Samarkand Walking Excursion

The walking excursion begins at the Gur-Emir Mausoleum, one of the most famous monuments in Samarkand. This beautiful mausoleum is the resting place of Amir Timur, also known as Tamerlane, and members of the Timurid dynasty. It was built in the early 15th century and later became the family tomb of the Timurids.

The mausoleum is famous for its ribbed turquoise dome, which rises above the surrounding buildings. Inside, you will see the richly decorated interior, covered with gold leaf, onyx panels and intricate patterns. The tomb of Timur is marked by a large block of dark green jade, one of the largest in the world. Next to it are the tombs of his sons, grandsons and his spiritual teacher. Your guide will tell you about the life of Timur and his empire, which stretched from India to Turkey. You will also hear the famous legend about the curse connected with the opening of his tomb in 1941. The architecture of Gur-Emir influenced later monuments, including the Taj Mahal in India. You will spend about 50 minutes exploring the mausoleum and its courtyard.

Next, you will visit the Registan Ensemble, the heart of Samarkand and one of the most famous squares in the world. The square is surrounded by three magnificent madrassas built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Together, they form a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the masterpieces of Islamic architecture.

The Ulugbek Madrasah, built in the 15th century, was one of the best universities of the Islamic world. Here, students studied astronomy, mathematics, philosophy and theology. The Sher-Dor Madrasah is famous for its portal decorated with images of tigers chasing deer, with the sun rising behind them. The Tilya-Kori Madrasah, meaning "gilded", contains a mosque with a richly decorated golden interior. You will walk through the courtyards of the madrassas, where many former student rooms now house craft shops. Your guide will tell you about the history of the square and its role as a public meeting place. You will have time to take photographs and enjoy the atmosphere. This visit lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

The walk continues to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, one of the largest and most impressive monuments in Samarkand. This monumental mosque was built between 1399 and 1404 by order of Amir Timur after his campaign in India. When completed, it was one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world and could accommodate around 10,000 worshippers.

The mosque's huge portal and domes, decorated with blue tiles, are a magnificent sight. According to legend, the mosque was named after Timur's favourite wife, who ordered its construction as a surprise for her husband. Your guide will tell you the romantic and dramatic stories connected with the mosque and its construction. Because of its size and the speed of construction, parts of the mosque began to collapse soon after it was finished. It was partially destroyed by an earthquake in the 19th century and was restored during the 20th century. In the courtyard, you will see a giant marble Quran stand. You will spend about 30 minutes exploring the mosque.

Next to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque, you will visit the Siyob Bazaar, the largest and most famous market in Samarkand. The bazaar covers an area of about seven hectares and has been a centre of trade for centuries. Here, local people buy fresh fruit, vegetables, spices, dried fruits, nuts and sweets.

The bazaar is famous for its Samarkand bread, a round, flat bread with a beautiful pattern in the centre. According to local belief, this bread stays fresh for a long time and cannot be baked anywhere else with the same taste. You can taste local specialities such as dried apricots, raisins, almonds and halva. The traders are friendly and often offer samples of their products. Your guide will help you find the best products and explain how to bargain. This is a great place to buy souvenirs and gifts for friends and family. The lively atmosphere of the bazaar offers a wonderful insight into daily life in Samarkand. You will spend about 40 minutes exploring the bazaar.

The walking excursion ends at the Khazrati Khizr Complex, a revered shrine located on a hill near the Siyob Bazaar. The complex is dedicated to Khizr, a mysterious saint who is believed to help travellers and those in need. It is one of the oldest religious sites in Samarkand, although the present building dates mostly from the 19th century.

The mosque is decorated with beautiful carved wooden columns and painted ceilings. Pilgrims come here to pray and ask for help and blessings. The complex also contains the mausoleum of Islam Karimov, the first president of Uzbekistan. From the top of the hill, you can enjoy panoramic views over the city, including the Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the ruins of the ancient city of Afrosiyab. This is a wonderful place to take photographs and reflect on the history of Samarkand. Your guide will tell you about the legends connected with Khizr and the history of the shrine. You will spend about 30 minutes at the complex. We hope you have enjoyed this walking excursion through the heart of Samarkand.