Bike adventure tour in Kyrgyzstan: your best mountain bike vacations along the Silk Road

Bike adventure tour in Kyrgyzstan: your best mountain bike vacations along the Silk Road. Bike adventure tour through the mountains of Central Tien-Shan (Heavenly, Divine mountain) – almost 900 km on a dirt road through the high mountains, crystal lakes and rivers. We will cover the distance of 875 km, it will take us 16 days to pass steep, rocky and fascinating mountain passes and roads covered with dense fog: Tosor (3890 m), Kara-Keche (3370 m.), Too –Ashu (3400 m), Moldo-Ashuu (3240 m.), Mels-Ashuu (3420 m.), and Torugart (3752 m) – all of them are located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China.

Bike adventure tour along the Silk Road: guided cycling holidays

This will be your best mountain bike vacation!  No matter whether you’re looking for cycling holidays for singles or mountain bike vacations - adventure cycling along the Silk Road with BaiBol Travel’s professional guides will stick in your memory for evermore!

All along your cycling holidays, you will enjoy breathtaking views of high mountains, capped with snow, ravines, overgrown with beautiful pine trees and mountain rivers. Landscapes on your way will captivate you with its pristine beauty! We will pass through Suusamyr valley (2200 m) and AK-Sai gorge through Kapchygai to thermal healing springs Toguz-Bulak and the famous  Son-Kol (the Vanishing lake-3016 m), Chatyr-Kol (Heavenly lake-3530 m), Kol-Suu (3600 m) and Issyk-Kul lake.

Travel nomads: explore the cultural heritage.

Our bike adventure tour includes the monuments of ancient nomads. We will stop at stone caravansarai (coaching Inn) - Tash-Rabat, which was built in the XV century on the Great Silk road. During the ancient times it was a resting place for the traders and travelers heading to China and back, also it served as a shelter where people could hide from robbers, and just stay for a while during bad weather.

We will visit the Burana tower – a monument of the cultural heritage of Karakhanids epoch (medieval Turkic state 10-13 century, the territory of which spreads from Eastern Turkestan to the Amu - Darya river).

Also, you will see national nomad games where you can cheer for well-aimed archers, wrestlers on belts (kuresh) and horses (er - enish), – which would be those admired in horse games Ulak-tartysh (goat) and horse racing Kyz-Kuumai (catch the girl).

Enjoy your bike adventure tour along the Silk Road, acquiring the taste of nomadic life against the background of intact nature of Kyrgyzstan with BaiBol travel!

 

Book now from $ 1240

Tour characteristics

June - September
15 days
875 km
+8700 m  -10600 m
80 km, 2 h
Complexity: 

You are going to love it

  • Discover Bishkek city and the gorgeous National Park Ala-Archa.
  • Biking through the picturesque landscape to Chaek village.
  • Spending time on the shore of the Son-Kel lake to experience the nomad lifestyle.
  • Moving to the unique caravansaray of Tash-Rabat.
  • Visit the thermal hot springs Jyluu-Suu through Tash-Rabat village.
  • Program
  • Sights
  • Conditions and Recommendations
  • Track map
  • Book now

1 Day. Bishkek city - Ala-Archa national park

Meeting at the airport. After the hotel accomodation,  we will go for a small acclimatization ride to the national  Ala-Archa Park. It takes us one hour, to in be a place  surrounded by the high mountains, huge pines, beautiful waterfalls, thickets of currant, barberry, rose hips and sea buckthorn.

You will have a chance to climb to the foot of the glacier AK-SAI, by the way we can visit the Ratcek cabin (3200 m.), where many travelers and tourists make their forays to the mountain peaks: the Teacher (4527 m.), baychechekey (4515 m), solid Crown (4860 m), Boks (4240 m), Free Korea peak (4740 m) and the highest peak of Semenov-Tyan-Shan (4875 m).

We will have lunch in the mountains. On return will hold a briefing on the tour, we will prepare bikes for the upcoming track, we will have dinner and stay overnight in the hotel.

 

Locations

Bishkek
Alamüdün District
Cross country bike
Climbing
B L D

2 Day. Bishkek city- Kyzyl-Oy village

After Breakfast, we will drive to Too-Ashuu (Mountain pass), which is located in 135 km from Bishkek. The saddle height of 3400 meters, so the rise on the road is quite steep. Almost all the time we will be accompanied by cold, harsh winds blowing from the mountain peaks covered with snow caps.

On the other side of the pass, after driving through the tunnel, we will pass the Suusamyr  valley. It is situated at an altitude of 2200 meters above the sea level surrounded by the ridges of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too, Suusamyr -Too and Jumgal Too. The length of the valley is 155 km. The climate of valley is sharply continental, so summers are very hot, but after the sunset its better wear warm clothes.

