Samarkand Holidays

Things to do in Samarkand

Shopping

In Samarkand, visit the bustling Siyob Bazaar for local produce and handicrafts. If you're up for a drive, explore the Forum Mall, which offers a variety of shops and eateries, or check out the Samarqand Mall, featuring international brands and a vibrant atmosphere for shopping.

Recreation

Ulugbek's Observatory offers a fascinating glimpse into the cosmos, combining historical significance with a family-friendly atmosphere. Engage in educational activities and marvel at the celestial views, making it a delightful retreat for both relaxation and exploration in the heart of Samarkand.

Adventure

Explore the ancient Silk Road on a camel trek through the stunning desert landscapes. Experience the thrill of hiking to the majestic Shah-i-Zinda necropolis, or engage in a hot air balloon ride for breathtaking views of Samarkand’s architectural wonders.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Samarkand at the lively Silk Road Bar, perfect for socialising over cocktails. For a more laid-back evening, visit the charming Cafe Kafe, where you can enjoy local delicacies and warm hospitality while soaking in the city's rich atmosphere.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions in Samarkand

Samarkand offers a captivating blend of cultural and outdoor experiences, perfect for city-themed vacations. Visitors can explore iconic sites such as mausoleums, historic buildings, and vibrant squares, all rich in history and adventure. For those keen on sightseeing, the city's diverse attractions provide a unique glimpse into its heritage and beauty, making it an ideal destination for cultural enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

  • Registan Square: Experience the heart of Samarkand at Registan Square, a stunning architectural ensemble that embodies the city's rich cultural heritage. Surrounded by magnificent madrasahs, this vibrant piazza is a perfect place to soak in the local atmosphere and admire intricate tile work.
  • Bibi-Khonym Mosque: Visit the grand Bibi-Khonym Mosque, once one of the largest in the Islamic world. Its colossal entrance and beautifully designed interiors reflect the artistic brilliance of the Timurid era, offering a glimpse into the spiritual life of ancient Samarkand.
  • Shakh-i-Zinda: Explore the enchanting Shakh-i-Zinda, a sacred mausoleum complex known for its stunning blue tiles and intricate mosaics. This serene site is a pilgrimage destination, steeped in history and architectural beauty.

Best time to go to Samarkand

The best time to visit Samarkand can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature in Samarkand falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature in Samarkand falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January30.6°F (-0.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
February32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
March43.3°F (6.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
May61.7°F (16.5°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
June70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
July75.4°F (24.1°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
August72.5°F (22.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
September65.1°F (18.4°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
October53.2°F (11.8°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly High
November41.5°F (5.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December33.1°F (0.6°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Tips to save on your trip to Samarkand

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Samarkand.
  • Consider traveling to Samarkand during the low season (January and July to August) for more affordable options.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

Top hotels in Samarkand

Kosh Havuz Boutiqe Hotel

Kosh Havuz Boutiqe Hotel

40 Kosh Havuz Samarkand Samarkand
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
HK$1,083
HK$1,268 total
7 Sept - 8 Sept
includes taxes & fees
9.8/10 Exceptional! (77 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, and super clean. Comfortable bed and nice big and super strong shower! Excellent location! The room, the wood ceiling, the bathroom was beautiful. My only complaint is the carpeting in the room. The rest of the hotel has nice flooring, even the carpet in the hallways is ok. But the ..."

Reviewed on 8 Aug 2026

Kosh Havuz Boutiqe Hotel
Shahram Plus

Shahram Plus

Mullakandov str Samarkand Samarqand viloyati
HK$340
HK$439 total
9 Aug - 10 Aug
includes taxes & fees
8.8/10 Excellent! (38 reviews)
"Enjoyed the stay, calm and well located propert. I recommend"

Reviewed on 3 Aug 2026

Shahram Plus
Mövenpick Samarkand

Mövenpick Samarkand

53, Shokhrukh Street Samarkand
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
HK$685
HK$847 total
12 Aug - 13 Aug
includes taxes & fees
9/10 Wonderful! (84 reviews)
"I stayed at Mövenpick Samarkand for two nights in July 2026 in a standard room with a double bed. The hotel is in a very convenient location, making it easy to get around Samarkand's main attractions. The room was clean, spacious, and comfortable. However, the water temperature of the shower was ..."

Reviewed on 6 Aug 2026

Mövenpick Samarkand
See all 324 properties in Samarkand
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Stay near popular Samarkand attractions

A historic building with intricate patterns and domes, surrounded by a spacious courtyard.

Registan Square

9.8/10 (73 reviews)
Registan Square dazzles with three ornate madrassahs, displaying Samarkand's Timurid splendour through intricate tilework and soaring minarets. Visit at dusk for spectacular light shows illuminating the architecture.
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A courtyard with intricate tile work and arches, surrounded by stone walls and a tree.

