A Mountain Bike Expedition Through the Heart of the Tien Shan

Kyrgyzstan is one of the last truly wild mountain countries in the world. More than 90% of its territory is covered by mountains, including the vast Tien Shan range, with peaks rising above 7,000 meters.

Hidden within these mountains are deep valleys, alpine lakes, remote nomadic settlements, and ancient caravan routes of the Great Silk Road. Here, life follows the rhythm of nature — herds of horses graze freely on the high pastures, shepherds live in yurts, and travelers are welcomed as honored guests.

This is not the Kyrgyzstan of crowded resorts or mass tourism.

This is a land meant to be explored slowly — by bicycle, on foot, or on horseback.

Our Mountain Bike Expedition Across Kyrgyzstan is designed for strong riders who want to experience the country in its most authentic form. Over thirteen days you will cross high mountain passes, ride along wild valleys, visit remote nomadic camps, and reach spectacular alpine lakes such as Song-Kol and Kel-Suu.

The journey combines challenging riding with vehicle support, allowing you to focus on the adventure while exploring some of the most remote landscapes in Central Asia.


Overview

A challenging MTB expedition across Kyrgyzstan’s wild Tien Shan mountains. Ride through remote valleys, high passes, and nomadic landscapes while exploring alpine lakes such as Song-Kol and Kel-Suu. The journey combines demanding riding with 4×4 vehicle support.

Quick Facts

Activity: Mountain Biking
Duration: 13 Days
Distance: 1,219 km
Total Ascent: 22,405 m
Max Elevation: 3,895 m
Season: June – September
Group Size: 4–6 riders
Accommodation: Yurts, guesthouses, camping
Support: 4×4 vehicle

Safety & Difficulty

Level: Very Difficult

This expedition includes long distances, high mountain passes, and remote terrain. Most riding takes place between 2,000–3,800 m altitude.

A 4×4 support vehicle accompanies the group, carrying luggage and providing assistance during difficult sections.

Who Is This Tour For?

Perfect for experienced mountain bikers looking for a real adventure.

Suitable for riders who enjoy:

• Long-distance MTB expeditions
• High mountains and remote landscapes
• Challenging off-road terrain
• Authentic nomadic culture.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Transfer from Bishkek to Kegety Gorge in the Kyrgyz Ala-Too mountains. After preparing the bikes, begin the first ride along the Kegety River toward the Kegety Pass.

Ride through alpine meadows and forested slopes before setting up camp near the pass.

Cycling distance: ~20 km
Overnight in tents.

Morning climb toward Kegety Pass, offering panoramic views toward the vast Naryn region. After crossing the pass, descend into the Dong-Alysh Valley and reach the Kochkor–Jumgal road.

Reach the shepherd’s yurt on the pass Kyzart. Dine and sleep in the yurt

Cycling distance: ~60-70 km
Overnight in a yurt camp.

A challenging but rewarding ride across several mountain passes. Cross Chaar-Archa Pass (3000 m) and reach Kilemche Jailoo, where a picnic lunch awaits.

Continue climbing toward Tuz-Ashuu Pass, descending to the spectacular alpine lake Song-Kol, one of the most iconic landscapes of Kyrgyzstan.

Cycling distance: ~50 km
Overnight in a lakeside yurt camp.

Ride along the shores of Song-Kol before crossing Moldo-Bel Pass. The long descent leads into the wide Ak-Talaa Valley.

Transfer by vehicle to the town of Baetov.

Cycling distance: ~60 km
Overnight in guesthouse.

Ride across remote high-altitude landscapes and semi-desert valleys toward Tash-Rabat, a 15th-century Silk Road caravanserai nestled among the mountains.

Cycling distance: ~80 km
Overnight in a traditional yurt camp.

Transfer to the Ak-Sai Valley at 3000 m. Begin cycling toward the dramatic cliffs of Kel-Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most remote alpine lakes.

The lake is hidden among towering rock walls near the Chinese border.

Cycling distance: ~70 km
Overnight in yurts.

Short horseback excursion to reach the lake itself — horses are required to cross the river leading to Kel-Suu.

After lunch transfer toward Naryn, with a scenic downhill ride from Kyndy Pass.

