Kyrgyzstan by Bike: Crossing the Tien Shan
Kyrgyzstan, thanks to its stunning natural landscapes, is often referred to as the Switzerland of Asia. In the south rise the Pamir foothills with what is considered the most accessible seven-thousand-meter peak in the world, Lenin Peak, while in the east, the relatively young and mysterious Tien Shan Mountains (Chinese: Heavenly Mountains) are still forming. The region is home to many inspiring seven-thousand-meter summits, among which Khan Tengri (the Mountain of Spirits) stands out, attracting climbers from around the world.
The Tien Shan is a network of dozens of valleys filled with green pastures, crossed by crystal-clear yet remarkably wide glacial rivers. The most famous glacier in this range is Inylchek, so vast that it can easily be seen from space. Kyrgyzstan is the country located farthest from the sea of all nations on Earth, yet it is home to the world’s second-largest mountain lake after Lake Titicaca.
Lake Issyk-Kul, where we will also swim, is set in an exceptionally scenic location. Snow-covered peaks rise dramatically to the north, while red rock formations dominate the southern shoreline. The main destinations of our cycling journey through Kyrgyzstan are the Tien Shan Mountains, approached from the north and east, and of course, the Inylchek Glacier. Along our route stands Khan Tengri itself. Do not worry, we will not ride to the summit, but we will choose a route that gives us a chance to see at least its silhouette.
We will ride close to the Chinese and Kazakh borders, reach elevations of up to four thousand meters, and swim in Lake Issyk-Kul. We will cross vast steppes and spend time in yurts, drink kumys and vodka, eat shashlik, and listen to traditional Kyrgyz musical instruments.
| Numer | Obtížnost | Termin | Ilość dni | Cena | Uwagi | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN-650-26 | 2-3 | do | 15 | 2490 EUR | BOOK NOW! |
ITINERARY:
DAY 1-2
Flight to Bishkek or Almaty. Transfer by minibus to the eastern part of the country. We will swim in the world’s second-largest mountain lake, Issyk-Kul (1690 m above sea level). Overnight in a traditional yurt in the Kok-Jaiyk Valley. Accommodation and bike preparation.
DAY 3
The first cycling day is a warm-up toward the mountains. We will see the rock formations of Jety-Oguz, snow-covered five-thousand-meter peaks, and grazing herds of horses. Then a long descent toward Karakol, where we stay overnight in a family-run guesthouse.
55 km, ⬆ 450 m / ⬇ 920 m
DAY 4
From Karakol, we ride to a mountain resort located in the unique Altyn Arashan nature reserve, home to around twenty snow leopards. Along the way, we tackle a demanding climb of several kilometers, crowned with an unforgettable view of the valley where we spend the night.
30 km, ⬆ 990 m / ⬇ 260 m
DAY 5
A rest day from cycling with a full-day trek to the mountain lake Ala Kul. This is the highest point of our trip, at 3903 m above sea level. After a day full of impressions, in the evening we will have the chance to regenerate our muscles in hot springs. Overnight in Altyn Arashan.
24 km, ⬆ 1800 m / ⬇ 1800 m
DAY 6-7
The next two days take us higher into the “Heavenly Mountains”. At first, we head east, still within inhabited areas, passing villages and pastures until the route turns south. Here we leave civilization behind and enter the high mountains via the Turgen River valley. On the second day, we cross the Chon-Ashuu Pass (3822 m above sea level), the only road connecting local residents with the outside world. We descend for the night into a scenic valley surrounded by impressive four- and five-thousand-meter peaks.
Day 6 - 66 km, ⬆ 1100 m / ⬇ 950 m
Day 7 - 65 km, ⬆ 1250 m / ⬇ 1250 m
DAY 8
We reach the almost abandoned Soviet mining village of Inylchek. We have half a day for rest, bathing in hot springs, and walking around this fascinating place.
21 km, ⬆ 250 m / ⬇ 370 m
DAY 9
We venture deeper into the largest national park in Kyrgyzstan. We encounter only shepherds and old, inactive mines. Following an interesting mountain route, we head toward the base camp from which expeditions set out for the “Mountain of Spirits”, Khan Tengri.
