Bishkek - Samarkand - Bukhara: the Stans Motorcycle Tour

Central Asia is an amazingly beautiful and culturally rich region. The famous Silk Road passed here. Samarkand and Bukhara are the pearls of medieval Islamic architecture and culture of that era. Tien Shan mountains, deserts, cotton fields, camel caravans, ancient fortresses of Khorezm - all this awaits you on this tour. We will pass through the territory of two former Soviet republics - Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, to show you best of Stans. Tour will be very diverse and eventful.

Bishkek – Samarkand – Bukhara is one of three tours we do in Central Asia. Two others are Kyrgyzstan 12 days ride and Pamir Highway, off road tour along the Pamir Tract, you can learn more about these tours in Calendar.

• Tour dates 2024: upon request
• Duration: 18 days
• Total mileage: 3850 km
• Tour level: Intermediate 
• Road description: 95% asphalt, 5% unpaved roads
• Price 6950 Euro with BMW F750/850GS
• Extra 7750 Euro for BMW R1250GS
• Price with own motorcycle: 3950 Euro
• Extra price for the passenger: 3750 Euro
• Extra price for single occupancy: 700 Euro
• Comprehensive motorcycle insurance: 600 EUR (no deposit needed, full coverage)

The price includes:

• Accommodation in 3-4* hotels (twin occupancy)
• Breakfasts
• Leading guide on a motorcycle
• Support vehicle
• Petrol 
• Excursions
• Technical support

The price doesn’t include:

• Meals (approx. 30 Euro per day)
• Air tickets

Route: where we will go

Bishkek – Toktogul – Osh – Samarkand – Bukhara – Tashkent – Tamga  – Bishkek

1. Arrival in Bishkek

Arrival, check into the hotel, briefing and signing all necessary documents, receiving motorcycles, welcome dinner

2. Bishkek – Toktogul, 281 km

After breakfast we leave the city along the M41 highway. This part of the road runs 3/4 through the Tien Shan mountains. After passing the payment post, we begin to climb to the Too-Ashuu pass (3100 m) and a narrow five-kilometer tunnel through it is waiting for us. Before climbing, it is highly recommended to dress warmly.

Lunch will take place in the Suusamyr valley after descending from Too Ashuu. The valley of the Suusamyr River is located at an altitude of more than 2000m. After it, we will have another snow-covered Alabel pass (3175 m).

3. Toktogul – Osh, 390 km

We continue riding along the legendary Pamir Highway (M41) in the direction of Osh. After the Toktogul reservoir, the road goes along the Naryn River, on which there is a cascade of three hydroelectric power plants.

Slowly descending from the mountains, we will find ourselves in the valley, it will become much warmer. In the valley, close to the very border with Uzbekistan, we will find ourselves in one of the most densely populated regions of Central Asia - the Ferghana Valley.

4. Osh – Kokand, 200 km

Today we cross the border and enter Uzbekistan. We are going to the city Kokand - the oldest city on the Great Silk Road. The city is rich in luxurious monuments and majestic madrasahs, and this is not surprising, because Kokand was the center of education and the development of sciences.

5. Kokand – Samarkand, 475 km

Today we have a long riding day, we reach Samarkand - one of the most famous cities in Uzbekistan and throughout Central Asia. An amazingly beautiful city filled with history and architectural monuments.

6. Samarkand, rest day

City tour with local guide and free time.

7. Samarkand – Bukhara, 273 km

After Samarkand we ride to Bukhara - another most significant historical city of Central Asia. We have to get there as soon as possible, as we’ll have a walk in very beautiful and interesting places.

8. Bukhara – Shahrisabz, 300 km

We continue our acquaintance with the cities of Uzbekistan and today we ride to Shakhrisabz - the historical center of which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The great commander Amir Temur was born in this city.

9. Shahrisabz – Tashkent, 390 km

Of course, we must visit the capital of Uzbekistan and walk along its streets. That's what we're going to do today.

10. Tashkent – Fergana, 315 km

The final city we’ll visit in Uzbekistan is Fergana. Slowly we ride there and in the evening we’ll have a short walk around the city.

11. Fergana – Osh, 120 km

We are leaving Uzbekistan and return back to Kyrgyzstan. We will cross the border in the same place where we entered.

12. Osh, rest day

We will stop for rest in one of the oldest cities in Central Asia. After breakfast - free time, because we must tidy up the equipment and ammunition before the continuation of the trip.

The main attraction of Osh is Osh itself, a city that is 3000 years old. Suleiman Mountain is within walking distance from the hotel, from where you can see the surroundings. For lunch, you need to try the famous Osh pilaf made from the famous Uzgen rice

13. Osh – Kazarman, 250 km

Today we have very picturesque road with serpentines, several gravel sections. From the top of the pass there is an excellent view of the serpentine. On our way we can meet camels. We stop for night in cozy local guesthouse.

14. Kazarman – Naryn, 220 km

One of the most difficult and interesting day of the trip is waiting for us. We need to cross the mountains We arrive in Naryn, check into the hotel, have dinner at the hotel restaurant.

15. Naryn – Tamga, 290 km

There is a good asphalt road from Naryn to Kochkor, it is part of the new silk road recently built by the Chinese. For lunch, we will stop in Kochkor, from where many tourist routes around the country begin.

On our way there will be a large artificial pond Orto Tokoy. This reservoir is filled with the waters of the Chu River and serves to irrigate the land. You can often meet camels near it

Before check-in we will go to see a gorge of the river Barskon, above which is located the largest in Kyrgyzstan and the third in the world Kumtor gold mine

A little aside, in the neighboring gorge of the river Tamga there is another sight of these places - the Tamga-Tash stone. This is a giant boulder, cut as if by a sword into two parts. Ancient Buddhist inscriptions encircle it around. There is a hypothesis that Tamga-Tash was a kind of exit point of the ancient silk road to Issyk-Kul, a wonderful lake view opens from it. We check in to the hotel, have dinner at the hotel restaurant

16. Tamga – Cholpon Ata, 285 km

First we ride to the Jety-Oguz gorge. It is covered with lush vegetation and received such an unusual name from the monumental ridge of red rocks "Seven Bulls". These rocks are so magnificent that they are depicted on Soviet postage stamps issued in 1968.

Then after visiting the Przhevalsky monument and museum in the city Karakol we will have lunch.

Continuing our way around Issyk Kul we will stop at hot springs 30 km from Cholpon Ata, where you will be able to swim in the thermal pools

Arrival at the hotel, dinner at the hotel restaurant

17. Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek, 270 км

First we move along the lake, then on our way there will be a large, artificial pond Orto Tokoy, this reservoir is filled with the waters of the Chu River and serves to irrigate the land.

In 90 km before Bishkek we will visit the open museum of petroglyphs and the Burana tower itself.

Arrival at the hotel, return of motorcycles, packing of luggage. Dinner at a city restaurant

18. Bishkek, departure