I visited Samarkand twice, and both times I stayed at the Silk Road Samarkand complex. Although it’s somewhat distant from the city center, this location features several new and excellent hotels. A bonus of this somewhat out-of-town stay is the quick access to the modern and beautifully designed "Eternal City," a small complex showcasing architectural styles from various regions of the country.
Exploring the "Eternal City"
The Silk Road Samarkand tourist complex was officially opened in August 2022, and the "Eternal City" was inaugurated at the same time. The opening events were attended by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The design of Silk Road Samarkand involved numerous specialists from different countries. In addition to the "Eternal City," the complex includes eight hotels, a congress hall, and an amphitheater. According to the project, the complex can host up to two million guests per year.
The "Eternal City" is a pedestrian zone with small buildings designed in traditional forms and colors. The streets within the complex have various names, with the central one named Samarkand. Overall, the area features references to Bukhara, Fergana, Tashkent, Khwarezm, Kashkadarya, Surkhandarya, and the Republic of Karakalpakstan.
The buildings in the "Eternal City" not only provide a great backdrop for photos but some are open for visitors. There are restaurants, a tea house, a bakery, workshops, souvenir shops, and even a tasting hall for local cognacs and wines.
I walked around the area in the morning, but I had previously driven by in the evening. At night, the "Eternal City" transforms into a large entertainment venue with a show program and vibrant lighting. Judging by the traffic jam at the entrance stretching several hundred meters, a large number of tourists and locals flock here in the evening.
Where to Stay and How to Get There
On my first visit, I stayed at the Lia! by Minyoun Stars of Ulugbek hotel, and on my second visit, I chose the Hilton Garden Inn Samarkand Afrosiyob. These hotels are located on opposite sides of the Boathouse Canal, which is the only canal in Central Asia.
Taxis in Samarkand are quite affordable; as of summer 2024, the fare from central areas to the "Eternal City" is about 20–25 thousand Uzbek som. Therefore, there's little need to rely solely on public transportation for your journey. The only thing to consider is the entrance line, which I mentioned earlier.
My next article about Samarkand will focus on a visit to Ulugh Beg’s observatory.
Have a nice trip!
