Samarkand Tour: How to Plan the Ultimate Trip in 2025
Why Samarkand Should Be Your Top Destination in Uzbekistan
If you’re wondering “Samarkand tour: how to plan it?” — you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know to explore the legendary city of Samarkand, a jewel of the ancient Silk Road and one of Central Asia’s most iconic travel destinations.
Samarkand is famous for:
- Majestic Registan Square
- The spiritual Shah-i-Zinda necropolis
- Glittering Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
- The massive Bibi-Khanym Mosque
- The bustling Siab Bazaar
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a family, or part of a tour group, here’s how to plan your Samarkand tour step by step.
🚅 Step 1: How to Get to Samarkand
✈️ By Air
- Samarkand International Airport (SKD) now connects with Tashkent, Istanbul, Moscow, Dubai, and more.
- Airport is 15 minutes from city center.
🚄 By Train
- The Afrosiyob high-speed train from Tashkent is the most popular and scenic option.
- Duration: ~2 hours
- Classes: Economy, Business, VIP
- Book via kalishtrip.uz or railway.uz
✅ Best Option: Book a round-trip train + hotel + tour guide package directly on Kalishtrip.uz for maximum convenience.
🏨 Step 2: Where to Stay in Samarkand
📍 Popular Neighborhoods:
- Registan area – Best for walking distance to major landmarks
- University Blvd – Quiet, green, and central
- Siab Bazaar area – Great for shopping and local food
🛏️ Recommended Hotels:
| Hotel Name | Price/Night (USD) | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Platan Hotel | 60–80 | Cozy, modern, local breakfast |
| Hotel Minor | 50–70 | Near Registan, boutique style |
| Hilton Garden Inn | 90–110 | International comfort, pool |
🎯 Kalishtrip can reserve hotels for you with free cancellation and included transfers.
🕌 Step 3: What to See – Samarkand’s Top Attractions
🌟 1. Registan Square
The heart of Samarkand. Three stunning madrassas glowing with turquoise domes.
- 💰 Entrance: $4
- 📸 Best time: Sunset
🌟 2. Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum
The tomb of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), featuring golden interiors and majestic arches.
- 💰 Entrance: $3
- 🌙 Best at night with lighting
🌟 3. Shah-i-Zinda
A breathtaking avenue of mausoleums with detailed tilework and spiritual aura.
- 💰 Entrance: $4
- 🧕 Modest dress required
🌟 4. Bibi-Khanym Mosque
One of the largest mosques in Central Asia, once the crown jewel of Timur’s empire.
- 💰 Entrance: $2
- 🕯️ Go early morning for fewer crowds
🌟 5. Siab Bazaar
Perfect for buying spices, dried fruit, Uzbek bread, and souvenirs.
- 🛍️ Local and authentic
- 💡 Bargain with vendors
🗺️ Step 4: How to Get Around Samarkand
🚖 Taxi
- Use Yandex Go or ask your hotel to call a taxi.
- Short rides ~10,000 UZS ($1)
🚶 On Foot
- Registan, Bibi-Khanym, and the bazaar are walkable
🚌 Public Bus
- Cheap but difficult for non-locals (no English signs)
✅ Best Option: Private guided tours with hotel pick-up offered by Kalishtrip
📆 Step 5: How to Plan Your Samarkand Tour Itinerary
🧭 1-Day Tour Plan:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 AM | Hotel pick-up and visit Registan |
| 10:30 AM | Explore Gur-e-Amir |
| 12:00 PM | Lunch at Bibikhanum Teahouse |
| 13:30 PM | Shah-i-Zinda visit and walk |
| 15:30 PM | Bibi-Khanym Mosque + Bazaar shopping |
| 17:00 PM | Return to hotel or train station |
🧭 2-Day Tour Plan:
- Day 1: Registan, Gur-e-Amir, Museum of History
- Day 2: Ulugh Beg Observatory, Shah-i-Zinda, Konigil Silk Paper Workshop
🎟️ How to Book a Guided Samarkand Tour
🔹 With Kalishtrip.uz you get:
- 🧑🏫 English, Russian, Korean, and French-speaking guides
- 🚗 Hotel pick-up and drop-off
- 🎫 Pre-booked entry tickets
- 🥘 Optional lunch in traditional chaikhana
- 📷 Photography stops and tips
📩 Book your full-day or multi-day Samarkand tour here: kalishtrip.uz
🌐 Tour Packages to Consider
| Package Name | Duration | Price (USD) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Samarkand | 1 day | $55 | Guide, entry tickets, pick-up/drop-off |
| Samarkand + Paper Workshop | 2 days | $90 | Day 1 tour + craft village on Day 2 |
| Samarkand Luxury Experience | 1 day | $120 | VIP guide, fine lunch, hotel pick-up |
🎁 Ask us about Silk Road combo tours including Bukhara and Khiva!
🔍 SEO Summary for “Samarkand Tour How To”
| SEO Element | Strategy |
|---|---|
| Keyword | Samarkand tour how to |
| Keyword Placement | H1, H2, first 100 words, last 100 words |
| Related Keywords | Samarkand travel guide, how to tour Samarkand, Samarkand itinerary |
| Content Length | ~2000+ words |
| Image ALT Tags | Include “Samarkand tour” in filenames |
| Meta Tags | Optimized with CTA and location intent |
| Internal Links | Link to Tashkent–Samarkand train blog, Uzbekistan food tour |
| External Links | Railway.uz for train booking |
🧳 Final Tips Before You Go
- 🛂 Bring your passport for hotel check-ins and museum entries
- 💳 Most places take cash only — have Uzbek Soʻm on hand
- ☀️ Summer is hot! Bring a hat and sunscreen
- 🧕 Dress modestly for religious sites
- 🕰️ Best seasons: April–May & September–October
All Categories
Tags
