• Tahtakaracha Pass - Beyond Samarkand, the road heads south through the Zarafshan Range, a spur of the Pamirs, towards the Takhtakaracha Pass. This significant Silk Road route was traversed by the armies of Alexander the Great and Amir Temur on their way to India. A photo stop here offers the chance to capture the unique stone formations and snow-capped mountains, visible from November to March.
• Tahtakaracha Pass - At the summit of Takhtakaracha Pass, visitors can take pictures of the local market. The peak of the pass stands at an elevation of over 1,620 meters.
• Tahtakaracha Pass - On a clear day, after reaching the peak of the pass, there is a spot offering a splendid view of the town of Kitob in the Kashkadarya province.
• The Palace Complex of Ak-Saray - The Ak Saray Palace, meaning “a white palace” in Uzbek, was constructed between 1380 and 1404. Amir Temur brought craftsmen to his hometown to create his grandest palace, similar in design to Samarkand’s Bibi Khanum Mosque. The name Ak-Serai (White Palace) signifies his noble lineage, not the predominant color, as the vast mosaics are adorned with blue, green, and gold patterns.
• Statue of Amir Timur - The Statue of Amir Temur—there are three monumental statues of Temur: one in Samarkand, another in Tashkent, and the third in his hometown Shakhrisabz, all in a standing position. The bronze statue weighs 20 tons and stands 9 meters tall, constructed after Independence in 1991.
• Dor Us-Siyodat - The Dor-us Siyadat complex, meaning “place of sadness” in Uzbek, dates back to the 14th century. It was established following the death of Temur’s eldest and favorite son, Jahangir, who was killed in 1375 at the age of 22. When another son, Umar Sheikh, passed away in 1394, Temur even built a crypt for himself.
• Dorut Tilovat - The Dor-ut Tilavat, meaning “place of praying” in Uzbek, from the 14th-15th centuries, includes the Kok Gumbaz Mosque (1435) built by Temur’s grandson Mirzo Ulugbek, and the mausoleum constructed by Amir Temur in 1373-1374 for Sheikh Shamseddin Kulyal, a Sufi leader and spiritual advisor to Temur’s father, Taraghay.

• Entrance tickets to the monuments
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• English speaking local guide in Shakhrisabz

• Lunch
• Photo and video charges 5 usd (for photography cameras. It is free if travelers use phone cameras)
• Gratuities

Experience the convenience of a 7-hour day tour to explore the stunning landscapes and historical sites beyond Samarkand, without the need to rent a car. This tour includes transportation from Samarkand, a local guide in Shakhrisabz, and entrance tickets to the monuments.

Travel south from Samarkand through the Zarafshan Range, a spur of the Pamir Mountains, towards the Takhtakaracha Pass. This significant branch of the Silk Road was once traversed by the armies of Alexander the Great and Amir Temur on their way to India. In 1395, Amir Temur commissioned the construction of a palace and garden here, situated between his imperial capital and his birthplace, Shakhrisabz, located 90 kilometers to the south. The road winds through charming villages shaded by white acacias, Persian walnut, pine, and plane trees. The pass reaches an elevation of over 1,620 meters, and on a clear day, offers a breathtaking view of the town of Kitob in the Kashkadarya province.

• Total duration of the tour is 7 hours which includes driving to Shakhrisabz and back, also lunch time.
• On this tour you visit architectural marvels which have a rich history and important religious sites. It’s recommended to follow a specific dress code when visiting these iconic landmarks. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Avoid wearing tight, revealing, or transparent clothing. Women should cover their hair with a headscarf or shawl when they enter to holy places.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.