TASHKENT is the capital city of Uzbekistan. Travelling to Samarkand from Tashkent and back in 48 hours has been made possible by the impressive high speed train – Afrosiyob. Why impressive? International travelers are surprised having experience the train ride for the first time, with many giving positive feed back on its punctuality, facilities and most importantly the scenery flashing by intimately before your eyes. The journey take about two hours by train. The usual journey by car usually takes you up to 4 hours.

Tashkent Central Railway Station

What can you do in Samarkand within 48 hours?

After all Samarkand is one of the UNESCO Heritage Site and was once the jewel city of the Silk Road route 2,500 years ago ……

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis ❦ In Persian شاه زنده‎‎ meaning “The Living King”, in Uzbek it is known as Shohizinda.

A mystical legend to some, perhaps a believe for others, Kusam ibn Abbas the cousin of the prophet Muhammad was buried here. Legend has it that he was beheaded for his faith. But he took his head and went into the deep well (Garden of Paradise), where he’s still living now.

It houses 20 mausoleums built ranging from 11th to the 19th centuries, one of the most preserved, complete and finest of skilled work for the famed majolica, mosaic and terracotta tile work.

Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis

Gur Emir Mausoleum ❦ In Persian گورِ امیر‎‎‎ meaning “Tomb of the King” and in Uzbek the mausoleum is known as Amir Temur maqbarasi, Go’ri Amir

Why is the mausoleum so important? It is where the great Timur or Tamerlane known in history lies. Timur was the last of the great nomadic conquerors of the Eurasian Steppe. Although not a direct descendant of Genghis Khan, he believes he is the chosen one to lead. Leading an army he was successful and feared. His empire stretching from the western Chagatai Khanate by 1370, campaigns across Western, South and Central Asia, the Caucasus and southern Russia, and emerged as the most powerful ruler in the Muslim world after defeating the Mamluks of Egypt and Syria, the emerging Ottoman Empire, and the declining Delhi Sultanate. Thus he created the Timurid Dynasty. Today at the Gur Emir Mausoleum you are able to see the proof of the Persian-Mongolian heritage.

Within Gur Emir Mausoleum

Known as the great Timur or Tamerlane to the world, to the people of Uzbek they call him Amir Timur.

Apple Vacations has put together an exotic 10 Days 8 Nights itinerary taking you across three countries in Central Asia, where in-between you get to experience a two days one night stay in Samarkand, from Tashkent to Samarkand and back by Afrosiyob high speed train.

Full Itinerary: GEMS OF CENTRAL ASIA