Uzbekistan Adventure

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 an abandoned Soviet-era space research center, 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.

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 Chervak area where wine is grown and where an abandoned space research center decays.
• 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 3000-year-old Petroglyphs of Sarmysh