Tashkent

Meeting at the airport of Tashkent. Transfer and check-in at the hotel after 8:00 AM. 12:00 - Sightseeing in Tashkent (Old City): visit the Hazrati Imam ensemble (16t –19th centuries) – the spiritual heart of Tashkent, the place where they keep the original of the unique manuscript of Uthman Quran and a hair of Prophet Muhammad. Then Barakhan Madrasa (16th century) and Kafal-al-Shashi Mazar Mausoleum (16th century). These attractions are located in the Old City part of town, where apart from the traditional Eastern architecture; you can also find authentic ancient mahallis (living quarters) with adobe houses and narrow streets. Then we will visit Chorsu bazaar – the most original and ancient bazar of Tashkent and one of the largest indoor markets in the region. Here, under a huge dome, you can buy any kind of national products, spices, handicrafts, folk art souvenirs and many other things. A pre-ride briefing to prepare for the start of tomorrow's cycling route. Overnight at the hotel.

Lake Tuzkan

After breakfast, transfer to brackish Tuzkan Lake (part of the Aydar-Arnasay system) in the Kyzylkum Desert. This picturesque, sparsely populated area features green meadows, a large lake, salt marshes, and nesting birds. Lunch by the lake. Cycling begins along a dirt road to the Pistalitau mountain ridge, then over the pass to the Ortacheku Rocks (719m). "Pistalitau" comes from "pista" (pistachio) trees covering the slopes. Camp 1 is set up near the rocks. Hike to nearby peaks for stunning views, especially at sunset when the Ortacheku Rocks are bathed in orange light. 35km cycling (dirt/asphalt roads), +685m/-171m elevation change. Overnight in tents (719m).

Today's cycle explores the Nuratau Mountains, western spurs of the Gissar-Alai system, bordering the Kyzylkum Desert. The Nurata Nature Reserve protects rare Kyzylkum arkhars and unique walnut species. Enjoy picturesque countryside views with traditional mud houses. A 5km climb around the Ortacheku Rocks leads to Yangikishlak Village (lunch). The scenic area features walnut forests, rocky ranges, birds of prey (eagles, vultures), and lush meadows. Reach Hayat Village ("life") in the evening and stay in a local guesthouse. Legends say a spring here gave the village its name. Experience traditional mountain life and hospitality. 78km cycling (23km dirt, 55km asphalt), +706m/-429m elevation. Overnight in guesthouse (960m).

After breakfast we say goodbye to the hospitable owners of the house and move downhill along the Nuratau Ridge by the dirt road of the Khayat Valley. The next 15 km is flatland riding, and then we ascend the pass near Gaukum Peak (1516 m). Lunch near the Sop Pass (1707 m) on a picturesque lawn. Then we proceed and enjoy a long descent through the scenic Nuratau Mountains, the fascinating view of the Nuratau Ridge summits, Sentyab Village and the beautiful shore of Lake Aidarkul. We stay overnight by the freshwater Fazilman Lake (1645 m). The lake is on the plateau, a place where the flocks of wild geese often stop to rest. Road: dirt road, asphalt. Height difference: +1121 m. Total cycling distance a day: 39 km. Overnight at the tent Camp 2 (1645 m).

Today we move on the dirt road through bizarre piles of huge boulders transformed by the nature into various sculptures scattered over green mountain pastures. Lunch near Ravat Village (683 m). After lunch we continue our journey along the Urgancha River to Soykechar Village. Then we cross the valley moving on the sand road on the way to the Aktau Ridge and Chuya Village. The last part of the track is asphalt road. Road: dirt road, asphalt. Height difference: -425 m/+316 m. Total cycling distance a day: 68 km. Overnight at the tent Camp 3 (1425 m).

Chinar

Today we are making a 6 km ascent to the Lyangar Pass (1425 m) opening a magnificent view of Talizar Peak (990 m) and the ruins of the fortress of XV-XVI centuries. Then we proceed to a scenic top of the Aktau Ridge. After a whilewe start a descent through the valley alongside the tributary of Maydansay River until we reach Maydan Village. After lunch in Maydan Village, we set out and move through small villages towards the plateau. The upper part of the plateau is a wonderful viewpoint opening the vast valley of the Zeravshan River and the steep white Khanaka Rocks with the eagles soaring over it. Then we make a steep descent to an authentic Aktepa Village surrounded by lush greenery. From here we follow the shallow mountain river to reach Chinar Village. Road: asphalt, dirt road, off-road. Height difference: +405 m/-659 m. Total cycling distance a day: 56 km. Overnight at the tent Сamp 4 (665 m).

Sarmishsay Gorge

After breakfast – ascent to the plateau near Djunaty Peak. Then we move towards the Sarmish Gorge which has more than 4,000 of rock paintings preserved. The average age of petroglyphs is 4-6 thousand years. Some of these paintings were carved on the rocks, some were made with special paints produced by the ancient people from ochre. Road: dirt road, off-road. Height difference: +505 m/-578 m. Total cycling distance a day: 36 km. Our bike route finishes. We change for a comfortable vehicle and head for the ancient city of Samarkand. Samarkand is one of the world’s oldest cities, as old as Rome, former capital of the vast empire of Tamerlane. A city-museum and the heart of caravan trade on the Silk Road, nowadays Samarkand still has the unchanged unique ambience of Asian Middle Ages. Overnight at the hotel.

Samarkand

Samarkand sightseeing: Registan Square, Central Asia's most spectacular, surrounded by Ulugh Beg, Sher-Dor, and Tilla-Kari Madrasahs. Historically a place for gatherings, decrees, and executions. Visit Gur-e-Amir Mausoleum (Timur's tomb), prototype for Delhi/Agra mausoleums. See Timur's jade tombstone. Explore Bibi-Khanym Mosque, Central Asia's largest, named after Timur's wife, richly decorated. See the Shakh-i-Zinda Ensemble, a complex of medieval mausoleums and pilgrimage site. Finally, visit the Ulugh Beg Observatory Museum, with a preserved fragment of a goniometer. Overnight at the hotel.

Bukhara

Transfer to Bukhara, visiting the ruined Rabat-i Malik caravanserai ("King's Fortress") near Navoi. Arrive in Bukhara, a Silk Road city and former hub of the Middle East, with over 140 preserved architectural monuments (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Bukhara sightseeing: Lyabi-Khauz ensemble with its pond, Kukeldash and Nadir Divan-begi Madrasahs, khanaka, Khodzha Nasreddin monument, and cafes. Visit the 16th-century trading domes with bazaars selling souvenirs and local products. See a golden-embroidery and astrakhan fur workshop.

Bukhara

Bukhara sightseeing continues: Samanid Mausoleum (9th century), Chashma-Ayub tomb (12th century), Bolo-House complex (18th century), and Ark Fortress (6th century BC - 19th century). Visit the Poy-Kalyan Complex (12th-16th century) with the Kalyan Minaret, Kalyan Mosque, and Miri Arab Madrasa. See the Abdulaziz-khan (17th century) and Ulugbek (15th century) Madrasahs. Train transfer to Tashkent, hotel check-in, and overnight stay.

Tashkent

Departure from Tashkent. Transfer to the airport. The end of the program. Departure.