Tillya Kori Madrasah

9.8/10 (27 reviews)
Tillya-Kori Madrasah dazzles with its gold-leafed interior, the crowning jewel of Samarkand's UNESCO-listed Registan Square. Its shimmering prayer hall transforms Islamic architecture into a golden sanctuary.
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Bibi-Khonym Mosque

9.4/10 (55 reviews)
This colossal 14th-century mosque showcases Timur's imperial ambition through its towering minarets and intricate tilework. Morning visits reveal stunning light interplays across the vast courtyard.
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Ulugbek Madrasah

9.4/10 (48 reviews)
This ancient Islamic university showcases stunning 15th-century tilework and astronomical heritage. Experience the illuminated façade during Registan Square's evening light show for a truly magical perspective.
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Shakh-i-Zinda

9.6/10 (41 reviews)
Walk through an avenue of mausoleums with stunning turquoise tilework at this sacred Uzbek necropolis. Shah-i-Zinda showcases Islamic artistry while honouring Qusam ibn-Abbas, cousin of Prophet Muhammad.
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Gur-Emir Mausoleum

9.2/10 (73 reviews)
Timur's magnificent final resting place showcases stunning azure domes and intricate tilework from 1404. Explore the lavish interior with gilded reliefs and ornate cenotaphs of the Timurid dynasty.
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Afrasiab

8.6/10 (24 reviews)
Explore the remnants of original Samarkand at Afrasiab, a 7th century BCE Sogdian civilisation centre. The adjacent museum showcases remarkable artefacts including rare ancient frescoes depicting royal processions.
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Sherdor Madrasa

9.2/10 (51 reviews)
The Sherdor Madrasa's facade boldly defies Islamic tradition with its tiger motifs and human-faced sun. Explore the intricate tilework and vibrant mosaics while local artisans bring the historic courtyard to life.
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What to do in Samarkand

City Tour Of Samarkand The Pearl Of The East

A City Tour Of Samarkand: The Pearl Of The East

HK$133
per adult
A City Tour Of Samarkand: The Pearl Of The East
Day Tour to Shahrisabz of Amir Timur

Day Tour to Shahrisabz of Amir Timur

HK$384
per adult
Day Tour to Shahrisabz of Amir Timur
Samarkand Half Day Walking Tour

Samarkand Half Day Walking Tour

HK$133
per adult
Samarkand Half Day Walking Tour
See all activities in Samarkand

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Samarkand holiday package cost?
Offering excellent value package deals on Expedia, you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much a holiday to Samarkand costs! Expedia's packages make travel planning easier and your savings go further.
What are the cheapest months to go to Samarkand?
November, December and January are great times to search for cheap Samarkand holiday packages. Choosing to travel in quieter periods means you can typically find lower prices on flights and hotels.
How many days is enough for Samarkand?
With a well-planned schedule, you can easily tick off the main Samarkand attractions in a handful of days. But if you want to discover hidden spots or take day trips, consider booking your Samarkand holiday for longer.
Is it worth booking a holiday package to Samarkand?
Well known for its history, culture and a host of other highlights, you can be assured Samarkand is a good holiday destination. Some of the most popular attractions to put on your itinerary? Check out Shah-i-Zinda and Afrasiab during your Samarkand holiday.
How to find the best Samarkand package deals?
Use Expedia's filters to help you find some great Samarkand package deals. When you begin your search, just set your maximum budget and then order the results by "Price: low to high." If you want to save, plan your escape for midweek, or look for Samarkand package deals in the low season. Switch up your travel dates and you may land even better discounts. As a rule of thumb, it's usually best to lock in your holiday package well in advance.
Is it cheaper to book a Samarkand holiday as a package?
Expedia holiday packages are designed to give you more bang for your buck. Bundle your car rental, flight and hotel into one great-value price and enjoy significant savings. You'll generally snag a better deal than booking each component separately. And you'll still enjoy the freedom to create a customised Samarkand holiday by choosing your preferred type of stay, airline and car class.
When to book a holiday package to Samarkand?
Enjoy incredible bargains by reserving your flights ahead of time with Expedia. If spontaneity is more your style, grab one of our last-minute deals for an impromptu Samarkand trip.
How to plan a trip to Samarkand?
  1. Choose your travel dates: The things you'd like to do in Samarkand and your preferred season can help you decide when to travel.
  2. Budget wisely: In addition to the cost of your hotel, you should factor in other expenses too. These include transportation, food and flights. Also, put aside a little extra for unexpected expenses that may crop up during your trip to Samarkand.
  3. Decide how long to go for: Now that you're more familiar with Samarkand, you can figure out the ideal length of your break. Pull together a rough plan and give yourself enough time for all the things you want to do.
  4. Bundle your bookings: With your travel dates in place, you can combine your hotels, flights, car rental and more into a customised Samarkand holiday package.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages.