Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan
Cycle the Pamir Highway from Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan, crossing 4,600m passes through remote high-altitude mountains.
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12 Day Tour
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Uzbekistan Cycling Holidays
The redspokes Uzbekistan cycling holiday is a journey through the heart of Central Asia, blending adventurous riding with rich Silk Road heritage. Beginning in Tashkent, the route heads into the remote Nuratau Mountains, where cyclists traverse rocky ridgelines, wildflower meadows and quiet mountain villages along ancient trading routes once travelled by caravans.
After days of challenging terrain and wild camps beneath desert skies, the journey shifts to cultural exploration in the legendary cities of Bukhara and Samarkand. Here, dazzling Islamic architecture, bustling bazaars and centuries of history provide a striking contrast to the rugged landscapes. This tour delivers physical challenge, cultural immersion and a rare opportunity to ride through one of the world’s most storied regions.
Bukhara
A world heritage town, the name Bukhara originates from Sanscrite word “vihara” meaning “Buddhist monastery”. The old town is a maze of narrow, twisting alleyways, artisan shops selling local handmade embroidered hangings and cloth, silk, carpets, pottery, woodwork, miniature paintings and jewellery which have taken hours of painstaking labour to create. Many of the merchants are the artists themselves. There are more than 140 historic landmarks mainly dating back to the Middle Age.
Of particular interest, is the famous tomb of Ismail Samani, an outstanding example of 10th-century Muslim architecture, and a large number of 17th-century madrasas. Lyabi Hauz, is a pool of water surrounded by ancient mulberry trees in the Old Town’s centre. Visit the Ark royal fortress, Bukhara’s oldest standing structure and an impressive architectural wonder. Over the centuries the building has borne witness to royal dynasties, Mongol conquerors and Bolshevik sieges. Inside is the Zindon jail where spies of the ‘Great Game Era’ were imprisoned.
Khiva
Once a desert oasis and the last stopping point for caravans before crossing the desert to Iran, the ancient mud-walled fortress town Khiva (founded by Shem, the son of Noah, legend has it) has been destroyed and rebuilt seven times. Modern Khiva is almost entirely a restored city. The repairs have been executed using the original building techniques and traditionally treated local materials such as baked brick, wood and stone.
Ichan Kala (Uzbek: Ichаn-Qаl’а) is the immaculately preserved medieval walled inner town where numerous historic wonders are to be found. Now a protected area 3,000 people live within its walls, but land has to be passed down through families it cannot be bought and sold.
You have many options for your rest day in one of Uzbekistan’s most fascinating cities. Climb the 10th Century Juma minaret to reach Khiva’s highest view point, visit the splendid Tosh Houli Palace, (meaning Stone House), with lavish interior decoration, or the mausoleum of Khiva’s patron saint, Pahlavon Mahmud; a poet, philosopher and legendary wrestler. Later you can haggle for a carpet or suzani in the silk workshop then kick back in a shady tea house or roof top terrace restaurant.
Samarkand
Samarkand (meaning “stone fort” or “rock town”) is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Central Asia. Today it is Uzbekistan’s second largest city. Strategically positioned along the old Silk Road it is believed to be as old as Babylon or Rome. Following invasion by Alexander the Great in 329 BC, a succession of Iranian and Turkic rulers held the city until the Mongols under Genghis Khan, conquered Samarkand in 1220 and almost destroyed the whole city.
In medieval times Samarkand rose again under the rule of Tamerlane who made it capital of his empire in 1369; a grand city of palaces and gardens, with paved, tree-lined streets and a water system that supplied most houses. The city was ruled by his grandson Ulugbek in the 14th and 15th centuries. It had great silk and iron industries and was the meeting point of merchants’ caravans from India, Persia, and China. Today the city is a major producer of cotton and silk.
Samarkand is also renowned as an Islamic centre for scholarly study. At the heart of the old town is Registan Square, site of Tamerlane’s mausoleum (the Gur e Amir: Tomb of the King). With imposing azure fluted dome and multi coloured tile façade it was a model for later great Mughal tombs. The Bibi-Khanym Mosque (a modern replica) remains one of the city’s most notable landmarks with its turquoise cupola. It was built on the orders of Timur in memory of his favourite wife.
