Uzbekistan · SAMARKAND TOURS
The monuments sit close together and the good guides are the difference between tiles and a story. These 15 sort the Registan mornings, the Shah-i-Zinda walks, the village cooking classes and the trips over the pass to Shakhrisabz.
Walk through Samarkand with an English-speaking guide such as Gulsanam, Sarvinoz, or Shahrizoda. See Gur-e-Amir, Registan, Bibi-Khanym, Shah-i-Zinda, and Siyob Bazaar while learning the stories behind the tiles, rulers, legends, and local customs.
“The tour was great and the tour guide adapted her pace and made it tailored to our group. It was perfect. I highly recommend”
Explore Samarkand by private car with a local guide such as Amin, Shoh, Feruza, Zarina, or Mohiddin. In five to six hours, visit Registan, Gur Emir, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, and Siyob Bazaar, with photo stops, bottled water, and dried-fruit tasting included.
“I had a great time on this tour, Amin is very knowledgeable and passionate about his country and its history. I managed to see all the highlights of Samarkand in one day, which was perfect for my weekend trip.”
Walk from Gur Emir to Shahi-Zinda with guides such as Fayoziddin or Sitora, learning the stories behind Registan, Bibi-Khanym, and Hazrat Khizr. Expect a small-group introduction to Samarkand, with monument entry fees extra and the Bibi-Khanym visit viewed from outside.
“The walking tour of Bukhara was a fantastic way to immerse myself in the city's rich history and stunning architecture. Our guide Umar was incredibly knowledgeable, sharing captivating stories behind each intricate madrasah and ancient site. I left with a deep appreciation for Bukhara's Silk Road heritage and a camera full of unforgettable sights.”
Cross from Samarkand into Tajikistan for a private day trip through the Fann Mountains. You’ll visit the colorful Marguzor Lakes, rural mountain villages, and Sarazm with local guides such as Shamsiddin, Shakhzod, Omar, or Farrukh. Expect a long day, a walk across the border, and rough roads.
“Great excursion. Beautiful place. Border crossing was straightforward but tedious. Drivers were polite. Driver on the Tajik side was very knowledgeable and bought us some tasty food. On the other hand, he was constantly calling and texting Read more”
Spend up to six hours walking Samarkand with a guide such as Elyor, Abdulla, or Adam, visiting Gur Emir, Registan, Bibi-Khanym, Siyab Bazaar, Hazrat Khizr, and Shah-i-Zinda. The group is limited to 10, but the tour has sometimes finished in three and a half to four hours.
“The guide was very nice, friendly :) we were a bit late due to traffic and he waited for us.”
Travel from Samarkand through vineyards, farms, and mountain roads to Shahrisabz, Timur’s birthplace. Your driver handles the 100-kilometer journey, with scenic stops possible along the way. Add a local guide such as Zarshed or Shouq for a two-hour visit to the historic center.
“We love it! Our driver Yosef was kind, professional and funny. And he picked the best restaurant ever of our Uzbekistan trip. In addition we have a super guide in Shahrisabz! We totally recommend it!”
Meet at Gur-i-Amir at 9 a.m. for a six-hour walking tour with an English or French-speaking Uzbek guide. You’ll see Gur-i-Amir, Registan, Bibi-Khanym, and Shah-i-Zinda, with time for photos, questions, and possible extra stops. Lunch and entry fees are separate.
“I took this tour at the end of August'23. It was great, my tour guide Elyor was very knowledgeable about the historical significance of all the sights - and was very informative. And it was great, that as a solo traveler, he took my pictures. We did stop for lunch to recharge, which was not included. What I also liked about this tour was that my tour guide didn't waste my time taking me to souvenir shops where he got a commission. He was gracious and hospitable.”
Travel by private air-conditioned car from Samarkand to Shahrisabz, Amir Timur’s birthplace, with stops at Ak-Saray Palace, Kok-Gumbaz Mosque, Dorut Tilovat, and Timur’s statue. Drivers speak English, Russian, or Turkish, though a separate guide is not always included. Expect about 6 to 7 hours, including travel.
