Urgut, Uzbekistan

Urgut is a small town near Samarkand, known throughout Uzbekistan for its ancient chinar trees (oriental sycamores), some of which are over 1,000 years old.

How to Get to Urgut

The most convenient way to reach Urgut from Samarkand is by car, with a travel time of about one hour.

For those traveling from farther locations, the best option is to fly to Samarkand. The city has regular flights from Tashkent, several Russian cities, including Moscow and St. Petersburg, as well as from Istanbul, Izmir, Tel Aviv, Al Kuwait, Dubai, Jeddah, Abu Dhabi, Islamabad, and Verona.

Another convenient option is the high-speed “Afrosiab” train, which departs from Tashkent several times a day and arrives in Samarkand in just over two hours.

From Samarkand, you can take a bus, shuttle, or private cab to Urgut. You can also reach Urgut from any administrative center of Uzbekistan by road transport.

Safety in Urgut

Urgut is a relatively safe city. However, it is always best to keep an eye on your belongings and documents and avoid leaving them unattended.

Brief History of Urgut

The name "Urgut" first appeared in written sources in the 17th century, referring to one of the Uzbek clans.

In the 18th century, Urgut became the center of a bekstvo (district) within the Bukhara Emirate. In 1868, soldiers of the Russian Empire captured the city.

Urgut Attractions

Chor Chinor is perhaps the most famous landmark of Urgut. This ancient garden is named after four massive chinar (oriental plane) trees, some of which are over 1,000 years old, while the youngest is around 600 years old. The girth of some tree trunks reaches 16 meters, making them true natural giants. In the 20th century, a mosque was built within the garden.

Near Chor Chinor, in the Sulaimon-Tepa (Suleyman-Tepe) area, archaeologists discovered the ruins of a Nestorian church or possibly even a monastery from the 9th century. A bronze censer (a vessel for burning incense), found during excavations, is now kept in the Hermitage Museum. In addition to the Christian temple, remains of a Buddhist monastery and a Zoroastrian sanctuary were also unearthed.

In the eastern part of Urgut lies the holy site of Gavsuli Azama (A'zama). After 1991, a symbolic mausoleum was built here in memory of the famous 12th-century thinker Abdul-Qadir Gilani. Many Muslims visit this site to pray. Nearby, there is a local history museum and a pond with fish.

Just outside Urgut is a beautiful plateau with an eerie name - Shaitan Zhiga (Demon’s Helmet). Scattered among the greenery are massive boulders and smaller stones, which appear to resemble terrifying figures and animal shapes. Local folklore suggests that the epic battle between dark and light forces in Sergei Lukyanenko's novel "The Last Watch" took place here.

About 10 kilometers from Urgut, in a mountain gorge near Baikishlak village, traditional kupkari games are periodically held. In this exciting national sport, two teams of horseback riders compete for possession of a goat carcass.

What to Buy in Urgut

Urgut is home to the famous Urgut Bazaar, one of the largest and most vibrant markets in the Samarkand region. Here, you can find a wide variety of handicrafts, including both modern and antique items.

Shoppers can purchase handmade ceramics, intricately designed jewelry, traditional carpets, and embroidered suzane, each piece reflecting the rich artistic heritage of Uzbekistan. The bazaar also offers home textiles, leather goods, wooden crafts, and many other unique souvenirs. Whether you are looking for decorative items or practical household products, Urgut Bazaar is the perfect place to find authentic Uzbek craftsmanship.

Best Time to Visit Urgut

The ideal time to visit Urgut is from March to June and September to November. During these months, the weather is mild and comfortable, making it perfect for exploring the ancient Chinor trees, historical sites, and the famous Urgut Bazaar.

In spring, you can enjoy lush greenery and blooming flowers, while in autumn, the pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes create a beautiful setting for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Summers in Urgut can be quite hot, so if you prefer cooler weather, it’s best to avoid visiting in July and August.