Biking adventure in the heart land of nomads

Arrival in the morning at Bishkek international airport. After customs and immigration formalities, transfer (30 min) to the city center. Installation in a guest house for a few hours of rest. Drive to Ala Archa National Park. Colorful ride to the Aksai waterfall; picnic on the spot. Back to Bishkek for a first discovery of the city: the Red Square, the Flag, the Dubovy park and art gallery. Dinner in town and overnight in guest house.

We leave Bishkek for the west. the road gradually rises to the pass at over 3500 m. The splendid view on the Sussamyr valley. We leave the track for a path that will lead us in the valley. We hurtled over 600 vertical meters. We take the track to reach the Karakol town then of Kojomkul. Overnight in tents along the river Kekemeren.

We walk along the beautiful River Kekemeren, powerful water flows in a beautiful canyon. The slope is steady, pleasant track. We take full eyes. We stop at Aral village and leave the river behind us. Few kilometers and we are in Chaek village of Djumgal Valley. We drive a bit to reach our camp. Overnight in tents.

This step will allow us to reach the lake Song-Kul located more than 3000 m. A day under the sign of "effort". Indeed, the climb to the pass Karakeche however beautiful it is worthy of a big mountain stage of the Tour de France! After having reached the pass located at 3384 m the view is spectacular. Song-Kul Lake is nearby. Around the tens of small white dots, yurts camps Kyrgyz nomads. We take the old track that leads to the lake and our camp. Overnight in yurt or tent.

We leave to the north shore of the lake and pass of one yurt villages to another yurt village. We take the opportunity to soak us to the nomadic life. We share moments with them, oulak Tartich, Koumiss ... .. Overnight in tents.

Gradually we will be closer to the pass Kalmakashu after a stage among fishermen Song Kul. We leave the lake behind our camp at the foot of the pass. Overnight in tents.

To exit the "bowl" of Song Kul we must climb the Col Kalmak Ashu (3447 m) and approximately 500 m elevation. Once reached, a steep descent ahead of us to reach the valley and the village of Sary Bulak (2800 m). (option: through pastures of Ichke Ter) The landscape has changed, the area is drier. Overnight in tents near the Karakol river. 

This step takes us to the confines of a secluded valley civilization. Arid landscapes, but many wetlands provide sufficient water for some plantations in the valley. (45 km / + 500m.) Overnight in tents (2800 m).

In the morning, we attack the Japakbel's pass at 3300m. We descend to the confluence with the Little Naryn. Setting up camp at the confluence of two rivers: River Bolgart and Archali. Overnight in tents at 2725 m.

This day allow us to evolve as a first step in a broad valley (similar to a valley of Patagonia). The tops of the Terskey chain are all close. We will cross our path, herds of yaks. Then we gradually dive into a beautiful gorge where flows the powerful Kitchy Naryn. Nights in tents.

This day will lead you to the main city of Naryn Oblast. This time we follow  Naryn river which rises at the foot of the high Kyrgyz mountains (Pic Pabeda, Khan Tengry) and will flow into the Amur - Darya. In alpine valley region where we spend on the Kyrgyz cultivated wheat. Night in guest house.

Transfer day to the pearl of Kyrgyzstan, Lake Issyk Kul. This lake at 1600 m is the second largest mountain lake in the world after Lake Titicaca (Peru and Bolivia). Road through the Dolon pass and Kochkor. Camp near the lake. Night under yurts.

Day of rest, relaxation, swimming in the waters of Lake Issyk Kul. Overnight in yurts from May to end of September. In winter, night in homestay. (options : eagle hunting, visit of holy springs, visit of Ak-Say canyon, visit of Kyzyl Tuu village and yurt makers, visit of Skazka canyon "fairy tale".)

Morning, drive back along the shore of Issyk Kul lake, then descend slowly to the Boom gorge where we will have lunch. In the afternoon, we will visit the Burana Tower dating from the 11th century, the ancient capital of Central Asia. Arrival in Bishkek, dinner and overnight in guest house. (options : visit of Kyzyl Tuu village and its yurt makers, 2-3 hours rafting in Chuy or Chong Kemin river)

Depending on your flight time, your guide will join you to the airport and help you check in for your flight.  If your flight is later in the day your guide will show you more places in Bishkek before your flight.

We hope you enjoyed your trip to Kyrgyzstan and we hope you come back again to explore other counties in Central Asia with us.