12 Days Kyrgyzstan Cycling Adventure

Cycling Mountain Passes Supported Tour Challenging
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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!

Group Size: Minimum 2 people
Min. Duration: 12 days
Start/finish: Bishkek / Bishkek
Difficulty: Challenging
Trek style: Active Adventures
Accommodation: Guesthouse with twin room x 6nights
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

12 Days Kyrgyzstan Cycling Adventure Tour Map

✓ 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

Entry & Visa Requirements

• Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for up to 60 days for citizens of many countries. Please verify the specific visa requirements for your nationality before you travel.
• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure is required.


Accommodation

• 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.


Bike, Gear & Packing

• Bike Rental is not included. You must bring your own suitable bike or arrange a rental in advance.
• A sleeping bag is mandatory and must be brought with you.
• Essential cycling gear includes a helmet, padded cycling shorts, gloves, and basic repair tools. For clothing, layers are key, including a warm down jacket and waterproofs for high-altitude passes.


Meals & Water

• This is a Full Board tour, with all meals included from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12. Our team prepares hearty meals perfect for fueling your rides.
• Water provided during camping is from natural sources and is boiled. We still recommend bringing your own water purification tablets.


Health & Safety

• This is a physically demanding, high-altitude cycling tour. Excellent cardiovascular fitness is required.
• Mandatory travel insurance that covers adventure cycling and emergency medical evacuation is required for all participants.
• Phone signal and Wi-Fi are non-existent in most of the remote cycling areas. Prepare to be disconnected.


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.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How challenging is the cycling on this tour?
A: This tour is rated Challenging. It is designed for experienced cyclists with a high level of fitness who are comfortable with long ascents and multi-day riding at high altitudes (often above 3,000m). You will be conquering significant mountain passes like the 32 Turns Pass and the Ara Bel Pass.

Q: What does "fully supported tour" mean?
A: "Fully supported" means that a support vehicle accompanies the group throughout the journey. It carries your main luggage, all camping gear, and food. Our team sets up camp, prepares all meals, and provides logistical support, so you can focus purely on the ride and the incredible scenery.

Q: What kind of bike do I need for this trip?
A: A well-maintained mountain bike (hardtail or full-suspension) or a durable gravel/adventure bike with wide, puncture-resistant tires is highly recommended. The terrain is varied, so a bike that can handle both paved roads and rugged tracks is essential.

Q: What is the camping experience like?
A: Our team provides a comfortable field camping experience. We include spacious two-person tents, sleeping mats, a large dining tent with tables and chairs, a toilet tent, and even a shower tent. It's a comfortable way to immerse yourself in Kyrgyzstan's remote and beautiful landscapes. Please note you must bring your own sleeping bag.

Q: What is the "32 Turns Pass"?
A: Also known as the "33 Parrots Pass," this is one of Kyrgyzstan's most famous and exhilarating serpentine roads. It features dozens of sharp switchbacks snaking up the mountainside. The climb is a fantastic challenge, and the long, winding descent is a major highlight for any cyclist.


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