Among other sights, your guide will lead you to Toshhovli Palace (‘Stone Palace’), with its richly decorated iwans, large vaulted spaces opening onto the palace courtyards. Their northerly orientation provides a certain degree of coolness, perfect for escaping scorching summer temperatures. Its northerly orientation provides a certain degree of coolness, perfect for escaping scorching summer temperatures. You’ll then have some free time to wander around the city and enjoy lunch in a traditional chaikhana. You’ll meet up with your guide at the end of the day to head to the train station, where you’ll catch the evening train to Bukhara. You’ll have a picnic dinner on board the train and arrive in Bukhara around midnight. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast and dinner included

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus, train

Train schedule: 6:00 p.m. – 11:55 p.m. (subject to change upon booking)

With its remarkable heritage from the legendary Silk Road, Bukhara is the perfect embodiment of a historic Silk Road city. Your guide will take you to the magnificent Lab-i Hauz (which translates to by the pool) ensemble, renowned for its vast pond. You’ll then head to the former Jewish quarter, an unmissable part of this historic city, before continuing on to discover other remarkable monuments of this historic caravan city. At the end of this memorable day, you can enjoy a traditional hammam session before the start of your sporting adventure. Free time for dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast and dinner included

Guide: English-speaking

This second day in Bukhara involves exploring the city’s treasures, including the Ark, once a royal city and fortress from the 7th to the early 20th century. You’ll then head to the Bukhara market, home to huge spice stalls, before discovering the extraordinary Ismail Samani Mausoleum, built in the 10th century. This remarkable construction inspired several architects in the Muslim world over the centuries. In the afternoon, you’ll set off for the village of Vobkent, 70 km from Bukhara. Upon arrival and after settling into your guesthouse, you’ll set out to explore the village and meet its inhabitants. You’ll then have time to check and prepare your bike ahead of tomorrow’s ride. Dinner and overnight stay at your host’s home.

Accommodation: guesthouse offering simple comfort, with shared bathroom facilities

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

After breakfast, you’ll set off directly from your guesthouse for a full day of cycling in Uzbekistan. The route will first take you through lowland villages before leading you into the vast landscapes of the steppes. Along the way, you’ll catch glimpses of medium and high mountain ranges and enjoy a picnic in the steppes. The route then winds through gentle hills, bringing you once again into vast steppe landscapes. Once the cycling stage comes to an end, a vehicle will take you to the yurt camp, right in the heart of the desert. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt, an unforgettable experience that is sure to be one of the highlights of your adventure in Uzbekistan.

Accommodation: overnight stay in a yurt (can accommodate 4 to 5 people), outdoor bathroom facilities

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 62 km

Elevation gain: + 260 m / – 190 m

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

In the morning, you’ll set off for the Kyzylkum Desert, cycling through several villages inhabited by Kazakhs. You’ll ride along sandy desert tracks and travel from village to village, discovering the way of life of today’s Kazakh nomads. Along your route, you’ll have the chance to observe local flora and fauna before reaching the shores of the vast Aydarkul Lake. Stretching 250 km in length and 15 km in width, this lake is the perfect setting for birdwatching, especially when it comes to migratory species. You can even take a dip in the brackish water if you like! Lunch on site and time to relax. You’ll then travel by vehicle to Sentob, a mountain village. After settling into your guesthouse, enjoy a walk through the village. Dinner and overnight stay at your host’s home.

Accommodation: guesthouse offering simple comfort, with shared bathroom facilities

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 38 km

Elevation gain: + 150 m / – 185 m

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

After breakfast, you’ll set off directly from your guesthouse by bike and start riding through the village of Sentob. Your route will lead you to the Majrum oasis where you will discover a preserved centuries-old pine tree. According to local tradition, this ancient tree is said to have been planted during the passage of Alexander the Great through the Nuratau Mountains. After a short walk around the area, you’ll continue your bike ride towards the village of Ashraf and your guesthouse, nestled in the heart of the mountains. Once settled in, you’ll enjoy lunch in the garden. In the early afternoon, an optional 2-hour walk offers the opportunity to explore the village and the surrounding mountain landscapes. Dinner and overnight stay at your host’s home.

Accommodation: guesthouse offering simple comfort, with shared bathroom facilities

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 33 km

Elevation gain: + 440 m / – 420 m

Guide: English-speaking

Your next day of cycling in Uzbekistan begins early. After a hearty breakfast, you’ll take a short journey to the village of Sob. You’ll begin the day’s route along a track leading you all the way to the Nuratau Mountains. This section is the most demanding of the itinerary and may require you to get off and push your bike at times. Your efforts will be well worth it, as you’ll be rewarded at the summit with a magnificent panorama overlooking Aydarkul Lake. You’ll then continue cycling along scenic mountain paths to reach Fazilman Lake, located at an altitude of 1,645 metres. You’ll end the day with a pleasant descent through rocky landscapes leading to a mountain village, where you’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night camping in the courtyard of a local home..

Accommodation: overnight stay in a tent, with shared bathroom facilities

Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner included

Distance: 38 km

Elevation gain: + 618 m / – 755 m

Guide: English-speaking

The adventure continues on day nine of your cycling adventure across Uzbekistan! After breakfast, you’ll hop on your bike and cycle along trails passing through a number of villages, where you’ll have the chance to chat with the locals. You’ll then join an asphalt road and pedal for another ten or so kilometres through more charming Uzbek villages. Your route, winding through magnificent mountains landscapes, will take you all the way to the village of Pangat. This marks the end of your cycling adventure, where a vehicle awaits to take you back to Samarkand (115 km away). On arrival, you’ll check into a charming hotel in the old town. Take a stroll and enjoy a free evening with dinner in town. Overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast and dinner included

Distance: 53 km

Elevation gain: + 605 m / – 885 m

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

After your incredible cycling adventure, it’s time to discover the heritage of the city of Samarkand. From your hotel, you’ll head to the famous Registan Square, home to three majestic madrasas. Next, you’ll take a leisurely stroll along the main pedestrian street all the way to the grand Bibi–Khanum Mosque. After visiting this impressive ancient monument, you’ll continue your exploration with a walk through the Siyob Market where you’ll find an array of dried fruits and spices. Your exploration of Samarkand continues with the Shah-i-Zinda Necropolis, a unique architectural ensemble in Central Asia. The day concludes with a breathtaking sunset over the domes of this remarkable historical site. Free time for dinner in town and overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast and dinner included

Guide: English-speaking

On the final leg of your journey through Uzbekistan, you’ll explore the remarkable sites surrounding the city. Your first destination will be the Ulugbek Observatory, which bears witness to the scientific advances of the 15th century, followed by a visit to the Afrosiyob Museum and the village of Konigil. The visit will end with the Guri Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur (Tamerlane), where you can marvel at the superb architecture, in particular the stunning turquoise-blue dome. As the day draws to a close, you’ll have time to enjoy a final leisurely stroll through the alleyways of Samarkand. Free time for farewell dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Accommodation: charming hotel or similar category

Meals: breakfast and dinner included

Guide: English-speaking

Transport: minibus

Your cycling adventure in Uzbekistan is coming to an end! Your transfer to Tashkent International Airport will be arranged according to your flight schedule. We wish you a safe journey home!

This tailor-made cycling tour is given as an example and can be adapted to suit your preferences. Please feel free to contact us to discuss your trip in more detail.