Uzbekistan Trail Run: Shadows of the Silk Road

Sept 13 to Sept 22, 2025

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Uzbekistan Trail Run: Shadows of the Silk Road
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Things to keep in mind
  • FAQ

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Get ready for an epic trail-running adventure along Uzbekistan’s ancient Silk Road.

Uzbekistan – a name that whispers of ancient caravans, exotic bazaars, and towering minarets. Traversing the fabled Silk Road, running through the tiled cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, and Khiva, each a classic of Islamic architecture. But this Central Asian gem offers more than just history.

Our running adventure takes us on thrilling blend of trails, culture and nature. One day, we’ll be running across the vast, open steppe, the wind whipping through our hair. The next, we’ll be winding through picturesque mountain valleys, the air crisp and clean. And then, there's the desert – a stark, otherworldly landscape that will challenge and reward us with amazing vistas.

Join us on an unforgettable journey through Uzbekistan. Discover the magic of the Silk Road and the raw beauty of the Central Asian wilderness.

Trip Adventure Grade: C2

About

9 nights' accommodation at a mixture of 3 & 4* hotels, guesthouses and yurt camps in the desert

Twin room share throughout (single room upgrade available)

Fully-supported trail running adventure

Full board throughout

All transfers

Cultural sightseeing

4:1 Runners to Guide Ratio

Internal flight ticket (economy) from Tashkent to Urgench

Entry fees, local permits

Train travel from Samarkand - Tashkent

Trails & Trees: with every booking, we plant a tree

Airfare

Throughout our stay in Uzbekistan, we will be staying in a variety of modern and comfortable 3 - 4* hotels, as well as a night in a Yurt encampment out in the desert.

The hotels we use throughout the trip are selected for comfort, including spacious rooms, modern design and the ease of access for getting about and exploring are just a few of the reasons why we love staying at these hotels.

Many countries, including the UK, US & EU are eligible for an e-visa. This can be obtained online and is valid and costs around US$20 for single entry.


“If you want the trip of a lifetime surrounded by amazing people, then definitely go with pure trails. Special thanks to Charlie, Andrew and Dave for the smooth, friendly and inspiring operation of the trip, their enthusiasm for trail running and making the most of every moment is infectious!”

- James B, Aug 2024

“We had a great time: Wonderful people , spectacular views, authentic local food and comfortable accommodation in hidden local villages. Looking forward to my next trip!”

- Christina B, Jun 2024

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About The Host

This retreat has been forged together from love and desire to explore magnificent places whilst keeping fit and achieving something special along the way.

The whole team behind this retreat has many years of experience in trail running and the adventure travel industry. We’ve run and explored everything from 5km to 100-mile endurance feats.

We’ve been incredibly lucky to explore the lengths and breadths of the world through our work, but our combined experience puts us in the best stead to share our running adventures with you, whatever your running ability.

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to Uzbekistan

Welcome to Uzbekistan!

Arrive at Tashkent International Airport, our local team will welcome you and take you to your hotel.

We’ve included early check-in so you can access your room immediately for some time to recover from the flight. Later in the morning once everyone has arrived, we’ll have a briefing and make a plan for the rest of the day.

Heading out into town we’ll visit the modern city of Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. We’ll also check out the Chorsu Bazaar, Tashkent’s metro (which was designed after the 1966 earthquake) and various modern squares. We will then have lunch in a local restaurant. In the afternoon, you will explore a different side of modern Tashkent.

Back to the hotel with time to chill. Drinks in the bar before heading out for a welcome dinner and some well-earned rest.

Day 2: Onward to Khiva, via Urgench

Early morning, we’ll take a transfer to the local airport to get a flight to Urgench (flight time: 1 hour). Landing in the northwest of the country, we will then be transferred to Khiva, about 35 km away. Khiva oasis is located between the Karakum (black sand) and Kizilkum (red sand) deserts and served as a resting - place for the ancient Caravanserai who plied the Silk Road from the desert to Iran. Today we’ll get our cultural fix on as we explore the marvels of Ichan Kala, a protected UNESCO site. The inner fortress of Ichan Kala includes more than twenty Islamic historical monuments that we’ll see today. Later, we’ll watch the sunset over the city from a minaret to finish the day. Dinner and overnight in Khiva.