No visit to Samarkand would be complete without a stop at Siab Bazaar. The oriental market buzzes with atmosphere and was once a key strategic point on the Silk Road.
Tashkent
Tashkent (meaning city Of Stone) is the capital city of Uzbekistan and the largest city in central Asia. Located on the Zarafshan River, just to the west of the Ferghana Valley it has a mix of modern and Soviet-era architecture. In 1966 Tashkent experienced a significant earthquake, hence the reconstruction of parts of the city.
Tashkent was made the capital city of Uzbekistan in 1865 by Russian decree. The city has many museums, The Amir Timur houses manuscripts, weapons and other relics from the Timurid dynasty. Nearby is the huge State Museum of History of Uzbekistan exhibiting centuries-old Buddhist artefacts. Tashkent Tower, dominates the city skies offering dramatic views from its observation deck. In the old town is Khast Imam Square is the religious centre of Tashkent. Where you can visit Muyie Muborak Library, home to the world’s oldest Qu’ran written on leather in the 7th Century. The Hazroti Imon Friday mosque’s minarets are 50 meters high. Parts of the square are now occupied by artisans working in wood, leather and copper. There are souvenirs to be found aplenty including ikat hand dyed textiles and Suzani embroidered carpets and cushions. Chorsu Bazaar is a farmer’s market with a huge array of products piled high, as traders’ barter. We can take lunch at a polv stall.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Tashkent
redspokes Uzbekistan tour begins in Tashkent. You will be met on arrival and transferred to the group hotel. This afternoon you have time to explore the Uzbek capital on a guided walking and vehicle tour. Tashkent is Central Asia’s largest city, major sites of interest include: Kukeldash Madrassah, Kaffal Shashi Mausoleum, Barak Khan Madrassah, Mosque on Khast Imam Square and Chor-Su – oriental market (handicraft bazaar). This evening we will have group introductions and a trip briefing.
Accommodation: Hotel (D)
Day 2: Tashkent – Jizzakh – Ortacheku Rocks
After breakfast we transfer by vehicle to Lake Tuzkan, part of the man-made Aydar-Arnasay system of brackish water lakes, which covers an area of 4,000 km². The lakes are the unintentional by-product of Soviet planning. The area is sparsely populated, only inhabited by a few fishermen and shepherds. After lunch we begin cycling along the shore on good dirt road following the Pistalitau ridge. Over the pass we continue on to Ortacheku Rocks. We can take a walk this evening to the peak to enjoy views of the mountains. If the weather is fine you will witness a spectacular sight from our campsite, as the Ortacheku rocks glow to a fiery orange in the sun set.
Cycling Distance: 36.1 km (22.4 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 580m (1,905ft)
Cycling Descent: 150m (505ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 3: Ortacheku Rocks – Uhum Village
Today, our cycling journey takes us across the scenic Nuratau Ridge, winding through charming countryside and mountain villages adorned with traditional stone houses. We begin our ride with a steady 5km climb, circling around the striking Ortacheku Rocks before descending into the welcoming village of Yangikishlak. From there, we continue on a challenging series of climbs spanning the next 20km, leading us to a much-needed lunch stop.
In the afternoon, we pedal along 46km of sealed road, heading towards the quaint hamlet of Hayot. The final leg of our day covers a 16km uphill stretch, with the last portion taking us along a dirt road to reach Hayot village. Nestled in the Nurata Mountains, this route once provided safe passage along the ancient Silk Road, encouraging the settlement of small communities in its valleys and foothills. The village name, “Hayot,” translates to “life,” and legends tell of its vital springs that sustained people during droughts. Among its historical treasures is the centuries-old Shakhi-Kurgan fortress.
