MOTORCYCLE-TRIPS · ASIA
Motorcycle trip Kyrgyzstan – Turkey: Through Uzbekistan and Iran
This guided motorcycle trip from Kyrgyzstan to Turkey takes you on the second stage of our transcontinental route along the Silk Road. From Osh, you will roll through Uzbekistan with its trade cities Tashkent, Samarkand, and Bukhara, continuing through Turkmenistan and deep into Iran.
The Journey
By motorcycle from Osh via Samarkand and Iran to Erzurum
Your motorcycle journey begins in Osh, a vibrant city in southern Kyrgyzstan, known for its Islamic architecture and lively bazaars. From here, you cross the border into Uzbekistan and dive into the world of the Silk Road. Samarkand with the Registan Square, Bukhara with its Ark Fortress, and Tashkent with the Chorsu Bazaar show you why this route has fascinated travelers for centuries. After that, the motorcycle tour takes you through Turkmenistan and Iran to eastern Turkey – a ride that combines culture, history, and long stretches on two wheels.
Key Highlights of the Trip
Key Highlights of the Trip
Osh - Start and border to Uzbekistan
Your motorcycle trip starts in Osh, one of the oldest cities in Central Asia, known for its vibrant markets and Islamic architecture around the holy mountain Sulayman-Too. After the start, you roll through the Fergana Valley and cross the border into Uzbekistan. The destination of the first stage is Tashkent, the modern capital with the Khast-Imam complex and the bustling Chorsu market. This first stage of the motorcycle tour prepares you for culture, history, and the vastness of Central Asia.
Tashkent - Trip to Samarkand
Today the journey takes you through vast landscapes from Tashkent to Samarkand, the jewel of the Silk Road. In Samarkand, the majestic Registan Square awaits you, framed by three magnificent madrasas, along with the Shah-i-Zinda necropolis and the grand Bibi-Khanym Mosque. As part of your motorcycle journey through Uzbekistan, you will dive deep into the history of the ancient caravan routes here and experience why the city has enchanted traders and travelers for centuries.
Samarkand - Onward to Bukhara
From Samarkand, you continue your motorcycle journey to Bukhara, another treasure of the Silk Road. The old town of Bukhara is protected by UNESCO and houses the mighty Ark fortress, the elegant Bolo Haouz mosque, and the domed trading bazaars. Between mud walls and minarets, you can feel the heritage of the caravan era. This stage of the motorcycle tour through Uzbekistan offers you a deep insight into the rich history of Central Asia.
Bukhara - Border to Turkmenistan
Today you cross the border from Bukhara to Turkmenabat, an important trade city on the Amudarja River. Turkmenistan is one of the least traveled countries in the world, making this stage of your motorcycle journey particularly special. You discover the peculiar architecture and culture of this secluded country while preparing for the upcoming sections along the Silk Road. A day full of new impressions far from the usual travel routes.
Turkmenabat - Drive to Mary
From Turkmenabat, you roll on to Mary, which is known for its proximity to the ruins of Merv. Merv was once one of the largest cities in the world and a central station on the Silk Road. On this leg of your motorcycle tour, you explore the extensive remains of the ancient oasis city, whose walls and fortifications tell of a glorious past. The vastness of the Turkmen desert accompanies you on the way to Mary.
Mary - Border into Iran to Mashhad
Today you cross the border into Iran and drive to Mashhad, the country's most significant pilgrimage city. At the center stands the magnificent Imam Reza shrine, a huge religious complex that attracts millions of pilgrims. This stage of the motorcycle trip through Iran is a cultural highlight and shows you a deeply spiritual side of the country. Take your time to let the atmosphere of the city sink in before the journey continues.
Mashhad - Drive to Sabzevar
From Mashhad, the motorcycle tour takes you further to Sabzevar, a quiet town with a long history and traditional architecture. Here you can visit historical mosques and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere away from the large tourist crowds. The local cuisine invites you to take a break. This stage of the motorcycle journey through Iran offers you an authentic insight into the everyday life of the Iranian province along the old caravan routes.
Questions about the tour itinerary?
Our tour guide is happy to answer any questions about the day-by-day route, stops, and details.
Sabzevar - Continuing to Shahrud
Your motorcycle journey continues from Sabzevar to Shahrud, a city known for its traditional architecture and its location on the edge of the Dasht-e Kavir desert. Along the way, mountain ranges and wide plains alternate. In Shahrud, you explore local attractions and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the city. This stage of the motorcycle tour through Iran combines long stretches of riding with picturesque landscapes.
Shahrud - Drive to Tehran
Today you continue your journey to Tehran, the vibrant capital of Iran. Between modern boulevards and historic districts, you explore the National Museum with artifacts from several millennia and the sprawling Grand Bazaar. Tehran shows you the cultural diversity and the modern face of the country. This leg of the motorcycle trip through Iran offers exciting contrasts between tradition and the present.
Tehran - On to Zanjan
From Tehran you roll on to Zanjan, a city with remarkable Iranian architecture and a long trading history. Here, a visit to the historical sights and the local museum, which provides insights into the culture of the region, is worthwhile. On this stage of your motorcycle tour through Iran, the route leads through mountainous terrain with wide views. Zanjan is also known for its artistic knife crafts and craft traditions.
Zanjan - Drive to Tabriz
Your motorcycle trip today heads northwest to Tabriz, a city rich in history and culture. At the center is the Tabriz Bazaar, a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the largest covered market networks in the world. The Blue Mosque is also worth a visit. The vibrant markets and historical sites make Tabriz a highlight of the motorcycle journey through Iran, before continuing towards the Turkish border.
Tabriz - Border into Turkey to Ağrı
Today you cross the border from Tabriz into Turkey and drive to Ağrı in Eastern Anatolia. The city is located at the foot of the mighty Ararat mountain, whose snow-covered peak dominates the landscape. The drive offers you wide views of the highlands and marks the transition into the last country of your motorcycle journey from Kyrgyzstan to Turkey. The culture and nature of Eastern Turkey accompany you on this stage.
Ağrı - Drive to Erzurum
From Ağrı, you continue your motorcycle tour to Erzurum, a city rich in history in Eastern Anatolia. Here, you will find the old castle of Erzurum, the magnificent Çifte-Minareli-Medrese, and the vibrant Turkish culture. The route takes you through the Anatolian highlands with atmospheric panoramas. This stage forms a picturesque transition to the conclusion of your motorcycle journey and shows you the historical heart of Eastern Turkey.
Erzurum - Conclusion of the Journey
On the last day of your motorcycle trip, you explore Erzurum at your leisure and let the journey come to an end. Enjoy the local cuisine, visit more historical sites, and let the impressions from five countries and thousands of kilometers of the Silk Road resonate. Upon request, we can take you to the nearest airport, or you can continue your ride with our Transcontinental Tour to Germany. A worthy conclusion to this motorcycle tour through Central Asia.
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Trip includes
- All overnight stays in hotels or camps
- All meals during the trip
- German-speaking tour guide on the motorcycle
- Support vehicle for your personal luggage
- Travel protection certificate (insolvency protection according to BGB §651r) – mandatory for all OVERCROSS trips.
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Basic knowledge of riding a motorcycle is required. The route is long and predominantly off-road.
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Honda 250 CL or Yamaha Tenere 700 are available – motorcycles specifically designed for long journeys.
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The rides vary between 100 and 350 km per day.
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Yes, a visa is required for each of the countries crossed (Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Iran, Turkey).
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