Day 3: Trail Run Karakum Desert - Ayuz Kala

TRAIL RUNNING APPROX: 24KM / +120M

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we’ll prepare for our first trail run of the trip as we run through the desert back towards Khiva and around a selection of beautiful lakes which lie to the south of the city. Once we have finished we’ll have lunch and head out towards the Ayaz Kala fortress where you will spend the night under traditional yurts. Dinner and overnight.

Day 4:Ayaz Kala Fortress - Bukhara via Urgench

TRAIL RUNNING APPROX: 19KM / +150M

After breakfast, we’ll prepare for our hills of the desert trail run which takes us on a trail run circumnavigating the Ayaz Kala Fortress and out into the desert. It’s a flat trail, which makes for easier running in this moonlike landscape. Once we have finished we’ll return to our yurt camp for lunch, time to freshen up and relax. In the afternoon, we will visit the fortresses, and then return to the city of Urgench from where we will catch an evening train to Bukhara. On arrival, we’ll transfer to our hotel, check-in, and relax with time for dinner and drinks.

Day 5: Exploring Magical Bukhara

REST DAY. SIGHTSEEING.

Today we have the day devoted to another Silk Road city, Bukhara, which served for a long time as a link between Iran and China. We’ll visit the Samanid Mausoleum, which was built in the Middle Ages and is considered one of the best examples of early Islamic architecture. We will walk through the local bazaar nearby and taste the sweetest fruits in the region. The visit to impressive historical monuments will be followed by a local meal in the new city. At the end of the day, free time in the old city. Dinner and overnight in Bukhara.

Day 6: Trail Run Bukhara - Samarkand

TRAIL RUNNING APPROX: 22KM / +60M

Breakfast in the morning. We will then head to our next running spot for our trail following in the footsteps of history. This is a beautiful run, which starts at the Khoja Ubban mausoleum, built in the 16th century on the outskirts of Bukhara. The trail heads out into the desert with gorgeous views of the surrounding landscape, before finishing at the Oasis Camp. Lunch at the camp and then returning to Bukhara to catch the train to Samarkand. Arrive in Samarkand, transfer to our hotel for check-in and relax. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 7: Run the Zerafshan Mountains

TRAIL RUNNING APPROX: 16KM / +900m

Early this morning we’ll drive to the village of Kitob, which is located at the bottom of the Zerafshan mountain range. From here we’ll start our trail run which takes us around the city of Samarkand and to discover Uzbek country life. In just a few hours, the trail takes us through mountains and a selection of local villages. Once finished we’ll have lunch at a mountain restaurant with brilliant views around the valleys. In the afternoon, we’ll return to Samarkand with some light sightseeing of the old town.

Day 8: Uzbek Mountains and Samarkand exploring

TRAIL RUNNING APPROX: 19KM / +670m

Today we’ll head to the village of Toshbulok from where we will start our trail exploring the Uzbek mountains. This arm of the Zerafshan Mountains is packed with unique valleys, great trails and breathtaking views of surrounding peaks. After lunch head back to Samarkand with some further sightseeing planned in the city, before dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 9: Samarkand - Train to Tashkent

REST DAY. SIGHTSEEING.

We will leave the hotel after breakfast and do some final sightseeing checking out Registan Square, which is considered as centre of the city. We will then visit the Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, which holds more than twenty funeral buildings. After lunch, we’ll have some free time to relax before heading to the railway station, where we’ll take the high-speed train to Tashkent. Transfer to the hotel and a celebratory night to toast a great trip.

Day 10: Goodbye, Uzbekistan!

It’s time to pack up and bid farewell to your newfound trail-running friends and our local team. A group transfer is arranged for you back to Tashkent International Airport in time to connect with your onward flight back home.

Things to keep in mind

CANCELLATION POLICY

It is important to be aware that once your deposit is paid, should you wish to cancel at any time thereafter, the deposits are non-refundable. In addition, the cancellation penalties detailed below will be applied. It is strongly recommended that you have suitable cancellation insurance coverage from the time of booking.

AMENDMENTS AND CANCELLATION

(a) Amendments by you While the Company will make every effort to assist you if you wish to alter your arrangements it cannot guarantee it will be able to meet such requests. Requests for an amendment must be in writing and signed by the signatory of the Booking Form. In the event of an amendment, all communication charges and other expenses and all costs and charges incurred or imposed by any of our suppliers will be payable by you together with an amendment fee of £50 per amendment. If you change your booking less than
10 weeks before departure, this will be treated as a cancellation by you and a re-booking, and the normal cancellation charges detailed in paragraph 6 (b) below will apply.

