RIDE THE ANCIENT SILK ROAD
OVERVIEW
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights / 9 Days Riding
Cost: €TBC
Guide languages: English, French
Max Riders: 8
Departing:
Riding Level: Our rides are for experienced riders who are balanced on their horses and in control galloping in open spaces.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 90kg/198lbs
Time in the saddle: 3 to 7 hours a day
HORSES
ACCOMMODATION
Seven nights are spent in highly rates boutique hotels.
Hotel Uzbekistan – Tashkent - A landmark hotel in the heart of Tashkent, offering spacious rooms and classic Soviet-era architecture with modern conveniences.
Kosh Havuz – Samarkand - A refined boutique hotel set within Samarkand’s historic centre, blending traditional Uzbek design with contemporary comfort. Known for its serene courtyards, warm hospitality, and beautifully restored interiors.
Komil Bukhara Boutique Hotel – Bukhara - A characterful, family-run boutique hotel housed in a 19th-century residence just steps from Bukhara’s old town. Stunning, atmospheric rooms, handcrafted details, and intimate, authentic feel.
Orient Star – Bukhara - A modern hotel offering comfortable rooms and fully stocked amenities within walking distance of Bukhara’s main monuments. A convenient base for exploring the city’s cultural highlights.
Two nights in local guest houses.
Four nights are spent in simple dome tents. There are no showers.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
All meals, accommodation, horses, guides, equipment (except sleeping bag), Samarkand – Tashkent, Bukhara-Khiva train tickets, entry for landmark sights and museums.
WHAT’S EXCLUDED
The price does not include international or domestic flights, visas, alcohol, mandatory travel insurance, or staff tips (which are optional but appreciated).
It may be possible to pay a single supplement of €320 for the additional charge for up to four nights depending on availability.
RIDING
You must be an experienced, confident rider to join this ride. Because of the mountainous terrain most of the ride is at walk with some opportunities to gallop along the Aydar Lake.
The horses work hard at high altitude and so we only accept well balanced, experienced riders that will not push them unnecessarily and ride in a long loose rein on the mountain.
TRAVEL & VISAS
UK passport holders do not need a visa to enter Uzbekistan for stays of up to 30 days.
From January 2026 US citizens may also travel visa free for up to 30 days.
TRANSFERS
Recommended flights from UK:
Arrival: 29 May 2026: 16:20 LHR - 03:10 TAS (6.5 hour flight time) Arriving 30th May. Uzbekistan Airways.
Departure: 12 June 2026: 08:30 UGC - 15:20 LHR (10h 50m - 2h 35m layover in Istanbul). Turkish Airways
MEALS
WHAT TO PACK
Refer to our FAQ for what to pack on a horse riding holiday.
The key to packing well for riding in the mountains, even in summer, is layers. We recommend you pack:
A down jacket, a warm jumper, a very warm sleeping bag effective to 0 degrees, silk sleeping bag liner, rain gear (waterproof trousers should have an opening on the outside at the bottom of the leg in order to put on and take off without removing your trekking boots), 2-3 pairs of warm socks, waterproof trekking boots, underwear, gloves, sunglasses, sun cream with high UV-protection, lip balm with UV-protection, torch, personal medicine, metal water bottle (0.75 L), riding chaps, Micropure (or any other water purification).
We always recommend you wear hiking boots and half chaps when on a riding holiday. Always wear boots you are happy to walk in.
The weather can range from 40 degrees in Bishkek to almost zero at night on the mountain in Chong Kemin. The mountains are usually 10 degrees cooler than Bishkek.
INTERNET
You will be out of cell range for portions of the ride. We recommend purchasing a O! sim card on arrival at the airport. The store is located to the left after customs. Unlimited internet for two weeks will cost around €15.
If your phone doesn’t take sims, or if you would prefer to organise a sim ahead of time, download an e-sim from Airalo and install before you arrive to be connected at all times.
Use our code BLACKS3976 to receive $3 off your e-sim credit.
Your guest houses will have wifi.
DATES + RATES
All departures are €3,450 per person sharing. Your saddle is secured with a 30% deposit. The balance is due 90 days before the ride.
