Uzbekistan · Attraction Prices

Samarkand

$25–35 for the classics5 paid · 1 freeFly into SKD1 USD ≈ 12,600 som (Uzbekistani so'm)Open in Google Maps

Samarkand is the jewel of the Silk Road ~ a city of turquoise domes and towering madrasas. Entry fees rose sharply in 2026 but are still modest in dollar terms, and the bazaars and street life cost nothing.

Bring $25–35

This covers every monument below ~ the Registan is by far the biggest single ticket.

Getting there

SKD

Samarkand International Airport

Base near the Registan. Many travellers fly into Tashkent (TAS) and take the 2-hour high-speed Afrosiyob train instead ~ book it ahead.

Landmark≈ $8© Bernard Gagnon · CC0

Registan Square

100,000 som (3 madrasas)

≈ $8 USD

2–3 hoursGoogle Maps

The three-madrasa ensemble that defines Central Asia. One ticket covers all three ~ come at opening and again after dark for the nightly light show (free from the square outside).

Culture≈ $4© Bgag · CC0

Shah-i-Zinda

≈ 50,000 som

≈ $4 USD

1–1.5 hoursGoogle Maps

A dazzling avenue of blue-tiled tombs climbing a hillside ~ arguably more beautiful than the Registan. Go early morning when the low sun lights the mosaics.

Culture≈ $3© Bgag · CC0

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

≈ 40,000 som

≈ $3 USD

45–60 minGoogle Maps

The tomb of Timur (Tamerlane) under a fluted turquoise dome. Small but exquisite ~ the gilded interior is worth the ticket, and it's stunning when lit at night.

Culture≈ $2.50© Bgag · CC0

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

≈ 30,000 som

≈ $2.50 USD

45 minGoogle Maps

Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, built by Timur after his India campaign. It sits right beside the Siob Bazaar ~ do both together.

Ulugh Beg Observatory

≈ 30,000 som

≈ $2.50 USD

45 minGoogle Maps

The remains of a 15th-century astronomer-king's giant sextant, carved into the bedrock. A small museum explains how Ulugh Beg mapped the stars centuries before telescopes.

Siob Bazaar

Free entry

1 hourGoogle Maps

Samarkand's main market ~ pick up the city's famous round non bread, dried apricots, and sweets. Vendors love a photo and a taste-test; bring small som notes.

Prices are approximate (as of 2026), based on our visits and official rates, and can change with seasons and exchange rates. Always double-check official websites before you go.

Photos are free-license images from Wikimedia Commons ~ tap the credit on any photo for its author and license.