Uzbekistan by Bike

On arrival into Tashkent you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. There will be a city sightseeing tour of Tashkent (3-4 hrs) plus lunch - the tour start time will depend on arrival time of the participants. Your guide will conduct a trip briefing in the hotel lobby in the evening before you all enjoy a group welcome dinner.
Overnight: Gabrielle International Hotel or similar ...more ...less

Transfer from Tashkent to the mountain village of Nevich (1050m), and commence cycling. We will cycle through the mountain villages of Nevich, Sanginek, Sukok and Zarkent, where many grape vines grow. We can taste wine in one of the local's houses.
Accommodation: Kumyshkan guesthouse (1300m).
Driving: 70km; 1.5hrs.
Cycling: 35km; -100m/+250m/-100m/+200m; Asphalt 80%, dirt road 20%.

Today we will cycle from Kumyshkan village to Karamanas village near Ugam-Chatkal National Park. The road passes through the picturesque villages around the Surenata ridge. Along the way we will visit the unique Physics-Sun Heliocomplex (Solar Furnace) located in Changi village. Built in the 1980s, the complex still amazes with its fantastic space view, reminiscent of a launch pad or alien station. Cycling along the road there are great views of the mountains and surroundings. If you wish to extend the cycle, this route can be further extended by 30km to Gazalkent. Transfer by bus to the South-Western Tien-Shan mountains, to our hotel on the shore of the Charvak water reservoir (1020 m).
Accommodation: Avenue Park Hotel or similar.
Cycling: 40km; -730m/+100m; Asphalt 90%, dirt road 10%. Optional 30km to Gazalkent.
Driving: 70km, 1.5hrs.

This morning, we transfer by bus to Beldersay, and commence cycling back to our hotel at Charvak water reservoir. After lunch at the hotel, the remainder of the afternoon is at your leisure. There is an optional walk to the Charvak water reservoir.
Accommodation: Avenue Park Hotel or similar.
Driving: 30km; 30min.
Cycling: 30km, 2-3hrs.

Early start at around 8.00am. The cycling route runs along the Charvak mountain reservoir to the village of Nanai; crossing the bridges of the Chatkal, Koksu and Pskem rivers. Then ascend up to Sijak village, with magnificent views at the upper point of the route above the water reservoir, followed by a spectacular descent to the town of Charvak. The panoramic scenery of the Charvak water reservoir and mountains of the South-Western Tien-Shan during the ride will be unforgettable. Lunch will be at a traditional cafe. Afterwards we will transfer to Tashkent by vehicle.
Overnight: Gabrielle International Hotel or similar
Driving: 70km, 1.5hrs.
Cycling: 66 km, -140m/+420m/-510m; Asphalt 90%, dirt road 10%.

After breakfast we leave the city and drive out towards Zaamin National Park. We have lunch in Zaamin village. Afterwards, we will cycle from Zaamin reservoir in the direction of the Turkestan ridge to Zaamin National Park, through green meadows with a variety of mountain flowers and juniper forest. This rural area is sparsely populated, its only inhabitants being a few fishermen and shepherds. This fertile area is surrounded by peaks climbing up to 3500m so we’ll have an impressive backdrop to our ride. If the participants wish, this route can be extended by a further 10-20km. Transfer to Suffa Plateau (+500m, 10km, 30 mins).
Overnight: Wyndham Hotel (2300m) or similar
Driving: 220km, 4hrs
Cycling: 30km; -370m/+460m; Asphalt 70%, dirt road 30%.

Today's cycling starts from the unique International Observatory "Suffa", where the route passes through the Zaamin Mountain-Juniper National Reserve to Bakhmal village. We will travel through the green foothills of the Northern slopes of the Turkestan range, enjoy the mountain peaks, crowned with snow, with the highest peak – Shau-Kartau at 4040m and the beautiful Chor-Tanga canyon. Transfer by vehicle to Jizzakh.
Overnight: Bek Plus Hotel or similar
Driving: 85km, 2hrs
Cycling: 55 km; +900m/-1940m; Asphalt 20%, dirt road 80%.

This morning, we transfer to the impressive towering outcrops of the Ortacheku Rocks. From there, we get on our bikes and cycle to our overnight accommodation at the Asmansay yurt camp. After lunch in the yurt camp; the remainder of the day is at leisure to rest, swim in the pool, or go for an evening stroll in the mountains.
Overnight: Yurt camp
Driving: 50km, 40min
Cycling: 30km, +730m/-400m; Asphalt 30%, dirt road 70%.

