We leave for Uzbekistan from our chosen departure airport usually arriving at Tashkent International Airport (TAS) the following morning.

On arrival at the airport we’ll transfer the short distance (15 minutes) to our hotel where we can relax and freshen up after our flights.

Late morning and it’s time to meet some of the local team and embark on a spot of sightseeing. There’s lots to see in Tashkent and we start our wandering at the impressive Barak Khan Madrasah. Founded in 1531 on the initiative of Nauruz Ahmed this madrasah (centre for Islamic instruction / learning) is architecturally stunning with its graceful arches, mosaics and wood carvings. Aside from the architecture the madrasah houses one of the most valuable relics of Islam – the Quran of Caliph Osman, which is considered one of the oldest surviving copies of the holy book.

Next stop is the mausoleum to Abu Bakr al-Kaffal al-Shashi a renowned Scholar, Poet and Patron of Tashkent before heading to Mustakillik Maydoni (Independence Square). On the way here we’ll take a few moments at the Statue of the Sorrowful Mother. Fronted by an eternal flame, it was constructed in 1999 to honour the 400,000 Uzbek soldiers who died in WWII.

Upon declaration of independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 Independence square was renamed from Lenin Square to Independence Square. The monument to Lenin was dismantled and an Independence Monument installed in its place!

From here our wanderings take us through Kashgar Park and Sailgokh Street, where paintings and soviet era memorabilia tempt your Som and wafts of local food stir your tastebuds. Our final stop is at Amir Temur Square with its statue of this important Uzbek figure, with Hotel Uzbekistan providing the perfect kitsch backdrop for an obligatory group photo op.

Before returning to the hotel it’s time for a late lunch at our favourite restaurant to sample Plov – Uzbekistan’s tasty National dish.

Our welcome group evening meal is taken close to the hotel and is another good opportunity to meet the local team and ask any questions you may have about the days ahead.

Accommodation: Modern 3* Hotel. All rooms en-suite with A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast, dinner
• Ascent: 795 Metres Approx.

We start the day with a transfer of around 1.5 hours that brings us close to the mountain village of Nevich. Situated at a height of just over 1000 metres, it’s here that we unload and then set-up the bikes for the journey ahead.

We’ll soon find ourselves cycling through this famous Uzbek grape growing area, with our route a roller-coaster of ups and downs. Situated in the spurs of the Chatkal mountain range, the vineyards grow a number of grape varieties including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Muscat, and Saperavi.

A well-deserved lunch is taken at one of our favourite small roadside eateries with shashlik (skewered kebabs) and salad being the order of the day. Following an off-road / unsurfaced downhill section we are back on the road for our final challenge of the day, a gradual climb up to the small mountain village of Kumishkan where we stay for the evening.

Our accommodation is a small, family-run guesthouse set in a leafy location, where we also enjoy a delicious home-cooked evening meal.

Accommodation: Small guesthouse with en-suite rooms. Some rooms non A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 400 Metres Approx.

After bidding farewell to our friendly hosts, we re-trace our final pedal strokes of yesterday and start our day with a wonderful, downhill descent from the village to the Parkent Valley below. Our first point of interest soon arrives as we reach the village of Changi, home to the Solar Furnace and Helio complex. With its futuristic appearance, it’s a striking (if not bizarre!) sight. It was situated in this area due to the clear and low-density atmosphere and abundance of sunny days. After exploring the complex, our route heads along the Surenata Ridge. On the way we pass through some lovely, picturesque villages on a route that ebbs and flows between cheeky ascents and exciting descents.

Our initial riding ends (after a thrilling road descent) at the town of Karamana after 39 kms.*

To avoid a busy section of road, we transfer to our lunch-spot at Amirsoy Ski Resort. Suitably refreshed, refuelled, and enthused by the mountain views all around us, we‘re back on the bikes.

The afternoon is very much a downhill affair, passing through the mountain resort of Chimgan along the way. As Charvac Lake comes fully into view, it’s just a few more rolling kms powered by scenic lake views until we reach our accommodation. Boasting a huge outdoor swimming pool, gorgeous leafy landscaped grounds and superb views of the lake, it’s the perfect place to end our day on the bike. Tonight’s evening meal will be taken at the hotel and offers a good range of options.

*Depending on the group’s progress we may cycle a little further in the morning and then take lunch at Dumalak, before transferring close to Amirsoy Ski Station where we recommence our cycling.

Accommodation: Modern 4* Hotel and spa facilities with a swimming pool and bar. All rooms en-suite with A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1210 Metres Approx.

