Uzbekistan by Bike

On arrival into Tashkent you will be met and transferred to the group hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure. 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

Meals:  D

After breakfast we leave the city and drive out towards Zaamin National Park. We have lunch in Zaamin town. Afterwards, we ride 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 10km. Driving: 300km, 4hrs Cycling: ~21km; -370m, +460m; asphalt 60%, dirt road 40% Overnight: Hotel Plato or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Following breakfast we transfer 15km from Zaamin Resort up to the Suffa plateau, at an altitude 2430m. Cycling starts from the unique International Observatory "Suffa", where the route passes through Zaamin Mountain-Juniper National Reserve to Bakhmal. 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 4040 m and the beautiful Chor-Tanga canyon. Transfer by bus to Ortacheku rocks (140km). Driving: 155km, 2½hrs Cycling: ~55 km; -890m, +100m, -200m; asphalt 70%, dirt road 30% Overnight: Tented camp

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we set off for the picturesque village of Hayat. To begin with we must make our way between the impressive towering outcrops of the Ortacheku Rocks. The route will then 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 the asphalt road which leads us most of the way to our evening's destination Hayat Village, only the final 6km or so will be back on trails. Driving: None Cycling: ~70km, +/- 370m Overnight: Traditional homestay

Meals:  B,L,D

This morning we bid farewell to our village hosts and cycle out from Hayat Village along the Nurata ridge, taking in the stunning scenery along the Seantyabsay Canyon on route to Sob Gorge. Tonight we set up camp in the gorge. Driving: None Cycling: ~40km, dirt road Overnight: Tented camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we depart from the gorge and ascend up the rocky path to ride over the pass in the shadow of the majestic Gaukum Peak. The ride up affords panoramic views of Sentyabsay village, the peaks of Nuratau ridge and long shores of Aydarkul Lake before we plunge into the long descent down from the pass, along the vast southern slopes of Nuratau ridge and on to Fazilman Lake. We will break for lunch and a rest at the lake before continuing our ride on toward Aktash village. Driving: None Cycling: ~45km Overnight: Tented camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we set out on our bicycle to the kingdom of the gigantic rocks following a dirt road between the huge boulders, turned by water and wind into the prehistoric sculptures lying on the green mountain fields. In the valley the huge stones are hiding picturesque houses which residents are living a peaceful and quiet life. After lunch we will cycle further along the Urganchy River until we reach Saykechar Village. We continue by cycling on the sandy road and cross the valley to head for Akrau ridge and proceed towards the village of Chuya (33km). We camp tonight just below the Langar pass (915m). Note: Ascension during the day (+200, -150m). We will cycle mainly on dirt road, the asphalt road being available only on entering the village of Chuya. Cycling: ~65km Overnight: Tented camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will ascend to the Lyangar pass, climbing 300m over 5.5km. At the top, we'll be rewarded with expansive views of the mountains and the valley where lies Lyangar Village. We continue our bike journey, along the upper part of Aktau Range passing beside an old abandoned the marble quarry. From here we drop, descending down into the valley to reach Maydan settlement. On this part of the bike trail ;there is almost always a beautiful cool breeze as we pedal along the outfall of Maydansay River witch has many fords. Cycling: ~30km Overnight: Tented camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will ride on a bike trail stretching. We will first bike along the southern slopes of Aktau ridge from where the trail ascend near small settlements leading to the Plateau and from the top point sharply descend into the picturesque and exotic mountain village called Angigan, which is set in the thick greenery of surrounding trees. Then we will pedal along mountain river with shallow fords to the Chinaz village. Cycling: ~40km, 5-6hrs (+300m, -420m, unkempt asphalt road, dirt trail) Overnight: Tented camping

Meals:  B,L,D

Today is our final day of riding. After breakfast we jump back in the sadldle and head up on to a plateau and ride towards Djunaty (920m). This outstanding outdoor museum consists of numerous stone sculptures in the shape of huge fantastic birds and animals. Depending on the group, we have the option to ascend up the right hand side of Djunaty peak (120m, 1,5-2hrs). From Djunaty we descend down into the Chash-Tepa settlement. Here we will end the biking part of the tour and drive to Bukhara. Driving: 160km, 2½hrs Cycling: ~25km (+270m, -470m) Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we have a full day sightseeing tour in Bukhara. Bukhara is one of the most ancient cities of Uzbekistan, situated on the sacred hill, it is supposed to be founded in the 13th Century BC during reign of Siyavushids who came to power 980 years before Alexander the Great. The name of Bukhara originates from the Sanscrite word “vihara” which stands for “Buddhist monastery”. The city with its 140 architectural monuments was once a large commercial centre on the Great Silk Road. The old city of Bukhara consists of a maze of narrow streets, busy bazars and colorfully tailed historic landmarks mainly dating back to the Middle Age. Today we will visit mausoleum of the founder of Samanid dynasty which plan reminds the geometric pattern of Buddhist mandala, Bukhara’s citadel belted by massive defensive walls and overlooking the Old City. We will also visit ancient mosques, madrassah and ancient domed bazaars :Chashma Ayub Mausoleum (XIV-XIX cc.), Poi-Kalon Square (XII-XVI cc.), Ulugbek’s Medressah ( the grandson of Tamerlane and distinguished mathematician and astronomer), Lyabi-Hauz complex (XVI-XVII cc.), Bolo Khauz Mosque (XIX), Summer Residence of the last rulers of Bukhara located in the city’s suburb. Driving: None Cycling: None Overnight: Kavsar Boutique Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we drive to Samarkand (430 km, 7 hrs). Along the way we will visit masterpieces of Timurid architecture in Shakhrisabz, hometown of the royal family. Sightseeing covers Burial places of Timurid royalty and ruins of Tamerlan’s summer residence, the Ak-Saray Palace (1380-1404). Driving: 260km, 4½hrs Cycling: None Overnight: City Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

Today we will have full day sightseeing in Samarkand covering 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, nearby Siab Bazaar with its colorful stalls and Gur-Emir Mausoleum – the resting place of Timurid royal family. The remains of meridian quadrant of Ulugh Beg’ observatory which huge size enabled Samarkand astronomers to produce the most accurate calibration of 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 colors. We will also get acquainted with the history of the city exploring the exhibits of local Afrosiab Museum. Driving: None Cycling: None Overnight: City Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

After breakfast we drive to Tashkent (350 km, 5 hours). Today we will make our way around Tashkent and get acquainted with its main sights: Khast-Imam( Jhazret – Imam) complex including Tillya Sheykh Mosque, Barak Khan madrassah, Muyimuborak madrassah converted in library-museum and housing world’s oldest copy of Holy Koran once belonging to Caliph Osman (VII). Driving: 305km, 4½hrs Cycling: None Overnight: Gabrielle International Hotel or similar

Meals:  B,L,D

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

Meals:  B