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After a long hiatus, Paul rejoined us on a Skedaddle tour in the French Alps to conquer classic climbs, including cycling Mont Ventoux. Discover his highlights of this epic road cycling trip below. If there was a prize for the longest gap between Saddle Skedaddle holidays, I might just walk away with it. In the ...
Do you want to embark on an unforgettable journey through the heart of Central Asia? We are thrilled to announce our brand new cycling holiday—Uzbekistan: The Silk Road And Beyond. This epic adventure takes you along a captivating stretch of the ancient trade route, immersing you in Uzbekistan’s rich history, iconic landmarks, breathtaking landscapes, and the warmth of its people.
Why Uzbekistan?
Over the course of 1,500 years, the network of trade routes known as the Silk Road brought together people and cultures from across Asia. The diverse landscapes forming the region now known as Uzbekistan sat at a crossroads along the route. Its strategic location between China and Europe made the country a prime hub for trade, cultural exchange, and the diffusion of ideas, a status that continues to this day.
Here, the echoes of empires past mingle with the vibrant energy of modern life. Exploring this section of the Silk Road on a bike allows you to more closely connect with the country and its people and visit lesser-known regions beyond the iconic landmarks of the tourist trail. Imagine walking through ancient cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, marvelling at their turquoise-domed mosques and bustling bazaars, then pedalling through centuries-old vineyards, around shimmering lakes, or beneath towering snow-capped peaks of legendary mountain ranges.
What to Expect on Your Uzbek Cycling Adventure
Our expertly-crafted itinerary ensures a perfect balance between cultural immersion, exploring iconic cities like Samarkand and Bukhara, and exhilarating cycling. You’ll tackle challenging yet rewarding climbs in the foothills of the Western Tien Shan mountains, enjoying breathtaking panoramas along the way. You’ll ride through wildflower meadows and golden fields of wheat on a thrilling high-altitude descent and witness the orange and pink hued sunrise atop the sand dunes surrounding your desert yurt camp. Along the way, prepare to be captivated by the hospitality of the Uzbek people, who will always welcome you with a smile.
During our recce, we found that while marvelling at historical monuments such as the Registan and Po-i-Kalyan are definitely worth the hype, some of the most memorable moments came from unexpected places. Tour highlights include cycling around Charvak Lake on Day 5, a reservoir in the northeast of the country surrounded by the imposing Tien Shan mountain range which leads you to Kazakhstan on one side and Kyrgyzstan on the other. “This 40-mile ride is a Skedaddle classic in the making,” remarks Skedaddle Co-founder Andrew Straw (Straws). “Amazing views all day long, the odd cheeky climb to get your legs going, very minimal traffic and a brilliant descent to end the day. What’s not to like about that!”
On Day 7, Straws was pleasantly surprised by an unexpected trip over a newly built suspension bridge, hovering 2500 meters above sea level in ‘Uzbek Switzerland.’ At 305 meters long and gently swaying 150 meters above the gorge below, this is the longest suspension pedestrian bridge in Central Asia. “I had a blast laughing with the locals and making new friends as I posed for selfies…all whilst dangling precariously high above the Zaamin Gorge,” he said.
With a couple of thrilling descents along the route, our favourite is the 25-mile-long descent from the high point in Zaamin on Day 8. “The views were incredible and we regularly stopped to chat with fruit-wielding locals who were as amused as we were exploring the area on bikes,” remarked Straws.
A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Uzbek cuisine is a delightful fusion of East and West flavours. Be prepared to tantalise your taste buds with hearty dishes like plov (savoury rice with meat and vegetables), flavourful pastries called samsa, and langman, a delicious noodle soup. Every region specialises in a certain dish, such as plov in Tashkent, sworn to be the best in the country by our tour driver, Abdurakhman. Around Jizzakh, you will see tons of tandoor ovens and small eating stalls dotting the side of the road serving up freshly baked samsa, while shashlik (grilled meat kebabs) and grapes are the specialty of the Parkent region. Every meal is served with non, beautifully decorated Uzbek bread.
Cotton remains Uzbekistan’s cash crop, but the country also produces a wide variety of fruits and vegetables like apricots, grapes, melons, tomatoes, and cucumber which you can sample at almost every meal.
For those with food allergies or preferences, be aware that Uzbek cuisine is heavily meat and dairy focused. While most dairy is easily avoided and salads are widely available, this meat-forward cuisine might make it tough for vegans, so you may want to bring lots of vegan-friendly snacks from home.
Meals are normally served with a pot of tea for the table, but you can find soft drinks and alcohol such as local beer and wine in the larger cities or hotels. “We enjoyed sipping a chilled beer to celebrate the end of the trip as we watched the sun set over the beautiful Abdul Aziz Khan Madrassa in Bukhara,” noted Straws.
Packing for Your Silk Road Cycle
Uzbekistan boasts a continental and arid climate—hot and dry summers with cold winters. Expect warm days and cool evenings, especially in the mountains. Pack breathable, sun protective clothing for riding, but don’t forget warm layers for evenings and higher altitudes. Be sure to throw in a rain jacket just in case as the weather can be changing in the mountains and don’t forget your sunglasses and sunscreen!
A Few Cultural Notes
Uzbekistan is a predominantly Muslim country. Be respectful of local customs by dressing modestly and being mindful of prayer times. When touring religious sites and remote areas, dress modestly—think covered shoulders, trousers or below the knee length skirts. A headscarf for women is mandatory when visiting mosques as is long sleeves and trousers for both men and women.
A basic knowledge of greetings in Uzbek (rahmat is thank you!) will go a long way in showing respect and appreciation to the locals. Many people don’t speak English as Russian is their natural second language. Google Translate goes a long way in helping you through menus and conversations. Be sure to download both Uzbek and Russian.
Other Tips
If you want to stay connected, you can buy a local SIM card for relatively cheap. You will need your passport and the residence card from your hotel in order to purchase one or they are available at the airport upon arrival for a few pounds.
Be sure to download the Yandex Go mobile app. The Uber of Uzbekistan, this app lets you order a taxi to quickly get around places in Samarkand, Bukhara and Tashkent, and will show the price you can expect to pay the driver in cash at the end. No haggling required.
Ready to Cycle Through Time?
Join us on this unforgettable cycling adventure. Explore the wonders of the Uzbek Silk Road, immerse yourself in a rich culture, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Find out more about our cycling adventure – The Silk Road and Beyond – and, book your place and prepare for an epic journey!
