All Cycling Holidays
Starting Location
Tour Overview
Uzbekistan has much to offer the adventure traveller from ancient history, culture and traditional bazaars, to beautiful landscapes. At the heart of the ancient Silk Road that ran from China through the Middle East to Rome, redspokes Uzbekistan cycling holiday re-traces the footsteps of travellers and traders from a time when Uzbekistan was a well-trodden path.
Beginning in Tashkent and ending in Khiva we travel through a desert landscape. We transfer out of the Uzbek capital to Lake Turzkan and begin cycling along the Pistalitau mountain ridge. Our route continues through scenic valley, passing stone and mudbrick houses towards beautiful Sob gorge before we tackle the toughest mountain climb of our trip to reach Fazilman Lake. At the end of our cycling we transfer to historic Bukara, with a rest day to enjoy the sights and the opportunity to visit magical Samarkand as we return to Tashkent by train. The tour then proceeds to Khiva, a stunning oasis city featuring historic walls, minarets, and distinctive clay structures.
Uzbekistan can truly be described as a nation of contrasts. The double landlocked country is surrounded by other landlocked countries (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan). There are huge expanses of desert, pockets of verdant fertile valley and semi-arid grassland; the snow-capped Tien Shan mountains mark the south and eastern borders. In the 13th Century the country fell under Mongol rule, followed by a period of independent emirates and khanates of Bukhara, Kokand and Samarkand before becoming a part of Russia in 1865, and then the Soviet Union, most recently emerging as an independent nation in 1991.
There is little in the way of rain fall, summertime is very hot (+40), and winters extremely cold (-5). Spring and Autumn are the best times to visit. redspokes' Uzbekistan itinerary is timed to run during optimal climactic conditions for adventure cycling.
On redspokes Uzbekistan cycle holiday you will experience mesmerizing scenery, diverse historic and modern architecture, from the columns and intricate patterns of mosques and madrassahs to Christian churches and temples, and enjoy classic Uzbek cuisine.
NB: There are a variety of challenging terrains to navigate, each presenting its own set of obstacles. River crossings are part of the journey, where riders must navigate across flowing waters. Gorges with stones create a rugged environment that demands careful maneuvering. Moreover, rough bitumen and gravel further test bikers' skills.
Although it is our intention to operate the itinerary as detailed below, it may be necessary to make some changes as a result of climatic conditions, alterations to flight schedules or other operational factors.
Day 1: Arrive Tashkent
redspokes Uzbekistan tour begins in Tashkent. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. This afternoon you have time to explore the Uzbek capital. Tashkent is Central Asia’s largest city, major sites of interest include: Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah, Mosque on Khast Imam Square and Chor-Su – oriental market (handicraft bazaar). This evening we will have group introductions and a trip briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel (D)
Day 2: Tashkent – Jizzakh - Ortacheku Rocks
After breakfast we transfer by vehicle to Lake Tuzkan, part of the man-made Aydar-Arnasay system of brackish water lakes, which covers an area of 4,000 km². The lakes are the unintentional by-product of Soviet planning. The area is sparsely populated, only inhabited by a few fishermen and shepherds. After lunch we begin cycling along the shore on good dirt road following the Pistalitau ridge. Over the pass we continue on to Ortacheku Rocks. We can take a walk this evening to the peak to enjoy views of the mountains. If the weather is fine you will witness a spectacular sight from our campsite, as the Ortacheku rocks glow to a fiery orange in the sun set.
Cycling Distance: 32.8 km (20 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 685m (2,247ft)
Cycling Descent: 171m (561ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 3: Ortacheku Rocks – Hayot Village
Today we cycle the Nuratau ridge through picturesque countryside and mountain villages with traditional stone houses. We begin cycling with a climb over 5km and ride around the Ortacheku Rocks then descend into Yangikishlak village. From here we tackle a series of climbs over the next 20km to reach our lunch stop. This afternoon we cycle 46km on sealed road to reach Hayot, a small hamlet. The last 16km of the day are uphill and the final stretch will be on dirt road to Hayot village. The Nurata mountains were considered a safe route along the ancient Silk Road hence small communities settled in the valley and foothills. Hayot means 'life'; there are legendary tales about the village being a source of water in times of drought in the area. There is a centuries old fortress: Shakhi-Kurgan. We will be welcomed into the village where we have a home stay tonight, sleeping on traditional mattresses and enjoying fresh local food prepared by our hosts.
