Uzbekistan · DAY TRIPS IN SAMARKAND

The 15 Best Day Trips in Samarkand

28 tours  ·  from $25

Good day trips in Samarkand fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.

Samarkand One Day Tour - Departure From Tashkent - What the $219 price really covers
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Day Trips in Tashkent, Samarkand Tours, Tashkent Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Samarkand One Day Tour – Departure From Tashkent

1.Samarkand One Day Tour – Departure From Tashkent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 313 reviews · from $219Our pick

Travel from Tashkent to Samarkand by high-speed train, with hotel pickup, station transfers, a local guide, lunch, and admission included. You’ll see Gur Emir, the Registan, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda, and Siab Bazaar in one long day. Guides such as Mokhigul, Shohrux, and Sevinch have led this route.

“A great guide in Samarkand. Pick up to high speed train no problems. Unfortunately, this tour company must wait until last minute to book return train tickets, so my husband and I were seated in different sections of the train. Also, when we Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Samarkand One Day Tour: one day walking & group tour - Gur Emir: beginning with Timur’s tomb
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Walking Tours, Walking Tours in Samarkand

Samarkand One Day Tour: one day walking & group tour

2.Samarkand One Day Tour: one day walking & group tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 87 reviews · 6 hours · from $25Best value

Walk Samarkand from Gur Emir to Shah-i-Zinda with a guide and a group capped at 10 people. You’ll see Registan, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siyab Bazaar, and Hazrat Khizr Mosque. Guides such as Elior, Abdulla, and Adam are praised for clear history and friendly help. Entrance fees and lunch are extra, and the tour may finish sooner than six hours.

“I had a wonderful morning with my guide, Elyor. Elyor made the tour an unforgettable experience. He is knowledgeable, patient and generous and I would highly recommend his services.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Samarkand: Shahrisabz Day Trip with Optional Local Guide - The drive from Samarkand through rural Uzbekistan
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Guided Tours, Guided Tours in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Shakhrisabz Tours, Tour Reviews

Samarkand: Shahrisabz Day Trip with Optional Local Guide

3.Shahrisabz Day Trip with Optional Local Guide

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 81 reviews · 7 hours · from $65

Travel from Samarkand through vineyards, farms, hills, and mountain roads to Shahrisabz, the historic city linked with Amir Timur. You get round-trip transport, a driver, photo stops, and about two hours in town. Add a local English-speaking guide such as Zarshed, Shouq, or Mironshox for context at the palace complex and nearby monuments.

“The tour was splendid and we had a great time with both our driver and tour guide. Our driver Ulugbek picked us up with a nice car and drove around 2 hours to Shakhrisabz. There were a few photo taking stops on the way. His English was limited but we managed to chat through translation. Was the best driver we had throughout our 10days in Uzbekistan who drove safely. Our tour guide Mironshox was young but full of historic knowledge. The whole complex was in walkable distance and time flies while learning all the history. We bought 3 tickets, each ticket was 40000som pp and could be paid by credit…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Day Tour to Shahrisabz of Amir Timur - Ak-Saray Palace and the remains of a giant project
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Shakhrisabz Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Day Tour to Shahrisabz of Amir Timur

4.Day Tour to Shahrisabz of Amir Timur

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 44 reviews · from $60

Travel privately from Samarkand to Shahrisabz, Amir Timur’s birthplace, in an air-conditioned car. See the giant Ak-Saray gateway, Kok-Gumbaz Mosque, Dorut Tilovat, and Timur’s statue, with scenic stops possible along the road. The driver may speak English, Russian, or Turkish, but confirm whether a separate guide is included.

“The trip was nice overall. Very beautiful and informative. The only minus was that our driver did not speak English at all. Even though, teoretically he should. I think that our driver had an issue and he sent his brother. A very nice person, but the communication was a bit hard.”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Samarkand: Shahrisabz Day Trip & Mountain Pass Tour - Crossing Takhtakaracha Pass from Samarkand
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Shakhrisabz Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Samarkand: Shahrisabz Day Trip & Mountain Pass Tour

5.Shahrisabz Day Trip & Mountain Pass Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 42 reviews · 9 hours - 1 day · from $95

Travel from Samarkand to Shahrisabz with an English or Russian-speaking guide, crossing Takhtakaracha Pass and visiting Ak-Saray Palace, Kok-Gumbaz Mosque, and Dorut-Tilavat. Guides such as Umida, Nilufar, Zarshed, and Bakhtiyor have earned praise for clear explanations and thoughtful pacing. Choose a small group or private driver option.

“Our tour guide Mr Bakhtiyor very good for bringing us to the place we want to explore, and he gives very good explanation about the history, daily life, and culture. And he is a good driver as well. pleasent journey.”