(b) Cancellation by you
Should you or another member of your party need to cancel your arrangements, you must tell us in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only be effective when it is received in writing at our offices. As we incur costs from the time we confirm your booking the following cancellation charges will be payable. Where the cancellation charge is shown as a percentage, this is calculated on the total cost payable by the person (s)
cancelling excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges (which are non-refundable).
Period before departure from when written notification is received by us: Cancellation charge per person
cancelling:

141 days or more full deposit
85 days - 140 days 50%
84 days or less 100% charge

Note: Certain arrangements (such as scheduled flights) could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charges above.
Insurance premiums and amendment charges are non-refundable. If your cancellation falls within the provisions of your travel insurance policy, you may be able to make a claim which must be made direct to your insurance company.

Amendments and Cancellations by The Company before departure.

We take great care to provide the tour arrangements that have been confirmed, but we must retain the right to modify or cancel any tour, flight schedule, accommodation or arrangement. Most changes are minor. Occasionally we have to make a ‘significant change’. ‘Significant changes’ in these booking conditions include the following changes when made before departure; - a change of destination or standard of accommodation for the whole or a major part of the time you are away. In such circumstance, we will inform you as soon as possible. Should the change be such that it significantly alters the nature of the tour (as defined above), we shall give you the choice of an alternative tour or a full refund of all money paid. In recognition, we will absorb all financial loss consequent upon cancellation. We shall not cancel any tour for reason of political tension or natural disaster unless specifically recommended to do so by the Foreign Office.

SPECIAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS

Your responsibilities

(a) It is your responsibility to ensure that visas, passports, vaccination certificates and other health documents are in order before departure. Advice on health requirements may be obtained from your GP or alternatively please read the leaflet Advice on Health for Travelers which is available from the Dept of Health.
(b) The Company is unable to accept responsibility for any decisions, actions, losses or delays in relation to any failure by you to obtain or carry the correct documentation and the consequential effect it may have on the visit itself, except where caused by the negligence of The Company or any of its employees or agents. The Company will not be liable for clients missing flights as a result of late check-ins, and no refunds will be given if you fail to take up any component of your arrangement.
(c) If, in the reasonable opinion of The Company or of any other person in authority you or any member of your party behaves in such a manner as to cause or be likely to cause danger, distress or annoyance to others or damage to property, your (or the person’(s) concerned) arrangements may be terminated by The Company or the supplier concerned. In such an event, you must pay any compensation or meet any costs or expenses which you and/or The Company incur as a result.
(d) Travel insurance is mandatory on all of our trips. We will require you to let us have evidence of your insurance at least 8 weeks prior to departure or at the time of booking if later. We reserve the right to terminate your booking if you fail to obtain travel insurance cover. Particular care should be taken to ensure that you have adequate cover, in particular for cancellation and emergency repatriation in the event of medical problems.

