Price from
5790 USD
Duration
14 Days | 13 Nights
Level
4
Average Ride
Overview
Uzbekistan was until quite recently, thought of in roughly the same mental space as pariah states where only the most intrepid might venture. Now, the country has flung open its doors, not only to economic development but also to international visitors. This tour is your chance to get off the path that is in the process of being beaten and experience the true essence of Uzbekistan, not for what we wish it was, but for what it is.
The magnificent mosques and madrassas with their towering minarets are worthy of your time and the rich history of cities like Samarkand and Bukhara will be revealed to you during your journey, but you will go beyond these recognized highlights and venture into the more remote areas of natural beauty where small subsistence communities rarely see international visitors.
You will visit places as obscure as the remarkable solar complex - PHYSICS-SUN, a popular local ski resort, and a radio telescope that has been under construction for 40 years and has only just become operational. This will be contrasted by a visit to a winery (yes, Uzbek wine is quite drinkable) and memorable nights in yurts with camels roaming the desert plains outside.
Uzbekistan will surprise you, delight you and puzzle you, all at the same time. It's an experience like no other and there is no better way to see it than from handlebar height.
445 km / 276 mi riding minimum
The riding on this tour is about as varied as you can find. Some days are on well made roads, others are on a small trail, traversed mostly by motorbikes and donkeys. There is a decent amount of riding on roughly made or poorly maintained roads and for this reason, we ride mountain bikes in Uzbekistan. There are not any severe gradients, although the ride up to the ski resort of Beldersoy is a sustained climb of around 16km that will raise your heart rate. Generally speaking the rides, the longest of which is 73km, are achievable within a few hours, leaving us plenty of time to explore, connect and learn.
Highlights
- Explore the rich history of Samarkand and Bukhara, visiting the stunning blue topped mosques and madrasas and hearing the stories of conquests and great trading empires past.
- Explore the bazaars of Bukhara where artisans and craftspeople pedal their wares.
- Visit the Parkent area where wine is grown
- Challenge yourself on a ride up to the ski resort of Beldersoy and enjoy the thrilling descent.
- Trek the remote Zaamin National Park and visit the nearby, recently opened, radio telescope.
- Explore the rustic landscape near the Ortacheku Rocks and stay overnight in a yurt camp.
- Visit the 7000-9000-year-old Petroglyphs of Sarmysh
What's Included
- All Meals: Breakfast x13, Lunch x14, Dinner x13
- 13 nights in unique, specially selected accommodation
- Full vehicle support and transfers
- Well maintained bike and helmet
- Snacks and water during riding/trekking
- Knowledgeable English speaking local guide
- All ticket, activity and entry costs included in the itinerary
- Custom country-themed jersey and water bottle as mementos
Dates & Price
EARLY RIDER PRIZE: Be in the first 4 to book a departure and get 5% OFF the tour price*
*Not applicable with guaranteed, private, or self-guided tours, other discounts, trip credit, or special offers
WHAT MAKES US STAND OUT
GRASSHOPPER STYLE
Our team of adventure professionals love to get beyond the highlights to show the sights you wouldn't see otherwise, and that signature Grasshopper touch can be experienced even in the far-flung reaches of Uzbekistan. This bicycle tour will give you an in-depth look at the deep culture and history of this emerging destination as you pedal a wide variety of terrain from small trails to rural roads and desert scenery.
There are two overnight stays in traditional yurts to give you the truly authentic Uzbekistan tour experience and we have sourced comfortable accommodation at all other stops to ensure a good night's rest after a day of adventure. Our team will take care of the details so you can get on with enjoying your cycling journey through the fascinating land that is Uzbekistan.