Our day concludes with a warm welcome at Ulugbek’s guesthouse, a delightful family-run retreat. The rooms are simple yet spotless, and clean showers and toilets are conveniently located in the hallway. Set at the edge of the mountains, the guesthouse offers a picturesque view, complete with a babbling mountain stream just outside. Our gracious hosts will make us feel at home, with comfortable traditional mattresses to sleep on and fresh, locally prepared meals to enjoy.
Cycling Distance: 68km (42 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 706m (2,316ft)
Cycling Descent: 429m (1,407ft)
Accommodation: Homestay (B,L,D)
Day 4: Uhum Village – Sob Gorge– Fazilman Lake – Aktash Village
Today we set off from the village cycling downhill for the first 12km along the Narutau ridge, enjoying a beautiful ride along Sentabsay valley dirt road and onto Sob gorge. We have a flat stretch for the next 12km before we begin a climb on rocky path to the pass in the shadow of towering Gaukum peak before undertaking an amazing long descent through the picturesque Nuratau Mountains with views of mountain villages and far in the distance, Aydarkul Lake. There are shady walnut trees and pastures of wild grasses and flowers around us. As we cycle we pass farmers bringing fodder or firewood on donkeys from the mountains down to their villages.
We stop at beautiful Fazilman Mountain Lake (1640m) for lunch. In the summer months locals move their yurts near to the lake to grow vegetables on the fertile plateau around the water. This afternoon we continue downhill to Aktash village in the foothills of Tien Shan. The area enjoys a mild climate and lush vegetation with low dome shaped trees resembling a primeval forest. At the centre of the village are the ruins of an ancient city. The area Aktash, meaning ‘white city’, was once mined for the characteristic white rock. We camp tonight near Aktash village.
Cycling Distance: 64.8km (40.26 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 1,436 (4,711ft)
Cycling Descent: 1,350m (4,429ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 5: Aktash Village – Chuya village
Today our Uzbekistan tour continues as we set out on dirt road cycling through a landscape of huge boulders, transformed by the elements into the prehistoric sculptures; the mounds rest in green mountain pastures. Picturesque local dwellings are discreetly secluded from view and obscured by these monuments. After lunch, we cycle further along the Urganchy River as far as Saykechar village. From here we continue riding on sandy road across the valley towards Aktau ridge and bike on to Chuya village of with a final short stretch of cycling along surfaced road (33 km).
Cycling Distance: 49.5km (31 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 447m (1,466ft)
Cycling Descent: 692m (2,270ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 6: Chuya to Maidan Village via Lyangar Pass
Today we will ascend to the Lyangar pass, cycling a climb of 300 m over 5.5 km. We pause at Lyangar village to enjoy wonderful views of mountains and the valley. Back on the bikes we continue cycling along the upper part of the Aktau Range, passing a disused marble mine. From here we descend cycling down through the valley to reach Maidan village, we’ll be riding alongside a tributary of Maydansay River, enjoying cool breezes. We stay tonight in a riverside camp.
Cycling Distance: 38.3km (23.8 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 1005m (3,275ft)
Cycling Descent: 1,070 (3,515ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B,L,D)
Day 7: Maidan – Chinar
Today we will cycle a 24km stretch of bike trail. We begin with a ride along the southern slopes of the Aktau ridge. The trail ascends through small settlements as we bike up to the plateau. We make a steep descent cycling into the picturesque mountain village Aktepa, set in the thick forest greenery. From here we ride on following mountain river with shallow fords to reach Chinar village.
Cycling Distance: 23.8km (15 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 499m (1,637ft)
Cycling Descent: 573m (1,879ft)
Accommodation: Camping (B.L.D)
Day 8: Chinar – Bukhara
After breakfast, departing Chinar we cycle up to the mountain plateau towards Djunaty Peak. From here we cycle to Chash-Tapa settlement, here our cycling ends. We pack up the bikes and drive to Bukhara.
