A working mulberry-bark paper mill with tours and hands-on workshops.
The Meros Paper Mill is a working workshop in Konigil village, Samarkand District, Uzbekistan, about 8-10 km east of central Samarkand, reviving the Samarkand tradition of making paper from mulberry bark that dates to the 8th century. Visitors see the bark soaked, pounded and pressed into sheets, and can try making a sheet in a masterclass. Eurasia Travel reported a tour cost of 10,000 UZS (about $0.80) and a masterclass of 25,000 UZS (about $2) as of July 2023, so current prices may differ. Hours are given as daily 08:00-19:00 in summer and 09:00-17:00 in winter, but Yandex Maps listings disagree, so phone to confirm. The nearest sensible transport is a taxi from Samarkand, about 20-25 minutes. The mill is easily combined with Silk Road Samarkand and the Rowing Canal at the same end of town, or with a visit to the Imam al-Bukhari complex, a day tour that Advantour offers from about USD 100 for a private tour.
| Distance | About 8-10 km east of central Samarkand |
|---|---|
| Travel time | About 20-25 minutes each way |
| Getting there | Yandex Go or taxi from central Samarkand to Konigil village, about 20-25 minutes; fare shown in the app before booking |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Address | Azizon Street, Konigil village, Samarkand District, Samarkand Region 140100, Uzbekistan |
How to get there
- Mode
- Yandex Go taxi
- Cost
- Fare shown in the app before booking; not verified
- Frequency
- On demand
- Mode
- Guided day tour with Imam al-Bukhari complex
- Cost
- From about USD 100 per private tour (about 1,200,000 UZS), Advantour
- Frequency
- On request
Location
Azizon Street, Konigil village, Samarkand District, Samarkand Region 140100, Uzbekistan
39.6655, 67.0416 View on map
Highlights
- Traditional mulberry-bark paper making
- Masterclass to make a sheet of paper
- Water-driven pounding process
- Shop selling paper and crafts
Tips for visiting
- Confirm hours by phone before travelling.
- Take the masterclass for a hands-on sheet of paper.
- Pair with Silk Road Waterland or the Rowing Canal.
- Arrange a return taxi, as Yandex Go coverage may be thin in the village.
When to visit
Morning on any day; summer hours are longer.
Accessibility
The workshop is on a village site with some uneven ground; mobility visitors should phone ahead.
Frequently asked questions
What does it cost?
A 2023 report listed 10,000 UZS (~$0.80) for a tour and 25,000 UZS (~$2) for a masterclass; verify current prices.
What are the opening hours?
Reported 08:00-19:00 in summer and 09:00-17:00 in winter; phone to confirm.
How far is it?
About 8-10 km from central Samarkand, roughly 20-25 minutes.