Trip & Trail Tours

Silk Road and Samarkand – Trip & trail

Tour Details
Duration: 9 days / 8 nights
Country: Uzbekistan
Season: April-November
Group size: 6 - 50
Difficulty: Difficult
Overview

The very mention of Uzbekistan immediately conjures up visions of the Silk Road and the legendary cities of Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, all renowned the world over for their centuries-old Islamic architecture. Not only does this region of Central Asia offer remarkable historical sites, it also boasts breathtaking landscapes ranging from spectacular mountain ranges to endless deserts. Running through Uzbekistan offers you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to explore the legendary cities of the Silk Road and experience its natural landscapes in an entirely new way.

Our trail running tours are designed so that you’ll never run in the same environment twice. Each day brings new trails, taking you from steppes and deserts stretching as far as the eye can see to agricultural villages and majestic mountains.

So don’t delay – come and run along the Silk Road with us!

Highlights
  • Immersion along the Silk Road: step into the heart of Uzbekistan’s history as you explore the legendary cities of Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand along this iconic route.
  • Trails with striking contrasts: run through ever-changing and breathtaking landscapes, from sandy deserts and endless steppes to majestic mountains and charming villages.
  • Active adventure: embark on a one-of-a-kind journey through deserts, towering peaks and age-old traditions.

Your Trip and Trail Silk Road Samarkand adventure kicks off as soon as you touch down at Urgench Airport in the north-west of the country. Upon arrival, our team will greet you and arrange your transfer by bus to Khiva (35 km). After breakfast at the hotel, your exploration of this UNESCO World Heritage city begins. Start with the Kunya Ark Citadel, once home to the khans of Khiva. Next, visit the iconic Kalta Minor Minaret, the symbol of the city, along with other remarkable sites. Lunch and time to relax. In the afternoon, continue your tour with the Juma Mosque, the Tash Khauli Palace and, as the day ends, the Pahlavan Mahmud Mausoleum. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

After breakfast, transfer by bus to the starting point of your first run, located 5 km outside the city of Khiva. Today’s stage takes place in a nature reserve within the Karakum Desert (meaning ‘black sand’), where you’ll run along sandy tracks and small dunes. Enjoy lunch on-site before heading to the Ayaz-Kala Fortress, 120 km away. Upon arrival, settle into your yurt accommodation and visit the fortress ruins with your guide. In the evening, marvel at a stunning sunset over the dunes and enjoy dinner at the camp. Overnight stay in the yurt.

Accommodation: traditional yurt offering simple comforts, with shared bathroom facilities

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 25.9 km

Elevation gain: + 83 m / – 83 m

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

In the morning, head towards the fortress and the breathtaking, endless steppe landscapes for the second run of your trail-running adventure in Uzbekistan. After your efforts, enjoy a well-earned lunch back at the yurt camp. Take some time to relax before travelling 70 km to Urgench, where you’ll board a train to Bukhara. Taking you across the Kyzylkum Desert, this journey is nothing short of incredible. Picnic dinner on board the train. You’ll arrive in Bukhara later that evening and settle into your hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 19.6 km

Elevation gain: + 173 m / – 170 m

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

Train schedule: 4:05 p.m. – 9:22 p.m. (subject to change upon booking)

Bukhara is a must-see stop on the Silk Road. This historic city once welcomed thousands of merchants from across the globe. Prepare to be amazed by its stunning monuments! Among them are the Kalon Minaret, the city’s majestic symbol, the Mir-i-Arab Madrasa adorned with turquoise mosaics and many more. You’ll have free time at the end of the day to explore the city at your own pace, giving you the perfect opportunity to wander through the covered markets or simply enjoy a refreshing drink by one of the pools. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel..

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Guide: English-speakingTransport: minibus

Today, you will set off on a new run near Bukhara (60 km), retracing the footsteps of the caravan travellers of centuries past. This stage takes you through the steppes of the Kyzylkum Desert (meaning ‘red sand’). Recharge your batteries with a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. In the early afternoon, head to Bukhara’s train station and board a train to Samarkand. This iconic Uzbek city promises a host of surprises for the final days of your journey. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 23.35 km

Elevation gain: + 62 m / – 59 m

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

Train schedule: 4:51 p.m. – 7:53 p.m. (subject to change upon booking)

In the morning, you’ll head to one of the country’s most stunning mountain passes: the Takhtakaracha Pass, which rises to over 1,600 m above sea level. You’ll enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and the Pamir Mountains along the way. This mountain range is where the fourth run of your journey will take place. Enjoy lunch in a restaurant before returning to Samarkand in the early afternoon. You will have the opportunity to admire Registan Square and its three immense historical monuments. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 16.7 km

Elevation gain: + 990 m / – 380 m

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

The last run of your trip in Uzbekistan! After breakfast, head to the mountains outside Samarkand. Your day begins with a run through plains and small villages, followed by a final ascent to reach the Khazrat Daud Cave (Saint David’s Cave). This sacred site offers a breathtaking view of the surrounding region. Enjoy lunch before returning to Samarkand in the early afternoon. Later, you will have time to explore the Guri Amir Mausoleum, a masterpiece of Timurid architecture. In the evening, celebrate your achievements at a gala dinner held in a beautiful restaurant, where medals will be awarded. A memorable evening awaits to conclude your trail running adventure along the Silk Road!

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 19.7 km

Elevation gain: + 678 m / – 151 m

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

This final day of your Uzbek adventure takes you to some of the most beautiful sights in Samarkand. You will start by visiting the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, one of the city’s finest landmarks, before heading on to explore the Ulugbek Observatory, a testament to the scientific advances of the 15th century. Conclude your day’s exploration at Konigil Village, where you’ll uncover the age-old art of silk paper making. Enjoy some free time after lunch to wander through the narrow streets of Samarkand and explore the city at your own pace. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

Time for your trail running adventure along the Silk Road to come to an end! Your transfer to Samarkand Airport will be arranged based on your flight schedule. We wish you a safe journey home!

This tailor-made trail running tour is given as an example and can be modified or customised to suit your preferences. For more details and information, feel free to contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Trip & Trail?
This travel concept was created to let you discover Uzbekistan’s rich historical heritage while combining it with your passion for sport. The races are clearly marked, timed and fully secured, with refreshment stations every 10 km. You can choose to complete the entire route as a “runner” or cover only part of it as a “hiker”. Detailed information about each race will be provided in your travel roadbook. Depending on your preferences, you can switch from “runner” to “hiker”, or vice versa, at different stages of the trip.

Who will supervise the tour?
This tour is supervised by an international team from our partner organisation, working alongside the local team. An English-speaking guide will accompany you during all cultural visits, while the logistics team ensures the smooth running of each stage, including route marking, refreshments, timing and overall race monitoring.

Can the tour be run privately?
This tour can be run on a private basis for groups of at least 8 participants. In this case, the itinerary will be run without route marking or timing, and GPX tracks will be provided instead.

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