Overview
Shakhrisabz, the ‘green city’, is where Amir Timur was born and where he built a palace meant to outshine every other. The road from Samarkand crosses the Zarafshan range by the scenic Takhtakaracha pass.
With a private guide and car you see the ruins of the Ak-Saray palace, the Dorut-Tilovat and Dorus-Siadat complexes and the Kok-Gumbaz mosque, then return to Samarkand in the afternoon.
Your trip is planned and run by Khikmatilla, a licensed Uzbek tour guide and founder of Tashkentguide DMC, with licensed local guides in every city.
Highlights
- Mountain road over the Takhtakaracha pass
- The gate towers of Amir Timur’s Ak-Saray palace
- Dorus-Siadat and the tomb of Jahangir
- Kok-Gumbaz mosque in the Dorut-Tilovat ensemble
- Lunch in a local café
Prices are per person for a private tour and fall as your group grows.
What's included
- Lunch at a local café
- Hotel pickup and drop-off in Samarkand
- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Licensed English-speaking local guide on sightseeing days (other languages on request)
- Entrance fees to the sights listed in the itinerary
- 0.5 L bottled water per person per day
- 24/7 support from our Tashkent team
- Drinks, personal expenses and tips
- Camera fees at some monuments
- Travel insurance
Meeting and pickup
Your hotel in Samarkand
Your hotel in Samarkand
Itinerary
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1
Morning · Samarkand – Shakhrisabz (approx. 90 km)
Pickup from your hotel in Samarkand and drive south over the Takhtakaracha pass, with a photo stop at the top when the road is open (in winter the lower road is used).
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2
Midday · Shakhrisabz
Walk with your guide from the remains of the Ak-Saray palace to the Dorus-Siadat complex with the tomb of Timur's eldest son Jahangir, and the Dorut-Tilovat ensemble with the Kok-Gumbaz mosque and the family vault of Timur's father. Lunch at a local café.
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3
Afternoon · Return to Samarkand
Drive back and drop-off at your hotel, around 6 to 8 hours after pickup.
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before departure: 100% refund.
- Less notice than that, or a no-show: 0% refund.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
Times are local Tashkent time (UTC+5).