Cycling Distance 24km (15 miles)
Cycling Ascent: 160m (525ft)
Cycling Descent: 410m (1,325ft)
Accommodation: Cottages (B,L,D)
Day 9: Bukhara Rest Day
Today we have time to explore the ancient city of Bukhara. Built on a sacred mount it is one of Uzbekistan’s oldest urban settlements, founded in the 13th C. There is a rich array of historic buildings to visit in the old town. This afternoon you can wander here through a maze of narrow alleyways where traditional craftsmen sell their wares. After the many days of cycling and camping you could treat yourself to the luxury of a hammam (traditional spa).
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 10: Bukhara to Samarkand
We take the afternoon high speed train to Samarkand and after we’ve checked in to our hotel we have time for a wander around this city of ancient monuments. No visit to Samarkand would be complete without a stop at the Siab Bazaar. The oriental market buzzes with atmosphere. It was once a key strategic point on the Silk Road.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 11: Samarkand to Tashkent
Today there will be a guided city tour of Samarkand’s key historic monuments including Registan Square, heart of the old city where you will find Tamerlane’s mausoleum, the Gur-e Amir. We take a late afternoon train to Tashkent, and stay the night here.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 12: Tashkent – Tour Ends
This morning marks the end of the tour, with a transfer to the airport for your flight home.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Optional Extension to Khiva – £286
Day 12: Tashkent – Khiva
Day 12: Tashkent – Khiva
We take an early morning flight to Khiva (07.10-08.55 flight) and have a full day to enjoy this mud walled fortress city. There will be a guided tour of some of the key sites of interest including the medieval walled town. Later you can haggle for a carpet or suzani in the silk workshop then kick back in a shady tea house or roof top terrace restaurant.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Day 13: Khiva – Tashkent
We take an afternoon flight back to Tashkent. After checking into our hotel, there will be free time to explore the city at your own pace – perhaps take a leisurely stroll, visit a local market, or pick up some last-minute souvenirs. In the evening, we come together to share a final farewell dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel (B,D)
Day 14: Tashkent – Home
Your journey concludes today. After breakfast, you will be transferred to Tashkent International Airport for your onward flight.
Accommodation: Hotel (B)
Essential Info
Tour Status & Booking Conditions
- Each tour requires a minimum number of participants to run
- Tour status updates automatically as bookings are received
- Do not book flights until the tour status is marked Guaranteed
Tour Status Definitions
- Guaranteed – Tour is confirmed and open for booking
- Guaranteed – Limited – Confirmed, with limited spaces remaining
- Available – 2 More to Guarantee – Needs two more bookings to confirm
- Available – Open for booking but not yet confirmed
- Contact – Please get in touch to discuss availability
- Fully Booked – No places remaining
Booking & Payments
- A £350 deposit confirms your place on the tour
- Deposits are refundable until the tour becomes Guaranteed
- Final balance is due 56 days before the tour start date
- By booking, you agree to our booking conditions (please read in full)
Small Group Note
For groups of fewer than four participants, the guide may lead from the support vehicle rather than cycling with the group, ensuring full logistical and guiding support.
What’s included
Fully supported cycling holiday
- Support vehicle for luggage transport and rider assistance
- Accommodation throughout the tour (twin share unless stated)
- Sleeping tents, shower tent, toilet tent, sleeping mats, sleeping bags and camping/kitchen team for camping nights
- Train ticket from Bukhara to Samarkand
- Most meals (see itinerary using the BLD key below)
- Snacks and mineral water on cycling days
- Airport transfers on the first and last day of the tour
- English-speaking local guide(s)
- Mechanical assistance for minor bike repairs
Meal Key (used in the itinerary)
- B = Breakfast
- L = Lunch
- D = Dinner
- Example: B, L means breakfast and lunch are included that day.
- Special dietary requirements can usually be catered for with advance notice. Please advise us at the time of booking.
