Samarkand: A Quick 2-Night, 3-Day Tour

In late July 2025, I traveled along the route Istanbul-Samarkand-Xi'an. During the afternoons, temperatures exceeded 40°C, resulting in fewer tourists. Even on Sundays, there were no lines at ticket counters, allowing for a relaxed visit. The attractions I visited included Registan Square, Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, and Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis. Since these sites are concentrated in the city center, it’s possible to cover them in a single night’s stay if you’re determined, but having two nights is more comfortable. Due to the extreme heat, I stayed indoors at the hotel during the afternoons, but even with just the mornings, there was plenty of time to explore. Below is some information primarily aimed at Japanese travelers: [Communication] SIM cards are essential as many services are incompatible. To use airport Wi-Fi, you need to make a call to a designated number, so it’s best to prepare in advance to avoid stress. I had the most popular eSIM from Trip.com, but it failed to activate for some reason. To be safe, consider preparing two options and canceling one if unnecessary. [Transportation] Most trips cost around 300-400 yen, so taxis are the main mode of transport. Since only minor ride-hailing apps are available, it’s better to set them up in Japan beforehand. [Payment] Supermarkets and tourist attractions accept card payments. However, small shops often only take cash or offer cash discounts, so it’s good to carry a small amount. 290,000 Uzbekistani Som was sufficient. [Clothing] July’s sunlight is extremely strong. Wearing short sleeves and shorts can actually feel hotter, and since you’ll be entering mosques anyway, long sleeves and pants are recommended. A parasol was incredibly useful.