Check availability →Read our full review

All in One Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent - The train ride sets the rhythm
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Day Trips in Tashkent, Samarkand Tours, Tashkent Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

All in One Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent

6.All in One Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $196

Travel from Tashkent to Samarkand by high-speed train for a full day of Timurid monuments, markets, museums, and local food. Your guide meets you at the Samarkand station, then leads you through Gur Emir, Registan, Bibi Khanym, Shah-i-Zinda, and more. Guides such as Aziz, Ikrom, and Ulugbek are available, though early booking helps secure your preferred train and language.

“This tour was planned and executed impeccably each pick up and drop off was seamless and timed perfectly....as for Samarkand it's pure magic....it's simply unforgettable and it's not enough to simplify walk the streets and enjoy the sights Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Day Tour to Samarkand from Tashkent by train. - From your Tashkent hotel to the 8:00 train
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Day Trips in Tashkent, Samarkand Tours, Tashkent Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours, Train Experiences

Day Tour to Samarkand from Tashkent by train.

7.Day Tour to Samarkand from Tashkent by train.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 34 reviews · from $270

Travel by train from Tashkent with a private guide and driver waiting in Samarkand. You will visit Gur Emir, Registan Square, Bibi Khanim Mosque, Shah-i-Zinda, Ulugh Beg Observatory, and Siyab Bazaar. Guides such as Amin and Irina provide English-language help, while your transport and entrance fees are arranged.

“The tour guide Amin was knowledgeable fluent in English and v helpful. Amazing photographer too. The driver was courteous and skilful.”

Check availability →Read our full review

1-Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent - Gur-Emir Mausoleum and the legacy of Amir Temur
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Day Trips in Tashkent, Samarkand Tours, Tashkent Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

1-Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent

8.1-Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · from $196

Leave your Tashkent hotel around 7:15am, ride a high-speed train to Samarkand, and spend the day with a local guide and driver. You’ll visit Bibi Khanym Mosque, Gur-Emir Mausoleum, Registan Square, Shah-i-Zinda, and Ulugbek Madrasah before returning by train. Guide Shodiyor has received particular praise for his clear, friendly explanations.

“I booked this months in advance knowing that I only had 3 days in the country. I booked this with the expectation that I would get to see Samarkand despite my short stay (I was staying in Tashkent). I woke up early and waited for the driver at 6am. No one showed up. After Read more”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bukhara-Shakhrisabz-Samarkand One Day Trip - Shakhrisabz, Timur’s hometown
Bukhara Tours, Day Trips, Day Trips in Bukhara, Day Trips in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Shakhrisabz Tours, Tour Reviews

Bukhara-Shakhrisabz-Samarkand One Day Trip

9.Shakhrisabz-Samarkand One Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 16 reviews · 8.5 hours

Travel by private, air-conditioned vehicle from Bukhara to Samarkand with a long stop in Shakhrisabz. See the ruins of Aksaray, Timur’s mausoleums, his unfinished crypt, and the Takhtakaracha Pass. The price is $175 for up to three people, with entrance tickets, lunch, and a guide extra.

“bella l'escursione, comodo il servizio di prelievo, prezzo troppo elevato”

Check availability →Read our full review

Samarkand day trip - Registan Square and its three grand madrasahs
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Tour Reviews

Samarkand day trip

10.Samarkand day trip

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 13 reviews · from $71

Spend about five hours exploring Samarkand with a private guide and transport. Visit Gur-i Amir, Registan Square, Shahi Zindah, Bibi Khanum Mosque, Siyab Bazaar, and Ulughbek Observatory. Guides such as Jafar, Olimjon, Muhammed, and Olim have been praised for clear explanations and flexible pacing. Pickup is available from the railway station, airport, or hotel.

“Wonderful excursion with a very experienced and knowledgeable guide! Many thanks to Jafar for taking the time to point out the things we were interested in!”

Check availability →Read our full review

All in One Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent - The train ride sets the rhythm
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Day Trips in Tashkent, Samarkand Tours, Tashkent Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

All in One Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent

11.All in One Day Tour of Samarkand from Tashkent

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 11 reviews · 8 hours · from $195

Travel from Tashkent to Samarkand by train, then tour with an English, Russian, French, or Italian-speaking guide. You’ll visit Gur Emir, Registan Square, Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Siab Bazaar, Shah-i-Zinda, and Ulugh Beg Observatory, with hotel transfers, entrance fees, lunch, and return train tickets included.