What’s not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Meals not specified in the itinerary
- Tips for guides and support staff
- Bike hire
- Single room supplements
- Optional Khiva extension at the end of the tour
Getting there and away
Tour Start
- Start location: Tashkent
- Airport transfers included on the tour start date, regardless of arrival time
- Early arrivals may need to wait for hotel check-in (subject to availability)
Tour End
- End location: Tashkent
- Airport transfers included if departing on the final tour day
- Extra nights and transfers can be arranged at additional cost
Flights
- International flights are not included
- We are happy to advise on suitable arrival and departure airports
- If you are considering independent travel before or after the tour, you should be aware of the following requirements:
Registering with the authorities
- You must register with the local district OVIR (Department of Foreign Travel and Exit) within 3 days of your arrival. Saturdays and Sundays count as part of the 3-day period. If you travel to another city and plan to stay for longer than 3 days there, you’ll need to register again.
- If you’re staying at a hotel, the staff will register you. If you’re staying in a private house, your host should register you with their local district OVIR or on the electronic registration system, Emehmon. Tourist tax is usually included in the hotel bill, and private hosts pay the tourist tax on behalf of the guest.
- If you’re travelling in Uzbekistan in a camper van or staying in tents and camping, you must register yourself. Register online through the electronic registration system, Emehmon, within 3 days of arrival. When registering online, you’ll have to pay a tourist tax charge for each day of your stay. At the moment you can only pay the tourist tax online with an Uzbek debit card in local currency.
- The authorities will require a full record of where you’ve been in Uzbekistan upon departure. If you are unable to account for your whereabouts, or fail to get registered, you could get a fine for each day that is missing or late and possibly be deported.
Optional Khiva Extension
- If you’re joining the Khiva extension, we recommend booking a multi-destination flight as follows:
- Inbound: Tashkent
- Outbound: Urgench (the closest airport to Khiva)
- Please note: International flights and the internal flight to Khiva are not included in the tour price.
Accommodation
- This is one of redspokes’ most adventurous tours, combining simple hotels, rural guesthouses and multiple nights of wild camping in remote mountain regions.
- The journey begins and ends in comfortable city hotels in Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand, but the heart of the tour lies in the Nuratau and Aktau mountain ranges, where options are rustic and chosen for their spectacular locations rather than facilities.
- Across the 12-day itinerary you will stay in:
- 5 nights in hotels (Tashkent ×2, Bukhara ×2, Samarkand ×1)
- 1 night in a simple village homestay (Uhum Village)
- 5 nights camping in remote mountain valleys (Ortacheku Rocks, Aktash, Chuya, Maidan, Chinar)
- 1 night in simple cottages (Chash-Tapa / Bukhara outskirts)
- Camping nights are set in beautiful, secluded landscapes with full support — tents, mattresses and meals provided.
- Facilities are basic (no permanent bathrooms) but the settings are unforgettable.
- The homestay night in Uhum offers simple but clean shared facilities and warm Uzbek hospitality, with traditional mattresses and home-cooked food.
- Hotels in the historic Silk Road cities offer a welcome contrast, providing private bathrooms, comfortable beds and modern amenities after the remote cycling stages.
Eating & Drinking (Special diets)
- Most meals are included in your trip price, except on non-cycling days or as specified otherwise.
Please check the itinerary for exact details. - Have dietary requirements? Let us know at the time of booking.
Most diets can be accommodated with advance notice.
Uzbek Cuisine
Uzbekistan’s cuisine is hearty and flavourful — with noodles, breads, and mutton as common staples.
Typical Dishes
- Plov – The national dish made with rice, meat, carrots, onions — often with chickpeas or sultanas.
- Shurpa – A soup with large pieces of fatty meat and vegetables.
- Lagman & Noirin – Noodle-based dishes served as soup or main.
- Samsa – Pastry pockets filled with meat.
- Dimlama – A rich meat and vegetable stew.
- Shaslik Kebabs – Skewered meat often served as a main.
