Day trips from Samarkand

Distance: about 90 km; 1.5–2 hours each way over the Takhtakaracha pass (the road may close in heavy snow; a longer route goes around).

Shakhrisabz, the “green city”, is the birthplace of Timur. Its historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The highlight is the colossal ruined portal of the Ak-Saray palace, Timur’s summer residence, whose surviving piers still rise around 38 metres with fine tilework. Also see the Dorut-Tilavat complex with the Kok-Gumbaz mosque built by Ulugbek, and the Dorus-Saodat complex with the tomb of Timur’s son Jahangir and the crypt Timur prepared for himself but never used.

The drive over the pass is spectacular, with views of the Zarafshan range and roadside stalls selling honey, dried fruit and fresh bread in season. A full day with lunch in Shakhrisabz is ideal.

Distance: about 25 km north; 30–40 minutes.

The memorial complex of Imam al-Bukhari, compiler of the most respected collection of hadith, is one of the holiest sites in Central Asia. A half-day trip, often combined with the Imam al-Maturidi mausoleum in the city. Dress modestly.

Distance: about 40 km south-east; around 1 hour.

Urgut is a town at the foot of the mountains whose market is one of the largest in the region, especially on Sunday. It is famous for suzani embroidery, old and new, as well as carpets, textiles, jewellery and everyday goods. Nearby, the Chor-Chinor park holds giant plane trees said to be many centuries old around a spring and mosque. Go early on a Sunday morning for the full market; bargain politely. Check the export rules if you buy anything that looks old.

Distance: about 35 km south; 45 minutes to 1 hour.

A pilgrimage site in the mountains near the village of Aksay, associated with the prophet David (Daud). Pilgrims climb a long stairway of over a thousand steps to a cave where, legend says, the prophet’s hand and footprints remain in the rock. The climb is steep but rewards you with views over the valley, and the atmosphere of pilgrimage is memorable. Wear good shoes and bring water; allow 2–3 hours on site.

Distance: about 60 km including the border; 1–1.5 hours plus border time.

Ancient Penjikent was a Sogdian town of the 5th–8th centuries, excavated to reveal houses, temples and wall paintings, some now in the Hermitage in St Petersburg. A museum in modern Penjikent displays finds and copies of the murals. From Penjikent you can continue to the Seven Lakes (Haft Kul) in the Fann Mountains, though this is better as an overnight trip.

You must cross the Uzbek–Tajik border at Jartepa–Sarazm; check visa requirements for your nationality and current opening hours before planning. It is easiest with a driver on each side.

Distance: about 200–250 km; 3–4 hours each way.

The fortress of Alexander the Great at Nurata, its holy spring, the villages of the Nuratau mountains and the yurt camps on the shore of Lake Aydarkul in the Kyzylkum desert make a great overnight trip, ideally on the way from Samarkand to Bukhara. As a day trip it is long; spend the night in a yurt camp if you can.

Distance: about 2.5–3 hours.

Juniper forests and mountain meadows on the Turkestan range, a cool escape in summer. Best as a one- or two-night trip. See Zaamin National Park.

High-speed trains reach Bukhara in about 1.5–2 hours, so a day trip is technically possible, but Bukhara deserves at least two nights. If time is very short, a day trip is better than skipping it.

For most of these trips a car with a driver is the most practical choice, as public transport is slow or non-existent for visitors. Leave early in summer to avoid the midday heat. Shakhrisabz and Urgut combine well in one long day if you start very early. Bring your passport on all trips; there are police checkpoints, and you need it at the Tajik border. We arrange cars, drivers and guides for all these trips.