The Konigil Village & Imam Al Bukhari Day Tour showcases Samarkand's traditional crafts, Uzbek cuisine and Islamic heritage. Among the many Uzbekistan tours available, this itinerary offers a distinctive combination of cultural experiences, authentic local hospitality and a visit to one of the country's most important Muslim pilgrimage sites.
Konigil Village is best known for the Meros Paper Factory, where the ancient technique of Samarkand paper making has been revived. Long thought to have been lost, it is once again practised by local artisans using centuries-old methods and mulberry bark. During your visit, you will follow every stage of the production process and learn why this unique paper was so highly prized along the Silk Road and used for some of the finest medieval manuscripts and miniature paintings.
The tour includes a hands-on cooking class at the family-run Shakhnoza National House, where you will prepare Uzbek dishes under the guidance of experienced local cooks.
The itinerary concludes with a visit to the newly renovated Imam Al Bukhari Memorial Complex, one of the largest pilgrimage sites in Central Asia. Along with the mausoleum of the eminent 9th-century Islamic scholar Imam Al Bukhari, the vast complex features a magnificent mosque and a modern museum dedicated to his life and scholarly legacy.
Tour itinerary:
At 09:00 meet your guide and driver at the hotel and drive to Konigil village to explore traditional way of making Samarkand paper from mulberry.
At 11:00 drive to a national house for a cooking class of national dish (manti, samsa or plov). Lunch. After lunch drive to newly renovated Imam Al Bukhari Complex (23 km, 35-40 min). The complex stands in the village of Khartang, where Muhammad ibn Isma’il al-Bukhari, better known as Imam al-Bukhari (810–870), was buried. He is best known as the compiler of Al-Jami’ al-Sahih, widely regarded as the second most important source in Islam after the Quran.
Return to Samarkand. End of Konigil Village & Imam Al Bukhari Tour.
Price includes:
- English speaking guide;
- Entrance fee to Konigil Meros Factory;
- Transport throughout the tour;
- Lunch and cooking master class at National House.
Prices, per person
Tour Enquiry
The tour is private with your personal guide. There will be no other people joining the tour.
Our guides will follow your own pace.
The starting time of the tour is up to you and may vary from 09.00 am to 16.00 pm.
We are happy to offer this tour for air/train passengers too. Our guide will meet you at the arrival station.