“Overall a nice day trip from Samarkand. Our driver Yusuf was very nice and safe, could speak some workable English, and let us stop for photo ops, toilet breaks, and a delicious restaurant for mountain sheep. Shahrisabz is a quaint town wiRead more”
Travel from Samarkand to Shahrisabz over the Takhtakaracha Pass, then visit Ak-Saray Palace, Kok-Gumbaz Mosque, and Dorut-Tilavat with an English or Russian guide. You can join a small group or choose a private driver, with lunch and entrance fees paid separately.
“Our tour guide Mr Bakhtiyor very good for bringing us to the place we want to explore, and he gives very good explanation about the history, daily life, and culture. And he is a good driver as well. pleasent journey.”
Leave Samarkand at 9 a.m. for Sayyod Yurt Camp, hike with a local mountain guide, sleep in a traditional yurt, then continue to Bukhara via Lake Aydarkul and Nurata. The private tour includes transport, meals, camp amenities, and city entrance fees.
“Very rewarding and pleasant. Great driver, ikrom. Lovely kind and accommodating. We enjoyed the ride with the mountain guide. The meals are excellent. Nice frame. Only downside, in yurts there are many locusts.... We couldn't sleep because they were getting into the sheets or jumping on us.Auto-translated”
Leave Samarkand with an Uzbek guide such as Ikram or Iqrom, cross into Tajikistan on foot, visit Sarazm and Panjakent, then ride into the mountains for seven lakes. Expect an early start, rough roads, a Tajik driver, and a long but rewarding day.
“The Seven Lakes and the historic town of Panjakent are true gems of Tajikistan. The landscapes are stunning, the atmosphere peaceful, and the cultural experience unforgettable. A day trip well worth taking!”
Spend 6 to 8 hours traveling from Samarkand to Shahrisabz, Amir Timur’s hometown. Your driver takes the scenic Takhtakaracha Pass, while a local guide such as Firuza leads you through Ak-Saray, Dor Us-Siyodat, Dorut Tilavat, Kok Gumbaz Mosque, and the local bazaar.
“The scenery on the drive to and from Shahrisabz was absolutely stunning. We made multiple photo stops and climbed on some of the boulders. We also made a stop at the "Valley of Demons" / "Devils Helmet" for some very special views. The city itself was also nice, although the amount of souvenir vendors who all sell the exact same items was bothersome. We would recommend going earlier in the year as it was very hot, but still okay, just bring a lot of water. Our guide was also very nice. Overall it was a good experience.”
Leave Samarkand with an English-speaking guide such as Asrorbek, Bekjon, or Javokhir, shop for plov ingredients at a local market, then cook over a live fire in a village home. You will also share a family meal, walk through rural surroundings, and may see bread making, farming, crafts, or folk music.
“This experience was far beyond anything I could have imagined or hoped for. You are invited into a local village home and treated like family, as they welcome you with love and a display of kindness that is unseen in the West. They create a beautiful, safe space in which you can share your cultural differences in a way that is simply full of wonder and free of judgement. It's so much more than a cooking class and a village tour. The warmth of the people I met will stay with me for a long time. I learned so much from Eshkuvatov (my guide) about the history of Uzbekistan and…”
Spend about four hours exploring Samarkand’s major monuments with an English-speaking guide. The route covers Gur Emir, Registan, Bibi Khanym, Hazrat Khizr, and Shah-i-Zinda. Guides including Zarnigor and Zarshed are praised for clear history and helpful photo stops.
“Zarshed was an amazing guide and very knowledgeable. As a solo traveler, I felt very safe and also was glad Zarshed was able to take some photos for memory keeping, especially since it's hard to do being by myself. I learned so much abRead more”
Travel from Samarkand to Tajikistan with Ali and an Uzbek driver to see all seven lakes, each with its own color and character. The 11-hour trip includes pickup, air-conditioned transport, snacks, water, and internet, plus time for walks, photos, village visits, and a possible swim.
“This tour with Ali and his team was great from start to finish. Ali and the Uzbek driver picked me up on time from Samarkand to take me on a wonderful tour. The crossing to and from Tajikistan went smoothly as I am sure Ali has gone Read more”
Pick a city, a monument or a kitchen.
