"Samarkand - Eternal City on the Silk Road" Samarkand by lotharlerch

Samarkand Travel Guide: 316 reviews and 886 photos

Registan Square

The Registan ("Sandy Square") is the heart of Samarkand, often named "the most noble square in the world". No visitor remains unimpressed. The square is open on one side and opposite of it is Tilla Kori, the Golden Mosque. At the right side is the Shir Dor ("Tiger") madrasah, at the left the older named after Ulug Beg. Both were Koran schools with cells where the students lived. All three buildings are completely covered with mostly blue ceramic tiles showing fantastic ornaments and wonderful kalligraphics.
For more pics see the travelogue.

Important notice - Acknowledgment:
Some of the pictures on this website were taken by my friends Peter Lieberzeit and Bruno Sperl who have been together with me in Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

Shohi Zinda

Wall tiles from 15th century

This extraordinary necropolis is about one km from the Registan at a corner of Afrosiob, the old pre-Timurid Samarkand which was existing for about 2000 years before Timur Lenk destroyed it.
Shohi Zinda shows even more refined ceramics and fantastic carved woodden doors. Until hundred years ago this holy place was forbidden for non-Muslims. See also the travelogue.

Gur Emir and Bibi Hanum

Entrance to Gur Emir

These are together with the Registan and Shohi Zinda the most important architectonic landmarks of Samarkand. In Gur Emir Tamerlan (Timur Lenk) is buried and Bibi Hanum is the largest mosque in Central Asia.
For more pics see the travelogue

Pros and Cons

Pros:The most spectacular architecture along the Silk Road
Cons:Starts to get "touristy" with heavy "rip-offs"
In a nutshell:One of two Musts in Uzbekistan

Last visit to Samarkand: Oct 2002
Intro Updated Nov 4, 2009
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Reviews (11)

Bus from Tashkent Transportation (1)

The main road from Tashkent to Samarkand goes a bit through Kazakh territory. I did it twice (2000 and 2002) and did... more travel advice

Bazaar and around Things to Do (5)

The bazaar in Samarkand is rather picturesque but by far not comparable to the Chorsu in Tashkent. But if you are on... more travel advice

Nice interior, usually more people there - Samarkand

The restaurant at the lower end of the... Tourist Traps (1)

As described at the Resaturant tip it is a nice place but tourists pay clearly more than locals. Ask for a Menu with... more travel advice

Bibi Khanum Mosque Things to Do (5)

This is the biggest mosque in Central Asia. FOR MORE PICS SEE THE TRAVELOGUE more travel advice

Travelogues (5)

1 - 4 of 5

Comments (48)

elpariente Jan 23, 2012 at 6:29 AM Report Abuse

Samarkanda is like a dream town and with your tips you are helping us to dream. Thank you. Gracias !!!!
globetrott Mar 19, 2008 at 2:40 PM Report Abuse

What an interesting location ! Excellent tips & pics and great updates again, Lothar ! Sieht aus wie bei 1001 nacht !!
nepalgoods Sep 7, 2007 at 10:52 PM Report Abuse

Samarkand is definitely a highlight!! I did not see many beggars, no Hassle at all.
TheWanderingCamel Aug 24, 2005 at 6:10 AM Report Abuse

Interesting how different the cities of Uzbekistan are, one from the other. Nice pics here. -leyle
matthieuxjames May 11, 2005 at 9:45 PM Report Abuse

The timeless beauty of Samarkand is captured very well in your photographs. When I look at the peaceful streets and intricate architecture, it's hard to imagine the stormy history which unfolded here over countless generations.
Siddha3th Dec 5, 2004 at 11:01 PM Report Abuse

Thanks for dropping by my Andaman Islands pages, Lothar. These photographs and travelogues here are very beautiful :) Samarkand really is an extraordinary place!
orlikins Nov 15, 2004 at 3:06 AM Report Abuse

happy (belated!) birthday :)
evona Nov 7, 2004 at 12:59 PM Report Abuse

Great architecture!!! Beautiful pics. I would like go there one day :)
jto Oct 11, 2004 at 5:34 AM Report Abuse

The buldings is so spectacular. Great page really. Id love to see Samarkand as well. I guess I have to enjoy your page while waiting. :)
iandsmith Aug 15, 2004 at 3:13 AM Report Abuse

I too was impressed by the square - and I've only seen it in your pages!