Cycle the Wild Heart of Kyrgyzstan

If you arrive on one of the early flights this morning, meet your driver at the airport and hop in the short transfer to your hotel in central Bishkek. Join your guide and fellow adventurers for a welcome briefing, followed by a delicious Kyrgyz lunch. In the afternoon, after getting fitted for your bike, begin a warm-up ride around the backroads of Bishkek, taking in its Soviet-era architecture, leafy parks and bustling bazaars, experiencing the city’s unique vibe from a cyclist’s perspective. Tonight, you'll gather again for a welcome dinner offering a mix of the best local dishes and drinks – then, it's time to get a good night's sleep ahead of your epic cycling adventure through Kyrgyzstan.

After fuelling up at breakfast, hit the road heading toward the stunning Too Ashuu Pass, which sits at a breathtaking altitude (quite literally) of 3200m. Here, the cycling adventure begins, as you pedal along an old mining road that offers an exhilarating downhill ride into the Suusamyr Valley. The route winds down the valley and along the dry river bed, through lush fields to meet the main road. Along the way, you’ll make a stop in the charming village of Kojomkul to hear the captivating legend of a local hero, said to have possessed superhuman strength – so much so that he could carry his horse! The landscape changes as you ride through the dramatic red canyons carved by the Kokomeren River. Finally, reach your wild camping spot and settle in for the night under the vast Kyrgyz sky, surrounded by pristine nature.

The day begins with a short transfer to Kyzart village, where your cycling adventure continues. From here, you’ll begin the ascent toward Tuz Ashuu Pass (3200m), a jaw-dropping route that leads you through remote terrain, offering sweeping views of the majestic Song Kul Lake below. As with all remote adventure cycling trips, there will be a short section of hike-bike, where you may need to push your bike up some of the steep section from 2700m for the last 5km to the top. This is all part of the adventure, and a chance to stretch your legs and take in the scenery up close, the support vehicle will be on hand if you need to hop in. Once you crest the pass, you’ll be greeted with panoramic vistas over the vast, pristine pastures and the shimmering lake far below. Song Kul is a high-altitude steppe, encircled by snow-capped peaks, with a lake at its heart. During summer, nomadic families move their yurts and livestock to this idyllic setting, transforming it into a vibrant nomads' hub. As you descend from the pass, you’ll roll downhill toward the shore to reach the spot where you'll set up camp tonight, near the yurts of local shepherds. This is your chance to immerse yourself in the traditional Kyrgyz lifestyle.

Today’s ride takes you along the edge of the vast Song Kul Lake, where the terrain is mostly flat, but the wind can be fierce – this truly feels like cycling on top of the world! You’ll pass through a serene landscape dotted with nomadic families, with their herds of sheep, goats, and horses scattered across the windswept grasslands. Pedalling along, you’ll search for ancient petroglyphs etched into the rocks by the ancestors of Kyrgyz shepherds in the nearby hills, a fascinating glimpse into the region’s deep history. Reach a spot for wild camping on the southwestern shore, near the yurts of local shepherds. Kick back and enjoy some downtime this afternoon, soaking up the alpine setting, or perhaps take a short hike or dip your toes in the lake. In the evening, enjoy a magical stargazing experience under Song Kul’s pristine night sky, as your guide talks you through the constellations you'll be able to spot through telescopes.

Bid farewell to the tranquil pastures of Song Kul and head towards the iconic 33 Parrots Pass (3130m), one of the most exhilarating descents of the entire journey. As you wind your way down through the pass, the landscape opens up into the breathtaking Kara Unkur Valley. Pause to visit the Sharkyratma waterfall, tumbling down from the heights of Song Kul Lake. After descending to the valley floor, you’ll meet the support vehicle at the main road to transfer to the city of Kochkor. Along the way, you’ll visit a women’s felt-making cooperative – this is a fantastic opportunity to experience traditional Kyrgyz crafts and support local artisans. The day concludes at Roza’s farm near Kara Suu village, where you'll set up camp for tonight. In the evening, roll up your sleeves for a Kyrgyz cooking masterclass, savouring the delicious flavours of the dishes you prepare together.

After a short transfer, you’ll leave the Naryn region behind and enter the Issyk-Kul region, where the adventure continues with a challenging but steady 14km climb to Semizbel Pass, at 2700m. While the climb is tough, it’s a beautiful one – surrounded by rolling pastures and quiet villages. The final push to the top is steep, but everyone can ride at their own pace, take breaks as needed, and the support vehicle will be available if your legs need a break. Once the hard work is behind you, it's all downhill – enjoy the long, gentle descent through lush pasturelands, Kyrgyz villages, and traditional farms. Finally, you’ll reach the village of Alabash, where you’ll camp at Aibek’s farm.

Today, embark on an enjoyable downhill ride towards the stunning shores of Issyk Kul Lake, known as 'the Pearl of the Tian Shan', pedalling through changing landscapes. On your ride you’ll weave through the rugged Ak Say canyon, navigating its dry, sandy riverbed and making your way toward the remote, desert-like coastline of Issyk Kul. Arrive at Feel Nomad Yurt Camp and down your bikes for the day – if you wish, you can take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of Issyk Kul.

Start the day by soaking up the calm beauty of Issyk Kul’s beach, before hitting the road back to Bishkek. Along the way, you'll stop to meet Kurmanbek and Nazira, who will reveal the age-old secrets of Kyrgyz yurt craftsmanship. After a fascinating visit, continue the journey to Bishkek, where some well-deserved relaxation awaits. Once back in the city, you'll head to a modern spa centre for some pampering – here you can enjoy Russian saunas, a hammam, a salt cave, pools and more (entry to the spa complex is included and you'll be divided by gender, but massages and other special treatments will need to be paid for additionally). Refreshed and rejuvenated, join your group and guide for a farewell dinner in town.

Wave goodbye to Kyrgyzstan and head back to the airport in time for your flight home. Transfers to Bishkek Airport are included at any time you choose to depart today.