Things to Do in Shakhrisabz, Oʻzbekiston

Shakhrisabz, located in southern Uzbekistan's Kashkadarya Region, is a UNESCO World Heritage city that serves as the birthplace of the legendary conqueror Timur (Tamerlane). This ancient city, whose name means 'Green City' in Persian, boasts over 2,700 years of history and stands as one of Central Asia's most significant archaeological and architectural treasures. The city's compact historic center is dominated by the imposing ruins of Timur's Ak-Saray Palace, alongside beautifully preserved madrasas, mausoleums, and mosques that showcase the pinnacle of Timurid architecture. Despite being overshadowed by the more famous Samarkand and Bukhara, Shakhrisabz offers visitors an intimate and authentic glimpse into Uzbekistan's golden age without the crowds. The city's remarkable monuments, including the Dorut Tilovat complex and Kok Gumbaz Mosque, are set against a backdrop of the dramatic Gissar Mountains, creating a stunning visual contrast between human achievement and natural beauty. Modern Shakhrisabz maintains its traditional character while offering comfortable amenities for travelers seeking to explore this lesser-known gem of the Silk Road.

Top Things to Do in Shakhrisabz

Explore Ak-Saray Palace Ruins

Marvel at the colossal remains of Timur's once-magnificent summer palace, built in the late 14th century. The towering portal, standing 38 meters high, displays intricate blue and white tilework and bears the inscription 'If you want to know about our power, look at our buildings.' Though only fragments remain of what was once considered the most splendid palace in Central Asia, the scale and craftsmanship still inspire awe.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $2-3 USD and the site is open daily from 9 AM to 6 PM. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography and to avoid midday heat. No advance booking required, but hiring a local guide ($10-15) provides valuable historical context.

Visit Dorut Tilovat Memorial Complex

Discover this sacred complex that houses the Gumbazi Seyidon mausoleum, believed by locals to contain Timur's remains, and the Shamsiddin Kulol mausoleum dedicated to his spiritual teacher. The complex features stunning 14th-century architecture with intricate geometric patterns and serves as an important pilgrimage site. The peaceful courtyards and beautiful tilework make it one of Shakhrisabz's most photogenic locations.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is approximately $2 USD and the complex is open daily 9 AM to 6 PM. Dress modestly as this is a religious site, covering shoulders and knees. Photography inside the mausoleums may require an additional small fee, and visitors should be respectful of any pilgrims present.

Tour Kok Gumbaz Mosque

Visit this impressive 15th-century Friday mosque built by Timur's grandson Ulugh Beg, featuring a massive blue dome that gives the mosque its name ('Blue Dome'). The mosque showcases classic Timurid architecture with its soaring portal and intricate geometric decorations. The peaceful interior courtyard and mihrab demonstrate the sophisticated artistic achievements of the period.

Booking Tip: Entry costs around $1-2 USD and the mosque is typically open from 9 AM to 5 PM except during prayer times. Visit outside of prayer times (check local prayer schedule) and dress conservatively. The best time for photography is mid-morning when natural light illuminates the dome beautifully.

Explore Hazrat-i Imam Complex

Wander through this 8th-century complex dedicated to the Islamic scholar and imam who was Timur's ancestor. The site includes ancient burial grounds, a mosque, and meditation chambers carved into the hillside. The complex offers insight into the pre-Timurid Islamic heritage of the region and provides panoramic views over the city and surrounding mountains.

Booking Tip: Entry is usually $1-2 USD and the site is open daily during daylight hours. The complex involves some walking uphill, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water. Early morning visits offer cooler temperatures and better lighting, while sunset provides dramatic views over the valley.

Visit Jahongir Mausoleum

Pay respects at this poignant mausoleum built by Timur for his eldest son and heir, Jahongir, who died young in 1376. The modest but beautifully crafted structure features exquisite tilework and calligraphy, representing some of the finest decorative arts of the Timurid period. The mausoleum's intimate scale and emotional significance provide a more personal perspective on the great conqueror's family life.

Booking Tip: Entry fee is typically $1-2 USD and the site is open daily 9 AM to 6 PM. The mausoleum is small and can be visited quickly, making it perfect to combine with other nearby sites. Photography inside may require a small additional fee, and the site is particularly atmospheric in late afternoon light.

Getting There

Shakhrisabz is located approximately 90 kilometers south of Samarkand and can be reached by shared taxi (1.5-2 hours, $5-8 per person) or private taxi ($25-35 for the car). The most common route is via Samarkand, with daily shared taxis departing from Samarkand's main bus station throughout the day. Alternatively, you can reach Shakhrisabz from Tashkent by train to Karshi (4-5 hours) followed by a 1-hour taxi ride, though the Samarkand route is more convenient for most travelers. There's also a scenic mountain road from Samarkand that offers spectacular views but may be closed in winter due to snow.

Getting Around

Shakhrisabz's main historical sites are concentrated in a compact area that can easily be explored on foot within a few hours. The walk between the furthest monuments takes no more than 15-20 minutes through pleasant tree-lined streets. Taxis are available for longer distances or if you prefer not to walk, with short rides within the city costing $1-3. Many visitors opt to hire a local guide with transportation for half-day tours ($20-30), which includes visits to all major sites plus transportation and historical commentary. Bicycles can sometimes be rented from guesthouses for exploring the surrounding countryside.

Where to Stay

City Center near Ak-Saray Palace

Bakhtiyor Street area

Near Dorut Tilovat Complex

Amir Timur Street district

Residential neighborhoods with homestays

Outskirts with mountain views

Food & Dining

Shakhrisabz offers authentic Uzbek cuisine in a more intimate setting than the larger tourist cities, with family-run restaurants serving traditional dishes like plov, shashlik, and lagman at very reasonable prices ($3-8 per meal). The city is famous for its high-quality lamb and fresh dairy products from the surrounding pastoral areas. Local specialties include Shakhrisabz-style plov cooked with local rice and aromatic spices, and fresh bread baked in traditional tandoor ovens. Most restaurants are simple, family-operated establishments where you can enjoy home-style cooking, and many guesthouses offer excellent meals prepared by local families, providing an authentic cultural dining experience alongside delicious food.

When to Visit

The ideal time to visit Shakhrisabz is during spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) when temperatures are mild and pleasant for sightseeing, ranging from 15-25°C (59-77°F). Summer months (June-August) can be extremely hot with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), making outdoor exploration uncomfortable during midday hours, though early morning and evening visits are still feasible. Winter (December-February) brings cooler temperatures and occasional snow, but most sites remain accessible and the city takes on a serene, less crowded atmosphere. The mountain road from Samarkand may be impassable during heavy winter weather, so check conditions if traveling during this season.

Insider Tips

Visit on weekdays to avoid local crowds and have a more peaceful experience at the monuments, as weekends can bring domestic tourists and school groups

Combine your visit with Samarkand in a 2-3 day itinerary since they're relatively close together and share similar Timurid heritage

Bring cash in Uzbek som as credit cards are not widely accepted, and there are limited ATMs in the city

Things to Do in Shakhrisabz