Shakhrisabz, the birthplace of the great conqueror Tamerlane, also known as Timur, is home to a historical site known as the Crypt of Tamerlane (Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum). Here's a comprehensive guide to help you reach this ancient site.
Step 1: The nearest international airport to Shakhrisabz is Islam Karimov Tashkent International Airport located in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. Most international travelers will arrive here.
Step 2: After arriving at Tashkent airport, you can either take a domestic flight to the nearby city of Samarkand or if you prefer a more scenic route and are willing to invest more time, you can opt for ground transportation like a train or car.
Step 3: Once in Samarkand, you can take a train to Qarshi, which is closer to Shakhrisabz. The high-speed Afrosiyob trains and slower Sharq services run between Tashkent and Samarkand on a regular basis.
Step 4: From Qarshi, you may take a taxi or a local bus to reach Shakhrisabz. The journey may take around 1-2 hours.
Step 5: Directly from Tashkent or Samarkand, you can hire a private taxi or drive to Shakhrisabz. The distance from Tashkent to Shakhrisabz is approximately 320 km (200 miles), while from Samarkand it is around 90 km (56 miles).
Step 6: The journey by car can be a special experience as it gives you the opportunity to view the beautiful Uzbek countryside and the opportunity to stop at historical sites along the way.
Please note that travel logistics may change, so it is always a good idea to double-check transport schedules and options before making the trip.