Samarkand, Uzbekistan: Registan Square

Registan Square at nightfall is a sight to behold.

Samarkand, Uzbekistan was the last stop on our travels along the Silk Road, and we knew seeing this mythical square would be an unforgettable experience.

Without cell service, internet or a map, we set out from our hotel before sunset. All we had was a few vague directions in broken English from the receptionist. Off we went on an adventure!

We took a couple of pictures on our way to get a few points of reference and help us find our way back in time for dinner. Finally, after 4 km, we spotted blue and turquoise domes in the distance.

Registan Square slowly appeared before us like a mirage at sunset. While the light waned, the sound of the mynah birds squawking in the trees around us was absolutely deafening.

Then, as darkness fell, the spotlights lit up the facades of the three medersas, burnishing them in hues of gold. It felt like stepping into a story from One Thousand and One Nights.
 
We almost lost track of time, but we did make it back to the hotel for dinner in the end, without even needing the pictures we took for reference.

Don’t miss the full article about our trip along the Silk Road in Uzbekistan