Istanbul – Samarkand flights on monthly payments

When to visit Samarkand

April to May and September to October are the easiest periods, with daytime temperatures of 22C to 28C, clear skies and green gardens. From June to August daytime highs pass 35C and the open squares are hard at midday, so visit early morning and evening. November to March is cool and dry; January nights drop below freezing but days of 5C to 10C bring uncrowded sightseeing.

Things to do in Samarkand

The Registan

Three madrasas frame the square at the heart of the city: the Ulugh Beg Madrasa completed in 1420, the Sher-Dor of 1636 with tigers chasing deer on its portal, and the Tilya-Kori finished in 1660 with a gilded inner dome. All three facades are covered in tile mosaic, and the square is worth a second visit under the evening lights. The madrasa cells are craft shops today.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Built by Timur between 1399 and 1404 on his return from the Indian campaign, the mosque was one of the largest of its age; its 41 metre dome and 35 metre portal collapsed over time and were raised again at the end of the 20th century. The marble lectern in the courtyard was made for giant Quran pages. Siyob Bazaar is right beside it, the place to buy Samarkand's stamped bread and dried fruit.

Shah-i-Zinda

Along a narrow lane on the slope of the Afrasiyab hill stand more than twenty mausoleums from the 11th to the 15th century; the name comes from the belief that Kusam ibn Abbas, cousin of the Prophet, is buried here. The tombs of Timur's sisters and relatives are the finest examples of Samarkand tilework. Morning light shows the turquoise and deep blue facades best.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

Begun in 1404 for Timur's grandson, the mausoleum became the dynastic tomb when Timur died on campaign in 1405; Timur, his sons and Ulugh Beg lie here. The ribbed turquoise dome is 34 metres high and the interior is covered in gilt and deep blue tile. Timur's black jade tombstone lies at the centre, and the building was the model for the Mughal tombs of India.

Ulugh Beg Observatory

Of the observatory built in the 1420s by Timur's astronomer grandson Ulugh Beg, what remains is part of the giant underground sextant arc uncovered by excavation in 1908. The marble arc of 40 metre radius measured star positions with a precision remarkable for its age; Ulugh Beg's catalogue of 1,018 stars was used in Europe until the 17th century. The small museum beside it explains the instruments.

Siyob Bazaar

The covered market beside the Bibi-Khanym Mosque is the main food market of the city and busiest in the morning. Samarkand's heavy stamped bread, baked in tandoor ovens, is bought warm here, and stalls of dried apricots, walnuts, halva and spices run in rows. In the streets behind the market the plov cauldrons are set up at noon, the best place to try the national dish.

Istanbul – Samarkand flight prices by month

The cheapest month on this route is January: return fares start at 17,489 TL (cheapest day: January 21). In the most expensive month the same route sits around 18,764 TL, so picking the right month is the decision that actually sets the price here. Data scanned as of 2026-09-21 and subject to change.

Istanbul → Samarkand: search the cheapest day, January 21

Which city is cheaper to fly to Samarkand from?

Departing from Istanbul is the cheapest option for this destination: 17,489 TL in January. Each price below is the floor for that origin’s own best month; click a price and the search opens with that origin and date.

Airlines on the Istanbul – Samarkand route

Türk Hava Yolları flies Istanbul – Samarkand direct. Suso pulls live flights through Google Flights; pick the best option and spread the cost over monthly payments.

About Samarkand

Samarkand is a popular route for Uzbekistan (Asia). For more travel guidance, when to go and things to do, see our Samarkand destination page.

Istanbul – Samarkand FAQ