RIDE IN THE SHADOW OF EMPIRE
OVERVIEW
Uzbekistan is a jewel in Central Asia. While neighbours were still nomadic until as recently as 80 years ago, Uzbeks settled and built magnificent cities. The Sogdian Empire became rich from the Silk Road trade that passed through their lands.
Alexander the Great and Ghengis Khan both arrived in this land with their armies to see the wonders of Samarkand for themselves - looting and taking the fine horses for themselves.
This is a full immersion into Uzbek culture. You’ll see four major cities, explore mountain, gallop across the desert, stay in the finest hotels, visit the grand mausoleums and squares with the blue domes and marvel at how accomplished this city was when Europe was still in the dark ages.
Let’s Ride
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Explore the peaks of the Chimgen Mountains
Gallop across the desert near Samakhand
Stay with two families for an authentic Uzbek experience
Ride over the ancient city of Samarkand as Alexander the Great and Ghenghis Khan did
Stay in beautiful small luxury hotels and enjoy their spas
Visit Registan Square and Tamerlane’s mausoleum in Samarkand
Visit Bukhara with it’s fortified walls and blue domes
Take the luxury bullet train from Tashkent to Samarkand
OVERVIEW
RIDE GUIDE
Duration: 14 Days / 13 Nights / 9 Days Riding
Cost: £2,995 including the two night Khiva extension
Max Riders: 8
Arriving: Tashkent
Departing: Samarkand or Khiva
Riding Level: Our rides are for experienced riders who are balanced on their horses and in control galloping in open spaces. You should have 10+ years regular riding experience as a minimum.
Weight Limit: Maximum of 85kg/187lbs. This is a strict limit as you will carry your gear in saddle bags on the five night portion in the mountains reaching the local horses’ comfortable weight limit.
Time in the saddle: 3 to 7 hours a day
HORSES
You will ride in two locations on local Uzbek horses and Kyrgyz horses. They are typically around 15hh.
Saddles are a mix of Kyrgyz and Russian military saddles. The Kyrgyz saddles are wooden trees covered with a cushion and the Russian saddles are padded.
Gear will be carried in simple canvas saddle bags and care should be taken not to overload you horse. We will share a comprehensive packing list that must be adhered to. You will be able to keep extra luggage in the support car when on the mobile trekking portion.
ACCOMMODATION
We have visited Uzbekistan to scope the best hotels possible for your stay. This means you’ll experience a combination of true wilderness when riding in the mountains, stay with local families in the desert and in between stay in some of the best small, luxury hotels in the country.
Simple dome tents (4 Nights)
Local Guesthouses (2 nights)
Tashkent - Hotel Uzbekistan (2 nights)
Samarkand - Kosh Havuz (One night)
Bukhara - Komil Bukhara Boutique Hotel (Two nights)
Khiva - Orient Star (2 nights)
This is a ride that ticks all the boxes for a beautiful blend of adventure and comfort.
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 £2,995 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
30 May - 12 June 2026 | Black Saddle Hosted
We will be taking photos of this exploratory ride for the website. All content will be shared with guests free of charge.
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.
GET IN TOUCH
Fill in an obligation-free rider form and we will share information on the ride
UZBEKISTAN
Uzbekistan sits at the heart of Central Asia and has been a crossroads of civilisation for over two millennia. Its cities: Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva, were key nodes on the Silk Road, linking China, India, Persia and the Mediterranean. Long before Islam, the region was shaped by Iranian-speaking Sogdians, whose merchants dominated trans-Eurasian trade. Alexander the Great passed through in the 4th century BCE, founding cities and marrying into local elites, embedding the region into the Hellenistic world.
From the 8th century, Islam transformed Transoxiana into a centre of learning. Bukhara became one of the great intellectual capitals of the Islamic world, producing scholars such as Imam al-Bukhari and Avicenna (Ibn Sina). In the 14th century, the region rose again under Timur (Tamerlane), whose empire stretched from Anatolia to India. Timur made Samarkand his capital, turning it into a monumental city of madrasas, observatories and tiled architecture that symbolised imperial power and cosmopolitan culture. Under the Timurids, science, astronomy and art flourished, notably through Ulugh Beg’s observatory.
