Samarkand: the pearl of the Orient

If history had a heart, it would beat in Samarkand.
This isn’t just a city—it’s a living legend, home to mausoleums clad in turquoise, bustling bazaars, and a timeless spirit that whispers tales from Alexander the Great to Tamerlane.

Whether you’re chasing culture, architecture, or adventure, Samarkand is a must-see in Uzbekistan in 2025.

📍 Where Is Samarkand?

Samarkand lies in southeastern Uzbekistan, right at the crossroads of ancient civilizations. It’s now a modern city with a historical core, connected by:

• 🚄 High-speed trains (Afrosiyob) from Tashkent and Bukhara
• 🛫 A modern international airport (SKD) with flights from Istanbul, Dubai, and Moscow
• 🚗 Private transfers or organized Silk Road tours

Good to know: From Tashkent to Samarkand by train takes just 2 hours—fast, scenic, and comfortable.

✨ Why visit Samarkand?

Because no other city on the Silk Road glows like Samarkand.

With over 2,700 years of continuous history, this is where Persian, Mongol, and Islamic worlds collided to build something… eternal.

Top reasons to visit Samarkand:

• It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (“Samarkand – Crossroad of Cultures”)
• Home to Площадь Регистан, one of the world’s most stunning landmarks
• A fusion of cultures, from Sogdian roots to modern Uzbek hospitality
• A vibrant mix of history, cuisine, crafts, and cosmopolitan energy

🏩 What to see in Samarkand

Samarkand is packed with jaw-dropping sights. Here’s your ultimate to-see list:

Don’t rush it. Even 2 full days might not feel like enough.

🌿 What’s new in Samarkand (2025)

Samarkand is growing fast, but with respect for its heritage. Some recent upgrades include:

• 🏨 Luxury hotels like Silk Road Samarkand resort & boutique guesthouses in the old town
• 🤭 Digital tourist maps and guided AR (augmented reality) apps
• 🚲 Cycling paths and e-scooters for eco-friendly city exploring
• 🎭 Cultural festivals year-round (Silk and Spices Festival, Navruz events, etc.)

🛍️ What to buy in Samarkand

Samarkand is a craft capital, where art isn’t just preserved—it’s practiced daily.

Top souvenirs to look for:

• 🧣 Ikat textiles – hand-dyed, handwoven, and deeply Uzbek
• 🎭 Samarkand halva – chewy, nutty, not too sweet
• 📿 Ceramics from Urgut – perfect balance of tradition and color
• 🧦 Embroidered skullcaps (doppi) – each region has its own style

🍽️ Where to eat in Samarkand

Food in Samarkand reflects the city’s rich cultural mix. Think Persian elegance, Turkic heartiness, and a touch of Russian influence.

Try these must-eats:

• Samarkand plov – a rich rice dish with meat, carrots, and spices cooked in layers, uniquely local
• Khalisa – a slow-cooked porridge made from wheat and beef, traditionally eaten during winter
• Kuza shurva – a hearty meat and vegetable soup cooked in a clay pot for deep flavor
• Samsa – flaky pastries baked in tandoor ovens, filled with lamb or pumpkin
• Barak – Uzbek dumplings filled with meat and onions, served with sour cream or tomato sauce

Local tip: Head to Platan или Karimbek restaurants for a modern twist on tradition.

🛍️ Travel tips for Samarkand

• ✅ Visa-free entry for 90+ countries (check the 2025 list!)
• 💵 Uzbek So‘m – still mostly a cash economy, but card acceptance is growing
• 🚌 Transport: Walkable old town, taxis are cheap, Yandex Go works well
• 📸 Photography: Most sites allow photos, but drones need special permits
• 🗺️ Language: Uzbek is official; Russian and basic English are widely spoken

🎒 Book your Samarkand tour with Xuroson-Tour

Want the real Samarkand experience?

With Xuroson-Tour, you get:

• 🫶‍♂️ Local guides who love storytelling
• 🏦 Skip-the-line access to iconic monuments
• 🍽️ Meals in handpicked local homes and restaurants
• 👵 Cultural workshops (ceramic painting, suzani embroidery, bread-baking)
• 🏨 Personalized hotel packages for every budget

We don’t do generic tours. We do unforgettable journeys.