An amazing yet challenging ride that sees us exploring the quiet road around Charvac Lake. Today, we switch between exciting descents, gradual sustained climbs and rolling lakeside sections. With the lake ever present throughout the ride and great views of the Tien-Shan mountain range, there will be plenty of opportunities to snap a few photos and capture the views. Also, ever-present is our bike support vehicle, so if you need a break for a few kms and want to take in the lake from the van, you’ll be able to hop aboard for as little or as long as you like.

With Tajikistan just over the mountains, it’s no surprise the area is populated by ethnic Tajiks. Along the way we pass through the villages of Brichmulla and Nanay, with a simple yet delicious lunch taken at one of the villages. The final gradual climb of the day (12 kms) starts close to the village of Sijjak, and from here, our ride concludes with a thrilling 12km descent to Charvac.

Re-united with our minibus, we hop aboard for the transfer back to our accommodation (30-45 minutes). Time for a refreshing dip in the pool. Well after a cold beer that is! Tonight’s evening meal will be taken at the hotel as per the previous night.

Accommodation: Modern 4* Hotel and Spa with swimming pool and bar. All rooms en-suite with A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast

With no cycling scheduled for today, we have an unhurried start to the day. Following breakfast at the hotel, we jump aboard the support vehicle(s) for the 6 hour transfer to Jizzakh. Although a long transfer, we avoid some busy road sections, allowing us to be well-positioned for our riding tomorrow.

Along the way, make sure you keep on eye-out for the swathes of cotton fields and the immense solar farms that dominate this area of Uzbekistan. Lunch is taken mid-point, with a roadside eatery serving up some great Uzbek food to fuel our journey.

Founded in the 10th century as a staging post on the Silk Road connecting Samarkand with Fergana Valley, the town of Jizzakh lies at the northern foot of the Nuratau mountains, in the southern part of the Hungry Steppe near the Sanzar River. Jizzakh’s culinary Uzbeki claim to fame is its tasty Samsas that you’ll see for sale alongside roadsides throughout Uzbekistan – they also make guest appearances at most breakfasts. Traditional buttery, flaky pastry dough is wrapped around finely minced lamb or chicken meat, then soaked in fragrant spices and baked to golden perfection. There is no better ride snack imaginable!

Our evening meal is taken at a local restaurant, just a short drive from our hotel.

Accommodation: Modern 3* Hotel with small bar. Large en-suite rooms with A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 1145 Metres Approx.

To avoid some busier roads and gain some kms, we transfer out from Jizzakh, following an early breakfast. After checking out the views of Zaamin Reservoir and sampling a few milk products from the local sellers of all things milk, today’s ride starts with an initial downhill, then shortly afterwards we enter Zaamin National Park. Established in 1926 as the first nature reserve in the republic, the park is stunning with its apricot orchards, juniper forest, alpine meadows and rambling rivers. Whether you are there in Spring enjoying the flowers and verdant green hillsides, or in Autumn when the colours change dramatically, it’s a truly wonderful place.

From the park entrance our ride is lovely throughout, as it gradually climbs (with nothing too onerous) for around 32 kms until we reach Zaamin. From here we’ve a real treat in store. Time to take the cable car up a vertical rise of 530 meters, over a distance of some 2,102 metres to the top of the mountain. Our modern hotel is situated in the very heart of the National Park and a very short distance from the top of the cable car.

Following check-in, we’ve something exciting for those not too afraid of heights. Spanning the impressive Chortanga Canyon is a spectacular 300 metre bridge that you can walk across and peer at the scenery below through its glass section. As fun as the bridge is, its most memorable aspect is experiencing the locals experiencing it and experiencing you. Be prepared for selfies with new friends whilst suspended at 150 metres. Tonight, a buffet-style evening meal will be taken at the hotel.

Accommodation: Very modern western style 4* Hotel. All rooms en-suite with A/C. Alcoholic drinks available to be purchased nearby and consumed in the hotel.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 730 Metres Approx.

If you thought yesterday was a busy, fun-packed day, then today might well eclipse it! Time to dig out an extra layer, as our ride starts in the crisp mountain air, setting off straight from the hotel, (at around 2,100 metres in altitude). The day starts with a superb descent for the initial few kilometres, before it’s time to engage your climbing legs as we ascend to the summit at 2,480 metres. Although rising several hundred metres over 8 kms, the climb is a gradual ascent, with no real super steep sections and pretty well-surfaced terrain throughout. The views certainly make up for the exertions and as the old adage goes, what goes up must come down!

