The Timurid mausoleum of Tamerlane and Ulugh Beg, with a ribbed turquoise dome and gilded interior.
Gur-e-Amir, meaning Tomb of the King, is the mausoleum of the conqueror Timur (Tamerlane) in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Construction began in 1403-1404 for Timur's grandson Muhammad Sultan, and after Timur died in 1405 he was buried here too. The tomb chamber also holds his sons Shah Rukh and Miran Shah, his grandson the astronomer-ruler Ulugh Beg, and his teacher Mir Said Barakah. The ribbed azure dome, the tall portal and the turquoise tile work are among the finest examples of Timurid architecture. Inside, the walls are covered with gilded papier-mache and onyx panels, and a large dark-green jade (nephrite) slab marks Timur's cenotaph, while the actual graves lie in a crypt beneath that is closed to visitors. A well-known Soviet-era episode in June 1941, when the tomb was opened by archaeologists, remains part of local lore. Visitors usually need 30-45 minutes. The adjoining small mausoleums of Ak-Saray and Rukhabad stand in the same quarter, and a short walk leads from here toward the Registan. Dress modestly and speak quietly in the main chamber.
| Admission | About 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25) for foreign visitors |
|---|---|
| Hours | Daily, about 08:00-19:00 (hours shorten in winter) |
| Typical visit | 30-45 minutes |
| Best time | Weekday opening time or late afternoon |
| Getting there | Taxi about 10,000-15,000 UZS (~$0.85-1.25) from central hotels; 15-20 minute walk from the Registan |
| Address | Gur-e-Amir, Akhmad Donish Street / Ak-Saray Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan |
Location
Gur-e-Amir, Akhmad Donish Street / Ak-Saray Street, Samarkand, Uzbekistan
39.6485, 66.9691 View on map
Highlights
- Tomb of Timur and Ulugh Beg under a ribbed turquoise dome
- Dark-green jade cenotaph slab
- Gilded interior walls of papier-mache and onyx
- Rukhabad and Ak-Saray mausoleums within a few steps
Tips for visiting
- Visit at opening or late afternoon; midday tour groups fill the small main chamber.
- Dress modestly and keep voices low in the tomb chamber.
- Photography is allowed in the courtyard; flash and tripods are not welcomed inside.
- Combine with Rukhabad and Ak-Saray mausoleums next door, then walk to the Registan (about 15-20 minutes).
- Buy the ticket at the counter by the entrance; carry some cash.
When to visit
Opening time or late afternoon on a weekday; the dome glows in late-afternoon light.
Accessibility
The courtyard is paved and level and the entrance has a small step. The tomb chamber is a single room with a low threshold, and wheelchair users can usually enter with assistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Who is buried in Gur-e-Amir?
Timur (Tamerlane), his sons Shah Rukh and Miran Shah, his grandsons Muhammad Sultan and Ulugh Beg, and his teacher Mir Said Barakah.
How much is the ticket?
Typically about 40,000-75,000 UZS (~$3.30-6.25) for foreign visitors; confirm the current price at the counter.
Can visitors see the real graves?
No. The cenotaphs in the main chamber are visible; the crypt with the real graves is closed to visitors.
How long does the visit take?
Most visitors spend 30 to 45 minutes.