Exploring Samarkand.....

 We did finally get to see the Bibikhan mosque.....

..... whose domes we had been watching from the hotel.   

There are 3 mosques buildings.....

2 have been restored .......

...again with beautiful tilework!

...but one mosque is closed to the public as it is a little dangerous.... falling sand!  Managed to get an interior view of it however. They are waiting for the OK from UNESCO before restoring. The exterior looks great! But happy that we could not enter!

 It was decided to go over a mountain pass the next morning, the Takhta-Karacha pass..... unfortunately as it was raining there were very few people at the market at the top.

We were en route to visit where Timur was born, Shahrisabz. His Summer Palace had been huge in its day, the gate posts were 65 m high.... however what remains has not been restored. But still impressive in size

It is a popular wedding photo site! Even in light rain!

Apparently the brides rent the dresses for $300 to $1000 and then have photos taken at all local historical sites!

Of course we did have to go on to look at a mosque or two!

...and we looked at where Timur was supposed to have been buried.... before it was decided to have him lie in golden splendour at Gur-e-Amir!

Going back over the pass was interesting.... 

....the rain had now turned into sleet/snow!

We were happy to get back to Samarkand ...

 and have dinner at the Platan restaurant .....