On the 14-day cycling journey through the heart of Central Asia, guests will experience mountain gorges, desert oases, ancient fortified cities, bustling bazaars, tented caravans, and the Great Steppe, all while absorbing the rich history that has shaped empires for millennia.
This itinerary offered exclusively by Grasshopper Adventures includes exploring the ancient cities of Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, and Khiva; cycling the incredible canyons and peaks of the Nuratau Mountains; and overnighting in yurt camps stationed on the old Silk Road. The tour covers 505 km and starts at US$4,950.
“Uzbekistan will not disappoint the adventurer in you, and nothing compares to taking it in on a two-wheeled odyssey stretching across the country,” said Grasshopper Adventures CEO Adam Platt-Hepworth. “The country is on the cusp of a massive opening and reform period, which makes now the perfect time to go.”
The terrain is mostly a mixture of sealed and unsealed secondary roads through rural villages. When cycling out in the remote areas of Steppe and desert, guests will be on primary/main roads. These roads are the only ones in the area and see very little traffic. There are sections of riding on through mountainous terrain which is moderately technical with short, achievable climbs. During some sections, a 4WD support vehicle will follow the group.
“Uzbekistan’s cultural richness and turbulent history are evident today in its diversity, architecture, and tales of empires long forgotten by the modern world,” said Platt-Hepworth. “Riding your bike through a country with an ancient historical narrative and a mixture of no fewer than six distinct cultures is really an unforgettable experience.”
Tour highlights include:
- Climbing the pass over Gaukum Peak before descending through the picturesque Nuratau Mountains
- Exploring the ruins of Ayazkala
- Overnighting in traditional yurts
- Visiting the Memorial Complex of Khoja Bakhouddin Naqshbandii, one of the most important Muslim shrines
- Cycling around Bukhara and its many historical monuments
- Walking the ancient ruins of Ak Saray Palace
- Riding the 95km road to Shakhrisabz
- Touring the majestic madrassas, gigantic mosques, an ancient observatory, Siab Bazaar, the Necropolis, and mausoleums of Samarkand
- Meeting villagers while cycling the path of the Urganchy River.
For more info, visit https://www.grasshopperadventures.com.