Desserts & Drinks
Desserts are rare; meals often end with:
- Fresh fruit
- Compot (fruit drink)
- Nuts & halvah
Popular drinks:
- Green tea – The national drink, served without milk or sugar
- Black tea – Favoured in Tashkent
- Ayran – Chilled yoghurt drink, especially in summer
- Wine – More common here than in many Muslim countries due to Uzbekistan’s secular nature
Uzbek Hospitality & Table Traditions
- Meals begin with tea — the less tea you’re served, the more honoured you are as a guest
- Food is served on a dastarkhan (decorated tablecloth)
- Patyr bread is highly symbolic: the eldest family member breaks it first
- Professional male chefs, known as Oshpaz, are respected for preparing plov
Cycling Support
Support Vehicle
- Two or three support vehicles (depending on participant numbers) accompanies the group throughout the tour
- Transports main luggage between overnight stops
- Available for rest breaks or if you need a lift
- Typically stops every 20 km / 12 miles
On-Ride Support
- Guides carry tools for minor repairs
- You only need a small daypack while riding
Helmet Policy
- Helmets are mandatory while cycling
- Helmet hire cannot be guaranteed locally
- You must bring your own helmet
Bike Hire
For this tour, we provide Giant Talon 3 mountain bikes in a full range of sizes.
What’s Included with Bike Hire
- Standard flat pedals
- Basic spares and mechanical support
Customising Your Bike
- You may bring your own pedals (SPD / clip-in)
- You may bring your own saddle if preferred
- Our guide will help fit pedals and saddles on arrival
Money, Currency and Tipping
The local currency in Uzbekistan is the Uzbekistani Som (UZS). All purchases must be made in som—foreign currencies are not accepted in shops, restaurants, or hotels.
What to Bring
We recommend bringing:
- Around £200 / $270 in your local currency for exchange
- A Visa or Mastercard debit/credit card for ATM access and backup
- Travelers from the UK, EU, US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand should bring USD or Euros, as these are widely accepted and offer the best exchange options in Uzbekistan.
Where to Exchange
- You can exchange money or withdraw cash on arrival at Tashkent International Airport.
- Exchange a small amount at the airport for immediate expenses
- Better rates can be found at licensed exchange offices and ATMs in the city
- Your redspokes guide will assist you with locating trustworthy exchange services and ATMs throughout the tour.
Staff Tipping
- Tipping is an accepted part of everyday life, and although it is always at your discretion, you will be expected to tip to reward service. 4USD per day per person for the guide and team at the end of the tour is recommended.
- It is customary for this to be collected up and given to your guide who will distribute it amongst the team. Unfortunately, there is usually a hierarchy for the division between guides, helpers and drivers.
Extra Costs & Optional Upgrades
- Bike hire
- Single room/tent supplement
- Extra nights before or after the tour
- Additional airport transfers
- Optional excursions such as Khiva extension
- Rest-day activities
Can I Bring My Own Bike?
This tour is best suited for mountain bikes with knobbly or semi-slick tyres to handle mixed terrain comfortably.
Pre-trip bike servicing
We strongly recommend having your bike fully serviced before travelling. Please make sure:
- All bearings are properly greased
- Wheel spokes are correctly tensioned
- Gear and brake cables are functioning well
- All nuts and bolts are tightened securely
- Chain, tyres and quick-release clamps are checked
- New inner tubes are installed
- Wheel rims are not excessively worn
- If you are unsure, ask your local bike shop to carry out a pre-tour inspection.
What to bring
We recommend packing the following essential items:
- Multi-tool
- Tyre levers
- Pump
- Spare inner tubes
- Spare spokes
- Chain links or quick links
- Spare brake pads (ensure compatibility with disc or rim brakes)
- Any specialist tools, fluids or parts specific to your bike, such as a bleed kit.
Travelling with your bike
- Your bike will need to be packed within your luggage allowance. A bike packed in a cardboard box typically weighs between 15–20 kg, and some airlines may charge excess baggage fees.
- If you would prefer not to travel with your own bike, bike hire is available — simply request this when booking.
Solo Travellers
- Solo travellers are very welcome
- Prices are based on twin-share accommodation
- We will pair solo travellers with someone of the same gender where possible
- Single rooms/tents are usually available for an additional charge
Passport, Visa and Entry Requirements
- You must hold a valid passport in order to travel. Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the date of your return from any overseas destination.
