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

Tour program daytrip to Urgut

This day tour offers the unique experience to explore the local art and craft by visiting the Samarkand Silk Carpet factory, Silk Paper factory in small village Konigil and the town Urgut.

Urgut is a small town in Uzbekistan around 40 km from Samarkand at the footsteps of Zeravshan mountain range. It is well known among the locals as one of the biggest wholesale “bazaars” markets in Samarkand region. Another highlight is the Chor Chinor complex – a sacred grove of thousand-year-old plane trees, uniquely preserved to this day.

Konigil – is a small village near Samarkand. It is a home for a family of the local craftsmen who produces the silk paper using only the traditional technology like water mills and most of the work done by hand. The history of the silk paper is dated back to 105 A.D. and was invented by Chinese. Thanks to the Silk Road the process of making paper was brought to Samarkand in 7th century.

In this trip you will participate in paper making process and have an excursion around the paper factory. The factory is located in the very peaceful and charming part of the village on the banks of the Siab river.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Samarkand - Urgut - Samarkand

DEPARTURE TIME

Morning departure at 8:30 AM from Samarkand

INCLUDED

Transport (air conditioned sedan): Samarkand- Urgut - Samarkand

NOT INCLUDED

Entrance fees

Driver gratuity

Tour details with the prices:

Group size	Price per person
1 person	$110
2 persons	$65
3 persons	$45
4+	$35

Tour details :

Please note that above trip suggestion can be tailored to your individual needs.

Day tour to Urgut Market, silk carpet, paper factory

Good to know

Bring cash — USD is widely accepted at Urgut bazaar
Sunday is the best day for the full market experience
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
The paper factory visit includes a hands-on demonstration

Best time to visit

Spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) offer comfortable temperatures and ideal conditions for exploring outdoor markets and craft workshops.

Optional Add-ons

🌎 English-speaking guide	+$40 per group A local expert guide joins your tour and brings the history and culture of each stop to life.
🍴 Lunch at chaikhana	+$12 per person Pre-arranged traditional Uzbek lunch (plov, shashlik, non bread) at a local tea house in Urgut. No need to worry about finding a restaurant or carrying cash.
🏛 Pottery workshop in Konigil	+$15 per person Try your hand at traditional Uzbek pottery at a craftsman’s workshop in Konigil village. Create your own piece under expert guidance and take it home as a unique souvenir.

+ More options

🍏 Uzbek snack pack

+$5 per person
A selection of local dried fruits, nuts and sweets prepared for the road. A great energy boost between stops.

08:30 AM

Samarkand – Silk Carpet Factory

The family owned workshop unique in Central Asia offers you to experience the handmade carpet weaving process from start to finish. The excursion explains the full process of carpet making from silk production to finished carpets, and reveals the secrets of buying a genuine handmade silk carpet.

09:40 AM

Samarkand – Konigil Paper Factory

Participate in the silk paper making process and walk around the craftsmen’s workshop. Observe water mills and water wheels at work and see how silk paper is made using the ancient technique brought to Samarkand via the Silk Road in the 7th century. Try making paper yourself in the traditional way.

11:45 AM

Konigil – Urgut Bazaar & Suzani Market

Visit Urgut bazaar – one of the largest traditional markets in Uzbekistan, especially vibrant on weekends. Explore the famous Suzani market where you can find handwoven silk carpets, embroidered textiles, spices and dried fruits. Practice your negotiating skills with traders whose ancestors were merchants on the Great Silk Road.

01:15 PM

Lunch at a local chaikhana in Urgut

Enjoy a traditional Uzbek lunch at a local chaikhana (tea house). Taste authentic plov, shashlik and fresh non bread in a relaxed setting surrounded by locals.

02:00 PM

Urgut – Chor Chinor Plane Tree Grove

Visit Chor Chinor – a sacred grove on the slopes of the Zeravshan ridge featuring plane trees over 1,000 years old. The site includes a historic mosque, ancient tombs and a sacred spring believed to have healing powers. The largest tree stands 35 metres tall with a girth of 15 metres.

02:45 PM