13 days Kyrgyzstan - on the trail of the nomads
Kyrgyzstan, also known as Kyrgyzstan or Kyrgyz Republic, can boast two of the highest and most pristine high mountain ranges on earth: Tian Shan and Pamir. This rough mountain landscape is the ideal backdrop for an adventurous motorcycle trip through Central Asia, on the trail of the nomads and the caravanserais of the world-famous, ancient Silk Road. Natural spectacles such as the crystal clear Issyk-Kul Lake, the heart of the Tian Shan, line the path and show that this barren, little-known landscape is home to an unparalleled diversity. Nomadic traditions have been preserved over the millennia and have been supplemented by oriental and Asian cultural influences. Kyrgyzstan is a magical country with an enchanting, unspoiled landscape that should be on every motorcyclist's wish list. Join us on an unforgettable motorcycle tour through Central Asia!
Routing
1. Day: Arrival in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
After arriving at Manas Airport, 25 km north of the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek, we drive about 40 minutes to the accommodation. Bishkek is located at an altitude of 700 meters at the intersection of steppe and high mountains. Accommodation is in a neat and comfortable local hotel. After the entire group has arrived, detailed instruction follows. You will receive all the necessary instructions for using the motorcycle as well as all information about the travel plan. After the introductory event, a test drive and motorcycle handover will take place. A mechanic is available to all participants right from the start to adjust the control levers, adjust the motorcycles and clear up any technical uncertainties.
2. Day: Bischkek – Suusamyr / ca. 160 km
Our motorcycle tour begins with a highlight, the drive into the impressive Suusamyr Valley, which is located in the heart of the Tian Shan. The tour takes us along the Töö-Ashuu mountain pass at an altitude of 3586m. This route is one of the most beautiful in Kyrgyzstan and is particularly popular with amateur photographers due to its diverse motifs. From the highest vantage point of the pass we get a unique view of the Suusamyr valley. The lush mountain meadows in the surrounding landscape are adorned with wildflowers in summer and are home to numerous herds of horses.
3. Day: Suusamyr – Songköl Lake / ca. 225 km
After a hearty breakfast we drive to an altitude of 3,016 meters to Lake Songköl, which is rightly called the miracle of Tian Shan. Here you can still experience the traditional way of life of the nomads up close: classic white yurts, hospitable shepherds and the typical yak herds. After lunch we visit the high-altitude, ancient rock carvings of the area, from where we can enjoy the beautiful panorama of the mountain lake landscape!
The overnight stay is something very special today, because it takes place in traditional yurts of the local nomads.
4. Day: Songköl Lake – Naryn / ca. 150 km
Our day starts particularly early today, but it's worth it! To experience the radiant sunrise with the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan as a backdrop is undoubtedly one of the most spectacular and unforgettable impressions of this adventurous enduro motorcycle tour. The sight of the red and gold fireball that heralds the day and is reflected in the crystal clear mountain lake will be with you longingly for a long time.
Such a successful morning puts you in the mood for further adventures. An energetic day full of scenic highlights awaits us, such as the Moldo Aschuu Pass panorama, the Pereval Teskeytorpo Pass and a hidden waterfall in the middle of this hilly, barren mountain landscape.
5. Day: Naryn – Torugart – Kel Suu Lake / ca. 200 km
The Kyrgyzstan motorcycle tour continues through this superlative landscape towards the Chinese border to the deep blue and crystal clear Kel Suu mountain lake at an incredible 3514 m.
Each participant receives a pass to be able to drive through the border post. Small souvenirs such as sweets, cola or cigarettes for the border guards in this remote area help to speed up the process at the border crossing.
For the ascent to the high-lying Kel Suu Lake, we need fresh energy and the best light conditions, so this part of the tour is on the following morning. There is the possibility to rent horses on site for a surcharge in order to reach our destination relaxed and in harmony with nature.
Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp near Kel Suu Lake
6. Day: Kel Suu Lake – Akmis – Naryn / ca. 200 km
True to the motto "The morning has gold in its mouth" we get up at 5 o'clock in the morning with the first rays of sunshine, enjoy a freshly brewed coffee and mount our horses in the direction of Lake Kel Suu. As a little extra, if you wish, you have the option of taking a boat tour on the lake in order to be able to admire this dream landscape from all angles. Upon return, a hearty lunch awaits us in the yurt camp. The subsequent return to Naryn takes an alternative route, the Akmis route.
