A chess journey along the Silk Road: Visit Uzbekistan during the Chess Olympiad

by Ardjan Langedijk
2/25/2026 – From 21 to 29 September 2026, a group tour to Uzbekistan will combine cultural exploration with top-level chess. The journey includes visits to Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent, coinciding with the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Alongside attending the Olympiad, participants will take part in special chess events and training sessions, while discovering the architectural and historical legacy of the Silk Road. | Photo: Mosque Bibi-Khanum in Samarkand, via Wikimedia Commons
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An unmissable opportunity

Uzbekistan, in Central Asia, is rapidly emerging as an attractive travel destination. This is largely thanks to its rich history and the remarkably preserved architecture of the Silk Road period. The historic cities of Samarkand and Bukhara, in particular, offer a wealth of cultural highlights. In addition, the country provides high-quality accommodation, reliable transport and excellent cuisine, while being considered a safe place to travel.

This group tour, running from 21 to 29 September 2026, will visit these renowned cities as well as the capital, Tashkent. The journey coincides with the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, which will be attended on three separate days.

Uzbekistan is also increasingly establishing itself as a leading chess nation, not only through the hosting of major events but also thanks to its elite players, notably super GMs Nodirbek Abdusattorov and Javokhir Sindarov. Both recently finished first and second at the prestigious Tata Steel Masters in Wijk aan Zee, while Sindarov has also qualified for the forthcoming Candidates Tournament.

A chess event with local players will be organised at a historic venue in Bukhara. On the final day in Tashkent, a further event will take place in a park setting, again involving local players.

Tashkent, Uzbekistan

The Supreme Assembly building in Navoi Park, Tashkent | Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Bukhara, Uzbekistan

View over the Old City at sunset in Bukhara | Photo: Adam Jones

A similar trip was organised in September 2024, and a report can be found here: https://en.chessbase.com/post/chess-adventures-in-uzbekistan

Partners and friends of chess players are also welcome. An alternative excursion programme can be arranged during chess events, if desired.

The tour leader is Ardjan Langedijk, owner of a travel agency specialising in Central Asia since 2006 and an active chess player himself.

If there is sufficient interest, the group will also be joined by an experienced chess trainer and ChessBase author IM Robert Ris, who will provide training sessions on five evenings during the trip.

Robert Ris

Check out Robert Ris' recap of timeless classics from Wijk aan Zee, for free!

FIDE Grand Swiss 2025

The 2025 FIDE Grand Swiss took place in Samarkand and was a great success | Photo: FIDE / Michal Walusza

Contact information:

Ardjan Langedijk
E-mail: ardjan@oezbekistanreizen.nl

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Topics: Uzbekistan
Enthusiastic chess player. From 2001-2006 I worked for New In Chess (Marketing & Sales). Having lived in Almaty, Kazakhstan for some time and loving the region and traveling there, it seemed logical for me to start a travel company for trips to Central Asia. Now I have added also chess tours to Central Asia, especially Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, to my program. More on my website: https://www.centralasia-tours.com/.
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