Samarkand

Tours

Embark on an extraordinary Samarkand day tour from Tashkent and immerse yourself in the awe-inspiring beauty and rich history of this ancient city. This tour offers a seamless and convenient way to explore one of the most iconic destinations in Uzbekistan. Departing from Tashkent, you'll embark on a journey filled with remarkable sights and cultural encounters. The tour begins with a comfortable high-speed train that departs from Tashkent to Samarkand, during which you'll witness the beautiful landscapes of Uzbekistan's countryside. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted by a professional guide who will accompany you throughout the day, sharing their extensive knowledge and insights. Throughout the tour, you'll experience the vibrant atmosphere of Samarkand's bustling markets, where you can interact with friendly locals, sample delicious Uzbek cuisine, and browse a myriad of traditional handicrafts, spices, and colorful textiles. With your knowledgeable guides by your side, you'll gain a deep appreciation for Samarkand's rich history, architectural marvels, and cultural heritage. They will provide captivating narratives, fascinating facts, and personal anecdotes, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience.

Start with a convenient pickup from your hotel in Samarkand or from the airport or railway station. Cross the boarder between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan at the Dzhartepa checkpoint and take in the countryside on the scenic drive to the city of Panjakent. Explore Panjakent, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. See Muhammad Bashoro, an 11th- and 12th-century mausoleum and a mosque with stunning green tiling and a grand central cupola hall. Shop for dried apricots and soak up the lively atmosphere in the Central Bazaar. Continue to Mijgon Lake which appears turquoise, blue, or even purple depending on the weather or the time of the year. Head to. Soya Lake which is located between high rocks which casts the lake in shade throughout the year. Visit Hushyor Lake which is full of sparkling fish. Admire the sparkling waters of Nofin Lake which is bordered by the largest village among the villages of Seven Lakes, a remote community of cattle hearders. Go to Hurdak Lake, the smallest lake in the area. Finally reach Marguzar Lake, the largest and most beautiful lake in the Seven Lakes system where there are petroglyphs and some semi-precious stones were once mined. Have the option to take rent a donkey for the 6 kilometer hike here. Bring your own picnic to enjoy or stop for lunch in the city. Return to your accommodation in Samarkand with unforgettable memories of Tajikistan at the end of your day trip.

Head to your preferred pickup location in Samarkand and board a comfortable vehicle to begin your day trip to Shakhrisabz. Sit back and relax as a professional driver takes you to your destination, admiring the cotton plantations and rugged landscapes as you travel. Then, once you arrive in Shahrisabz, set out on your guided tour of the city, exploring some of its most famous monuments. See the Kok Gumbaz Mosque, dating all the way back to 1434, and visit the Hazrati Imam Complex, a significant historical and cultural site. Next, discover the architectural splendor of the Dorut Tilavat Complex. Admire the intricate tilework and geometric patterns on display in the wonderful examples of Timurid architecture to be found here. Explore the Ak-Saray Palace, a symbol of Timur's lasting legacy in this city. Take in sweeping views of the surrounding area while exploring this historic site and learn more about Timur, one of the most influential conquerors in Central Asian history. During the day, you'll also have the opportunity to sample some of the local fare as you break for lunch (cost not included). Finally, hop back into your vehicle and enjoy a comfortable return journey to Samarkand, where your full-day guided tour comes to an end.

Start point: Gur Emir Mausoleum Start Time: As you indicated when booking (summer recommended start earlier). Time can be changed by request of traveller. Description: - Gur Emir Mausoleum A medieval mausoleum whose interior decoration is gilded and was built for the great Tamerlane and his male descendants. - Registan - visit card not only of the city or Uzbekistan but also of the entire middle East. The complex that is "the cherry on the cake" of your visit to Uzbekistan - Bibi Khanym Mosque The largest mosque in Central Asia including Iran. It was built by Tamerlane's beloved wife in honor of the victory over India. - Central Bazaar Siyab - Oriental Bazaar with spices, fresh and dry fruits and of course the famous Samarkand bread. - Hazrat Khizr Mosque The first mosque of Samarkand where the first President of the Republic was buried. - Shah-i-Zinda The complex consists of about 20 mausoleums. Female tomb of Tamerlan's family. Most importantly, the only place in Central Asia where was buried a family relative person of the prophet. End of the tour.

