Exploring an Ancient City: Unveiling the Astonishing Wonders of a Remote Asian Corner

CNN Travel's series is sponsored by the destination it features, but CNN maintains complete editorial control over the content, adhering to our policy. Samarkand - a name that evokes thoughts of adventure, discovery, and enigmatic wonders.

Founded in approximately 700 BCE, Samarkand is among the world's oldest cities, having been inhabited without interruption. Serving as a meeting point for diverse cultures and a center for knowledge and commerce, particularly during the prosperous era of the ancient Silk Road that traversed through its territory. Though there is a plethora of literature dedicated to this remarkable city in southeastern Uzbekistan, it is a poem by the esteemed British novelist and poet James Elroy Flecker (1884-1915) that captures its essence most eloquently: "Driven by an insatiable desire to uncover the unknown, we embark upon the illustrious journey to Samarkand, the path adorned with golden promises."

Samarkand, with its array of captivating mosques, mausoleums, and madrassas, undoubtedly stands out as the gem among Uzbekistan's historical cities. It is often mentioned in the same league as Khiva and Bukhara, two prominent Silk Road stops renowned for their stunning Middle Ages architecture.

For a glimpse of what Samarkand has in store, here's a concise overview. If possible, dedicate a minimum of three days to fully immerse yourself in its splendor during your visit.

Historical highlights

Samarkands Bibi Khanum is one of the largest mosques in Central Asia.

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Start your Samarkand itinerary by visiting Registan Square, which is known as the most iconic spot in Uzbekistan. The square boasts three breathtaking madrassas, namely Ulugbek Madrassah, Sher Dor Madrassah, and Tilla-Kari Madrassah. Constructed during the 15th to 17th centuries, these Islamic schools beautifully capture the essence of the ancient Silk Road, symbolizing the convergence of education and commerce.

In Samarkand, the Shah-i-Zinda stands out as the most remarkable sight, surpassing even the famous Registan Square. This necropolis boasts a splendid array of turquoise tiles, domes, and breathtaking interiors, all dating back to the 14th century. Additionally, there are numerous sites linked to Temur, a revered ruler of the 14th century, making his presence felt throughout Uzbekistan.

Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, offers an array of surprises including delectable street food and captivating underground art. One of the prominent attractions is the Gur-e-Amir, also known as the Amir Temur Mausoleum, located in Samarkand. This exquisite mausoleum, adorned with gold and turquoise, serves as the final resting place of Timur, who was entombed there in 1405, a year after its completion in 1404.

Legend has it that the Bibi Khanum Mosque in Samarkand was commissioned by Timur's favorite wife to celebrate his return from a long plundering expedition. Today, it stands as one of Central Asia's largest mosques, capable of accommodating up to 10,000 worshippers simultaneously.

Moving on to Timur's grandson, Ulug Bheg, he held the title of sultan but was also a renowned scientist with a strong passion for mathematics and astronomy. His remarkable contributions are commemorated at the historic Ulug Bheg Observatory, constructed in the 1420s atop a hill, providing panoramic views of Samarkand. This observatory proudly exhibits the accurate measurement of the sun's trajectory throughout the year, deviating just one minute from contemporary measurements.

In the northeastern part of the city stands the Mausoleum of St. Daniel, renowned as an Old Testament prophet. Where his remains lie exactly remains a debatable subject, with numerous countries asserting ownership. Based on local folklore, the Mausoleum of St. Daniel in Samarkand houses a growing collection of relics associated with the prophet. This constant expansion has required the sarcophagus to be continuously elongated, resulting in its current length of 18 meters (59 feet).

What to eat

Plov, Uzbekistan's national dish, comes in many forms.

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Uzbek cuisine is as varied as the countrys landscape and Samarkand is no exception.

The national dish, plov, is essentially a rice dish similar to pilaf or pilau. It can be prepared using various ingredients such as carrots, beef, raisins, and onions. Each family from different regions has their own unique plov recipe, so it's an adventure to discover the ideal version for you.