Horses have always been central to Uzbekistan’s history. The steppe culture of the region relied on horses for warfare, trade and communication. Sogdian and later Turkic horsemen were renowned for endurance and mobility, enabling long-distance travel across deserts and mountains. While the famous Akhal-Teke is associated primarily with Turkmenistan, closely related Turkic and Persian horse traditions extended across modern Uzbekistan, influencing breeding, tack and riding styles. Cavalry was the backbone of Timurid military power, combining armoured horsemen with highly mobile mounted archers.
Even today, horses retain cultural importance in rural Uzbekistan, particularly in traditional games such as kupkari where riders compete for control of a goat carcass—an echo of ancient steppe contests. Uzbekistan’s history, shaped by trade, empire and the horse, remains inseparable from the rhythms of movement across the Silk Road and the enduring legacy of the steppe.
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 £2,995 per person sharing. A single supplement of €320 for your own room at hotels is subject to availability.
2026
29 May - 12 June 2026 | Black Saddle Hosted
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 to close to zero.
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.
We will share a comprehensive packing list for all riders to be comfortable at every stage of the trip.
TEMPERATURE
RAINY DAYS
RAINFALL
ACCOMMODATION
HISTORICAL HOTEL
Nights 1, 6
Two nights are spent in twin rooms in ensuite rooms at Hotel Uzbekistan.
Hotel Uzbekistan stands as a relic of Soviet ambition on Tashkent’s central square, built in 1974 as the flagship hotel of the Uzbek SSR.
Once reserved for party officials, foreign delegations, and Aeroflot crews, it embodied the USSR’s vision of modernity in Central Asia. Today it is a bit shabby but a must-stay for all guests arriving in Tashkent with an interest in Soviet history.
SIMPLE dome TENTS
Nights 2, 3, 4, 5
On the mountain you will sleep in simple dome tents on camping mattresses.
Camp is close to a steam for water for a face wash. Your guides will boil water for drinking though we recommend you also bring micropure tablets or a filter water bottle for drinking water.
We’ll share loads of tips on how to stay comfortable on this part of the trip where everything is carried on the horses.
Local guest houses
Nights 8, 9
Two nights are spent in local homes. Here we get closest to every day life in Uzbekistan. Where there are no tourists and so no hotels, locals open their homes to travellers, adding extra beds to spare bedrooms.
Meals are served family style and produce used for cooking could not be more local.
LUXURY boutique hotels
Nights 7, 10, 11, 12, 13
After all that camping we stay at some of the best hotels in the country. These 4* small luxury hotels are up to international standards with stunning rooms, spas and rooftop restaurants.
These hotels are a destination in themselves and are all located very close to the city squares for night-time exploring if you are up to it!
MEALS
Uzbek cuisine is hearty, agricultural, and shaped by Silk Road trade, designed to sustain people through long days of physical work and travel. At its centre is plov (osh), a rice dish cooked with lamb or beef, carrots, onions, and whole heads of garlic, traditionally prepared in a large kazan and served communally. Bread is sacred: non, round flatbreads stamped with intricate patterns, are baked in clay tandoor ovens and never placed face-down.
Meat features prominently, especially lamb, grilled as shashlik or baked into samsa, flaky pastries filled with meat and onion. Noodles reflect Chinese influence: lagman combines hand-pulled noodles with rich meat and vegetable sauces. Fermented dairy appears in drinks like ayran and katyk, while meals are often accompanied by green tea rather than alcohol.
Central asians consume a lot of tea instead of drinking water so you made need to remind your guide to fetch more if supplies are low.
Vegetarians are able to be catered for. Gluten free is harder and we recommend guests bring gluten-free bread with them as a reserve though rice is usually available as an alternative.
Uzbek food is generous, practical, and deeply social—meals are slow, shared, and central to hospitality and daily life.
LOCATIONS