7. Day: Naryn – Tosor-Pass – Kadshi Sai / ca. 250 km
Today the crossing of the majestic Tosor Pass (4,020 m) is on the program, one of the highlights of the trip. Our motorcycle tour to the Tosor Pass leads along the Naryn, the longest river in Kyrgyzstan with a total length of 535 km. We make a stopover at the confluence of the Kichi and Naryn rivers, whose panoramic view is perfect for beautiful landscape photos.
The route takes us through wild, untouched landscapes directly into the heart of the Tien Shan Central Massif. The ascent to the Tosor Pass is one of the most demanding but at the same time most beautiful stretches of our motorcycle trip in Kyrgyzstan. When we arrive at our destination, we are rewarded with a fabulous view of the second largest salt water lake in the world, Issyk-Kul (Issyk-Kul). After all the exertions of the day so far, there is a refreshing stop to rest and recharge your batteries in the midst of rough nature that makes the heart of every enduro motorcyclist beat faster.
8. Day: Kadshi Sai – Karakol / ca. 180 km
Offroad today we continue on our enduro tour along the south coast of Lake Issyk Kul towards Karakol. This mystical landscape is known for its breathtaking diversity, from fiery red sand dunes, coniferous forests with centuries-old massive tree species, lush alpine meadows with grazing yak herds to crystal clear mountain rivers and the barren mountain cliffs of the Tian Shan. A fulfilling feeling of solidarity with the wild nature of Kyrgyzstan sets in while the wind blows against you on impassable terrain.
9. Day: Day trip to Altyn - Arashan Gorge / ca. 80 km
Finally sleep in! Today our day starts with a later breakfast than usual so that you can catch up on some sleep. We start with a motorcycle excursion through the remote village of Teplokljuchenka to the mighty Altyn - Arashan Gorge.
Ten kilometers from Karakol, near Ak-Suu, hot springs arise that serve as therapeutic baths, hence the name meaning of Altyn - Arashan, "hot healing springs". The natural water temperature is almost 50 degrees and, in the right mix, promises pure relaxation in picturesque nature. A well-deserved icing on the cake after our long motorcycle trip through Kyrgyzstan.
As an option, we offer an excursion to the Altyn Arashan Gorge (80 km) comfortably by car with a driver. The price is approx. 130 euros per group.
10. Day: Karakol - Semjonovka - Grigoryevka Gorges - Tcholpon-Ata / ca. 220 km
On our motorcycle tour today we mainly drive on asphalt from the southeastern side of Lake Issyk Kul to the touristy northern shore. After 180 km at the village of Semjonowka we leave the tarred road to explore the gorge of the same name. Due to its crystal clear water from the pure mountain river Aku, it is very popular with locals and visitors alike. The river is bordered by a dense spruce forest, which fills the air with the wonderful aroma of its needles. Fish lovers will get their money's worth here, because the local specialty is fresh trout from the river rapids of the Aku, grilled or processed into Uha soup, a real treat!
11. Day: Kadshi Sai – Semjonovka – Grigorjevka Schluchten – Tcholpon-Ata / ca. 400 km
On our motorcycle tour today we mainly drive on asphalt from the southeastern side of Lake Issyk Kul to the touristy northern shore. After 180 km at the village of Semjonowka we leave the tarred road to explore the gorge of the same name. Due to its crystal clear water from the pure mountain river Aku, it is very popular with locals and visitors alike. The river is lined with dense spruce forest, which fills the air with the wonderful aroma of its needles. Fish lovers get their money's worth here, because the local specialty is fresh trout from the rapids of the Aku, grilled or processed into Uha soup, a real treat!
12. Day: Tcholpon-Ata – Bischkek / ca. 340 km
Our journey is coming to an end and the last stage of the motorcycle route leads through the narrow Boom Gorge to Bishkek. During the trip you can let yourself be enchanted again by the varied landscape and have to say goodbye to the now familiar peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. Upon arrival in Bishkek, the motorcycle will be handed over with subsequent transfer to the booked hotel.
In the evening there will be a closing dinner where we can review our trip again and remember the highlights of our adventurous Kyrgyzstan motorcycle tour of the past few days.