A single supplement of €320 for your own room at hotels is subject to availability.
2026
29 May - 12 June 2026
We can organise private groups on request with a minimum of 6 riders. Prices will be adjusted for the number of riders if the group is less than 8 riders.
To make an enquiry you can fill in an obligation-free Rider Profile and we will get back to you with loads of information and availability.
UZBEKISTAN
ITINERARY
The rides may be modified due to seasonal changes affecting water sources and the abundance of pastures in the mountains.
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As 90% of flights arrive around between 2am and 5am we recommend arriving a day early to rest from the flight and enjoy exploring Tashkent.
We organise an optional dinner the night before where you can try local cuisine, visit a supermarket and meet other guests.
Overnight: Hotel Uzbekistan is pre-booked the night before your trip so you are able to check in any time from 2pm.
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Breakfast at the hotel is included.
Meet your guide at the airport. Visit of the capital. Tashkent is a large, airy, green city with wide avenues and large parks with fountains. The day-long tour begins with the Khasti Imam complex. This is a large esplanade housing several historic monuments: the Barak Khan medersa, where rare manuscripts are kept, including the Koran of Osman (7th c.), the Tellia Sheikh mosque and the Kafal Shashi mausoleum.
Stroll through the blue-domed TchorSu market.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Stroll around Independence Square and Amir Timur Square to discover the new Tashkent.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
No riding.
Overnight at Hotel Uzbekistan.
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Breakfast.
You will take the road to the Chimgan mountains to the east of Tashkent. The village of Gidjal is 70km from Tashkent and the road takes around 1h15m. You meet the horses at the entrance to the village (1500m altitude). You begin the horse trek towards the Olmabovpass (1800m alt).
You ride through breathtakingly wild landscapes. After 3 hours on horseback, you climb to the pass and stop for lunch.
Picnic in the countryside.
In the afternoon you descend to the gorges at the foot of the summit to set up camp. Set up tents and rest.
Dinner around the campfire.
Driving distance/time 70k, 1.15 hours / Riding 6-7 hours
Overnight in a tent.
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Breakfast.
Back on the horses, heading for the Olmabovpass. The track is flat and pleasant to walk on.
Around midday, you arrive at the pass and stop to rest the horses and have a picnic. Picnic in the countryside.
Continue on to Mingjilky pass. At the end of the day, you set up camp beside a spring (1,650m altitude).
Dinner around the campfire.
Riding 5-6 hours
Overnight in a tent.
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Breakfast.
In the morning, heading for the Kichkina Maydantal. Around midday, you arrive at the pass and stop to rest the horses and have a picnic.
You descend into the Kichkina Maydantal and in the afternoon continue to the Mingjilky.
Set up camp.
Dinner around the campfire.
Riding 5-6 hours
Overnight in a tent.
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Breakfast.
In the morning, You then climb towards the Chetkumbelpass (1,600m).
Picnic in the countryside on the mountain ridge.
In the afternoon, you descend to the Beldersay (1,600m). Set up camp in the gorge near the spring.
Dinner around the campfire.
Riding 6-7 hours
Overnight in a tent.
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Breakfast.
Our first destination is Kiziljar.
After the picnic we go to Chimgan village.
There we are taken by a car/bus to Tashkent.
Dinner in the city.
Riding 4 hours / Driving 2 hours
Overnight in Hotel Uzbekistan
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Breakfast.
Transfer to the train station and take the Afrosiyob TGV at 07:30 (2 hours journey) to Samarkand. The mythical city of the Orient full of legends welcomes you. You start the visits right after settling in at the hotel.
“Everything I have been told about Samarkand is true. Except that it is even more beautiful” said Alexander the Great about Samarkand.
You will be lulled by the legends in this city of blue domes and imposing portals.
Gur Emir Mausoleum - A monument erected in the 14th century on the tomb of Amir Timour, the Great King of the 14th century, ruling over Samarkand.
Registan Square - The architectural complex composed of 3 large monumental madrasahs.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
Bibikhanoum Mosque - The imposing mosque dating from the 14th century.
