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Uzbekistan is one of the most extraordinary trail running destinations in the world — and one of the least known. A country of towering minarets, vast desert fortresses, ancient bazaars and wild mountain ranges, all threaded together by the fabled Silk Road. Over nine days we run through all of it.
Four trail running days take us through the Karakum Desert, the hills above Bukhara, the foothills of the Zerafshan Mountains and deep into the Uzbek mountain valleys around Samarkand. The terrain is varied and accessible — desert tracks, steppe trails and rolling mountain paths — with modest elevation compared to our Alpine destinations, making this a trip where the cultural experience matches the running at every step.
Between the running days are dedicated sightseeing days in Khiva, Bukhara and Samarkand — three of the great Silk Road cities, each a UNESCO World Heritage site. One night is spent under the stars in a traditional yurt camp in the desert. This is trail running as a way to experience a place, not just pass through it.
Throughout the trip we stay in comfortable, carefully selected 3★ hotels in each city — chosen for their location, comfort and easy access to the sights. The standout night is at the Ayaz Kala yurt camp in the desert, sleeping under an extraordinary Central Asian sky. Note: the yurt camp is shared accommodation only and private room upgrades are not available for that night.
Chat directly with Charlie and the team — no pressure, no sales pitch. Just an honest conversation about whether Uzbekistan is the right trip for you.
Book Your Free Call →September is an excellent time to visit Uzbekistan. Daytime temperatures are warm and pleasant, typically ranging from 21°C to 30°C, with generally dry conditions and minimal rainfall — ideal for both trail running and exploring the country's extraordinary historical sites.
Evenings can be noticeably cooler, particularly at altitude in the Zerafshan Mountains and in the open desert. We recommend packing a light mid-layer for after the runs and desert nights under the stars at the yurt camp.
Uzbekistan is now visa-free on arrival (stamped on entry) for the majority of western passport holders, including UK, EU, US, Australian and New Zealand citizens. If you are unsure whether this applies to your nationality, please check with your local Uzbekistan Embassy before booking.
Yes, absolutely. While Uzbekistan's traditional cuisine is heavily meat-based, larger cities have become increasingly accommodating for travellers with dietary requirements. Please let us know your needs in advance so we can plan accordingly and make sure you are well catered for throughout the trip.
Vegetarian options are generally available in cities, though more remote locations such as the desert yurt camp have more limited menus. The more notice we have, the better we can prepare.
Fly into Tashkent International Airport (TAS) — the most common entry point with connections from major European hubs including London, Frankfurt, Istanbul and Dubai. Several airlines operate routes including Uzbekistan Airways, Turkish Airlines and flydubai.
You depart from Samarkand International Airport (SKD), which also has growing direct connections to European cities. All internal transport — including a domestic flight from Tashkent to Urgench and two train journeys — is fully included in the trip price.
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory for all guests on this trip. Your policy must cover trail running and adventure activities, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and repatriation, and trip cancellation or curtailment.
Standard travel insurance policies often exclude adventure sports or activities above a certain altitude — please check your policy carefully before travel. We will ask for your insurance provider and policy number as part of your pre-departure documentation.
The local currency is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). Uzbekistan remains largely a cash-based economy, particularly outside of the main cities. US Dollars and Euros are widely accepted for exchange and we recommend bringing some cash in either currency.
ATMs are available in Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, though reliability can vary. Card payments are accepted in some hotels and larger restaurants in cities, but do not rely on them for day-to-day spending. A rough budget of $30–50 USD per day is sufficient for personal expenses, drinks and souvenirs.
No vaccinations are mandatory for entry to Uzbekistan, but we recommend consulting your GP or a travel health clinic 6–8 weeks before departure. Commonly recommended vaccinations include Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Tetanus — your doctor will advise based on your personal health history.
Tap water is not safe to drink throughout the trip — bottled water is provided by Pure Trails on all running days and is readily available to purchase elsewhere. Sun protection, insect repellent and basic first aid supplies are worth packing. Our guides carry a full group first aid kit throughout.
Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country with a rich and proud cultural heritage. We ask all guests to be respectful of local customs, particularly when visiting mosques, mausoleums and religious sites — modest dress covering shoulders and knees is appreciated and in some cases required.
The people of Uzbekistan are extraordinarily warm and welcoming to visitors. A few words of greeting in Uzbek or Russian go a long way and are always warmly received. Our local guides will brief you on cultural etiquette throughout the trip.
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