- Visa and entry requirements for most countries can and do change from time to time and so we strongly recommend that you consult the government travel website for where your passport was issued.
- For UK nationals, please visit the gov.uk website for up to date information about entry requirements for Uzbekistan. The website also provides vaccination advice as well as the option to sign up for Alerts so that you are aware if requirements have changed.
- Uzbekistan E-Visa Information: For most of our international customers, Uzbekistan offers a convenient e-visa system, making the visa application process straightforward and accessible.
- ✅ Who needs a visa?
You can check whether you need a visa on the official Uzbekistan e-visa portal. - Please travel with the same passport that you used for your e-visa application and also carry a printed copy of your e-visa with you.
- On our tour dates, our local team will register you with the local authorities for all hotel, camping and ger stays.
- For those considering independent travel before or after the tour, please be aware of the following:
- You must register with the local district OVIR (Department of Foreign Travel and Exit) within 3 days of your arrival. Saturdays and Sundays count as part of the 3-day period. If you travel to another city and plan to stay for longer than 3 days there, you’ll need to register again.
- If you’re staying at a hotel, the staff will register you. If you’re staying in a private house, your host should register you with their local district OVIR or on the electronic registration system, Emehmon. Tourist tax is usually included in the hotel bill, and private hosts pay the tourist tax on behalf of the guest.
- If you’re travelling in Uzbekistan in a camper van or staying in tents and camping, you must register yourself. Register online through the electronic registration system, Emehmon, within 3 days of arrival. When registering online, you’ll have to pay a tourist tax charge for each day of your stay. At the moment you can only pay the tourist tax online with an Uzbek debit card in local currency.
- The authorities will require a full record of where you’ve been in Uzbekistan upon departure. If you are unable to account for your whereabouts, or fail to get registered, you could get a fine for each day that is missing or late and possibly be deported.
Health, Insurance and Vaccinations
Travel Insurance
Mandatory for all participants and must cover:
- Medical expenses and emergency evacuation
- Cycling and adventure activities
- Loss or damage to luggage and hired equipment
- Trip cancellation or curtailment
- Insurance should be taken out at the time of booking
Health & Vaccinations
- Consult your GP or travel clinic at least 8 weeks before departure
- Follow advice from official travel health authorities
Climate
- Uzbekistan has a continental climate with dramatic seasonal contrasts:
- Summers: Hot and dry, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C (104°F)
- Winters: Average around –2°C (28°F) Can drop to –40°C (–40°F) in extreme cases
- The most pleasant months to travel are:Spring: April – May
Autumn: September – early November. During these seasons, the weather is warm, dry, with less intense heat - Occasionally wind and rain showers possible
- Cool nights — bring layers!
Equipment List
This is a flexible guide — please tailor it to your own preferences and needs.
Dress Code
- Women should carry a shawl or wrap to cover head and shoulders when not cycling.
- Everyone should wear baggy shorts (not Lycra) when off the bike.
Essential Cycling Gear
- Cycle helmet (mandatory – must be worn at all times while cycling)
- Sunglasses
- Water bottles or CamelBak
- Fingerless cycling gloves
- Cycling shoes
- Lightweight and heavyweight socks
- Padded cycling shorts
- Waterproof cycling jacket (breathable)
- Buff or neck warmer
- Warm gloves
- Down jacket
- Fleece jacket or pullover
- Thermal base layers for extra warmth (also useful on camping nights)
- Warm fleece hat
- Overshoes for warmth (optional)
Off-Bike Clothing
- Lightweight T-shirts
- Long-sleeved shirt
- Trekking shorts
- Trousers
- Lip balm and sunscreen
- Towel
Personal First Aid Kit (Recommended)
- Our guides carry group first aid supplies, but we recommend bringing your own small kit including:
- Paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets (e.g. Lomotil or Diacalm)
- Rehydration salts (e.g. Dioralyte)
- Antiseptic cream
- Throat lozenges
- Plasters (band aids)
- Nasal spray
- Eye drops
- Ear plugs
- Hand sanitiser
- Antiseptic wet wipes
- Insect repellent
Miscellaneous
- Energy bars, gels or snacks
- Energy or recovery drink powders
- Camera or head torch
- Travel adapter plug
Optional (based on customer feedback)
- Some riders have found it helpful to bring their own lightweight inflatable mattress (non-inflating sleeping mats are provided)
- Compact sleeping bag
- Adjust your kit depending on the season, expected temperatures and personal comfort needs.
