Itinerary:
Kyrgyzstan - The Shepherd's Way Cycling Holiday

The Shepherds Way

Day 1: Bishkek

Your redspokes Kyrgyzstan adventure begins in Bishkek, the laid-back capital nestled at the foot of the Tien Shan mountains. Upon arrival, you'll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Later in the morning, enjoy a relaxed city tour – a fascinating glimpse into Kyrgyzstan’s Soviet-era heritage and deep-rooted nomadic culture.

Highlights include Victory Square, Oak Park, the House of Parliament, Ala-Too Square, and more. We’ll also dive into the sensory overload of the colourful Asian Bazaar, where traders sell everything from fresh fruit to felt hats – a perfect intro to Kyrgyz life.

In the evening, we’ll gather for our first dinner together at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant. Expect hearty, meat-based nomadic dishes (vegetarians will be well looked after too). Afterwards, take a stroll through Ala-Too Square, where the fountains and lights bring the city to life after dark.

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2: Bishkek  - Balykchy - Kochkor (with a stop at Burana Tower)

With an early start, we leave Bishkek behind and drive to the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world and often referred to as the ‘pearl of Kyrgyzstan’. Framed by the snow-capped Tien Shan Mountains, the lake's dazzling turquoise waters have been a place of legend, once considered sacred and untouchable.  We will stop en route to visit Burana Tower, a historic minaret located near the town of Tokmok in the Chuy Valley of northern Kyrgyzstan, approx 80 kilometers east of Bishkek. It is one of the oldest architectural structures in Central Asia, dating back to the 11th century.  Now a protected UNESCO World Heritage Tentative Site, with a small museum nearby displaying archaeological finds from the area.  

After lunch, we begin our first ride of the tour, cycling along peaceful roads that pass by rivers, farmland, and remote hamlets. We ascend gently towards Orto-Tokay Reservoir, whose shimmering waters offer a stunning contrast to the rugged mountain backdrop. Our route finishes in the village of Kochkor, a centre for traditional Kyrgyz crafts.

Cycling Distance: 57km (35 miles)
Total Climb: 361m (1184ft)
Total Descent: 121m (397ft)
Accommodation:  Guesthouse (B,L,D)  

Day 3:  Kochkor - just before Jalpak Bel Pass

Today, we ride into the remote wilderness of the Tien Shan Mountains. The day begins with a steady incline that continues throughout, offering a solid warm-up for the higher passes to come. Our route winds along rarely-used dirt tracks, through spectacular gorges and past scattered yurts where nomadic herders live much as they have for centuries.

The scenery becomes increasingly dramatic as we ascend. With few vehicles and fewer tourists, this feels like genuine off-the-beaten-track cycling. Tonight, we camp under a canopy of stars at nearly 3,000m – the perfect setting for a true wilderness experience.

Cycling Distance: 96km (60 miles)
Total Climb: 1,360m (4,461ft)
Total Descent: 179m (587ft)
Accommodation: Tent (B,L,D)

Day 4: Jalpak Bel Pass- Eki Naryn

Today, our adventure continues over the Jalpak Bel Pass (3,348m), surrounded by breath-taking views of the Central Tien Shan. This high-altitude section offers a mix of challenging climbs and exhilarating descents as we ride through a landscape of alpine meadows, winding rivers, and distant peaks.

This is some of the most exciting cycling of the tour, with every turn revealing new panoramas. We end the day in Eki Naryn, a peaceful valley where the pace of life has barely changed in generations.

Cycling Distance: 76km (47 miles)
Total Climb: 680m (2,230ft)
Total Descent: 1,140m (3,740ft)
Accommodation: Tent (B,L,D)

Day 5: Eki Naryn - Naryn

We ride deeper into the heart of Kyrgyzstan, where mountain life thrives. The route is a mix of rough tarmac and dirt roads, with more steep climbs and rewarding descents. We pass grazing herds and traditional yurts, with endless views of the surrounding mountains.

Arriving in the small town of Naryn, nestled in a narrow gorge, we’ll have the chance to recharge, explore, and take care of essentials like laundry.

