Samarkand – former capital of Tamerlane – Timur is the pearl. For the traveller it is one of the “places to be” in Asia. There are monumental medresas (ancient islamic schools), mausoleums, mosques – all beautifully restored abd full of suvenir-sellers… The central Registan Place is just a classic example of the Oriental Architecture. You can spend full day wandering around… The distances are large so use frequent minibus taxi to move – they charge only 200 sum per ride (like US 15 cents). What they invented here is double – price system for locals and foreigners: Tourist from abroad pay 2300-2700 sum entry fee while locals – only 400-500… Single ticket looks not so expensive but if you want to visit 4-5 places… Try to look like the local and speak Russian like me… it works!…
Policemen from Registan will have offer for you – for 3000 you will be able to climb one of the minarets for the panoramic view (without any ticket of course…) … I did not climb… 1000 I offered was not enough!
