If you’re done with short haul tourist traps like Thailand and Indonesia and are after some inspiration for your next solo trip, especially to a place that offers a mix of history, architecture, culture and food, you need to read this. While the well-trodden trails of Vietnam, Thailand, Laos and Cambodia will always hold charm for solo adventurers, a new city has quietly emerged as Asia’s most exciting solo travel destination. According to Time Out Asia’s latest list of top spots for solo travellers, the crown jewel goes to an unlikely hero: Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan

Located along the famous (and ancient) Silk Road, Samarkand is full of stories waiting to be uncovered. Its turquoise domes, intricate tilework, and winding alleys are perfect for travellers. You won’t find backpacker hostels packed with pub crawlers here. Instead, think UNESCO-listed squares, quiet teahouses and architecture.

Samarkand also is incredibly safe, especially for solo female travellers. Uzbekistan has been investing in tourism infrastructure and has opened up visa-free travel for many nationalities, and e-visa for nationals from India. You’ll find a growing number of boutique hotels, English-speaking guides, and a café culture that makes it easy to strike up conversations or get some writing done. The city is also affordable. Food, stays, and transport are also perfect for budget-conscious travellers.

Places To Visit In Samarkand

Registan Square

The heart and soul of Samarkand—and arguably one of the most beautiful public squares in the world. Framed by three grand madrassas (Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilya-Kori), Registan is the ultimate showstopper. Visit during the day for the brilliant blues, and again at night when it’s lit up with a quiet, golden glow.

Shah-i-Zinda

Translating to “Tomb of the Living King,” Shah-i-Zinda is a stunning avenue of mausoleums lined with intricate tilework and domes in every shade of blue. The complex feels spiritual, atmospheric, and deeply personal—many locals still visit it as a place of pilgrimage.

Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum

The final resting place of the legendary conqueror Tamerlane (Amir Timur), Gur-e-Amir is an architectural gem with its ribbed dome and intricate interiors. It served as the model for the Taj Mahal and gives you a sense of the power and influence Samarkand once held.

Bibi-Khanym Mosque

Once one of the largest mosques in the Islamic world, this monument was built by Tamerlane in honour of his wife. Though partially restored, its colossal scale and graceful arches still evoke awe. Don’t miss the nearby bustling Siyob Bazaar—perfect for sampling dried fruits, nuts, and local sweets.

Ulugh Beg Observatory

Ulugh Beg, Tamerlane’s grandson, was more interested in the stars than in conquests. His 15th-century observatory was ahead of its time and shows how advanced astronomy was in the Islamic world. The site includes a fascinating museum and a preserved section of the massive sextant he used to measure celestial bodies.

How To Reach Samarkand

You can fly into Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, and take a high-speed train to Samarkand. Once you’re there, walking is your best bet.