Time for a long downhill stretch of over 30kms that cuts through the arable farmland. The terrain varies from unsurfaced (though not overly technical) to asphalt.

On reaching Zartepa, we’ve a few more easy kms to cover, weaving alongside pomegranate and apple orchards, before enjoying a very well-deserved picnic lunch in one of the small villages. After lunch, it’s all aboard the support vehicle for the 3-3.5 hour journey to spectacular Samarkand. Our accommodation for the next two nights is situated in a quiet area of the city and within walking distance of some of the major sights. We round off the day with an evening meal taken at one of our favourite restaurants.

Accommodation: Modern 3* Hotel. All rooms en-suite with A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast

Uzbekistan’s second largest city Samarkand is a precious jewel of the ancient and modern Silk Road. UNESCO listed, its centre is abundant in leafy urban walkways and parks that offer refuge from the hustle and bustle and link well to some of its most prestigious sights. With much to see, we take the day to visit the major highlights in addition to some lesser-known favourites of ours.

Highlights include the Amir Temur Mausoleum, the observatory of Ulugh-Beg, the beautiful necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, the incredible jade mausoleum of Gur-i-Emir and of course the stunning Registan Square, with its huge complex of domes and minarets, mosques, mosaics and madrasas. With so much to see there really is something for everyone, whether you are an early bird wanting to catch the morning light and take photos before the crowds appear or night owls looking to absorb a evening light show.

But it’s not all about the ancient sites. Samarkand is still a major area within Uzbekistan for intricate textiles, beautiful carpets and handicrafts, with lots of options for a spot of retail therapy in the bazaars. For those missing their morning cappuccino, we’ve a place or two to wet your whistle too. With lots to see and a huge variety of great places to eat, it’s over to you to decide when and where you eat this evening. We will of course be on hand to advise you of some of our favourite spots.

Accommodation: Modern 3* Hotel. All rooms en-suite with A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast
• Ascent: 130 Metres Approx.

Whilst Samarkand is usually not too busy traffic wise in the mornings, we’ve a busy day ahead and so an early breakfast is certainly on the cards today. After a transfer of around 3-4 hours, we’ll arrive at the Sarmysh Gorge situated close to Navoi. It’s here in a narrow canyon that the incredible petroglyphs of Sarmysh can be found. It’s an exceptional site due to the sheer wealth of rock drawings, with over 3000 etchings carved into the gorge’s smooth black shale. The etchings are thought to be between 7000-9000 years old and mostly depict animals resembling deer, bulls, goats and horses, but there are also depictions of people dancing and hunting scenes. Scrambling over rocks and photo taking completed, it’s time for us to enjoy a picnic lunch before taking to our bikes for today’s ride.

On leaving the canyon and following a quick ‘cheeky climb‘, it’s pretty much a gradual downhill ride all the way to Kalkanata and the Sheikh Abul Hasan mosque. The road from here is frequented by some larger vehicles and so with this in mind we transfer to Nurata (one hour).

Nur (as it was originally known) was founded in the 3rd Century BC by Alexander the Great. The crumbling ruins of his citadel stand testament to its importance as a frontier town and are situated on a hillside above the town. They are certainly worth a visit and make for the perfect sunset location. The city was and still is an important place of pilgrimage for Muslims from throughout Central Asia. Of most importance is the beautiful Namazgokh Mosque, whose original construction dates to the 10th Century and is famous for its curative spring.

With both Alexander’s citadel and Namazgokh close to our accommodation, they make for a great late afternoon or early morning excursion. Our evening meal is taken at the hotel with a superb array of tasty options on offer from our hosts.

Accommodation: Simple comfortable hotel. All rooms en-suite with A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
• Ascent: 230 Metres Approx.

So as to avoid a busy road section, we transfer out of town for approximately 25kms. Once away from the traffic, we hop on our bikes and set our sights on Aydarkul Lake, on this, our last day of cycling. Today’s distance is around 50 kms and whilst relatively flat throughout, there are a few lumps and bumps along the way with traffic very light. The landscape today is one of wide-open grasslands with more of a desert vibe towards the end of the ride, especially as we get into the fringes of the Kyzylkum Desert at Lake Aydarkul.

It’s here that we end our cycling part of the trip and celebrate with a well-deserved lunch over-looking the lake. Formed from the diverted waters of the Syr-Darya River in 1969, the lake contrasts dramatically with the surrounding desert landscape and is a popular spot for a little dip before drying off in the sunshine. Our accommodation – a great yurt camp set in the sand dunes, is then just a short distance away and reached by our support vehicle.

