Shahrisabz day trip from Samarkand
- Distance180 km
- Drive time8–9 h, return
- Pricefrom $70
Shahrisabz, Amir Timur’s home town, is about 90 km south of Samarkand over the Takhtakaracha pass — 2 to 2.5 hours each way by car. A day trip gives you about four to five hours there: the giant gate of the Ak-Saray palace, the Kok-Gumbaz mosque and the Dorus-Saodat memorial complex, all part of the UNESCO-listed historic centre.
Your ride is performed by a licensed partner carrier in Uzbekistan; we arrange it and stand behind it.
Shahrisabz day trip from Samarkand: price per car
| Car | Per car return trip, driver waits | Per person if you are 2 · 3 · 4 · 6 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sedan up to 3 Chevrolet Malibu / Kia K5 or similar | $70 ≈ 840,000 sum | $35 | $23 | — | — |
| Minivan up to 6 Hyundai Staria / Kia Carnival or similar | $100 ≈ 1,200,000 sum | $50 | $33 | $25 | $17 |
| 4x4 up to 4 Toyota Land Cruiser / Prado | $130 ≈ 1,560,000 sum | $65 | $43 | $33 | — |
| Sprinter up to 16 Mercedes Sprinter or similar, up to 16 seats | $190 ≈ 2,280,000 sum | $95 | $63 | $48 | $32 |
English-speaking driver +$15 (transfers) / +$20 a day. Prices updated 20 October 2026.
The road
South out of Samarkand and up the winding Takhtakaracha pass in the Zarafshan range (about 1,700 m), with views back over the valley, then down to Kitab and Shahrisabz.
Worth stopping
- Takhtakaracha pass viewpoint — fruit and honey sellers in season.
- Ak-Saray palace gate, Kok-Gumbaz mosque, Dorus-Saodat and Dorut-Tilavat in Shahrisabz.
Good to know
- Entrance tickets are not included; a 2025 listing gave about 21,000 sum per site — check on the spot.
- In winter the pass can close after snow; the driver then uses the longer lower road, which adds roughly 1–1.5 hours. We confirm the day before.
- Going on to Termez? Book Samarkand → Termez instead and stop in Shahrisabz on the way.
Included
- Private car and driver, fuel, road fees and parking
- Meet & greet with a name sign at airports and stations, 60 min free waiting after landing
- Stops on the way where you ask (up to 1 h in total on transfers)
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
- Transfers: pay the driver in cash (USD or sum) — no prepayment
Shahrisabz day trip from Samarkand: questions
How far is Shahrisabz from Samarkand?
About 90 km, 2–2.5 hours each way over the Takhtakaracha pass.
How much is a Shahrisabz day trip by private car?
$70 sedan, $100 minivan, $130 4x4, $190 Sprinter, per car, return, driver waits.
Can we add a guide?
Yes, a licensed guide is +$100 per day.