Reaching the Statue of Amir Timur, Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan
To visit the iconic Statue of Amir Timur located in Shakhrisabz, Uzbekistan, travelers have a few options depending on their point of departure:
By Air
The nearest international airport is Samarkand International Airport. Once you arrive at the airport, you can:
- Rent a car and drive to Shakhrisabz, which is about 90 km south of Samarkand and the journey generally takes around one and a half to two hours.
- Take a taxi directly to Shakhrisabz, which can be more convenient but also more expensive than renting a car.
By Train
There are no direct train services to Shakhrisabz. However, you can take a train to Katta-Kurgan or Samarkand and then transfer to a bus or taxi to Shakhrisabz:
- Samarkand Railway Station: Take a train to here and then opt for a taxi or bus to Shakhrisabz.
- Katta-Kurgan Railway Station: Similarly, you can take a train to Katta-Kurgan and then continue by taxi or bus.
By Bus
Inter-city buses run from major Uzbek cities like Tashkent and Samarkand to Shakhrisabz:
- From Tashkent, the bus journey can take around 6-7 hours.
- From Samarkand, the trip is much shorter and may take about 2-3 hours.
By Car
Renting a car from major cities like Tashkent or Samarkand is an option for those who prefer to drive:
- Follow the M39 highway south from Samarkand towards Guzar. Shakhrisabz is well-signposted.
Local Tips
When planning your visit:
- Check the local schedules for buses and trains as they may vary by season or company.
- Be aware that local transport may not always meet international standards in terms of comfort or reliability.
- Consider hiring a guide or using a tourist service to simplify travel arrangements.
- Ensure you have local currency (Uzbek som) for taxis, buses, and other local expenses.