Simple yet cozy, these traditional Kazakh, round, felt tents are a fun place to stay and offer a great insight into life on the Silk Road. Our evening meal is taken at the camp post-sunset, and with the cycling section of the trip now complete, sharing a drink with your fellow riders and local support crew and guides is a wonderful way to celebrate your cycling achievement. We round off the day around the campfire listening to an Akyn (local musician).

Accommodation: Traditional Kazakh yurts. Shared occupancy (two or 3 per yurt – dependant on group size / gender split etc.). Single beds. Showers and toilets situated in separate communal buildings. Bar. No WiFi.

• Meals: Breakfast

Sunrise at the yurt camp tends to be a special time, so rising early is a must!

After breakfast, we bid a sad farewell to our cycling guide and the Soviet truck that’s been ever-present during our journey, we leave our desert surroundings for the transfer (4-5 hours) to Bukhara. On the way, we make a quick stop at the Rabat Malik Caravanserai, an 11th Century fortified inn that was an important hub for traders along the silk road, due to its underground water cistern.

Before reaching Bukhara, we visit Sitorai Mohi Khosa Palace – the “Palace Like the Stars and the Moon”. The palace not only offers a wonderful glimpse at the lifestyle of the last emir Alim Khan, but also melds together Russian architecture with Central Asian design. Of particular interest are the “White Hall” and the exhibitions of clothing, needlework and ornaments.

We aim to arrive at our hotel post ‘late’ lunch / late afternoon affording us some downtime.

Unlike Samarkand, the main sites of Bukhara are mainly focused around the well-preserved old town, which makes it a wonderful place in which to wander or simply sit and watch the world go by. What’s more, it’s quiet due to its pedestrianised walkways and the fact that the only vehicles allowed here are bicycles, low-powered Uzbek e-bikes or e-mopeds.

As well as the incredible sites, Bukhara has a wonderful array of great restaurants to choose from for our evening meal, with the sites providing the perfect backdrop.

Accommodation: Modern 3* Hotel. All rooms en-suite with A/C.

• Meals: Breakfast

After an initial transfer from the hotel, our first point of interest is Bolo-House situated at the Square Registan. It is known also as the Mosque of forty columns, and although a lesser-visited site, it can rightly be considered one of the most beautiful and luxurious sights in Bukhara.

A short stroll away, but a million miles away from the trinkets, carpets and tourist trappings of the centre is the immense Xaridinqiz Barakali Bo’Lsin (Central Bazaar). It’s a wonderful place to wander around, practice your best Uzbeki and check out the vast array of small stores selling fruit, spices, bread, vegetables, sweets. In fact – everything and anything!

Our next point of interest is the Samanid mausoleum that houses the tomb of Ismael Samani, which is without doubt one of the architectural highlights of any visit to Uzbekistan.

Not to be missed and the next port of call is the Fortress Ark Summer Palace (Bukhara’s oldest structure). It’s a vast place, with numerous rooms and interesting exhibits and lunch is definitely on the cards after our time here.

Suitably re-invigorated post-lunch, we head to the 47 metre high Kalon Minaret that has stood for almost nine centuries and the adjacent Kalon Mosque. Meandering our way back through the ancient centre we check out the Bozori Kord Bathhouse, before ending the afternoon at the Lyabi-Hauz, a plaza built around a pool in 1620. It’s here you’ll find a statue of Khoja Nasreddin. This semi-mythical ‘cunning fool’ appears in Sufi teaching-tales along with his donkey and is considered a folk hero in Uzbekistan. The belief is that if you put your child on his donkey, their life will be filled with joy and you’ll see families here cajoling unsuspecting children into photo ops! On the western side of Lyabi-Hauz, is the Nadir Divanbegi Khanaka. Whilst not so overly spectacular in appearance it’s now home to several artisans who work in metal and is certainly worth a quick look.

Early evening, we’ll meet-up and head out for our farewell dinner at one of our favourite restaurants.

• Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, we have some free time to enjoy Bukhara, before we head to the airport later today.

Bukhara Airport (BHK) is a small friendly airport and takes just 15 minutes to get there from the centre of town. The airport provides connections to Tashkent (TAS) where you can connect with onward international flights.

Those taking connecting flights in Tashkent will need to transfer to the International Terminal on arrival from Bukhara. It’s quite common to overnight in Tashkent before international flight connections the next day and we can help with arrangements for extra nights and airport transfers for those who need them, just chat to our office team when looking at flight options.