Discover the timeless beauty of Samarkand on my Ancient and Modern Walking Tour.
This journey begins at the majestic Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the resting place of Amir Timur, and continues through the heart of the city’s historical treasures, ending at the stunning Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. Along the way, you will explore Samarkand’s most iconic monuments while also gaining a deeper understanding of the city’s past and present.
Unlike a simple sightseeing tour, this experience combines both the ancient history and modern culture of Samarkand. I share not only facts and dates, but also fascinating stories, legends, and insights that bring the monuments to life. With over 4 years of guiding experience and a passion for history, I make sure travelers leave with more than just photographs—they leave with real knowledge and unforgettable memories.
This walking tour is perfect for those who want to go beyond the surface and connect with the soul of Samarkand.
My name is Bekjon Nosirov, and I am a licensed tour guide with over 4 years of professional experience. I have had the privilege of guiding travelers from all over the world and have also traveled widely myself, which helps me bring both knowledge and a global perspective to every journey. My focus is on creating tours that are informative, enjoyable, and memorable.
Meeting point:Gur-e AmirI will be at the entrance of mausoleum with placard 🪧 ( GURU WALK)Open in Google Maps →
1
Outside visit
registerThe Registan Square in Samarkand is the most famous landmark of the city and a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. The word “Registan” means “sandy place” in Persian, and it was once the main public square where people gathered for royal proclamations, trade, and cultural events.
The square is surrounded by three grand madrasahs:
• Ulugh Beg Madrasah (1417–1420): Built by Timur’s grandson, the famous astronomer-king Ulugh Beg.
• Sherdor Madrasah (1619–1636): Recognizable by its facade decorated with tig
2
Outside visit
Bibi-Khanym MosqueThe Bibi-Khanum Mosque in Samarkand is one of the largest and most impressive monuments of the Timurid era. It was commissioned by Amir Timur (Tamerlane) in the late 14th century after his victorious campaign in India, and named after his chief wife, Sarai Mulk Khanum, who is often called Bibi-Khanum.
Key highlights:
• At its completion, it was among the biggest mosques in the Islamic world, able to hold more than 10,000 worshippers.
• The complex included a huge entrance portal, a grand courtyard, a cen
3
Outside visit
Siab BazaarThe Siab Bazaar is the largest and oldest market in Samarkand, located right next to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque. For centuries it has been the main trading place of the city, where caravans of the Silk Road once stopped to exchange goods.
Highlights:
• You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, spices, bread (non), and traditional sweets.
• Samarkand’s famous lepeshka (round bread) and halva are especially popular here.
• It’s not just a shopping place but also a living museum of local cultu
Meeting point:Gur-e AmirI will be at the entrance of mausoleum with placard 🪧 ( GURU WALK)Open in Google Maps →
1
Outside visit
registerThe Registan Square in Samarkand is the most famous landmark of the city and a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. The word “Registan” means “sandy place” in Persian, and it was once the main public square where people gathered for royal proclamations, trade, and cultural events.
The square is surrounded by three grand madrasahs:
• Ulugh Beg Madrasah (1417–1420): Built by Timur’s grandson, the famous astronomer-king Ulugh Beg.
• Sherdor Madrasah (1619–1636): Recognizable by its facade decorated with tig
2
Outside visit
Bibi-Khanym MosqueThe Bibi-Khanum Mosque in Samarkand is one of the largest and most impressive monuments of the Timurid era. It was commissioned by Amir Timur (Tamerlane) in the late 14th century after his victorious campaign in India, and named after his chief wife, Sarai Mulk Khanum, who is often called Bibi-Khanum.
Key highlights:
• At its completion, it was among the biggest mosques in the Islamic world, able to hold more than 10,000 worshippers.
• The complex included a huge entrance portal, a grand courtyard, a cen
3
Outside visit
Siab BazaarThe Siab Bazaar is the largest and oldest market in Samarkand, located right next to the Bibi-Khanum Mosque. For centuries it has been the main trading place of the city, where caravans of the Silk Road once stopped to exchange goods.
