2 days in Samarkand will give you enough time to see all the essential not-to-missed landmarks in this historic Silk Road city – the oldest continuously inhabited city in Central Asia.
Why Visit Samarkand?
We spent a few days in Samarkand as part of a guided tour of the 5 Stans with Inspiring Vacations. Having previously spent time in Khiva and Bukhara, I can say that Samarkand is an Uzbekistan city not to missed! I loved Uzbekistan, every city we saw was more jaw-dropping than the last, and Samarkand was the most spectacular of them all. If you’re planning a wider Uzbekistan itinerary, make sure to check out my Khiva and Bukhara travel guides.
Once the capital of Tamerlane’s empire, this city is a living museum of turquoise domes, mosaicked madrasas and bustling bazaars. Make sure you have a spare battery ready-to-go for your camera, or lots of storage on your phone, because you will find it hard to stop taking photos!
Where to Stay in Samarkand
As part of a guided tour, our accommodation was decided for us. Having stayed at the Silk Road Empire Boutique Hotel though, I can recommend it as a great place to stay, especially if you only have 2 days in Samarkand.
This hotel is quite literally a museum of Samarkand lifestyle and culture, with displays lining the corridors and every suite being named after Uzbekistan national heroes.
The thing that stands out in my mind is the feel of the carpets and rugs underfoot. So thick and soft, it was like walking on a cloud!
The staff were friendly, enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the hotel’s history and displays. The buffet breakfast each morning offered a lot of variety to cater to all tastes.
How’s this for room service …. we had retired to our room for the night, after a group of us had dinner and a few drinks downstairs. My roomie was in the shower when there was a knock on the door. I answered it to find 2 hotel staff, one holding 2 bottles of wine and the other holding the glasses, and they asked ‘Would you like a complimentary glass of wine? Red or white?’ Ummm …. ‘Yes please!’ My roommate expected to finish her shower and find me snoring, instead this is what she found!
I think they quickly worked out the way to our hearts from our earlier gathering in the restaurant! Don’t worry, I didn’t forget my friend…she had a glass of red waiting on her bedside table! Alas, the service wasn’t repeated on the second night, but how lovely was that!?
Day 1: The Heart of the Silk Road
Start your Silk Road adventure in the city’s crown jewel – Registan Square, one of the most iconic landmarks in Central Asia.
Registan Square
The Square was once the beating heart of the Timurid Empire and is framed by three grand madrasas – Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor & Tilla-Kari Madrasas.
Arrive early to avoid the crowds and to get some gorgeous photos in the soft early morning light. The entry fee was covered by our tour group, but you can purchase a combined ticket to cover entry to all three madrasas.
1. Ulugh Beg Madrasa (1417-1420)
This is the oldest of the three madrasas and is decorated with intricate geometric patterns in blue and white and is flanked by two towering minarets. The inner walls are decorated with star motifs and calligraphy symbolizing Ulugh Beg’s passion for science. More on the brilliant mind of Ulugh Beg later in this post.
2. Sher-Dor Madrasa (1619-1636)
Directly opposite the Ulugh Beg madrasa is the Sher-Dor madrasa which means ‘adorned with tigers’. The portal is easily recognized as it features two tigers with rising suns on their backs chasing rabbits. Our guide told us the tiger represents Samarkand, which is chasing knowledge, represented by the rabbit, thus leading to a mighty kingdom, represented by the rising sun. Depictions of living things are quite rare in Islamic art.
3. Tilla-Kari Madrasa (1646-1660)
The name Tilla-Kari means ‘Gilded Madrasa‘ and upon entry you will see why. It is truly stunning, dazzling with gold leaf and azure-blue domes. Do not miss this one!
There is more to see in Registan Square at night. Make sure you head back there after dinner for the Registan Square Light and Sound Show.
Registan Square Light and Sound Show
Starting at around 8.30pm most nights and running for approximately 30-40 minutes, this show combines illuminated projections, music and narration to showcase Samarkand’s history.
Although our entry fee was covered in the tour, there is a small cost involved around 30 000-50 000 UZS ($3-5USD) to see the show. Arrive early to get good seats, which is actually just sitting on the ground, so bring a little cushion if you want to get comfy. Don’t forget a jacket but leave the tripod at home as they are often restricted – hand-held devices are fine.
Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
This is the resting place of National hero and ruler, Amir Temur (Tamerlane), and his descendants. It’s deep blue dome and gilded interior, covered in gold leaf, is a must-see in Samarkand.
The mausoleum is a part of a much larger archaeological complex. Archaeological digs on the site have revealed there once stood a madrasa (Islamic school) and a Khanaka (Sufi Lodge) here.
In the courtyard are several interesting items you should see. Look for a large stone platform known as Temur’s Stone Throne. It has a shallow hollow depression said to mark where Temur once placed his foot or boot.
Temur was seriously injured during a battle leaving him with uneven legs and a limp, leading to his nickname Timur the Lame or Tamerlane. Our guide told us that the depression in the stone throne disguised his uneven legs to visitors.
Under the mausoleum, beneath the marble cenotaphs are the actual burial crypts, discovered through archaeological excavations. Now, I love a good ghost story, but a good legendary curse is even better! The tomb of Amir Temur has a cracker…
The Curse of Tamerlane: Fact or Folklore?
“Whosoever opens my tomb shall unleash an invader more terrible than I” -Inscription reportedly found in Amir Temur’s tomb.
Legend has it that when Soviet archaeologists opened Tamerlane’s tomb at the Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum in June 1941, they ignored local warnings of a curse. Just two days later, Hitler’s army invaded the Soviet Union – sparking one of the bloodiest campaigns in history.
When the remains were reinterred with Islamic rites in 1942, the war’s tide began to turn at Stalingrad soon after.
