12 Days Kyrgyzstan Cycling Adventure
Overview:
Pedal through mountains, valleys, and rivers, experiencing nomadic life at Son Kul Lake and conquering the 32 Turns Pass. Explore Ara Bel and Barskoon Valley, meet an eagle hunter, and end with a farewell dinner in Bishkek. A perfect mix of adventure, culture, and stunning scenery!
Tents shared two people x 4 nights
Yurts up to four people x 2 nights
Highlights:
Too Ashuu Pass & Suusamyr Valley: Cycle through one of Kyrgyzstan's most scenic mountain passes and descend into the tranquil Suusamyr Valley.
Son Kul Lake: Relax at the shores of this high-altitude alpine lake and stay in a traditional yurt camp.
32 Turns Pass: Conquer this exhilarating serpentine pass, famous for its sharp bends and stunning views.
Ara Bel Pass & High Alpine Lakes: Cross the majestic Ara Bel Pass, surrounded by serene mountain lakes and unspoiled nature.
Barskoon Valley: Ride through winding roads, stop at waterfalls, and hike amidst lush landscapes.
Eagle Hunting Demonstration: Meet a traditional eagle hunter and learn about this ancient nomadic art.
Cultural Immersion: Stay in guesthouses and yurts, savour local cuisine, and connect with Kyrgyz traditions.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bishkek
Upon arrival in Bishkek, our driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. This day is free for you to rest, adjust to the time zone, set up or rent your bike, and explore the city at your own pace before the tour begins.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Bishkek - Kyzyl Oi
Start in Bishkek, crossing the Too Ashuu Pass into Suusamyr Valley. Enjoy a thrilling descent, ride past scenic villages and the Kokomeren River, and then relax at a family-run guesthouse in Kyzyl-Oi.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Kyzyl Oi - Kara Keche Gorge
Cycle toward Chaek village, stopping to restock supplies and soak in the local atmosphere. Continue uphill at a steady pace to Kara Keche Gorge, home to the country’s main coal mine and dramatic landscapes. End the day camping near the gorge, surrounded by rugged beauty.
Accommodation | Tents
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kara Keche Gorge - Son Kul Lake
Start the day at Kara Keche coal mine, then ascend to 3300m for stunning views and a picnic at the summit. Continue to Son Kul Lake and unwind at a yurt camp by the shore.
Accommodation | Yurt Camp
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Explore Son Kul Lake
Cycle around Son Kul, enjoying breathtaking views from the western hills. Take in the lake’s beauty from different angles, then return to the yurt camp to relax and enjoy a hearty dinner.
Accommodation | Yurt Camp
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: 32 Turns - Naryn
Cycle through the thrilling 32 Turns mountain pass, famous for its sharp bends and stunning scenery. Enjoy the serene pastures and forested hills that make this route unforgettable. Before reaching the main road, a car will pick you up for a transfer to Naryn, where you’ll unwind at a cosy guesthouse.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Naryn - Eki-Naryn Valley
Transfer from Naryn to the scenic Eki-Naryn Valley, where the ride begins. Cycle uphill along the picturesque Kichi-Naryn River, surrounded by a stunning mountain gorge. After passing the gorge, enjoy an overnight stay in tents under the stars.
Accommodation | Tents
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Eki-Naryn Valley - Burkhan River
Ride higher into the mountains, following the river through untouched natural beauty. Enjoy a steady uphill journey with breathtaking scenery. Camp overnight in tents by the serene Burkhan River.
Accommodation | Tents
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Burkhan River - Ara Bel Pass
Cross the stunning Ara Bel Pass, surrounded by majestic mountains and serene high alpine lakes. Camp overnight by one of these picturesque lakes, immersed in the tranquillity of nature.
Accommodation | Tents
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Ara Bel Pass - Barskoon Valley
Descend through the winding road of Barskoon Valley, following the river downstream. Stop to explore waterfalls and enjoy a short hike. A car transfer takes you to a village near Issyk Kul Lake, where you’ll stay in a guesthouse with the option to relax on the beach.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Bishkek
Return to Bishkek, stopping in Bokonbaevo to meet an eagle hunter. Enjoy lunch en route, check into your hotel, and end with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.
Accommodation | Hotel
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Bishkek
On your final day in Kyrgyzstan, return your rental bike or pack your own. Our guide will then transfer you to Bishkek Airport for your departure.
Accommodation | No
Meal | Breakfast
✓ What's included
Airport transfers (arrival/departure)
English-speaking guide
All meals throughout the trip
Water supply
All transportation (before and after the trip, including transfers between destinations)
Accommodation as per the program
Camping equipment
Tents, toilet tents, shower tents, large cooking and dining tents, portable tables, chairs, etc., ensuring maximum comfort during camping.
Eagle hunting demonstration
✕ Not included
International flights
Sleeping bags
Bike rental
You can bring your own bike or rent one locally.
Travel Insurance
Beverages (except water and tea during meals)
Personal expenses and purchases
The cost for a private tent is USD $80 per person for the entire trip, covering four nights of tent accommodation.
ⓘ Need-to-know
ⓘ Health & Safety:
Water in camping areas comes from natural sources or rivers and is boiled before use.
We recommend bringing Micropur water purification tablets, as they are not available in Kyrgyzstan.
If you have any medical conditions, please inform us in advance and bring necessary medications.
Travel insurance covering high-altitude activities is required. Please make sure you purchase your travel insurance before start your trip.
ⓘ Accommodation Details:
Tents are shared between two people.
A private tent can be arranged upon request for an additional cost (see ‘Not Included Services’).
Yurts accommodate up to 4 people per unit.
If your group consists of 2 or 3 people, we will try to provide a private yurt, but this cannot be guaranteed, especially for late requests.
ⓘ Altitude & Weather:
Many cycling routes are at 3,000m+ altitude, so be prepared for high-altitude conditions.
Even in summer, temperatures at 2,500m+ can be cold, especially at night. Bring, Warm jacket & fleece / Warm pants, socks & hat / Gloves & thermal layers.
ⓘ Connectivity & Essentials:
Limited Phone Signal: Most cycling areas have no mobile network coverage.
Time Zone: Kyrgyzstan operates on GMT +6.
Showering Facilities: Showers are not available every day during the tour.
Sun Protection: Bring sunscreen and a hat to prevent sunstroke.
Vegetarian Meals: Available upon request in advance.
ⓘ Camping Gear:
Tents and sleeping mats are provided.
Sleeping bags must be brought by travelers.
ⓘ Additional information for the trip:
Day 1 in Bishkek has no scheduled activities. Travelers can rest after the flight, assemble and test their own bikes, or adjust rental bikes as needed.
Day 12: No accommodation is included on the final day. If you wish to stay an extra night in Bishkek, please inform your guide in advance—we can help arrange it at an additional cost.