Highlights:
• You can find fresh fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, spices, bread (non), and traditional sweets.
• Samarkand’s famous lepeshka (round bread) and halva are especially popular here.
• It’s not just a shopping place but also a living museum of local cultu
4.67
21 reviews
Professionalism
4.95
Entertainment
4.65
Communication
4.89
Quality
4.79
Route
4.95
Free tours don't have a fixed price. At the end, each person contributes to the guide the amount they consider fair based on their satisfaction. As a guideline, Guruwalk recommends between €15 and €50 per participant.
Accessibility
Not suitable for people with reduced mobility.
Groups
Does not accept large group bookings.
Pets
Suitable for bringing pets.
Minimum attendees
Requires a minimum of 5 people to conduct the tour.
Additional costs
The tour does not require payment for entries or additional expenses.
Free cancellation
If you cannot attend the tour, please cancel the reservation, otherwise the guide will be waiting for you.
Amazing tour and the guide was extremely nice, I highly recommend the book a tour with him
Sarah
1 Review
Booking verified
E
Elizabeth
1 Review
Booking verified
R
Rebekka
2 Reviews
Booking verified
A
Andrea
3 Reviews
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
6 days ago
Amazing tour and the guide was extremely nice, I highly recommend the book a tour with him
Sarah
1 Review
Booking verified
E
Elizabeth
1 Review
Booking verified
R
Rebekka
2 Reviews
Booking verified
Traveled in group
1 week ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 – Fantastic Tour Guide!
We had a wonderful experience exploring Samarkand with Bekjon. A lovely young man with an incredible knowledge of the history of Samarkand and the surrounding region. Our tour lasted almost four hours, and Bekjon was extremely accommodating, allowing plenty of time for questions, photos and exploring at our own pace.
What made the experience even more enjoyable was his fantastic sense of humour, sharing plenty of jokes and entertaining stories, both cultural and personal, along the way.
Bekjon made our visit to Samarkand truly memorable. 10/10 – Highly recommend him to anyone visiting this beautiful city!
Traveled as couple
September 2026
Excellent tour with highlights of the city with very knowledgeable and helpful guide
Traveled as couple
September 2026
Laziz showed us the 4 spots which are listed in the tour description. Along the way, he addressed everything we were interested in. We bought Pomegranate juice, he showed us the Basar, we went to a nice souvenir shop which sold ceramics. We appreciated his efforts and the tour became more personal. Furthermore, he found a good balance between interesting facts and going not to deep into details. It was easy to listen and to follow him. His german is quite good, between the spots we practiced a bit. However, he explained the attractions in English to not miss important information. All in all, a very nice tour which we can recommend to understand the architecture und buildings of Samarkand.
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
6 days ago
Amazing tour and the guide was extremely nice, I highly recommend the book a tour with him
Booking verified
Traveled in group
1 week ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 – Fantastic Tour Guide!
We had a wonderful experience exploring Samarkand with Bekjon. A lovely young man with an incredible knowledge of the history of Samarkand and the surrounding region. Our tour lasted almost four hours, and Bekjon was extremely accommodating, allowing plenty of time for questions, photos and exploring at our own pace.
What made the experience even more enjoyable was his fantastic sense of humour, sharing plenty of jokes and entertaining stories, both cultural and personal, along the way.
Bekjon made our visit to Samarkand truly memorable. 10/10 – Highly recommend him to anyone visiting this beautiful city!
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
September 2026
Excellent tour with highlights of the city with very knowledgeable and helpful guide
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
September 2026
Laziz showed us the 4 spots which are listed in the tour description. Along the way, he addressed everything we were interested in. We bought Pomegranate juice, he showed us the Basar, we went to a nice souvenir shop which sold ceramics. We appreciated his efforts and the tour became more personal. Furthermore, he found a good balance between interesting facts and going not to deep into details. It was easy to listen and to follow him. His german is quite good, between the spots we practiced a bit. However, he explained the attractions in English to not miss important information. All in all, a very nice tour which we can recommend to understand the architecture und buildings of Samarkand.
