Shakhrisabz - Amir Timur's birthplace
In the morning, meeting with a guide and transport at the hotel in Samarkand.
Departure to Shakhrisabz.
- The town of Shakhrisabz is located 90 km south of Samarkand, at the foot of the Hissar and Zeravshan ranges and is the birthplace of the great Amir Timur.
- Our way will run through the Takhtakaracha mountain pass along a breathtaking serpentine mountain road. It is possible to drive through the pass only by sedan cars, which we will do. We will get to Shakhrisabz in about a half hour.
This is one of the oldest cities in the world, according to some sources, ancient settlements on this place existed already by 1700 BC. The former name of the city was Kesh and the current Shakhrisabz translates as Green City. Alexander the Great ,the Arab conquerors and the caravans of the Great Silk Road passed here. Amir Timur was born in a settlement near Shakhrisabz and created many rich and majestic buildings in the city.
Upon arrival we will visit:
- Timur's Ak-Sarai Palace (the White Palace, 1380-1404), which is largely destroyed, but is being intensively restored. From the huge summer residence, only a giant 40-meter gate remained but even on them you can see magnificent filigree mosaics and samples of wall masonry unique in technology.
- The Dorut Tilovat complex and the Kuk Gumbaz Mosque - these big monuments were built by Timur's grandson Ulugbek in honor of his father Shahrukh.
- The Dorus Saodat complex was built in 1392 as a tomb for the Timurids. Here is the crypt where Amir Timur wanted to be buried. However his wish was not fulfilled - he was buried in the capital of the empire - Samarkand. Gumbazi Seydon is a mausoleum completed in 1438 by Timur's grandson Ulugbek, built for his descendants.
Lunch at the restaurant.
After lunch, return to Samarkand.
(By the request of the guests, we can arrange a transfer from Shakhrisabz to Bukhara)
Tour cost for foreign citizens – from 50$ per person
The price includes: tour guide, transport, lunch, entrance tickets to monuments according the program.