After the descent into the valley, starts the road junction, where starts our bike ride by dirt road along the river Kokomeren through the village of Kozhomkul and Suusamyr. The latter, named after the village of Kojomkul, which was famous for its a 2.3 meter height and great strength. Dinner and overnight will be in guest house in  Kyzyl-Oy village.

Accommodation

Economy: Hotel
Standard: Hotel
VIP: Hotel

Locations

Jayyl District
Panfilov District
Cross country bike
53 km
+150 m  -720 m
B L D

3 Day. Kyzyl-Oy village -Chaek village

Today we will go by bikes passing a short segment of our route. In the morning starts the trek along the dirt road between the high red rocks of the steep canyon on the right, and Kokomeren river formed from the confluence of rivers Suusamyr and Karakol, East to the left.

A big part of our journey will consist of landscapes, green hills and valleys, and more dense vegetation at the river. Upon arrival in Chaek village will be accommodated in the guest house and have lunch. After a rest, you can look and walk around.

Accommodation

Economy: Guest house
Standard: Hotel
VIP: Hotel

Locations

Jumgal District
Jayyl District
Cross country bike
46 km
2-3 h
+230 m  -350 m
B L D

4 Day. Chaek village - Kara-Keche gorge

After Breakfast, continue the path. Cut a road through the hills, avoiding the main road with dense vehicle traffic. A picnic along the way or on arrival at the camp depending on the speed of the group. We'll pitch camp in one of the side of Kara-Keche gorge at the height of 2570 m., where we sleep in tents under the open sky.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Sights

Pass and the gorge of Kara-keche

Locations

Cross country bike
48 km
2,5-3 h
+920 m  -40 m
B L D

5 Day. Kara-Keche gorge - Son-Kol lake

We will go deep into the gorge, passing a dirt road, where is located the largest coal deposits of the country - Kara-Keche, its in the intermountain basin of the rivers Taxon-Tech and Kara-Keche at an altitude of over 2800 meters above sea level.

The ultimate goal of our route today - Son-Kol lake, will pass through the beautiful rocky mountains and which is popular for the cyclists and fans of Kara-Keche pass (3370 m). After descending we drive to Yurt camp located on the shores of  Son-Kol lake (3016 m).

The lake is located in the basin of the Naryn river and is one of the largest Alpine lakes in the world and the largest natural fresh water reservoir in Kyrgyzstan. In translation from the Kyrgyz language, "the Dream-Lake" means "the Last lake" or "the Vanishing lake". Dinner and overnight will be in yurts on the shores of this fabulous lake under the open sky.

Accommodation

Economy: Yurt camping
Standard: Yurt camping
VIP: Yurt camping

Sights

Pass and the gorge of Kara-keche

Locations

Ak-Talaa District
51 km
4-5 h
+965 m  -465 m
B L D

6 Day. Walk along the shores of Son-Kol lake

This day we will spend on the shores of Son-Kol lake. In the morning we will have horse-riding along the lakeside to the nearby peaks of the Moldo-Too, a Son-Kol-Too or Boor-Albas, where opens a lovely view of the entire valley.

Around the lake you can find traces of ancient nomadic culture is the rock carvings, burial mounds, stone sculptures – balbals. The most known ancient monument of the Son-Kol is made of eight stone blocks, a huge ritual hearth Tash-Tulga.

In the second half of the day you will have a spectacular cultural program - national nomad games where you can cheer for a well-aimed archers, wrestlers on belts (kuresh) and riding (er - enish), one of the teams in horse games ulak-tartysh (goat) and horse racing Kyz-Kuumai (catch the girl). Dinner and overnight will be in Yurt camp.

Accommodation

Economy: Yurt camping
Standard: Yurt camping
VIP: Yurt camping

Locations

Ak-Talaa District
Horse walking
B L D

7 Day. Son-Kol Lake - Baetovo village

Today you will have an opportunity challenge your skills of a cyclist, physical preparation and endurance. The cycle track along the dirt road starts with a little climb up to the pass Moldo-Ashuu (3240 m) and steep, but very picturesque serpentine descent.

From the pass you will see beautiful views of the high snowcapped mountains, gorges and slopes, covered with beautiful fir trees. Moldo-Ashuu often covered with a dense fog. During the descent you shouldn’t hurry and you need to be careful.