The responsibilities of the Company

a) Please note, in comparison with more conventional locations, the destinations you choose (which may include very remote areas) may not achieve the level of sophistication and development that might normally be expected. Facilities in some areas will be found to be of a basic nature and more appropriate to the local culture than foreign tourists.
b) Subject to these Booking Terms & Conditions, if we or our suppliers perform or arrange your contracted holiday arrangements negligently, we will pay you reasonable compensation. Please note that it is your responsibility to show that we or our supplier(s) have been negligent if you wish to make a claim against us.
We will not be responsible or pay you compensation for any injury, illness, death, loss, damage, expense, cost or other claim of any description if it results from:-
i the act(s) and/or omission(s) of the person(s) affected;
ii the act(s) and/or omission(s) of a third party unconnected with the provision of the services contracted for and which were unforeseeable or unavoidable; or iii unusual or unforeseeable circumstances beyond ours or our supplier(s) control, the consequences of which could not have been avoided even if all due care had been exercised; or
iv an event which either ourselves or suppliers could not, even with all due care, have foreseen or forestalled.
c) We do not exclude or limit any liability to our clients which may arise from proven negligence by any person employed directly by us or by our suppliers and subcontractors, servants or agents of the same whilst acting in the course of their employment (other than air and sea carriers performing any domestic internal or international carriage of whatsoever kind) in respect of death, bodily injury or illness. Such liabilities shall be
subject to English law and all proceedings shall be within the exclusive domain of the English courts.
d) The Company’s acceptance of liability in this clause is conditional upon you assigning to The Company all rights you may have against any third party in any way responsible for personal injury, illness, death, deficiency or difficulty in question and upon you giving your full co-operation to The Company and/or its insurers.
e) If booking your own flights, or transportation, we strongly advise you to only book fully flexible fares, which can be can be cancelled or changed without charge prior to departure. If you have booked your own flight or transportation, the Company will not be held responsible or liable should they be cancelled, amended or you fail to reach the point at which the services offered by The Company commence.
f) Force Majeure. Except where otherwise expressly stated in these Booking Terms & Conditions, The Company regrets it cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of its contractual obligations are prevented or affected by or you otherwise suffer any damage or loss as a result of ‘Force Majeure’. In these Booking Terms & Conditions, ‘Force Majeure’ means any event which The Company or the supplier of the service(s) in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events may include war, or threat of war, riot, civil strife, actual or threatened terrorist activity, industrial dispute, natural or nuclear disaster, adverse weather conditions, fire and all similar events beyond The Company’s control. UK Foreign Office advice against travel to an area for the above reasons will be treated as ‘Force Majeure’.

Price Policy

(a) After a confirmation invoice has been issued, the price of your arrangements is still subject to the possibility of surcharges in certain limited circumstances. However, subject to the correction of errors, a surcharge will only be levied to reflect increases in transportation costs (including fuel and scheduled airfares), dues, taxes (including a change in either foreign or UK VAT), fees chargeable for services (such as landing taxes and embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports or airports), or adverse variations in exchange rates which have been used to calculate the price of your arrangements. Surcharges will be notified by a Supplementary Invoice sent to you (or your travel agent).
b) The Company undertakes, however, not to levy a surcharge within 10 weeks (70 days) of departure except in the circumstances set out in (a) above and:
(c) Even when our costs increase as set out in 5. (a) above, the Company will absorb a total equivalent to 2% of the cost of your confirmed arrangements (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges). Only if the increased costs exceed this 2% will The Company levy a surcharge. If a surcharge made would increase the total price of your arrangements (excluding insurance premiums and amendment charges) by 10% or more,
you may cancel your booking within 14 days of the date of issue of the supplementary invoice and obtain a full refund of all payments made to The Company, except for insurance premiums and any amendment charges previously incurred.
(d) The financial commitments made above by The Company in respect of the booking means that no refunds can be made in the event of exchange rate fluctuations or decreases in cost.
(e) Please note, changes and errors occasionally occur. You must check the price of your chosen arrangements at the time of booking.

Complaints

If you are unhappy with a service or facility provided in connection with your arrangements, you should address your complaint immediately to The Company’s local representative and, if relevant, to the management of the hotel or other supplier whose services are involved, so that The Company will have an opportunity to correct the matter whilst you are away. If the problem cannot be solved locally however, you must write to us within 28 days of your return to the UK giving your booking information and full details of your complaint. If you fail to follow this simple procedure we will have been deprived of the opportunity to investigate and rectify your complaint promptly and this may affect your rights under this contract. These Booking Terms & Conditions and any agreement to which they apply are governed in all respects by English law. We both agree that any dispute, claim or other matter which arises between us out of or in connection with your contract or booking will be dealt with by the Courts which lie within the United Kingdom.

Privacy Policy

The process of booking your holiday requires that we use the personal data you provide such as your name and address. In addition, we may need some sensitive personal data such as special needs or dietary preferences etc. This information is passed on to the airlines and hotels and any other suppliers of your travel arrangements on a ‘need to know’ basis. If we cannot pass this information to the relevant suppliers, we cannot accept your booking. In making a booking, you consent to this information being passed on to the relevant persons. The information may also be provided to public authorities, as required by law. You should also be aware that controls on data protection in many of the countries we deal with are not as strong as in the UK. We will however not pass your information on to any person not responsible for part of your travel arrangements unless required to do so by law. Full details of our data protection policy are available upon
request.

FAQ