10-Day Cycling Tour Across Uzbekistan

Discover Uzbekistan on an unforgettable 10-day cycling holiday across the heart of the Silk Road. From the vineyards of the Chatkal Mountains and the high plateaus of Zaamin National Park to the remote villages of the Nuratau Mountains and the legendary city of Samarkand, this journey showcases the country’s remarkable diversity on two wheels.

Ride scenic mountain roads, gravel tracks and quiet rural lanes while a fully supported vehicle carries your luggage. Stay in comfortable hotels, a traditional yurt camp and an award-winning village homestay, where genuine Uzbek hospitality and local traditions bring each day to life. Along the way, cycle beside the Charvak Reservoir, explore Lake Aydarkul, visit ancient Silk Road monuments and experience landscapes that few travellers ever discover.

Combining rewarding cycling, spectacular mountain scenery and authentic cultural experiences, this Uzbekistan cycling holiday offers the perfect balance of adventure, comfort and discovery.

Day 1 – Welcome to Uzbekistan

Your cycling adventure begins in Tashkent, the vibrant capital of Uzbekistan. Whether you arrive early in the day or the day before, a smooth start is guaranteed with an extra night’s accommodation and early check-in.

In the afternoon, you meet your cycling guide and the team at the hotel for a thorough bike fitting, so that your bike is perfectly set up for comfort and safety throughout the trip. Afterwards, you head out on a short warm-up ride through the city. This relaxed ride helps you get familiar with the bike, test your equipment and ease into the adventure.

In the evening, the group gathers for a welcome dinner, where you meet your fellow travellers and learn more about the days ahead.

Overnight: Hotel in Tashkent
(–/–/D)

Day 2 – Cycling through the Vineyards of Parkent

After breakfast, you drive about 1.5 hours into the foothills of the Chatkal Mountains, reaching the mountain village of Nevich at around 1,000 metres above sea level. This is where today’s ride begins.

After unloading the bikes, you set off into one of Uzbekistan’s best-known wine regions. The route follows gently rolling roads between vineyards and the foothills of the Chatkal Mountains – a varied mix of easy climbs and flowing descents. Vines stretch across the hillsides, opening up wide views over the valley.

Along the way, you take a well-earned lunch break at a local roadside stop, followed by a short off-road descent. You then return to the road for the final steady climb to the mountain village of Kumishkan.

Travel time & distance: Approx. 70 km / 1h 30m
Cycling: Approx. 31 km (+870 m, –150 m)
Surface: 80% asphalt, 20% gravel
Overnight: Hotel in Kumishkan
(B/L/D)

Day 3 – Cycling to the Ugam–Chatkal Reserve

After breakfast, you leave the mountain village of Kumishkan and begin a mostly downhill ride into the Parkent Valley. The road descends from the mountains in fast, flowing curves, opening up wide views over the valley.

You pass the village of Changi, known for its impressive solar furnace and the Helio Complex – a futuristic facility from the 1980s built for solar energy research.

The route continues along the Surenata Ridge through picturesque villages, with short climbs and lively descents. A long, sweeping descent finally brings you to Karamanas, the end of the morning stage.

To avoid a busy stretch of road, there is a transfer to the Amirsoy Ski Resort for lunch. Afterwards, you get back on the bike for a long descent through Chimgan. With views of Charvak Lake, you roll the final kilometres to your lakeside hotel and relax before dinner.

Travel time & distance: Approx. 1 h transfer
Cycling: Ride 1 – Approx. 34 km (+160 m, –670 m); Ride 2 – Approx. 18 km (+80 m, –890 m)
Surface: 90% asphalt, 10% gravel
Overnight: Lakeside hotel at Charvak
(B/L/D)

Day 4 – Cycling around the Charvak Reservoir

The day starts early, around 8:00 A.M, with a ride along the Charvak Reservoir. You follow scenic roads towards the village of Nanai, crossing bridges over the Chatkal, Koksu and Pskem rivers.

From here, the route climbs steadily to the village of Sijak, reaching a viewpoint high above the reservoir with stunning panoramic views over the turquoise water and the surrounding mountains.

From the highest point, you enjoy a long, flowing descent into the town of Charvak, with magnificent views of the peaks of the south-western Tien Shan mountains. The combination of mountains and open water makes this stage one of the most impressive of the trip.

Lunch is served at a traditional local café before the vehicle takes you back to Tashkent.

Cycling: Approx. 66 km (+640 m, –650 m)
Travel time & distance: Approx. 75 km / 1h 30m
Surface: 90% asphalt, 10% gravel
Overnight: Hotel in Tashkent
(B/L/D)

Day 5 – Cycling in Zaamin National Park

After breakfast, you leave the city and drive to Zaamin National Park. Lunch is served in the village of Zaamin before the afternoon ride begins.