Often served alongside meals is obi non, a type of bread that is freshly baked in a clay oven. It is then embellished and imprinted with a distinctive pattern using a spiky utensil that can be purchased at any souvenir stand.

Explore the must-try delights of Uzbekistan, an extraordinary treasure in Central Asia. Indulge in achichuk, a delightful tomato salad with a tantalizing touch of onions and chili, or savor the delectable manti, dumplings filled with either pumpkin or spinach.

There are also samsa available, which are samosas filled with a variety of mostly meat fillings. Additionally, the popular shashlik consists of skewers containing different types of meat. If you have a craving for noodles, lagman is a commonly enjoyed dish that you should try.

In terms of local delicacies that may not appeal to everyone, there is kurt. These small, hard, white balls can be found laid out on nibbling dishes and in markets. They are dried cheese snacks that are made from soured, fermented milk obtained from local animals. According to legend, they were favored by travelers during the Silk Road era.

Where to eat it

Samarkand's lively Siab Bazaar offers shopping and local eats.

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Platan is renowned for being one of the premier restaurants in town, specializing in authentic Uzbek cuisine. With its generous portions, extensive selection of wines, and charming decor, it provides an ideal setting for an unforgettable Samarkand dining experience.

If you're looking for an affordable and enjoyable place to grab a bite while exploring the sights, the Siab Bazaar is the perfect destination. This bustling market offers a variety of traditional Uzbek delicacies, such as piping hot obi non, flavorful samsa, succulent shashlik, and refreshing kurt. Not only are these dishes incredibly affordable, but they also guarantee top-notch freshness.

No trip to Uzbekistan is truly complete without experiencing its rich tea tradition. An integral part of every occasion and meal, tea pots are regularly shared among the locals. While the younger generation is embracing the coffee-to-go culture, the older residents still savor the pleasure of enjoying a pot of tea with their meals.

Uzbekistans traditional chaykhanas, or tea houses, are becoming rarer, but Samarkands Bibikhanum Teahouse offers an authentic experience.

Where to stay

Samarkand has been a haven for global tourists for centuries, providing a diverse selection of lodging options. Although there are a few major international hotel chains like Hilton and Regency, they are mostly situated in the modern area of the city, detached from the captivating historic landmarks. To truly make the most of your stay, it is advisable to choose a charming boutique hotel near Registan Square, ensuring easy access to the majority of the prominent attractions within walking distance.

The Bibikhanum Hotel, located just a stone's throw away from the Bibi Khanum Mosque and the Siab Bazaar, showcases the exquisite traditional craftsmanship and architectural style of the region. While the rooms are simple, they are equipped with all the necessary amenities.

Meanwhile, Kosh Havuz is a contemporary boutique hotel, conveniently located within walking distance of Bibi Khanum, Registan Palace, and Shah-i-Zinda. It offers generously sized rooms, expansive bathrooms, and a rooftop terrace restaurant.

Lastly, LArgamak is a cozy hotel with a charming courtyard garden, just a few steps away from the Amir Temur Mausoleum.

Getting around

If youre staying in the old section of the city, walking is the best option, as there are many small lanes to explore and maneuver.

Taxis are a convenient and affordable choice for longer distances, such as reaching the railway station, airport, or attractions like Ulug Bhegs Observatory. It is advisable to negotiate the fare upfront since several taxis do not operate with meters. However, fares are generally reasonable. Just ensure that you have local currency in cash.

When planning longer day trips, such as a visit to Shakhrisabz, hiring a private driver and guide is highly recommended.

Getting there

Uzbekistans largest international airport is in the capital, Tashkent. From there, you can either catch an onward flight with Uzbekistan Airways to Samarkand or hop on a train.

Several train options of different speeds are available for the rail connection. The swiftest option is the Afrosiyob Express, which takes approximately two hours to reach Samarkand, making it slightly slower than a flight.

To secure a train seat, it is advisable to book online in advance as seats tend to fill up quickly.