We will organize a picnic near the Naryn river. After we will pass through Taylak monument (national hero, who in the early 19th century led the struggle of the Kyrgyz tribes against Kokand conquerors). The rest of the way we will go by car. We'll set a camp under Mels pass (male name formed from the first letters of the names of Marx, Engels, Lenin and Stalin (3220 m.) behind the village Baetovo at an altitude of 2400 m. Overnight will be in tents.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Locations

Ak-Talaa District
Cross country bike
55 km
3-3,5 h
+215 m  -1630 m
B L D

8 Day. Baetovo village - Tash-Rabat caravansarai

Depending on the physical training and your desire of bike riding, this day, you can start from the campsite or from the Mels pass, where you'll drive the car. The end point of our journey this day will be the Yurt camp, located near stone caravansarai (coaching Inn) Tash-Rabat (3500 m), which was built in the XV century on the Great Silk road. In ancient times it was a place of rest and shelter from the weather and thieves for merchants and travelers heading to China and back. Overnight in yurts.

Accommodation

Economy: Yurt camping
Standard: Yurt camping
VIP: Yurt camping

Locations

At-Bashy District
Cross country bike
60 km
+1920 m  -1180 m
B L D

9 Day. Tash-Rabat caravansarai - Chatyr-Kol lake

We keep moving forward by bicycle along a dirt road to the highway Bishkek –Torugart. After passing 15 km the way becomes easier because the paved highway Bishkek-Torugart starts. Here we pass a checkpoint. This day, you can arrange horse riding through the Torugart pass (3752 m.), located near China to the next Parking lot camp lake Chatyr-Kol lake (heavenly lake 3530 m).

Chatyr – Kol lake is the largest freshwater Alpine lake in the country. It is a protected part of the Karatal – Gapirishga state reserve of international importance. Here you can relax on the shores of picturesque lake surrounded by fir forests and Alpine meadows. Overnight in tents or yurts.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Sights

Bishkek-Torugart route

Locations

At-Bashy District
75 km
+1100 m  -680 m
B L D

10 Day. Chatyr-Kol lake - Kol-Suu lake

Today is going to be one of the longest days of our route. Part of the way we will drive by car, another one by bicycles along a dirt road. The path will pass along the Ak-Say valley along the river Kok-Kiya, on the right and left of which are the mountain ranges: Naryn–Too, At-Bashi and Jana jer. The way opens the panoramic views of the Ak– Say valley and mountain river.

The trip will be passed through the shepherd (chabans) parking lot, where we see shaggy yaks, which are adapted in the high mountains and extreme cold. The landscape is very diverse, sagebrush plateaus and valleys alternate with high fir trees and thick vegetation. We'll set a camp in a few kilometers from the Kol-Suu lake. We will spend the night under the open sky in yurts or tents.

Accommodation

Economy: Yurt camping
Standard: Yurt camping
VIP: Yurt camping

Locations

At-Bashy District
Cross country bike
125 km
3-4 h
+680 m  -870 m
B L D

11 Day. Radial trekking to the Kol-Suu lake

Accepting your wishes we can have a walk to the shore of the lake by horse, and upon the arrival take a ride on a motor boat. Sometimes we will pass the marshland.

Kol-Suu is a beautiful Alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. The length of the lake, which was formed from a strong earthquake is 15 km and the water has a greenish color. Here, we may see mountain goats and sheeps and many trails of wild animals. Then we  back to camp where we will spend the night in yurts.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Yurt camping
VIP: Yurt camping

Locations

At-Bashy District
Hiking
B L D

12 Day. Kol-Suu Lake -Tash-Bashat village

The end of the point of our route today will be the Tash-Bashat village. 70 km way we can go by bike along a dirt road, which in some places will be replaced with the terrain. After lunch, continue the path on the machines. After passing the confluence of the Kichi-Naryn and Naryn we go to the Kapchygai gorge and set up a camp not far from the sources of Toguz-Bulak.

Counter landscapes will seduce you with its pristine beauty. The path goes through deep canyons, overgrown with tall pine trees and mountain rivers. On arrival, make camp, have dinner and spend the night.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Locations

Naryn District
Cross country bike
182 km
+2170 m  -3220 m
B L D

13 Day. Tash-Bashat village - Jyluu-Suu hot springs

Continue the cycle track. The road passes through a picturesque Kapchygai gorge along the Kichi-Naryn river and confluence with the river Archaly and Balgart. Dinner will be on the way. Next, you will go along the river, Jyluu-Suu to the eponymous healing thermal springs. On arrival setting a camp, dinner and sleep in tents outdoors.

Accommodation

Economy: Camping
Standard: Camping
VIP: Camping

Sights

Jyluu-Suu

Locations

Naryn District
Cross country bike
81 km
5-6 h
+1250 m  -580 m
B L D

14 Day. Jyluu-Suu hot springs- Kadji-Sai village

On the final using the bycicles  we should reach the highest point of the route which  is rocky, steep mountain Tosor pass (3890 m). Through it passes the road connecting Issyk Kul and Naryn regions. The climb to the pass will take place along the Uch-Emchek river. We will have lunch on the pass. Then descend to  Tosor village, where we will go by jeep to the  Kaji-Sai village, located on the southern shore of the famous Issyk-Kul lake. On arrival, accomodation in the guest house, have dinner and spend the night.