Country Profile
- Republic of Uzbekistan
- Capital: Tashkent
- Population: 32 million
- Area: 447,400 sq km (172,700 sq miles)
- Major Languages: Uzbek, Russian, Tajik
- Major Religion: Islam (predominantly Sunni)
- Currency: Uzbek Som
- Life Expectancy: 68 years (men), 74 years (women)
Cultural Etiquette & Behaviour
- A handshake is common between men, often accompanied by a hand over the heart.
- When greeting a woman, a nod or placing your hand over your chest is more appropriate unless she initiates a handshake.
- Elders are highly respected — greet them first and use polite language.
- Dress Code: Modesty is important. Both men and women should avoid revealing clothing.
- Women should cover shoulders and knees, especially in rural areas and religious sites.
- Men should avoid wearing shorts in traditional areas.
Religious Customs
- Islam is the main religion, but Uzbekistan is largely secular.
- During Ramadan, be respectful if people are fasting — avoid eating, drinking, or smoking in public during daylight hours.
- Remove your shoes before entering mosques or private homes.
- Do not point your feet at people or religious objects.
Dining & Hospitality
- Guests are treated with great respect — expect to be offered tea or food when visiting someone’s home.
- Always accept tea, even if you don’t plan to drink much — refusing can be considered impolite.
- Meals begin only once the eldest or most honoured guest starts.
- Bread (patyr) is sacred — don’t place it upside down or discard it.
Photography
- Please always ask permission before photographing people, especially in rural areas.
- Avoid taking photos near military buildings, border posts, or airports.
Language Tips
- Russian is widely spoken in cities; Uzbek is the national language.
- Learning a few basic words or greetings in Uzbek (or Russian) will be warmly received:
- Salom – Hello
- Rahmat – Thank you
- Iltimos – Please
Cycle Tops & T-shirts
Our professional cycling tops are designed with three rear elasticated pockets to give you plenty of space for your cycling essentials and comes with a silicone bottom hem. Lined with COOLMAX ® to keep you cool and comfortable and ensure moisture wicking. Available in varies sizes so please refer to size charts for more information.
Accommodation
This is one of redspokes’ most adventurous tours, combining simple hotels, rural guesthouses and multiple nights of wild camping in remote mountain regions. The journey begins and ends in comfortable city hotels in Tashkent, Bukhara and Samarkand, but the heart of the tour lies in the Nuratau and Aktau mountain ranges, where options are rustic and chosen for their spectacular locations rather than facilities.
Across the 12-day itinerary you will stay in:
- 5 nights in hotels (Tashkent ×2, Bukhara ×2, Samarkand ×1)
- 1 night in a simple village homestay (Uhum Village)
- 5 nights camping in remote mountain valleys (Ortacheku Rocks, Aktash, Chuya, Maidan, Chinar)
- 1 night in simple cottages (Chash-Tapa / Bukhara outskirts)
Camping nights are set in beautiful, secluded landscapes with full support — tents, mattresses and meals provided. Facilities are basic (no permanent bathrooms) but the settings are unforgettable. The homestay night in Uhum offers simple but clean shared facilities and warm Uzbek hospitality, with traditional mattresses and home-cooked food.
Hotels in the historic Silk Road cities offer a welcome contrast, providing private bathrooms, comfortable beds and modern amenities after the remote cycling stages.
Expect:
- A true expedition mix of city hotels, simple guesthouses and multiple camping nights
- Wild mountain scenery and basic facilities
- Stays chosen for access, culture and adventure rather than luxury
- An authentic Silk Road experience from city to mountain
Dates & Prices
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