“Tour molto bello. Da rivedere l’organizzazione. Attese troppo lunghe; abbiamo atteso 5 ore prima di poter rientrare in treno a Tashkent”

Check availability →Read our full review

Samarkand - Shakhrisabz - Bukhara One Day Trip - What the driver can and cannot provide
Bukhara Tours, Day Trips, Day Trips in Bukhara, Day Trips in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Shakhrisabz Tours, Tour Reviews

Samarkand – Shakhrisabz – Bukhara One Day Trip

12.Shakhrisabz – Bukhara One Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 11 reviews · 8.5 hours

Ride from Samarkand to Bukhara with a private vehicle, stopping at the Takhtakaracha Pass and Shakhrisabz. You’ll see Tamerlane’s ruined Aksaray palace, memorial complexes, a crypt, deserts, steppes, and mountain country. The driver speaks English or Russian, and guide Nizam has earned praise for his friendly explanations.

“Nizam was excellent driver, he provided a lot of explantation about the country, was friendly, communicative and intellectual.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Seven Lakes Tajikistan: All-Inclusive Private Day Tour - Optional Trek from the Sixth Lake
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Private Tours, Private Tours in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Tajikistan Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

Seven Lakes Tajikistan: All-Inclusive Private Day Tour

13.Seven Lakes Tajikistan: All-Inclusive Private Day Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 11 reviews · from $94

Travel from Samarkand into Tajikistan with a private guide such as Amir, crossing the border on foot before driving through the Fann Mountains to all seven lakes. The day includes private transport, bottled water, a traditional Tajik lunch or picnic, and time at Hazorchashma, the highest lake at about 2,400 meters.

“This was a really enjoyable trip to the 7 lakes in Tadjikistan from our hotel in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Amir our guide picked us up at our hotel and drove us to the border and walked through with us to meet our driver on the Tadjikistan sidRead more”

Check availability →Read our full review

From Samarkand: Day tour to the Tajiksitan Alexander lake. - Who should book this experience
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Tajikistan Excursions, Tour Reviews, Tours

From Samarkand: Day tour to the Tajiksitan Alexander lake.

14.Day tour to the Tajiksitan Alexander lake.

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 9 reviews · 10 hours · from $200

Leave Samarkand early with an English or Russian-speaking guide, cross into Tajikistan, and follow mountain roads to Iskanderkul Lake. You’ll have time for photos, a local lunch or picnic, and a light hike to Fan Niagara and Snake Lake. Expect a long driving day, basic facilities, and strong scenery.

“This was a great day trip. Since it is less famous than Seven Lakes, the guide will change the locations to suit the participants. Highly recommend.”

Check availability →Read our full review

One day tour to Shakhrisabz: Motherland of Amir Temur - Heart-stone, a natural photo stop south of Samarkand
Day Trips, Day Trips in Samarkand, Samarkand Tours, Shakhrisabz Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

One day tour to Shakhrisabz: Motherland of Amir Temur

15.One day tour to Shakhrisabz: Motherland of Amir Temur

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 9 reviews · 1 day · from $54

Travel privately from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz with Fayoziddin or a colleague as your guide and driver. You’ll see Ak Saray’s giant portals, Darus Saodat, Kuk Gumbaz Mosque, the Valley of Demons, and Heart-stone, with mountain scenery and a tandoor-gush lunch along the way. English, Russian, and Persian guiding is available.

“La gita con Fayoz è stata eccellente! È stato un’ottima guida e compagnia, super disponibile e professionale: consigliatissimo sia per questo tour che per altri alla scoperta di Samarcanda e dintorni.”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Day Trips in Samarkand

★ 5.0Tadjikistan 7 Lakes Day Trip from Samarkand with LunchFrom $935 reviews
★ 5.0Shakhrisabz Private Day Tour from SamarkandFrom $994 reviews
★ 5.0Seven Lakes Panjakent: One-Day Adventure from SamarkandFrom $1003 reviews
★ 5.0Penjikent Day Trip From SamarkandFrom $1603 reviews
★ 4.5Day Trip to Tajikistan’s Seven LakesFrom $1095 reviews
★ 5.0Uloq-Kopkari (Buzkashi) Game Day Tour3 reviews
★ 4.7Hazrat Daud Cave Day Tour from Samarkand4 reviews

Keep browsing

Day Trips48Multi-Day Tours29City Tours35Walking Tours26Ancient Fortress Tours12Cooking Classes12
Scroll to Top

Across Uzbekistan

Start with a city, a desert or a kazan.

In the old towns

City ToursWalking ToursHistorical ToursGuided ToursEvening Tours

Out of town

Day TripsShahrisabzDesert FortressesChimgan & AmirsoyFergana Valley

The desert

Aral SeaYurt CampsVillagesWalking & TrekkingLong Transfers

At the table

Cooking ClassesFood ToursPlov in SamarkandBy TrainFull Days