This morning we set off for the picturesque village of Hayat. The route will take us along the picturesque Nuratau Ridge before descending into the traditional stone housed village of Yangikishlak. From Yangikishlak the trail continues over a series of rolling hills and grasslands. After stopping for a healthy lunch and quick rest, we reach the asphalt road which leads us most of the way to our overnight destination of Hayat Village, with only the final 6km or so on dirt trails. In the evening, we can take a walk to see Severtsov's sheep - they are bred and protected in Nurata National Reserve.
Overnight: Hayat traditional homestay (960m).
Cycling: 65km; -800m/+400m; Asphalt 80%, dirt road 20%.

Today is our final day of riding. where we will cycle to Temir Kovuk village. Along the way we can take a detour (5km from the main road; +180m/-180m) and visit the exotic village of Madzerum. Here you can see Biota Orientalis - the largest of the millennial trees of the Nurata Natural Reserve aged from 1100 to 1500 years; plus visit the nearby ruins of a mosque and ancient village. Afterwards, we continue our last cycling section along the Nuratau ridge to Temir Kovuk village. At day's end we will pack up our bicycles and transfer by vehicle to the Temir Kovuk Safari yurt camp.
Overnight: Yurt camp
Driving: 40km
Cycling: 56km; -990m/+300m; Asphalt 70%, dirt road 30%.

Enjoy a relaxing swim and lunch at Lake Aydarkul. In the afternoon we will tour the ancient fortress of Alexander the Great. Afterwards we will transfer to Bukhara.
Overnight: Malika Bukhara Hotel or similar
Driving: 270km.

Today we have a full day sightseeing tour in Bukhara, which is a city-museum with over 140 architectural monuments, boasting a vibrant history. The region around Bukhara has been continually inhabited for at least five millennia, and the city has existed for approximately half that time. The UNESCO listed old city centre evokes the many centuries of traders and travellers who’ve passed through on their way between the Mediterranean and China. This richly historic city was a major centre of trade, scholarship, culture, and religion, succumbed to Ghengis Khan and Tamerlane the Turco-Mongol conqueror, was the last capital of the Emirate of Bukhara before being besieged by the Red Army during the Russian Civil War. We spend the day exploring this fascinating Silk Road city including at its heart the historic Lyabi Khauz architectural complex with the oldest reflection pool in Central Asia, surrounded by medieval buildings including the Nadir Divan-Begi Madrasah and Khanaka with its facade of intrinsic mosaics. We also visit the Poi Kalyan Complex which includes the 48m tall Kalyan Minaret which has come to symbolise the city, and the Kalyan Mosque with 288 domes covering intricate galleries. We will also explore the Samanid’s Mausoleum, the Ark Citadel, and Chor-Minor - the original building of four minarets and oldest residence of the Emirs.
Overnight: Malika Bukhara Hotel or similar

Today we will drive to Samarkand and spend the day sightseeing. We will visit Registan Square, considered one of the wonders of the ancient world. Being the "heart" of Samarkand and city’s main square it is enclosed by three spectacular madrassah dating back to 1400s with quite inner courtyards. These huge buildings adorned with domes and minarets are intricately laid in charming azure blue-glazed tiles. We will also visit the grandiose Cathedral Mosque Bibi-Khanum, and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the resting place of Timurid royal family.
Overnight: Ideal Hotel or similar
Driving: 270km, 4hrs

After breakfast, we visit the remains of the meridian quadrant of Ulugh Beg’s observatory, which huge size enabled Samarkand astronomers to produce the most accurate calibration of the stars’ position. Their outstanding body of work comprised "Zidj -e - Kuragoni", astronomic tables featuring the most exact coordinates of 1018 stars; Shakhi-Zinda Necropolis, resting place of princesses and princes of Timurid dynasty, as well as aristocracy of the that period boasting unique architectural masterpieces of intricate tile patterns which turn this sanctuary into a real heaven of green turquoise and blue azure colours. We will also visit the colourful stalls of Siab Bazaar. After lunch, we drive to Tashkent.
Overnight: Gabrielle International Hotel or similar
Driving: 350km, 5hrs

Today is departure day. After breakfast, you will be provided a transfer to the airport where your trip concludes.