The ride starts at the Zaamin Reservoir, from where the route heads towards the Turkestan mountain range and into the national park. The route passes through open green meadows dotted with mountain flowers and through juniper forests.

This remote region is sparsely populated and conveys a strong sense of space and tranquillity. Surrounded by mountains rising up to 3,500 metres, the landscape provides a spectacular backdrop.

After the ride, you transfer to a nearby hotel resort. A Finnish sauna and a Turkish hammam are available free of charge – ideal for relaxing after a day on the bike.

Travel time & distance: Approx. 220 km / 4 h
Cycling: Approx. 31 km (+980 m, –130 m)
Surface: 70% asphalt, 30% gravel
Overnight: Hotel resort near Zaamin
(B/L/D)

Day 6 – Mountain Descent to Bakhmal

Today’s stage begins at the International Suffa Observatory, an impressive high-mountain facility deep in the mountains.

From here, the route leads through the Zaamin Mountain–Juniper National Reserve down to the village of Bakhmal. The route runs through the green foothills of the northern slopes of the Turkestan Range, with sweeping landscapes and a strong sense of remoteness.

Along the way, you enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, including the 4,040-metre Mount Shau-Kartau, as well as the spectacular Chor-Tanga Canyon. This stage combines long descents with gentle hills, alternating between gravel tracks and asphalt.

After arriving in Bakhmal, you transfer to Jizzakh, where you check into your hotel and have free time at leisure.

Travel time & distance: Approx. 135 km / 2h 30m
Cycling: Approx. 55 km (+650 m, –1,290 m)
Surface: 20% asphalt, 80% gravel
Overnight: Florence Hotel or similar, Jizzakh
(B/L/D)

Day 7 – Transfer to the Ortacheku Rocks, Cycling to Asmansay

In the morning, you drive to the impressive rock formations of Ortacheku Rocks, where today’s ride begins.

The route leads through the Nuratau Mountains to Asmansay, passing through open landscapes, gentle hills and remote rural areas. This little-visited region conveys a strong sense of peace and connection with nature.

After arriving in Asmansay, you continue to Sayyod Yurt Camp, your overnight stop set in a tranquil mountain landscape. On arrival, you settle into your traditional yurt and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Relax by the outdoor pool, enjoy the fresh mountain air and the beautiful views of the surrounding hills.

Travel time & distance: Approx. 50 km / 40 m
Cycling: Approx. 30 km (+730 m, –400 m)
Surface: 30% asphalt, 70% gravel
Overnight: Sayyod Yurt Camp
(B/L/D)

Day 8 – Cycling to Ukhum

Today is the final cycling day of the trip.

Before setting off, you visit a tree-planting project run by our local partner. As part of our commitment to sustainable tourism, a tree is planted for every traveller to support reforestation projects in rural Uzbekistan. During the planting season (spring or late autumn), you may be able to plant a tree yourself – otherwise, one will be planted on your behalf.

After breakfast, you cycle to the mountain village of Ukhum, known for its traditional stone houses. The route crosses gentle hills and open grasslands with wide views. After lunch, the route mostly follows an asphalt road all the way to Ukhum.

There, you stay overnight in a family-run guesthouse that is part of an award-winning community tourism project.

Cycling: Approx. 65 km (+330 m, –410 m)
Surface: 80% asphalt, 20% gravel
Overnight: Family-run guesthouse in Ukhum
(B/L/D)

Day 9 – Journey to Samarkand

In the morning, you leave Ukhum early and travel to Samarkand, one of the most famous cities of the Silk Road.

On arrival, a guided tour begins with the magnificent Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum, the final resting place of Amir Timur, with its striking blue dome. You then visit the famous Registan Square, the heart of the city, framed by three impressive madrasahs. This is followed by the Bibi-Khanum Mosque and the sacred necropolis of Shah-i-Zinda, famous for its exquisite tilework.

In the evening, the group gathers for a special farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Travel time & distance: Approx. 213 km / 4 h
Overnight: Hotel in Samarkand
(B/–/D)

Day 10 – Departure

After an unforgettable journey by bike through mountain villages, sweeping landscapes and legendary Silk Road cities, it is time to say goodbye to Uzbekistan.

Enjoy a relaxed morning in Samarkand before checking out of the hotel at 11:00 A.M. Transfers to Samarkand International Airport will be arranged according to your flight times. For departures from Tashkent, assistance can be provided with booking a train ticket back to the capital.

(B/–/–)

END OF THE TRIP

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