Cycling Distance: 71.4km (44 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 706m (2,821ft)
Cycling Descent: 429m (2,811ft)
Accommodation: Homestay (B,L,D)
Day 4: Hayot Village - Sob Gorge– Fazilman Lake – Aktash Village
Today we set off from the village cycling downhill for the first 12km along the Narutau ridge, enjoying a beautiful ride along Sentabsay valley dirt road and onto Sob gorge. We have a flat stretch for the next 12km before we begin a climb on rocky path to the pass in the shadow of towering Gaukum peak before undertaking an amazing long descent through the picturesque Nuratau Mountains with views of mountain villages and far in the distance, Aydarkul Lake. There are shady walnut trees and pastures of wild grasses and flowers around us. As we cycle we pass farmers bringing fodder or firewood on donkeys from the mountains down to their villages. We stop at beautiful Fazilman Mountain Lake (1640m) for lunch. In the summer months locals move their yurts near to the lake to grow vegetables on the fertile plateau around the water. This afternoon we continue downhill to Aktash village in the foothills of Tien Shan. The area enjoys a mild climate and lush vegetation with low dome shaped trees resembling a primeval forest. At the centre of the village are the ruins of an ancient city. The area Aktash, meaning 'white city', was once mined for the characteristic white rock. We camp tonight near Aktash village
Cycling Distance: 64.8km (40.26 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 1,436 (5,160ft)
Cycling Descent: 1,350m (4,039ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 5: Aktash Village – Chuya village
Today our Uzbekistan tour continues as we set out on dirt road cycling through a landscape of huge boulders, transformed by the elements into the prehistoric sculptures; the mounds rest in green mountain pastures. Picturesque local dwellings are discreetly secluded from view and obscured by these monuments. After lunch, we cycle further along the Urganchy River as far as Saykechar village. From here we continue riding on sandy road across the valley towards Aktau ridge and bike on to Chuya village of with a final short stretch of cycling along surfaced road (33 km).
Cycling Distance: 49.5km (30.75 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 447m (4567ft)
Cycling Descent: 692m (2,270ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 6: Chuya to Maidan Village via Lyangar Pass
Today we will ascend to the Lyangar pass, cycling a climb of 300 m over 5.5 km. We pause at Lyangar village to enjoy wonderful views of mountains and the valley. Back on the bikes we continue cycling along the upper part of the Aktau Range, passing a disused marble mine. From here we descend cycling down through the valley to reach Maidan village, we'll be riding alongside a tributary of Maydansay River, enjoying cool breezes. We stay tonight in a riverside camp.
Cycling Distance: 37.5km (23.3 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 1,201m (3,490ft)
Cycling Descent: 1,268 (4,160ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 7: Maidan - Chinar
Today we will cycle a 40km stretch of bike trail (5-6 hrs). We begin with a ride along the southern slopes of the Aktau ridge. The trail ascends through small settlements as we bike up to the plateau. We make a steep descent cycling into the picturesque mountain village Aktepa, set in the thick forest greenery. From here we ride on following mountain river with shallow fords to reach Chinar village.
Cycling Distance: 23.8km (14.79 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 499m (1,637ft)
Cycling Descent: 573m (1,880ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B.L.D)
Day 8: Chinar - Bukhara
After breakfast, departing Chinar we cycle up to the mountain plateau towards Djunaty Peak. From here we cycle to Chash-Tapa settlement, here our cycling ends. We pack up the bikes and drive to Bukhara.
Cycling Distance 33 km (20.5 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 980m (3,215ft)
Cycling Descent: 1100m (3,608ft)
Accommodation: Cottages (B,L,D)
Day 9: Bukhara Rest Day
Today we have time to explore the ancient city of Bukhara. Built on a sacred mount it is one of Uzbekistan’s oldest urban settlements, founded in the 13th C. There is a rich array of historic buildings to visit in the old town. This afternoon you can wander here through a maze of narrow alleyways where traditional craftsmen sell their wares. After the many days of cycling and camping you could treat yourself to the luxury of a hammam (traditional spa).
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 10: Bukhara to Samarkand
We take the afternoon high speed train to Samarkand and after we've checked in to our hotel we have time for a wander around this city of ancient monuments. No visit to Samarkand would be complete without a stop at the Siab Bazaar. The oriental market buzzes with atmosphere. It was once a key strategic point on the Silk Road.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 11: Samarkand to Tashkent
Today there will be a guided city tour of Samarkand's key historic monuments including Registan Square, heart of the old city where you will find Tamerlane’s mausoleum, the Gur-e Amir. We take a late afternoon train to Tashkent, and stay the night here.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 12: Tashkent to Khiva:
We take an early morning flight to Khiva (07.10-08.55 flight) and have a full day to enjoy this mud walled fortress city. There will be a guided tour of some of the key sites of interest including the medieval walled town. Later you can haggle for a carpet or suzani in the silk workshop then kick back in a shady tea house or roof top terrace restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 13: Khiva - to Tashkent
Rest day in Tashkent. After we've checked into our hotel there is time to take a stroll around Tashkent and pick up a few souvenirs before we gather for a final meal this evening.
Accommodation: Hotel (B,D)
Day 14: Tashkent - Home
Today our wonderful tour in Uzbekistan ends. We will transfer you to the airport according to your flight time.
B