Samarkand to Termez: road or train

This journey takes you from Samarkand, the city of Timur, to Termez, on the Amu Darya (the ancient Oxus) at the border with Afghanistan. Along the way the landscape changes completely: from the green Zeravshan valley over a mountain pass into the Kashkadarya valley, through the gorges and villages of the Hissar range, and down to the hot, subtropical plain of Surkhandarya.

The road heads south from Samarkand and climbs over the Takhtakaracha pass, at about 1,700 metres, with wide views back over the Zeravshan valley. It then descends to Shakhrisabz, about 1.5–2 hours from Samarkand.

From Shakhrisabz, the road continues south through Guzar and into the mountains near Boysun, a region known for its traditional culture, listed by UNESCO as intangible heritage. The road passes through gorges and near the narrow pass known as the Iron Gates, used by armies and caravans since antiquity, before descending to Denau and the plain of the Amu Darya to Termez.

The total distance is about 370 km, and the drive takes 6–7 hours without long stops. In winter, the Takhtakaracha pass can be affected by snow; an alternative route via Karshi avoids it.

• Takhtakaracha pass: a viewpoint with fruit and snack stalls.
• Shakhrisabz: the ruins of Timur’s Ak-Saray palace, the Dorut Tilovat and Dorus Siyadat complexes; allow 2 hours.
• Boysun area: mountain villages, gorges and, with time, the cave and canyon landscapes of the Hissar range.
• Denau: a busy regional town with a bazaar, on the plain before Termez.

A private car with driver is the only way to enjoy these stops. Our transfer service offers cars, SUVs and minivans. Many travellers split the journey with a night in Shakhrisabz or a guesthouse near Boysun.

Trains connect Samarkand and Termez via Karshi, taking longer than the road. Overnight trains from Tashkent pass through Samarkand at night, and some day services run on parts of the route. Train types and timetables change; check what runs on your dates. Tickets go on sale about 45 days in advance; you need your passport. Our train ticket service can help; see trains in Uzbekistan.

There are no direct flights from Samarkand to Termez. Flying via Tashkent takes most of a day. If you want to fly, take the train back to Tashkent and fly from there; see Tashkent to Termez. A popular combination is to drive south from Samarkand to Termez, then fly back from Termez to Tashkent.

If you have time, the journey is best enjoyed over two days. Spend the first night in Shakhrisabz, after visiting the monuments in the afternoon light, or in a family guesthouse in the mountains near Boysun, where village life and traditional crafts are still strong. The next morning, continue through the gorges and arrive in Termez around midday, with the afternoon free for the museum or the shrine of al-Hakim at-Termizi.

The best seasons are spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November). In summer, Termez is the hottest city in Uzbekistan, with temperatures around 40 °C; see Termez weather. In winter, the mountain section can be cold and snowy, while Termez itself is mild.

• Start early to have time for stops in Shakhrisabz and the mountains.
• Carry your passport: there are police checkpoints, especially near the border region.
• Bring water and snacks; services between towns are few.
• Termez is close to the Afghan border; some areas along the river are restricted.

See how to get to Termez and things to do in Termez.