Cycling distance: ~10 km
Overnight in guesthouse.

Transfer to Eki-Naryn Gorge, where the ride begins along a wild mountain valley surrounded by dramatic peaks.

Camp near the Balgart River in the evening.

Cycling distance: ~70 km
Overnight in tents.

Ride along an old mountain road climbing toward Tosor Pass. In the afternoon transfer down to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and arrive in Tamga village.

Cycling distance: up to ~90 km
Overnight in guesthouse.

Transfer to Kyzyl-Suu Gorge and ride toward Jeti-Oguz Valley, famous for its red sandstone formations.

Continue descending through alpine meadows toward Karakol.

Cycling distance: ~20 km
Overnight in guesthouse.

Relaxing morning in Karakol. Optional city tour or visit to Ak-Suu hot springs.

In the afternoon transfer along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Tamchy village, with a stop at the Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs.

Overnight in guesthouse.

Transfer to Kol-Tor Pass. From here begin a challenging ride into the mountains of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, reaching Kol-Kongur Lake.

Descend into the scenic valley of Chong-Kemin.

Cycling distance: ~60 km
Overnight in guesthouse.

Transfer back to Bishkek (1.5 hours). Optional city tour and farewell dinner in the evening.

Overnight in hotel.

FAQ

The tours start upon request, please contact us. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.

After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.

The price of the tour depends on the number of people and the season. According to the request and interest, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.

The altitude is high and you will cross several mountain passes and most of the days will be long day biking among the steep mountain single trails up. We recommend you train with sport or jogging 2-3 times a week in the run-up to your trip.

First of all, you need to bring your own mountain bike and tools as well. In case your bike will be broken during the tour you should have the necessary spare parts to repair it.

Clothing for temperatures from +25C to -0C.

A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.

Overnights during the activity tours you will have overnight in tents but most of the overnights will be in the yurt camps and local homestays,

You can have a hot shower when you stay in the homestays and guest houses. The yurt camps around Song-Kul valley also can offer some shower facilities. But when camping stays and Kel-Suu area are not available to have a hot shower. If the group is big and has requested premium services in order to have a hot shower every day we can provide with mobile hot steam sauna and additional accompany staff for this.

The group will be escorted by car. All the luggage, mineral waters, and foods will be transported every day by car and generally all available mountain roads the car following you on the back. Just some single trails the cars will not able to follow you but they will be waiting for you at the head point where it is possible.

The basic hints for travelers.

  • During your travel time, please respect local culture, customs, traditions, and religion.
  • Try to buy local products and make a benefit for the local economy.
  • Always give fair prices for lodging, food and other services.
  • Take off your shoes, when entering home or yurt stay.
  • Smoking is prohibited at home.
  • Please share your ideas on food and accommodation preferences.
  • Ask people for photographing them.
  • Be friendly and try to get in contact.
  • Be careful during the evening and night time and aware of mass meetings.
  • Be careful with your documents, money and valuable items.
  • Be aware of pickpockets and strangers at bazaars and streets.
  • If someone asking for documents, wallets or cameras, saying that they are from the police, ask them to go police together.
  • Never give your belongings to strangers.
  • Wear good hiking shoes for outdoor activities.
  • Bring warm waterproof clothes even in summer.
  • Have your torch sunscreen and repellent.
  • Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
  • Drinking alcohol at high altitudes is unsafe.
  • If the food fat or not acceptable for you can taste a bit and say thanks.
  • Do not drink cold water after eating out, better hot tea or c It helps in high altitude digestions cases.
  • Wear warm clothes in the mountains, usually after eating out.
  • Bring your medicines and first aid kit.
  • If you feel unsafe or have issues to discuss, please share with your staff, host or tour manager.
  • Collect your litter. Pack up all non-biodegradable rubbish.
  • Please don’t drop cigarette butts or litter.
  • High altitude vegetation is very fragile. Save the environment.
  • Use toilets in nature wherever available. Where are none, stay at least 40-50 m from streams and water sources and bury all waste and paper.
  • Leaving footprints, take just your photographs.
Tour details
Type Cycling
Duration 13 Day
Group max 6
Difficulty
Accommodation Hotel, GH, Tent
Season Jul, Aug, Sep
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