Uzbekistan · Region

Shakhrisabz

Shakhrisabz is the birthplace of Amir Timur (Tamerlane) and once served as the second capital of his vast Timurid empire, a legacy embodied in the colossal ruined gateway of the Ak-Saray Palace. Quieter and far less visited than nearby Samarkand, its UNESCO-listed historic centre also holds the Kok-Gumbaz Mosque and the Dorut-Tilovat mausoleum complex.

Getting thereMost travellers arrive via Samarkand International Airport, roughly 90km away over a scenic mountain road, continuing on by taxi, shared taxi, or bus; direct passenger trains from Tashkent also stop at Kitab railway station right next to the city. There is no high-speed Afrosiyob service into Shakhrisabz itself, so rail travellers combine a fast train to Samarkand with onward road transport.

How long to stay~1 day is enough to cover the core Timurid sights—Ak-Saray Palace, the Amir Timur Memorial, and the Dorut-Tilovat and Kok-Gumbaz complexes—making it an easy day trip or overnight stop from Samarkand.

Top attractions

Ak-Saray Palace: Shakhrisabz Travel Guide (4.5★) — Shakhrisabz

attraction

Shakhrisabz · ★ 4.5

Ak-Saray Palace: Shakhrisabz Travel Guide (4.5★)

Ak-Saray Palace is a pair of colossal ruined gate towers in Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan — all that remains of Timur's 14th-century summer palace. 4.5★ (626 reviews) — what visitors say, hours, and tips.

Top-rated things to do in Shakhrisabz

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Frequently asked questions about Shakhrisabz

How do I get to Shakhrisabz?

Most travellers arrive via Samarkand International Airport, roughly 90km away over a scenic mountain road, continuing on by taxi, shared taxi, or bus; direct passenger trains from Tashkent also stop at Kitab railway station right next to the city. There is no high-speed Afrosiyob service into Shakhrisabz itself, so rail travellers combine a fast train to Samarkand with onward road transport.

How many days should I spend in Shakhrisabz?

~1 day is enough to cover the core Timurid sights—Ak-Saray Palace, the Amir Timur Memorial, and the Dorut-Tilovat and Kok-Gumbaz complexes—making it an easy day trip or overnight stop from Samarkand.

What is Shakhrisabz known for?