Expert opinion
Pluses
- Amir Timur (Tamerlane, 1336–1405), founder of the Timurid empire, which had its capital in Samarkand. Born near Shahrisabz.'s birthplace: A UNESCO-listed town with the ruins of the Did you know? Ak-Saray's gate arch spanned 22 metres Only the pylons of the portal of Timur's White Palace survive, yet they still stand about 38 m high. The vault that once joined them spanned 22 m, and the facade glows with ochre and blue glazed brick. Read more → Palace and the Dorut Tilovat and Dorus Siadat complexes.
- Mountain road: The route goes over a mountain pass through picturesque landscapes, about 110 km from Samarkand.
- Back by evening: Transfers by car, lunch, tickets and a local guide are included, and you return to Samarkand the same day.
Minuses
- About 6 hours on the road: The programme says about 3 hours each way for roughly 110 km.
- Sunday departure: The extension is offered with a Sunday departure from Samarkand.
- Minimum 2 people: The price is per person with a minimum of two travellers.
AroundCA numbers
How we counted
By the AroundCA programme: we count only what is written in the day-by-day programme of this tour. If the programme gives no figure, we show nothing.
- Longest transfer
- 3 h · by car
- On the road in total
- 6 h
A typical day
You drive over the mountain pass to Shakhrisabz, tour the town's Timurid monuments and have lunch there, then return to Samarkand in the evening. The programme gives about 3 hours each way.
What the price includes
What is included
- All transfers in a comfortable car
- Lunch in Shakhrisabz
- Excursion programme with a local guide
- Entrance tickets on the programme
Not included
- Meals not mentioned in the programme
- Personal expenses
- Photo and video fees
- Tips
Extra cost on site
- Meals not mentioned in the programme
- Photo and video fees
- Tips
- Personal expenses
Good for
- Travellers spending extra days in Samarkand
- Those interested in Timur and Timurid architecture
- Lovers of mountain road scenery
Maybe not for you if
- Those who dislike long drives — it is about 3 hours each way
- Solo travellers — the trip needs a minimum of 2 people
Questions about this tour
What is included?
Everything that is and isn’t included, and what you pay on site, is in one list: What the price includes
What is not included?
Everything that is and isn’t included, and what you pay on site, is in one list: What the price includes
How far is Shakhrisabz from Samarkand?
About 110 km, roughly 3 hours each way along a mountain road.
What will I see?
The ruins of Timur's Ak-Saray Palace and the Dorut Tilovat and Dorus Siadat complexes.
When do I get back?
The trip returns to Samarkand in the evening.
Didn’t find your answer? Ask about this tour →
Programme and details
Day-by-day route, prices and terms
Route extension · 1 day
Shakhrisabz Day Trip
A one-day trip from Samarkand to Shakhrisabz — the birthplace of Amir Timur, a UNESCO World Heritage town.
from $55 per person
Sunday departure from Samarkand
~110 km, 3 hours each way
Highlights
What’s inside
- The ruins of the Ak-Saray Palace — Timur’s grand summer residence
- The Dorut Tilovat and Dorus Siadat complexes
- A mountain road through picturesque landscapes
- Lunch in Shakhrisabz
Programme
Day by day
Sunday · Samarkand — Shakhrisabz — Samarkand
Drive over the mountain pass to Shakhrisabz, a tour of the town’s Timurid monuments and lunch, then back to Samarkand in the evening.
Price
Price per person
| Cost per person | $55 |
Minimum 2 people.
Booking
How to book
- Send a request via the form on this page, by email hello@aroundca.com or on WhatsApp. Reply within 24 hours.
- This is an add-on to a longer route — we help you fit it into your itinerary.
Timur’s home town, half a day’s drive from Samarkand.
