What is the Konigil village famous for?

Konigil village is famous for its traditional handmade paper production (Samarkand paper) using the ancient technique brought from China over 1,000 years ago. You can watch artisans make paper from mulberry bark and try the process yourself.

What will I see at Urgut Bazaar?

Urgut hosts one of the largest traditional bazaars in Uzbekistan, especially vibrant on Sundays. You can find handwoven silk carpets, suzani embroidery, spices, dried fruits, and local handicrafts.

How long is the Urgut and Konigil village day trip?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, departing at 8:30 AM and returning to Samarkand around 3:25 PM.

Can I buy crafts at the workshops?

Yes, you can purchase handmade paper, silk scarves, and carpets directly from the artisans at fair prices. A pottery workshop in Konigil is also available as an optional add-on for an extra fee.

What day is best to visit Urgut bazaar?

Sunday is the largest and most vibrant market day at Urgut bazaar, with the full range of local products, suzani textiles, spices, and traders.

Is lunch included in the tour?

Lunch is not included by default but can be added as an optional extra. We recommend a traditional Uzbek lunch at a local chaikhana in Urgut (+$12 per person).

How far is Urgut from Samarkand?

Urgut is approximately 40 km from Samarkand and takes around 45 minutes by car on a comfortable road.

Urgut Bazaar & Konigil Paper Factory Day Tour from Samarkand

Private day trip from Samarkand

Sunday & Wednesday bazaar in Urgut

Konigil traditional paper factory

Half day · 5-6 hours

From $45 per person

Konigil traditional paper factory water mill near Samarkand

📅 Best Sunday or Wednesday for the full Urgut bazaar · Year-round for the paper factory and chinor trees

Urgut Sunday Bazaar & Konigil Paper Village

A short, rich day out from Samarkand — the kind of trip that locals do, not tourists.

In Urgut, the open-air bazaar (busiest on Sundays and Wednesdays) sells silk and wool carpets, suzani embroideries, kalpak hats, fresh produce and old Soviet curiosities. Less polished than Samarkand's Siab Bazaar — and much more authentic.

After the bazaar, drive to Konigil village to visit the working traditional Samarkand paper factory. Watch master craftsmen turn mulberry bark into paper using techniques that survived the Mongol invasions.

Above the village, an ancient chinor (plane tree) grove dating to the time of Timur provides cool shade and tea tables for a quiet break.

Best for:

Slow travellers seeking authentic local culture
Craft & textile enthusiasts
Photographers (bazaars are a goldmine)
Travellers with extra time after Samarkand sightseeing

Route

Samarkand → Urgut Bazaar → Konigil Paper Village → Samarkand

Departure

09:00 AM · your Samarkand hotel

Duration

Half day · 5–6 hours

Season

Year-round · Sun/Wed best for bazaar

Included

Private air-conditioned vehicle
Hotel pickup & drop-off in Samarkand
Tour of Konigil paper factory
Bottled water on board

Optional / personal expenses

English-speaking guide (optional add-on)
Lunch at a local restaurant ($5–10)
Bazaar shopping (cash recommended)
Driver gratuity (at your discretion)

What makes this special

Urgut Sunday bazaar

Traditional Samarkand paper

Timur-era plane tree grove

Suzani & silk carpet stalls

Private Group Pricing

Share the vehicle, share the cost — larger groups lower your per-person rate.

Group size	Price per person
1 traveller	$110
2 travellers	$65
3 travellersBest Value	$45
4+ travellersLowest Cost	$35

Direct local pricing — no large platform markup
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure
Bring cash for bazaar — UZS preferred

Practical tips

Sunday & Wednesday have the largest Urgut bazaar
Cash (UZS) for bazaar shopping — small bills work best
Sturdy shoes — bazaar ground can be uneven
Tour pace flexible — extra bazaar time on request

Hotel pickup

~5 hours

Authentic local bazaar

Working paper factory

Departure 09:00 AM · Your Samarkand hotel

Return / Drop-off ~3:00 PM · Your Samarkand hotel

1
09:00 ·45 min drive DEPART

Samarkand Hotel — Pickup
Pickup from your hotel. Short drive south through suburbs and farmland to Urgut.
- Hotel pickup included
- Air-conditioned vehicle
2
09:45 ·1 hr 30m STOP AT

Urgut Bazaar
A working bazaar — busiest on Sundays and Wednesdays — selling carpets, suzani, kalpak hats, produce, spices, and Soviet-era curiosities.
- Suzani embroidery stalls
- Silk & wool carpet sellers
- Local fresh produce
- No tourist markup
Why travellers love it: A bazaar locals actually shop at — much more authentic than Siab in Samarkand.
11:30 ·30 min drive DEPART

Drive to Konigil Village

Short drive through small Uzbek villages to Konigil.
4
12:00 ·1 hr STOP AT

Konigil — Traditional Paper Factory
Watch master craftsmen turn mulberry bark into paper at a working water-powered mill — using techniques that survived since the 8th century.
- Water-powered traditional mill
- Mulberry-bark paper process
- Optional purchase of handmade paper
5
13:00 ·45 min STOP AT

Chinor Grove & Tea Stop
Walk under giant 600-year-old plane trees (chinor) planted in Timur's time. Tea stop at outdoor tables.
- Trees from Timur's era
- Tea & non bread served outdoors
- Cool shade in summer
6
13:45 ·45 min drive RETURN

Drive Back to Samarkand
Return drive to your hotel.
- Door-to-door drop-off