Samarkand

Samarkand is the historical heart of the Timurid empire and one of the most beautiful cities along the Silk Road. The Registan ensemble, Bibi-Khanym mosque, Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and Ulugh Beg's 15th-century observatory anchor any cultural tour through Central Asia. UNESCO listed the historic centre as 'Crossroad of Cultures' in 2001.