled in the ancient city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Shah-i-Zinda is a sacred necropolis that whispers tales of faith, history, and architectural splendor. Translating to "Living King," this enchanting site is a testament to the enduring legacy of Timurid architecture and Islamic spirituality. As you wander through the labyrinthine alleyways, flanked by intricately tiled mausoleums and soaring turquoise domes, you'll feel transported to a realm where time stands still. Each mausoleum bears witness to the lives of saints, princes, and scholars who found eternal rest within its hallowed walls. Pause before the shimmering azure portal of the Emir Zade Mausoleum, adorned with vibrant floral motifs and calligraphic inscriptions. Inside, the play of light and shadow dances upon the mosaic-clad walls, evoking a sense of divine presence. Continue your journey to the breathtaking Ak-Saray Mausoleum, its celestial blue dome reaching towards the heavens. Here, marvel at the intricate arabesques and geometric patterns that adorn every surface, a testament to the mastery of Timurid artisans. As you ascend the steps of Shah-i-Zinda, let the whispers of the past guide you through this sacred enclave, where the spirits of centuries past continue to dwell. With each step, you'll discover a new facet of Uzbekistan's rich cultural tapestry, leaving you forever enchanted by the magic of Shah-i-Zinda.

Registan Square Registan Square, located in the heart of Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is an architectural marvel that encapsulates the grandeur and cultural richness of the Silk Road era. Stepping onto the square is like entering a time capsule, where the echoes of centuries past mingle with the vibrant energy of modern Uzbekistan. As you approach the square, the sight of three majestic madrasahs - Ulugh Beg, Tilya-Kori, and Sher-Dor - towering against the azure sky takes your breath away. Each madrasah boasts intricate tilework, azure domes, and soaring minarets, showcasing the exquisite craftsmanship of Timurid architecture. Begin your exploration at Ulugh Beg Madrasah, built by the renowned astronomer-king Ulugh Beg in the 15th century. Its imposing facade adorned with geometric patterns and calligraphic inscriptions invites you to delve into the scholarly pursuits of the past. Next, wander through the portals of Tilya-Kori Madrasah, named for its gilded interior. Here, marvel at the ornate golden mosaics and delicate arabesques that adorn the walls and ceilings, reflecting the spiritual and artistic zenith of Timurid culture. Finally, stand in awe before the Sher-Dor Madrasah, distinguished by its twin turquoise domes and mesmerizing tiger motifs. The bold yet harmonious blend of Islamic and pre-Islamic motifs symbolizes the synthesis of diverse cultures along the Silk Road. In the center of the square, a bustling marketplace beckons with colorful stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs, intricate textiles, and aromatic spices. Immerse yourself in the lively atmosphere, bargaining with friendly merchants and savoring the flavors of traditional Uzbek cuisine. As the sun sets, Registan Square transforms into a magical realm illuminated by the golden glow of the evening light. Take a moment to absorb the timeless beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, contemplating the stories of scholars, traders, and travelers who have passed through its gates over the centuries. In the end, leave Registan Square with a sense of wonder and gratitude, carrying with you memories of an enchanting journey through the heart of Central Asia's cultural crossroads.

#mytravelhacks Uzbekistan so many beautiful temples I love it, the citizens so friendly and nice. Food is good. Hotels - The Zukhro Boutique Hotel is good location in Khiva. Centuries have passed but it seems Samarkand has never lost its status and appeal. Samarkand will make you go from one surprise to another and you will probably have the same thoughts as me when evaluating Samarkand as the precious gem of Uzbekistan. Old Khiva Street viewed from the fortress.

One of the unique countries , i have ever been love everything #tashkent #Samarqand

Being in Samarqand/Uzbekistan was one of the best trips I have made. Nice weather, nice food, and especially beautiful historical sites

In Uzbekistan, bread holds a revered status, akin to a sacred artifact, distinguished by its unique and unparalleled qualities. The bread of Uzbekistan is an extraordinary culinary treasure, invoking a profound sense of nostalgia and wanderlust for the enchanting landscapes of Central Asia. Tashkent, Bukhara, and Khiva each offer their distinct variations of bread, yet among them, Samarkand bread reigns supreme as the crowning jewel of Uzbekistan's culinary heritage. Legend whispers that Samarkand bread possesses an extraordinary longevity, rumored to endure for up to three years. It is said that when a traveler embarked on a journey, they would take a bite of this bread, preserving the remainder on their wall until their return. Historical accounts recount the Khan of Bukhara's fervent appreciation for Samarkand bread. Inquisitive about its origin, the Khan sought counsel from his advisors, inquiring whether the bread could be replicated in Bukhara. Their response conveyed that the bread's exceptional flavor could only be achieved in Samarkand, leading the Khan to challenge this belief. With determination, the Khan summoned the finest bakers from Samarkand to Bukhara, but their initial attempts failed to replicate the distinctive taste. Perplexed, the advisors reasoned that it was essential to transport not only the bakers but also the ingredients and equipment from Samarkand. Thus, the tandyr oven, flour, and water were relocated. Despite these efforts, the bread still eluded perfection. Frustration mounted, prompting the Khan to question the enigma. The insightful baker finally unveiled the secret, declaring, "Whatever we bring, we cannot capture the essence of Samarkand air." With this realization, the Khan conceded defeat, and people continued to import Samarkand bread, acknowledging that some culinary treasures are inseparable from their place of origin. #UzbekCulinaryHeritage #SamarkandBread #CulinaryLegends

In the tranquil embrace of the early morning hours, I found myself standing in awe before the awe-inspiring Registan, a place where history, architecture, and serenity unite. The silence, broken only by the gentle rustle of the ancient sandstone, allowed me to connect with the grandeur of the past. The Registan, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a testament to the ingenuity and artistry of the people who lived in this remarkable city centuries ago. Its three breathtaking madrasahs—Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori—stand tall, adorned with intricate mosaic patterns and delicate calligraphy, all bathed in the soft, golden light of the rising sun. With nobody else in sight, I felt like a time traveler, transported to an era where Samarkand was a bustling center of trade, culture, and knowledge along the Silk Road. It's a reminder that history lives in the stones, arches, and courtyards of this remarkable place. As the morning sun cast its warm glow upon the Registan, I couldn't help but reflect on the enduring beauty of human creation. It's moments like these that make me appreciate the world's wonders and the privilege of exploring them. 🌍✈️ #SamarkandSunrise #RegistanMagic #TimeTravelerAtHeart

#wecreate #uzbekistan A 1000km trip to 4 cities in Uzbekistan, which is the cradle of the world's Muslim religion with a history of 5,000 years and the fastest growing modern country. It's easy to travel, cheap and the people are very friendly, Uzbekistan is a history paradise on earth. Samarkand and Bukhara are famous for their ancient castles and museums, and shopping there is a good choice. Thank you so much