Konigil Village & Imam al-Bukhari Tour from Samarkand
Samarkand – Konigil (Meros paper mill) – Khartang (Imam al-Bukhari) – Samarkand · 1 day
Go beyond Samarkand's famous monuments on a private half-day trip that joins a living craft with one of the great holy places of Islam. In the village of Konigil, watch masters at the Meros workshop turn mulberry bark into Samarkand paper by hand, with a water wheel driving the wooden hammers just as on the Silk Road. Then drive on to Khartang and the memorial complex of Imam al-Bukhari (810–870), compiler of Sahih al-Bukhari — his mausoleum, the great new mosque, the museum and the gardens — with a professional guide who brings both places to life.
Read our guide: Konigil Village and the Meros Paper Mill →
Sightseeing highlights
- Handmade Samarkand paper at the Meros workshop
- The water wheel and wooden hammers on the river
- Mausoleum of Imam al-Bukhari
- The new mosque, museum and gardens of the complex
- Rural Uzbekistan beyond the famous monuments
TOUR PROGRAMME
1Pick-up in Samarkand
Pick-up in Samarkand
Your guide meets you at your hotel. About 20 minutes' drive to the village of Konigil.
2Konigil and the Meros paper mill
Konigil and the Meros paper mill
At the Meros workshop, founded to revive a craft that had died out, see how Samarkand paper is made by hand from mulberry bark: the bark soaked and boiled, beaten to pulp by wooden hammers turned by a water wheel, then formed, pressed and polished sheet by sheet. Walk the shady riverside garden, see the clay oven and the crafts, and browse the shop. About 80 minutes.
3Imam al-Bukhari memorial complex, Khartang
Imam al-Bukhari memorial complex, Khartang
About 40 minutes through the countryside to Khartang, where Imam al-Bukhari died in 870. Explore his mausoleum, the great mosque, the museum and the gardens of the complex — rebuilt and greatly expanded in 2026 — while your guide tells the story of his life, his work and his place in Islamic learning. About two hours.
4Back to Samarkand
Back to Samarkand
About 40 minutes' drive back to Samarkand and your hotel. If you like, stop for lunch at a local restaurant on the way.
What's included
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Samarkand
- Comfortable private car for the whole trip
- Guided visit of Konigil village and the Imam al-Bukhari complex
- Entry ticket to the Meros paper mill
Not included
- Lunch (optional, at a local restaurant)
- Personal expenses
Photos
Booking request
Konigil Village & Imam al-Bukhari Tour from Samarkand
Request for: Samarkand – Konigil (Meros paper mill) – Khartang (Imam al-Bukhari) – Samarkand · 1 day