Take a private tour out to Shahrisabz to check out the archaeology, culture, and history of the rural mountain area. Pass vineyards, and farms, then hills, and finally reach the mountains. Not many tourists explore this part of the world, so you’ll have a rare opportunity. Visit several historical places, and hear all about them from your private guide. Ride out in a private, air-conditioned car. Customize your private tour and take around a half day for this tour and the rest of the day is yours. Round-trip transport is provided for ease. Stop at the Palace Complex of Ak-Saray, the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque, and Dorut Tilovat. See the Statue of Amir Timur and take in the views of the rural mountain area.

Route: Bukhara - Khiva Distance: 431 kms Duration: ±7 hours in sedan / ±8 hours in minivan Stops: Coffee-stop and Photo-stop We will pick you up from the railway station or accommodation in Bukhara and drop you off to your accommodation or airport / railway station in Khiva. Tourists can specify their location according to the 1 kilometer radius of Bukhara. Pit stops are implemented during the roads. There are 2 good locations for coffee. One photo-stop to take a picture of Amu-Darya River (you should cross the highway).

You will meet your local guide and drive at hotel/train station and start your sightseeing tour to: the Registan Square, the ensemble of three madrasas, the Gur-Amir mausoleum –the family crypt of the great dynasty of Tamerlane, and Bibi Khanum mosque. After lunch time you will explore the oldest bazaar in the city - Siab and Shakhi-Zinda Ensemble, which includes more than 20 historical buildings, built from early XI to XIV cc. After the sightseeing, the driver will drop you off to hotel or restaurant for dinner.

Sit back, relax, and experience the Uzbek countryside on a fast and easy high-speed train journey from Tashkent. Reach your destination swiftly and save valuable time when compared to traditional transportation options. Benefit from cutting-edge technology with a seamless journey. Take advantage of the facilities with high-speed Wi-Fi, advanced entertainment systems, and attentive onboard staff. Take in the panoramic landscapes, adding a touch of adventure and beauty to your travel experience.

Day 1 - Bukhara-Nurata city -Desert Yurt Camp At 9:00, depart from Bukhara via Nurata city to the desert yurt camp located near Lake Aydarkul (total 5 hours of drive). On the way to the yurt camp, stop in Nurata to visit the ruins of Alexander the Great’s fortress, holy spring, and other sights. Have lunch in Nurata and then continue to the desert yurt camp. Upon arrival, settle into your yurt, enjoy a short camel ride, or walk around the dunes before enjoying the evening around the fireplace listening to songs of a local bard. Day 2 - Desert Yurt Camp-Lake Aydarkul-Samarkand After breakfast, visit the nearby village of Dungalak by getting a car ride or walking on foot (4km). During the village visit, you can get familiar with the life of village people who mainly live on livestock and sheep farming. You will then drive by car or ride on the camels (an additional 20$ per camel) from the camp to Lake Aydarkul (8 km to the southeast). Aydarkul is an artificial salty lake that stretches 180 km to the east, being the largest wetland body in the area it is home to many aquatic birds such as cranes, pelicans, numerous waders, many ducks, and goose species. Enjoy a picnic at the lake. Depending on the season you can swim or just stroll along the lake shores observing the birds. In the afternoon transfer to Samarkand (5 hours of drive). *Please note: private tours can be started from Samarkand as well.

What awaits you Mausoleum Gur-Emir - the tomb of Tamerlane. His sons Miranshah and Shahrukh and grandson Ulugbek are also buried here. Registan Square is the heart of ancient Samarkand. You will find out why it is called the sandy place. Bibi-Khanym Mosque is a cathedral mosque from the 15th century. You will hear a legend about how the architect fell in love with Tamerlane's wife, who supervised the construction. The Shakhi-Zinda necropolis is an architectural ensemble of mausoleums of the Karakhanid and Timurid nobility. We will tell you why this place is called the city of the dead, although the name translates as “living king.” The Ulugbek Observatory is one of the most significant observatories of the Middle Ages. It was built by the ruler of the Turkic state of the Timurids, educator and astronomer Ulugbek.