Samarkand Silk Road Trail

The Trail des Routes de la Soie (Silk Road Trail) is a 10-day sports and cultural odyssey in Uzbekistan, taking place from May 28 to June 6, 2026. Organized by the travel agency Trail to be Alive, this trip combines competitive trail running or hiking with an immersion into the history of the Timurid Empire, visiting the legendary cities of Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.

Event Concepts and Logistics:

• -- Participation Formats: The event offers a timed Trail competition with rankings, a non-timed Hiking version (Rando) at a gentler pace, and a Companion option for those focused solely on the cultural program.
• -- Organization and Safety: The staff includes race directors, timing experts, and a medical doctor. Stages are fully marked, and aid stations are positioned approximately every 10 to 12 km.
• -- Accommodation: Participants stay in 3* or 4* hotels to ensure proper recovery, with one traditional night spent in a yurt camp located in the desert near Ayaz Kala.
• -- Flexibility: Athletes have the option to switch between trail and hiking formats or skip a stage if needed based on their daily physical condition.

Travel and Administrative Information:

• -- Flight Information: The program includes round-trip air travel from Paris to Urgench, with return from Samarkand.
• -- Cultural Itinerary: The schedule includes guided tours of the ancient Silk Road cities, focusing on royal residences, mosques, and local artisan crafts.
• -- Documentation: A passport valid for at least six months beyond the return date is required. Necessary entry permissions are processed by the organization upon arrival.
• -- Health Requirements: A valid medical certificate or a completed Health Prevention Path (PPS) is mandatory for all active participants.
• -- Equipment Advice: Mini-gaiters are strongly recommended to manage sand during the desert stages, and hydration packs are necessary between aid stations.

The Silk Road Trail 2026 offers a unique balance of high-endureance sport and historical exploration through the infinite steppes and majestic mountains of Uzbekistan.