Booking verified
Traveled alone
September 2026
Amazing! We have started the tour in the morning 9am, the guide Ulugbek was waiting for me, he was one of the most positive guides I have ever met! Also he was overwhelmingly informative, started the tour with giving lots of interesting information and during the excursion I have seen many spectacular monuments and heritages. Besides, local people in the bazaar were very kind, even they gave me some stuff for free! Totally, Best guide and Tour! Thank you Bekjon and his team!
Traveled in group
1 week ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 – Fantastic Tour Guide!
We had a wonderful experience exploring Samarkand with Bekjon. A lovely young man with an incredible knowledge of the history of Samarkand and the surrounding region. Our tour lasted almost four hours, and Bekjon was extremely accommodating, allowing plenty of time for questions, photos and exploring at our own pace.
What made the experience even more enjoyable was his fantastic sense of humour, sharing plenty of jokes and entertaining stories, both cultural and personal, along the way.
Bekjon made our visit to Samarkand truly memorable. 10/10 – Highly recommend him to anyone visiting this beautiful city!
Traveled as couple
September 2026
Excellent tour with highlights of the city with very knowledgeable and helpful guide
Traveled as couple
September 2026
Laziz showed us the 4 spots which are listed in the tour description. Along the way, he addressed everything we were interested in. We bought Pomegranate juice, he showed us the Basar, we went to a nice souvenir shop which sold ceramics. We appreciated his efforts and the tour became more personal. Furthermore, he found a good balance between interesting facts and going not to deep into details. It was easy to listen and to follow him. His german is quite good, between the spots we practiced a bit. However, he explained the attractions in English to not miss important information. All in all, a very nice tour which we can recommend to understand the architecture und buildings of Samarkand.
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
6 days ago
Amazing tour and the guide was extremely nice, I highly recommend the book a tour with him
Booking verified
Traveled in group
1 week ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 10/10 – Fantastic Tour Guide!
We had a wonderful experience exploring Samarkand with Bekjon. A lovely young man with an incredible knowledge of the history of Samarkand and the surrounding region. Our tour lasted almost four hours, and Bekjon was extremely accommodating, allowing plenty of time for questions, photos and exploring at our own pace.
What made the experience even more enjoyable was his fantastic sense of humour, sharing plenty of jokes and entertaining stories, both cultural and personal, along the way.
Bekjon made our visit to Samarkand truly memorable. 10/10 – Highly recommend him to anyone visiting this beautiful city!
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
September 2026
Excellent tour with highlights of the city with very knowledgeable and helpful guide
Booking verified
Traveled as couple
September 2026
Laziz showed us the 4 spots which are listed in the tour description. Along the way, he addressed everything we were interested in. We bought Pomegranate juice, he showed us the Basar, we went to a nice souvenir shop which sold ceramics. We appreciated his efforts and the tour became more personal. Furthermore, he found a good balance between interesting facts and going not to deep into details. It was easy to listen and to follow him. His german is quite good, between the spots we practiced a bit. However, he explained the attractions in English to not miss important information. All in all, a very nice tour which we can recommend to understand the architecture und buildings of Samarkand.
Booking verified
Traveled alone
September 2026
Amazing! We have started the tour in the morning 9am, the guide Ulugbek was waiting for me, he was one of the most positive guides I have ever met! Also he was overwhelmingly informative, started the tour with giving lots of interesting information and during the excursion I have seen many spectacular monuments and heritages. Besides, local people in the bazaar were very kind, even they gave me some stuff for free! Totally, Best guide and Tour! Thank you Bekjon and his team!
