Day 6

Samarkand - The Splendor of the Timurid Empire

• After breakfast, your sixth day takes you to explore the heart of Samarkand, starting with the impressive Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the tomb of the great conqueror Tamerlane, also known as King Timur. This mausoleum, with its blue dome and rich interior decorations, is one of the finest examples of Timurid architecture, dating back to the early 15th century.
• Then, you’ll head to Samarkand’s crown jewel and center of the Timurid Renaissance: Registan Square, also UNESCO-protected. This majestic ensemble of three madrasas (Islamic universities): Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori, symbolizes the city’s power and grandeur. The complex also includes the Shaybanids Mausoleum and, to the northeast, the Chorsu, the ancient bazaar with its impressive dome.
• Your next stop will be the Bibi-Khanym Mosque, built in honor of Tamerlane’s favorite wife. Its size and design are a testament to the height of the Timurid empire. Construction began in the late 14th century and was completed in the early 15th century. At its peak, it was considered one of the most beautiful mosques in the Islamic world.
• After lunch, you’ll stroll through the alleys of the Siyob Bazaar, Samarkand’s largest market, where you can buy local products like dried fruits, spices, and textiles.
• Next, you’ll head to Shah-i-Zinda, a necropolis extending with a series of tombs and mausoleums dating from the 11th to the 19th century, adorned with turquoise and blue ceramic tiles, and belonging to elite figures. This UNESCO-recognized site is a place of great devotion and beauty, housing over 20 ritual monuments.
• The evening concludes with dinner at a typical restaurant, where you can savor local dishes like halva, a traditional sweet of the local cuisine.