The Shohi Zinda necropolis - one of the most important places of worship in Samarkand. Built around the tomb of the nephew of the prophet Mohammed over several centuries, you discover here a set of richly decorated monuments.
After lunch, embark on a scenic horseback ride through the ancient ruins of Afrosiyob, exploring the historic landscape of early Samarkand.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Train transfer 2 hours approx. / Riding 1-2 hours
Overnight in Hotel: Kosh Havuz
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Breakfast.
You take the road to the village of Ukhum which is 210km from Samarkand. You leave the hotel at 08:30 am. Around 1 pm you arrive in the village of Porasht (500m above sea level) where the horses are waiting for you. You meet the family and have lunch.
Lunch at local home.
In the afternoon, you head towards the village of Ukhum (21km). The duration of the horse riding lasts about 4 hours at a normal pace. As the terrain is flat, you go at a gallop which will reduce the duration. Arrival in Ukhum (950 m above sea level) at the end of the day.
Dinner and night at the local home.
Driving 4.5 hours / Riding 4 hours
Overnight in local guesthouse.
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Breakfast.
Taking advantage of the morning freshness you head towards the village of Mojurum. You pass a few small passes between the villages and will have the terrain to gallop.
The journey time is about 3hours with the gallop. You arrive at Mojurum (700 m above sea level) around 1pm. You will be welcomed into a local family home.
Lunch at local home.
In this mountain village you will see a gigantic fir tree that is 2500 years old. Walk in the village and you visit the village and beautiful landscapes all along the river.
Dinner and overnight stay at a local home.
Riding 5 hours.
Overnight in local guesthouse.
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Breakfast.
In the morning you head towards the village of Sob (700m above sea level). The ideal terrain for galloping. The duration will be halved by galloping. You arrive at the village around noon and stop at a guesthouse.
Lunch at local home.
In the afternoon, you take the road to Bukhara. Your route passes through Nurata city. You visit the historical monuments of Nurata: the Tchilustun and Panjvakta mosques, the sacred spring with fish. You also visit the ruins of the defensive walls. You take the road again and arrive in Bukhara.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Riding 3 hours
Overnight in hotel: Komil Boutique.
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Breakfast.
You visit the mausoleums of Ismail Samani and Chachma Ayoub, the citadel of Ark, whose oldest traces date back to the 5th century BC, and the Bolo Khaouz mosque dating from the beginning of the 17th century. In the afternoon you visit the Ulugh Beg and Abdul Aziz Khan madrasas, the Po-i-Kalyan complex composed of 3 monuments: the Kalyan minaret, the Mir Arab madrasa and the Great Mosque.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
The visit continues with the discovery of the “Lyabi Khaouz” complex meaning “the reservoir” around which stand monuments such as the Koukeldach madrasa, the Nadir Divanbegi madrasa and the great Khanaka. The tour continues with a possible break to stop for tea or refreshment in a Chai Khana, a local tea room, on the edge of a pond. Continuation of visits: the Magoki-Attari mosque, the medieval markets (Toki Sarrafon, Toki Telpakfuruchon, Tim d’Abdullakhan, Toki Zargaron).
Dinner in a local restaurant.
No riding.
Overnight in hotel: Komil Boutique.
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Breakfast
Transfer to the train station and take the train to Khiva at 07:12, arriving in Khiva at 12:47.
Check-in at the hotel.
Lunch in a local restaurant.
In the afternoon, you will visit monuments outside the city, including the residence of a wealthy
Khiva merchant: Nurullah-Bai.
Dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight at the Orient Star Hotel.
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Breakfast
You will discover the architectural monuments of this open-air museum city: The truncated minaret Kalta Minar, The Mohammed Amin Khan madrasah, The Kunya Ark, former palace and seat of the Khiva rulers, The Mohammed Rahim Khan madrasah, The Said Alauddin mausoleum, The Pahlavan Mahmud mausoleum and the Islam Khodja minaret, The Juma Mosque, The Caravanserai, The Tosh Khavli Palace and the Khan’s Harem.
