Samarkand Travel Guide 2025

You can find the current travel list for Samarkand below.

For my second trip to Samarkand, I wanted to prepare special content for you. Also, I will be releasing a YouTube video 🤗 You can find the places to visit in the content below.

Uzbek Currency SOM

Uzbek Currency Som

The official currency of Uzbekistan is the Som, which was introduced on July 1, 1994. The word “Som” means “pure” in many Turkic languages, such as Kyrgyz, Uighur, and Uzbek.

The subunit of Som is “tiyin”; 1 Som is divided into 100 tiyin. However, tiyins are no longer in use as they hold little value today.

The circulating banknotes include 1,000, 5,000, 10,000, 50,000, 100,000, and 200,000 Som. The coins are worth 50, 100, 200, and 500 Som.

The Uzbek Som is considered a symbol of the country’s economic identity and independence. The designs of the banknotes feature historical buildings and important figures reflecting the country’s cultural heritage.

Additionally, for hostel and accommodation recommendations in Samarkand, you can find the content links below.

Samarkand Registan

Registan Square

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZ2EcdMb4d2E3UvFA

Entrance Fee: 65,000 Som

Surrounded by three magnificent madrasahs, this square is one of the most famous and impressive tourist spots in Samarkand. Each madrasah is notable for its intricate mosaic designs and stunning architecture.

Gur-Emir Mausoleum

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZ2EcdMb4d2E3UvFA

Entrance Fee: 50,000 Som

This mausoleum is the final resting place of the famous ruler Timur (Tamerlane) and his family. It is distinguished by its blue dome and intricate tile decorations.

Bibi Khanum Mosque

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZ2EcdMb4d2E3UvFA

Entrance Fee: 50,000 Som

This grand mosque, built in honor of Timur’s wife Bibi Khanum, is worth visiting for its impressive architecture and decorations.

Shah-i-Zinda Complex

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZ2EcdMb4d2E3UvFA

Entrance Fee: 50,000 Som

This complex, consisting of several mausoleums and tombs from the 14th and 15th centuries, stands out for its colorful mosaics and historical significance.

Ulugh Beg Observatory

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZ2EcdMb4d2E3UvFA

Entrance Fee: 50,000 Som

This observatory, built in the 15th century, hosted significant astronomical studies of its time. It now serves as a museum.

Siab Bazaar

Uzbek Hat Doppi purchased for 25,000 Som, about 69₺

Uzbek Kalpak, can be found in the market for 350,000 Som, 963₺.

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZ2EcdMb4d2E3UvFA (It is located just next to Bibi Khanum Mosque.)

Entrance Fee: Free.

Siab Bazaar, one of the largest markets in Samarkand, is filled with fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and traditional handicrafts. It is an ideal place to experience the local culture.

Afrasiab Archaeological Site and Museum

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZ2EcdMb4d2E3UvFA (It is located in the northeastern part of Samarkand, close to Ulugh Beg Observatory.)

This archaeological site, with remnants dating from 500 BC to 1220 AD, sheds light on Samarkand’s ancient history. The museum displays artifacts from the excavations.

Hazrat Khizr Mosque

Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/MZ2EcdMb4d2E3UvFA

Located on a hill near the Shah-i-Zinda Complex.

This mosque, built in the 7th century, is one of the oldest places of worship in Samarkand. It is notable for its wooden craftsmanship and city views.