Overview
Chance to discover Samarkand with the people who make it - it's population. We take you to the hidden corners of the city - show you the city from the perspective of locals. Together with you we not only visit the sites mentioned but do the local rituals, go to the village and show you authentic village life, visit the restaurants where locals eat.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Lunch
Dinner
In-vehicle air conditioning
Meeting and pickup
Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
Under the statue of Amir Temur
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What to expect
Day 1 Explore Samarkand
-
Gur Emir Mausoleum
1 hour Admission ticket included
We would talk in detail about Amir Temur - his biography, as he was the man who made Samarkand his capital. Learn the rich architecture and have time for questions.
-
Registan
2 hours Admission ticket included
Thought to be over 2,770 years old, Samarkand was once a Sogdian trading center along the Silk Road connecting Asia and Europe. We will spend few hours tracing Samarkand’s extraordinary ancient history and architecture, from mosques to mausoleums to Bazaars. Registan – the central square rounded by three glorious medieval madrassas (universities).
-
Shah-i-Zinda
1 hour Admission ticket included
We will navigate the street of blue-tiled mausoleums of Shahi Zinda necropolis, that is also a great location for people watching and photography.
-
Samarkand
45 min
We then will visit the 2,000 years old bazar of Samarkand - Siyob. After navigating the bazar, we have a chance of seeing one of the biggest Mosques of the 14th century next to it.
-
Bibi Khanym Mosque
30 min Admission ticket included
Explore this vast building and take some good photos, as we have time to drink coffee close to this magnificent building.
-
Ulugh Beg Observatory
1 hour Admission ticket included
Our certified guide will lead an excursion in the museum and explain to you the details of how science developed in Samarkand in the 1420s.
Day 2 Be a Local for a day
-
Samarkand
5 hours
We would hop onto our transport and drive 15 kilometers outside the city center. While the city is busy with all the travelers seeing the touristic sites, we will take you out to see real life. Local village - Ohalik, is situated on the lower hills of the Gissar Mountain Ranges. We will drive to the village, stop in the local house to talk to them, and enjoy some tea and have a conversation. Then, we take you for a short hike on the slopes of these centuries-old granite stones. During our short hike, we may see local boys, and together we plan on building kites for flying or play local games. We have a realistic chance of meeting a shepherd and talking to them, meeting farmers and seeing how life goes on in this village. After the short hike, we return to the local house and enjoy a freshly prepared bread with some barbecue. We then will return to the city.
-
Afrasiyab Museum
1 hour Admission ticket included
Chance to learn the Sogdian culture. Thought to be over 2,770 years old, Samarkand was once a Sogdian trading center along the Silk Road connecting Asia and Europe. There is a chance of seeing a 7th-century fresco of this ancient citadel.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (Asia/Samarkand).
Additional Information
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
FAQs about Explore Samarkand as a Local
Can I cancel Explore Samarkand as a Local for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 2 days.
Where does it start, and is pickup offered?
Under the statue of Amir Temur Pickup is offered, or you can meet at the meeting point.
What's included?
- Lunch
- Dinner
- In-vehicle air conditioning
Which places does it visit?
It visits Gur Emir Mausoleum, Registan, Shah-i-Zinda, Bibi Khanym Mosque, Ulugh Beg Observatory, Afrasiyab Museum.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
What fitness level is needed?
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness.
Operated by Silk Road Discoveries
