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    #17 Cycling Switzerland to Southeast Asia: Uzbek Desert to Samarkand



    This week, we continued our journey from Bukhara to Samarkand, crossing the vast Uzbek desert to truly experience the landscape and isolation it offers. The road ahead stretched over 100 kilometers, with just one small village in between — the only place to refill water, rest in the shade, and camp during the night.

    One evening, we camped in the garden of a family-run restaurant. They not only welcomed us warmly but also shared traditional Uzbek food, once again showing the incredible hospitality of this country.

    Arriving in Samarkand, one of the most iconic cities of the Silk Road, we spent a few days exploring its rich cultural and architectural heritage. We visited the historic bazaar, the majestic Registan Square, the madrasahs, and several beautiful mosques, each filled with history and intricate design.

    Spending time in Samarkand allowed us to connect more deeply with Uzbek culture and understand why this city has been such a central part of trade, knowledge, and art along the ancient Silk Road.

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    7 Comments

    1. @ThePewe71 on

      Uzbekistan has friendly people. They are happy to welcome tourists and they also have impressive architecture and history. A beautiful vacation destination.

    3. @ΑΩ1388 on

      Writing from Redding, California.

      I finished Frankopan's 'The Silk Roads' recently, so it's very exciting to get some visuals on that history from you and Lara.

      I've always wanted to see the Karakum / Kyzylkum Deserts.

      I can't imagine the time and effort that must have gone into those otherworldly mosque tilings.

      10:08 I was really struck by the multicolored spice mound at the market. It was a work of art in itself.

      I'm already looking forward to your (my) next destination.

      Thanks again for another gorgeous video!

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