Lunch and Dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight at the Orient Star Hotel.
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Breakfast.
Transfer to the airport and return flight.
TK 263 12 JUN UGC IST 0830 1050
PRICES & AVAILABILITY
All departures are €2,450 per person sharing. A single supplement of €320 for your own room at hotels is subject to availability.
2026
29 May - 12 June 2026
To make an enquiry you can fill in an obligation-free Rider Profile and we will get back to you with loads of information and availability.
HOW TO BOOK
Your saddle is secured with a 30% deposit. The balance is due 90 days before the ride.
Cancellation Terms
More than 90 days in advance the full deposit is returned net of bank charges and a €250 cancellation fee per rider to cover our time spent organising your holiday.
90 - 0 days in advance 100% of the full amount is forfeited.
WEATHER + CLIMATE
Uzbekistan is a land of deserts, steppe, and rugged mountain fringes, with long, hot summers and crisp, cool nights in the higher regions.
We time our journeys to make the most of the stable, dry summer season. Weather in Uzbekistan can still shift quickly, especially in the mountains, so you should pack layers to stay protected from heat during the day and cooler temperatures in the evenings.
The capital, Tashkent, sits at roughly 450 metres above sea level and experiences classic continental weather, with summer temperatures that can reach 38–40°C.
In contrast, the mountains and high valleys are significantly cooler, typically sitting between 18–28°C during the day in summer and dropping sharply at night.
May
May marks the true beginning of spring in Uzbekistan. The landscapes are at their most vibrant, with fresh spring grass, wildflowers at lower elevations, and clear views across the foothills. Temperatures are warm but still moderate, typically sitting in the low to mid-20s°C in the mountains and around 25–30°C in the valleys, making it one of the most comfortable months for long days on the trail.
There may still be the occasional spring shower, especially in the foothills, but rainfall is light and short-lived. The air feels crisp and clean, and the days are long enough to enjoy extended riding without the intense heat of summer. May is also a time when herders begin moving livestock back into the higher pastures, so you may see the first early-season animals grazing on newly green slopes.
Sleeping temperatures
We recommend bringing a sleeping bag rated to around 0–5°C, ensuring you stay warm and comfortable across the full range of conditions.
TEMPERATURE
RAINY DAYS
RAINFALL
ACCOMMODATION
luxury Hotels
Nights 1, 6
Two nights are spent in twin rooms in ensuite rooms at hotels.
Modern and clean, hotels have been chosen to give the most comfort while maintaining a local experience.
All hotels have wifi and cell reception.
SIMPLE dome TENTS
Nights 2, 3, 4, 5
On the mountain you will sleep in simple dome tents on camping mattresses. A short drop loo will be dug.
Camp is close to a steam for water for a face wash. You guides will boil water for drinking though we recommend you also bring micropur tablets or a filter water bottle for drinking water.
Biodegradable wipes can be used for washing and disposed of in the campfire.
Local guest housese
Nights 8, 9
Two nights are spent in traditional guest houses.
boutique hotels
Nights 7, 10, 11, 12, 13
Highly rate boutique hotels, including large fully equipped rooms, swimming pools and huge buffet breakfasts
MEALS
Meal times in Kyrgyzstan start with decadent table-scapes of sweets, dried fruit, nuts, bread, fruit, jams and cream. In nomad times everything available was put onto the table and offered to guests.
Main meals usually consist of meat and onions over potatoes, buckwheat or rice with carrot, tomato, cucumber, peppers or cabbage. Often you are served meat and vegetable soup as a starter.
Plov is a very popular buttered rice served with vegetables and meat dish. Also popular is pasta with cabbage and steamed or fried dumplings stuffed with meat or stir-fry noodles with meat. Watermelon is often served as dessert.
They are not that familiar with making vegetarian dishes though are learning to adapt. Vegetarians be beware that sometimes they think that picking meat out of the group dish will be acceptable to you!
The meals are typically carb-heavy. Gluten-free diets might want to bring their own bread to supplement meals as yurt camps will typically only make one dish for all guests.
Hot chai (black tea) is served at every meal. We provide bottled water every day.
