4.9
4.9
- Duration
- 5–6 hours
- Tour type
- Private
- Starts
- Samarkand
- Runs
- Daily, all year
- Cancellation
- Free cancellation 24 hours before
Overview
A private day trip from Samarkand to the resting place of Imam al-Bukhari, compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari, with visits to the mausoleum of Imam al-Maturidi and the shrine of Khoja Daniyar. Hotel pick-up, private car and a local guide included.
Imam Muhammad ibn Ismail al-Bukhari (810–870) compiled Sahih al-Bukhari, regarded by Sunni Muslims as the most authentic book after the Qur'an. From the age of 16 he travelled through Mecca, Medina, Baghdad, Damascus and Egypt collecting hadith. He died in Khartang near Samarkand and rests in the village of Khoja Ismail, 25 km from the city.
His memorial complex, built in 1998 and recently renovated, has a grand new mosque, courtyards and a museum of his life. You visit the mausoleum, the mosque, the courtyards and the museum, with time for prayer and quiet reflection.
Back in Samarkand you visit the mausoleum of Imam Abu Mansur al-Maturidi (died 944), founder of the Maturidi school of belief followed by Hanafi Muslims, and the shrine of Khoja Daniyar on the Afrosiyob hill, by tradition the resting place of the Prophet Daniel and holy to Muslims, Christians and Jews.
Your driver and a local English- or Russian-speaking guide pick you up at your hotel at 9:00, and you are back at about 15:00. Short on time? A short version visits the Imam al-Bukhari Complex only and takes 3–4 hours.
Highlights
- Pay your respects at the tomb of Imam al-Bukhari in the renovated memorial complex
- Time for prayer and reflection, at your own pace
- Visit the mausoleum of Imam al-Maturidi in Samarkand
- See the 18-metre tomb of Khoja Daniyar on the Afrosiyob hill
- Private car and local guide, door to door from your hotel
Itinerary
5–6 hours · Samarkand · Imam al-Bukhari Complex · Samarkand
Stop 1Samarkand - Imam al-Bukhari Complex - Samarkand
- 09:00 - Your driver and guide pick you up at your hotel in Samarkand.
- Drive to the village of Khoja Ismail (about 40 minutes).
- Imam al-Bukhari Memorial Complex (1.5–2 hours): the mausoleum, the mosque, the courtyards and the museum, with time for prayer and reflection.
- Back to Samarkand around noon. Lunch at a local halal restaurant if you wish (at your own expense).
- Mausoleum of Imam al-Maturidi. It is under renovation and expected to reopen in December 2026; until then we visit the site from outside.
- Shrine of Khoja Daniyar on the Afrosiyob hill, with the sacred spring below by the Siab river.
- Drop-off at your hotel at about 15:00.
What's included
Included
- Local guide (English or Russian)
- Private car with driver: Samarkand – Imam al-Bukhari Complex – Samarkand
- Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel in Samarkand
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Lunch
- Personal expenses
- Tips and gratuities
Practical information
Route
- Starts:
- Samarkand
- Ends:
- Samarkand
Important information
Dress code: shoulders and knees covered. Women are kindly asked to bring a headscarf. Shoes come off inside the mosque and the mausoleums.
The mausoleum of Imam al-Maturidi is closed for renovation and is expected to reopen in December 2026. Until then the visit is from outside.
On Fridays we plan the visit around the midday Friday prayer.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation 24 hours before
Free date change
Prices
$80 per person, based on 2 travellers
Price per person
| 1 person | $180 |
|---|---|
| 2–3 persons | $80 |
| 4–6 persons | $65 |
| 7–9 persons | $50 |
| 10–15 persons | $40 |
Private tour, per person: 1 person $180 · 2–3 persons $80 · 4–6 persons $65 · 7–9 persons $50 · 10–15 persons $40
Estimate. TravelBliss confirms the final price.
Questions about this journey
Can non-Muslim travellers join?
Yes. All three sites welcome respectful visitors who follow the dress code.
Is there time to pray at the complex?
Yes. The tour leaves time for prayer, and the timing can be adjusted to prayer times.
Is there a shorter version?
Yes. The short tour visits the Imam al-Bukhari Complex only and brings you back to your hotel in 3–4 hours. Tell us when you book.
Can I combine it with the Samarkand City Tour?
Yes, on the same day after the short tour, or on the next day.
Can I cancel or change the date?
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour. Free date change.