73 km, ⬆ 750 m / ⬇ 750 m
DAY 10
We ride into the scenic Sary-Jaz Valley. The route follows a glacial river and leads us almost to the border with Kazakhstan, into a valley of shepherds, yurts, and livestock.
63 km, ⬆ 1050 m / ⬇ 460 m
DAY 11
We pass another mountain ridge, and the road begins to descend through endless green pastures near the Kazakh border, where hundreds of grazing horses can be seen. Riding through the roads of northeastern Kyrgyzstan, we reach a camp by the Karkara River, which separates the two countries. At the camp, a well-deserved rest awaits us in a local bathhouse and sauna.
56 km, ⬆ 670 m / ⬇ 1450 m
DAY 12
The final day of our cycling challenge is the return to Karakol. We ride along the Tyup River, cross the Kyzyl-Kyya Pass, and descend on a long downhill back to civilization, with an overnight stay in a family-run guesthouse.
88 km, ⬆ 560 m / ⬇ 1000 m
DAY 13
After packing the bikes, we explore Karakol. We visit the market, the Orthodox church, and the Dungan Mosque, both notable for their distinctive wooden architecture. In this border town, we also have the opportunity to taste the specialties of Uyghur cuisine.
DAY 14-15
Transfer to Bishkek or Almaty. Depending on the place of departure, we visit Almaty or the abandoned Burana Minaret and Skazka Canyon. Return flight.
PRICE INCLUDES:
• support of an English-speaking tour leader
• local guide and driver
• accommodation (guesthouses, tourist bases, yurts, and tents)
• luggage transport in a support vehicle
• meals prepared by a local cook during the cycling section (8 days) plus breakfast in cities
• local transportation in Kyrgyzstan according to the program
• information packages
• entrance to Inylchek National Park
• permit for entry into border areas
• mandatory tour operator insurance
• personal accident insurance, medical insurance, and baggage insurance
• mandatory contribution to the state Tourist Guarantee Fund (TFG) per person
• mandatory contribution to the state Tourist Assistance Fund (TFP) per person
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE:
• airline tickets to/from Kyrgyzstan - we can help you select and buy a ticket
• bicycle air transport (sports baggage)
• meals in cities (Karakol, Bishkek, Almaty)
• fees for border-zone permits when registering less than 60 days before departure (minimum USD 80)
TRANSPORT:
A rugged off-road support truck will accompany the group, transporting luggage each day from one overnight location to the next. If necessary, it can also be used to transport tired cyclists.
ROUTE:
The level of difficulty is moderate. The route follows mountain roads with unpaved or heavily damaged surfaces, often beyond marked routes, and includes numerous climbs. Due to riding at high elevations above sea level, good physical and mental fitness is required. The average daily distance is approximately 50–70 km. The estimated total cycling distance is around 550 km with about 8000 meters of elevation gain.
BIKE:
We will be riding MTB bikes (hardtail or full suspension). Gravel bikes are not recommended. Cycling in Kyrgyzstan is demanding, and the terrain is not suitable for rigid bikes without suspension.
FOOD:
During the cycling expedition, we will be accompanied by a Uyghur cook who will prepare specialties of Kyrgyz cuisine, as well as Uyghur and Tatar dishes. During the trip, it is a must to try Tien Shan shashlik. In the cities (Karakol, Bishkek, Almaty), meals are individual, and prices in restaurants and shops are relatively low.
ACCOMMODATION:
In our own tents at locations selected by the guide. In cities, accommodation is provided in family-run guesthouses.
GROUP:
We travel in small groups. The minimum number of people on the trip is 8, maximum 15/16.
WEATHER:
In August, the highest temperatures are recorded, and the weather is stable. However, you have to be prepared for the changing mountain weather - rain or snow at altitudes above 3000 meters. During the day, the temperature is around 20-30 degrees.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
• The itinerary may change depending on the date of departure, weather, group speed, and other factors.
• Learn more about general conditions of participation and find out how to sign up for a trip.
• Attention! In case of the introduction of restrictions that prevent the implementation of the tour, we will refund 100% of the money paid up to 7 days from the date of cancellation of the tour.
• The organizer of the trip is Active Travel Agency Barents.pl