Locations

Tong District
Naryn District
Cross country bike
61 km
4-5 h
+1040 m  -2410 m
B L D

15 Day. Transfer Kaji-Sai village - Bishkek city.

Transfer to Bishkek. By the way we stop at Burana tower, a monument of cultural heritage of the Karakhanids epoch (medieval Turkic state 10-13 century, the territory of which stretched from Eastern Turkestan to the Amu - Darya river).

We will have lunch in Tokmok. On arrival in Bishkek, check-in at the hotel, rest and then go for a walk around the capital sightseengs. Walk through the capital's Central square Ala-Too, will see a monument of the hero of the national epic "Aikol Manas" Manas the Magnanimous, the exhibits of the State historical Museum, monument to the Soviet political leader Vladimir Lenin.

Also, we can  watch the changing of the guard at the flagpole with a height of 45 m, and then headed to the old square to the government house and the monument to the leader of the Alai Kyrgyz Kurmanjan Datka. After walk we will go to Central Department store (TSUM), where you can buy Souvenirs. On return, you will have a farewell dinner with  "baybol travel" team

Create your own group and travel profitably!

If you have been waiting for the right time to go on a journey in the footsteps of the ancient nomads of Central Asia, it has come! For the first time in Kyrgyzstan, "Baibol Travel" gives you a unique opportunity to travel at affordable prices, collecting a group of travelers from your relatives, friends, colleagues, as you are hungry for new experiences and incredible discoveries! We are happy to adapt our services to your requests and requirements, so we suggest you choose the conditions of travel with the comfort and conditions that suit you. The more people in your group, the greater the benefits will be received by all its participants!

Tour cost

The prices are indicated according to the classification of the tour and the number of people.

Number of persons / Class Economy Standard VIP
1-2 $ 2240 $ 2585 $ 3395
3-4 $ 1610 $ 1900 $ 2450
5-6 $ 1410 $ 1820 $ 2140
7-8 $ 1300 $ 1680 $ 1980
9-10 $ 1240 $ 1580 $ 1895

Conditions

Suite of services

VIP

Standard

Econom

Transport (all transfers according to the program)

premium class  SUV

high-class SUV

Class 4х4  MPV

Accommodation (in hotels, guest houses and yurts according to the program)

Auto tour support

Guide

Cook

Cook assistant (for groups over 6 people)

Bicycle mechanic

Horse guide

Horsemen

Horses

Meal 3 times a day (+ afternoon snack for trekking trips)

4 times a day

3-time

3-time

Tents for living

Tent kitchen and dining room (hangar for groups over 6 people))

Portable toilets

Sleeping bags

Mattress for hiking

Kitchen accessories

Riding helmet

Bicycle rent

Satellite-link communication

National games

National horse games

Workshops

Excursion

Folklore concert

 

Recommendations for velo tour

If you plan to travel by bicycle, then you need to be prepared for the fact that you have to transport a lot of things. The most cyclists realizes that they went on a journey with the excess weight of unnecessary things. As a result, they came to the conclusion that the less things they take, the more fun the journey. We highly recommend you to use our universal list of necessary things (the quantity can vary in the case of a complex tour), compiled specifically for bicycles:

 

  • tent, sleeping bag or mat (if not included in the list of things provided by the company);
  • backpack or travel bag + lightweight backpack not more than 30 liters (optional, for tours with auto-support);
  • thick pants - 2 pairs (not jeans);
  • thin fleece jacket or T-shirt (depending on the weather forecast);
  • light windbreaker (clothes should "breathe");
  • bike gloves (recommended, but not required);
  • bike shorts (recommended, but not required);
  • a raincoat or a waterproof jacket (in case of bad weather);
  • 2-3 pair of socks;
  • headdress (cap or bandana). Remember that during the day, you will have a helmet on your head;
  • clothes for sleeping accommodation in the tent;
  • warm loose clothing (if any, thermal underwear);
  • fleece sweatshirt / sweatshirt / jacket for the evening;
  • comfortable shoes without heels, 2 pairs: first one for an active day on bicycles (shoes must completely cover the foot, sandals are forbidden), the second for the camp;
  • bike glasses (not necessarily, but this is a good protection against wind and insects);
  • personal first aid set;
  • headlamp with a set of spare batteries;
  • sunglasses and sunscreen;
  • personal cleansing;
  • power bank.

Remember that you should always have 1 set of dry clothes. Be sure to check the weather forecast before the trip. More practical synthetic, quick-drying clothes. The raincoat should be tight and reliable. The clothes in which you will move during the day, should cover the elbows and knees, and also be tight enough.