Coincidence – or Temur’s vengeance from beyond the grave? Either way, the legend endures, making for good storytelling.
Across the road from the mausoleum is a large striking bronze statue of the man himself. It’s a good spot to pause for a selfie on the way to the next stop on your 2-day Samarkand itinerary.
On the same intersection is a large Samarkand sign, which is a great place for your group photo! Just be careful dodging the traffic!
Bibi-Khanym Mosque
Once you’ve finished taking all of your selfies, head down the road towards the Siab Bazaar. On the way you will pass the Bibi Khanym Mosque, although partly ruined by earthquakes and time, the mosque’s restored portal and towering minarets still impress.
This mosque is yet another site associated with a legendary story!
The Legend of an Ill-Fated Kiss
Legend says the mosque was built for Tamerlane’s favourite wife, Bibi Khanym. She is said to have taken up the overseeing of its construction while Tamerlane was away on a campaign, to have it finished as a surprise upon his return.
According to the legend, the architect fell in love with her and stole a kiss, leaving a mark on her cheek. Some say the architect paid for the kiss with his life and that the kiss inspired the decree that women wear veils – so no man would again be tempted by their beauty.
Siab Bazaar
End your first day with a sensory overload at the Siab (Siyob) Bazaar, located behind the Bibi Khanym Mosque.
Having been to quite a few bazaars over the course of the 5 Stans tour, in hindsight I can say, this one was by far, my favourite. It is the best place to pick up authentic souvenirs. Don’t make my mistake and think you’ll have the opportunity to buy the same things later on at another bazaar. You won’t! This one has the best variety to choose from, and the vendors are lovely and friendly. I wish I had bought the things I had my eye on, I couldn’t find them anywhere else.
The fresh produce is amazing too. It was once the halfway point on the Great Silk Road, where caravans would come and sell their wares. It is huge! The vendors offer lots of free taste testing without being pushy and pressuring you into buying.
Don’t forget to head back to Registan Square after you’ve eaten your fill, to enjoy the Light and Sound Show, before resting up for Day 2 of your Samarkand itinerary.
Day 2: Ancient Necropolises and Astronomical Wonders
Fuel up at the buffet breakfast in your hotel before heading out for another spectacular day of sightseeing.
Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis
Wow!! This avenue of tiled mausoleums was breathtaking! Everywhere you look is stunning, blue-tiled, masterpieces – some dating back to the 9th century.
It is considered one of the most beautiful ensembles in Central Asia, and honours both men and women of royal and noble lineage. Each tomb is a magnificent example of intricate mosaics, calligraphy and patterned domes.
Adding to the visual beauty is the sound of the call to prayer ringing out as you explore each monument. It really is an unforgettable experience.
Ulugh Beg Observatory
This scientific wonder was built by Tamerlane’s grandson, Ulugh Beg, who was more interested in conquering space than conquering enemies. Mentioned earlier in this post, he was one of the world’s first astronomers and had a truly brilliant mind.
You can view the remnants of the massive sextant that he built, which was used to chart the stars and map the heavens centuries ahead of Europe. The sextant has a radius of about 40 metres, and the degree markings are still visible on the marble arc. There is a small museum on the site that displays other astronomical instruments used by Ulugh.
It is amazing to think that Ulugh Beg calculated the duration of a year – as 365 days, 6 hours, 10 minutes and 8 seconds over 500 years ago, using the giant sextant, and it only differs from modern calculations by just 1 minute and 2 seconds! Brilliant!
Dine in a National House and Enjoy Uzbekistan Dishes
For your last night in Samarkand, I recommend experiencing local hospitality and booking dinner at a National House (a traditional Uzbek family-run restaurant). We enjoyed a veritable feast at our venue as well as a cooking masterclass demonstration on how to make Manti (large, steamed dumplings) – yum!
Practical Tips for Visiting Samarkand
- Getting there: Samarkand is easily reached by high-speed train from Tashkent or Bukhara. We caught the train from Bukhara, and it was very comfortable.
- Best time to visit: Spring (April-June) or Autumn (September-October). We were there mid-September, and the weather was perfect.
- Currency: Uzbek Som (UZS) and although card is accepted in a lot of places, cash is still king, especially with the smaller vendors.
- Dress code: Common sense really – modest clothing is appreciated especially at religious sites.
For lots more practical tips on Central Asia travel, make sure you check out my blog post on what I wish I knew before traveling to the 5 Stans.
If your dreams of Central Asia centre around turquoise domes and mosaic masterpieces, then Uzbekistan is the place for you! With 2 days in Samarkand, your camera roll will be filled with tiled treasures.
Uzbekistan was the country we spent the most time in, on our 5 Stans guided tour. We left Samarkand and headed over the border to Tajikistan, but we weren’t done with Uzbekistan just yet! After our time in Tajikistan, we headed back into Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, to catch a short flight to Kyrgyzstan.
My last post on Uzbekistan will focus on Tashkent, which is being drafted as we speak! Keep an eye out, or better yet, subscribe and I’ll let you know when it is published.
Deb Morrow is a wife and mum of two in her 50’s, who works in education. She has a passion for travel and through sharing her travel experiences, tips and recommendations, wants to encourage other women her age to start making time for themselves, grab their besties, and go see the world!
2 thoughts on “How to Spend 2 Days in Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Essential Itinerary of Not-to-be-Missed Landmarks”
I’m thinking of going to Uzbekistan this year and haven’t been sure how to get around or how long it needs, so thanks for providing such a warm, followable itinerary. I shall now have a look at the Bukhara one too!
Thanks for your comment, Matthew 😊I loved Uzbekistan and I’m sure you will too! I still have Tashkent to write about… we only stayed in the capital 1 night, but it is coming soon.