Samarkand Province combines the world-famous cultural heritage of the city of Samarkand with regional themes such as ecotourism, agriculture and traditional handicrafts. When planning your trip, it is worth deciding first whether you are mainly interested in historical sites, landscapes, or insights into local production and agriculture.

Cultural sites in and around Samarkand

Samarkand lies within the province and is considered by UNESCO to be a crossroads of world cultures; its history stretches back more than two and a half millennia. Among the city’s most important historical sights are the Registan, Bibi-Khanum, Shakhi-Zinda, Gur-Emir and Rukhabad, as well as the remains of Ulugh-Bek’s observatory. These sites give the city portion of the province a clear focus: architecture and cultural heritage.

The Zarafshan-Karakum Silk Roads corridor also passes through Samarkand Province. Sites included in the corridor include the Jartepa-II Temple, Suleimantepa, and the settlements of Kafirkala and Dabusiya. Those who want to explore the cultural landscape beyond the city will find further archaeological sites connected with the regional history of the Silk Roads.

Another destination is the Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex in the village of Khartang, Chelak District. The scholar was buried there; the complex includes a mausoleum and a mosque built in keeping with national architectural traditions. It is approximately 25 kilometres from Samarkand.

Regional highlights rather than a single travel theme

The districts each have different tourism specialities. Samarkand city is associated with cultural, pilgrimage and MICE tourism. In Urgut, the plan identifies adventure, eco- and rural tourism; in Payariq, pilgrimage and rural tourism; and in Nurobod, medical and adventure tourism. Taylaq is associated with wine tourism, while Samarkand District includes rural, medical and MICE tourism.

These different categories offer a practical guide if you want to narrow down your interests: urban cultural heritage and pilgrimage sites sit alongside rural and ecological themes, while wine and agriculture provide further areas of focus. The classification is not a fixed itinerary. Rather, it helps you choose the places and themes you may want to explore in more detail as you continue planning.

Landscape and ecotourism

The province has a varied landscape: mountains lie in the south, while the north and the plains are characterised by steppe. Accordingly, the region’s ecotourism classifications cover a broad range. Zarafshan National Park in Jomboy District is classified as an ecotourism area. The Teshiktash area and the Mingarcha Recreation Center in Urgut District are also designated for ecotourism. A natural waterfall in Bosh Tesak, also in Urgut District, is classified as an ecotourism attraction.

Another listing is the Fairy Tale World Ecotourism Site in the village of Karakhani, Ishtikhan District. Omonkuton in Urgut District is designated as a tourist village. If you would like to include Omonkuton in your plans, check the specific visitor options locally before your trip.

Agriculture, wine and traditional handicrafts

In Taylaq, the Bogizagan winery is classified as an agritourism destination. As visitor arrangements may change, check access before planning a visit. In Samarkand District, Amirkhan Noz Ne'matlari farm is associated with viticulture and horticulture as part of agritourism. The Ohalik Golden Garden fruit farm there is classified as a horticultural agritourism destination.

Konigil combines handicrafts with a village destination. The tourist village lies approximately 13 kilometres from Samarkand and is associated with handicrafts, shady trees and the Siab River. At the Meros Paper Mill, an old method of making paper by hand using natural raw materials has been revived. Visitors can watch the papermaking, see the Charkhpalak waterwheel and sit in a traditional teahouse by the river. Check the visitor arrangements locally before making plans around a visit.

A visit to the paper mill may also include the opportunity to taste Samarkand plov and local fruit; what is offered depends on the arrangements at the time. This makes Konigil a distinct interest alongside Samarkand’s architecture: the focus here is on handicraft production and traditional food culture.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Samarkand, Republic Of Karakalpakstan, Jizzakh Province, Surxondaryo Province, Tashkent, Ferghana Province, Bukhara, Buxoro Province.

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