Nature Tour
Samarkand Tours
Uzbekistan
Samarkand is the city most travellers come to Uzbekistan for: Amir Timur's capital in the 14th century, with the three madrasahs of the Registan, the turquoise dome of Gur-Emir and the street of tiled tombs at Shah-i-Zinda. It is also our home: our office is in Samarkand and our guides live here.
Two full days are enough for the main sights; a third adds Shakhrisabz, Timur's birthplace, or the mountains around Urgut. Samarkand is about two hours from Tashkent by the Afrosiyob high-speed train and an hour and a half from Bukhara.
What to see in Samarkand
Registan
Three madrasahs facing one square, the Ulugbek, Sher-Dor and Tilya-Kori; best at sunset and when lit up at night.
Gur-Emir
The mausoleum of Amir Timur and his grandson Ulugbek, under a ribbed turquoise dome.
Shah-i-Zinda
An avenue of tiled mausoleums from the 11th to the 15th century, climbing a hillside.
Bibi-Khanym Mosque and Siab Bazaar
Timur's great Friday mosque, and next to it the city's busiest market for bread, dried fruit and spices.
Ulugbek Observatory
The remains of the 15th-century observatory where Ulugbek measured the length of the year.
Afrasiyab
The site of ancient Marakanda, with a museum of 7th-century wall paintings.
Day trips and short tours: Samarkand
Nature Tour
City Tour
History Tour
Mountain & History TourLangar Ota & Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan
NewLangar Ota & Shakhrisabz
1 Day (full day)
from $60/ person
Desert TourNurata & Aydarkul, Uzbekistan
NewAydarkul Yurt Camp: 2 Days
2 Days / 1 Night
from $100/ person
History Tour
Nature TourFann Mountains, Tajikistan
NewSeven Lakes & Iskanderkul: 2 Days
2 Days / 1 Night
from $250/ person
Culture Tour
Hiking TourSamarkand – Asraf – Uhum – Bukhara, Uzbekistan
NewNuratau Hiking: 2 Days
2 Days / 1 Night
from $135/ person
Hiking & Desert TourSamarkand – Nuratau – Aydarkul – Bukhara, Uzbekistan
NewNuratau & Aydarkul: 3 Days
3 Days / 2 Nights
from $200/ person
Hiking & Desert TourSamarkand – Nuratau – Aydarkul – Bukhara, Uzbekistan
NewNuratau & Aydarkul: 4 Days
4 Days / 3 Nights
from $275/ person
Multi-day tours through Samarkand
Classic TourTashkent – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand, Uzbekistan
NewClassic Uzbekistan: 8 Days
8 Days / 7 Nights
from $1,050/ person
Family TourTashkent – Bukhara – Samarkand, Uzbekistan
NewFamily Tour: 6 Days
6 Days / 5 Nights
from $975/ person
Culture & Desert TourTashkent – Samarkand – Aydarkul – Bukhara, Uzbekistan
NewSilk Road & Yurt Camp: 7 Days
7 Days / 6 Nights
from $999/ person
Expedition TourTashkent – Nukus – Khiva – Bukhara – Samarkand, Uzbekistan
NewAral Sea & Silk Road: 9 Days
9 Days / 8 Nights
from $1,495/ person
Culture & Desert TourTashkent – Samarkand – Nuratau – Bukhara – Khiva, Uzbekistan
NewSilk Road & Nuratau: 10 Days
10 Days / 9 Nights
from $1,275/ person
Grand TourTashkent – Samarkand – Seven Lakes – Nuratau – Bukhara – Khiva, Uzbekistan & Tajikistan
NewUzbekistan & Tajikistan: 14 Days
14 Days / 13 Nights
from $1,795/ person
Upcoming group departures
Join a small group on a fixed date, with a local guide in every city.
- Mon 30 Nov – Mon 7 Dec 2026Classic Uzbekistan: 8 Days8 Days / 7 Nights 12 seats left$1,190 / personBook a seat
- Mon 14 Dec – Mon 21 Dec 2026Classic Uzbekistan: 8 Days8 Days / 7 Nights 12 seats left$1,190 / personBook a seat
- Mon 28 Dec – Mon 4 Jan 2027Classic Uzbekistan: 8 Days8 Days / 7 Nights 12 seats left$1,190 / personBook a seat
Read more about Samarkand
Where to eat
Where to Eat in Samarkand: 8 Places for Plov, Views and Good Dinners
Samarkand plov at the source, dinner with a view of the Registan and the city's smartest tables: our guide to eating in Samarkand.
3 min read
News
MrBeast in Samarkand: Why the Silk Road Is Having Its Moment
The world's biggest YouTuber came to Tashkent and Samarkand in October 2026. Here is what happened, and how to see the places behind the headlines yourself.
3 min read
Destinations
Samarkand to Bukhara: How to Plan the Journey
A practical guide to traveling between two of Uzbekistan's most important historic cities and making the most of the route.
1 min read
Destinations
Samarkand at Night: Evening Experiences and Places to See
Discover how to experience Samarkand after sunset, from illuminated monuments to evening walks and local dining.
1 min read
Destinations
Samarkand to Aydarkul Lake: A Perfect City-to-Nature Escape
How to combine Samarkand's monuments with Aydarkul Lake, Nurata and a traditional yurt experience.
1 min read
Destinations
Samarkand Travel Guide: What to See, Do and Know Before You Go
A practical guide to Samarkand covering its major monuments, local atmosphere, food, markets and travel planning.
2 min read
Frequently asked questions
›How many days do I need in Samarkand?
Two days for the main sights, three with a day trip to Shakhrisabz or the mountains.
›How do I get from Tashkent to Samarkand?
By the Afrosiyob high-speed train, about two hours and ten minutes; we can book the tickets and meet you at the station. A private car takes about four and a half hours.
›Can I visit Samarkand on a day trip from Tashkent?
Yes: the early train there, a guided tour of the Registan, Gur-Emir, Shah-i-Zinda and Bibi-Khanym, and the evening train back.
›Is there a dress code?
No strict rules for visitors. At working mosques and shrines, cover shoulders and knees; women may be asked to cover their hair.