Cycling Distance: 67km (41 miles)
Total Climb: 480m (1,574ft)
Total Descent: 920m (3,018ft)
Accommodation: Hotel (B,L,D)

Day 6: Naryn - Kurtka

Our Kyrgyzstan cycling tour continues through mountain landscapes as we ride further onwards on traffic-free unpaved roads with more challenging climbs and exciting descents along meandering valley and mountain.  Tonight at camp you can indulge in the unique flavors of kymzy, a delightful beverage crafted from the nourishing milk of mares, truly capturing the essence of local culture and taste.

Cycling Distance: 99km (61 miles)
Total Climb: 520m (1,706ft)
Total Descent: 780m (2,559ft)
Accommodation: Tent (B,L,D)

Day 7: Kurtka - Son Kul South

We begin riding today with a challenging uphill cycle along a snaking route to the summit; at over 3346m the peak is higher than any Alpine pass and a great spot for a group photo. We follow a narrow road along the top of the mountain peak which leads us to the most famous place in Kyrgyzstan - Son Kul Lake. This is a wild mountainous area with a large nomadic population.

Remote from civilization, Son Kul Lake is a real encounter with unspoiled nature. At the end of the day we arrive at our camp. Tonight we will be staying in Yurts: a genuine Kyrgyz nomadic experience that will take you back in time. Made from felt and wood and held together with wooden sticks and strips of leather, it takes just one hour to collapse or to erect a yurt.

Cycling Distance: 50km (23 miles)
Total Climb: 1,660m (5,446ft)
Total Descent: 320m (1,049ft)
Accommodation: Yurt  (B,L,D)

Day 8 Son Kul Lake Rest Day

A day to experience and enjoy Nomad culture. This morning there is time to visit local ancient petroglyphs, created more than 2,000 years ago by shamen, and enjoy a panoramic view of the Son Kul Lake. Later you can ride a horse along the lake shores amidst beautiful scenery and feel the wind in your hair. There is also the opportunity to learn how kumis (a fermented drink) and kurts are made. Kurts are very salty or small cheese balls and a typical Kyrgyz snack.

Accommodation: Yurt (B,L,D)

Day 9: Son Kul Lake -  33 Parrots Pass - Son Kul Lake

Today’s ride takes us up to the legendary 33 Parrots Pass, also known as Terskey-Torpok Pass, hailed as one of the world’s most spectacular roads. Sitting at an altitude of 3,132 meters (10,276 feet), the road earns its quirky name from the countless sharp curves that snake their way up the slope. At the summit, cyclists are rewarded with sweeping panoramic views of the majestic Inner Tien Shan Mountains. Keep your eyes peeled along the way for the rich wildlife of the region, falcons and golden eagles soaring above the alpine meadows near Son Kul, while the surrounding mountains provide a remote home to deer, foxes, elusive Marco Polo sheep, and even leopards and wolves (though they tend to keep to the higher, more rugged peaks).

It’s the kind of ride that leaves your legs tired, your lungs full of mountain air, and your camera roll overflowing, an unforgettable day on the bike.

Cycling Distance: 54.8km (34 miles)
Total Climb: 420m (1,377ft)
Total Descent: 420m (1,377ft)
Accommodation: Yurt (B,L,D)

Day 10: Son Kul Lake - Chaek

Cycling from Son Kul Lake to Chaek offers a thrilling journey through Kyrgyzstan's rugged landscape. After 33 km of riding, we ascend over a mountain pass, rewarded with stunning views. We then pass Karakeche, Kyrgyzstan's largest coal mine, responsible for producing nearly half of the country's coal. The contrast between the remote natural beauty and the industrial scale of the mine is striking, making this route both scenic and significant. The ride continues through valleys toward the small town of Chaek.

Cycling Distance: 97km (60 miles)
Total Climb: 636m (2,086ft)
Total Descent: 1,860m (6,102ft)  
Accommodation: Guesthouse (B,L,D)

Day 11: Chaek - Kyzyl-Oi

Today you will enjoy more lovely scenery. Again we are likely to encounter nomads along the way. Setting off with a downhill ride we cycle to Kyzyl Oi through the Red Rocks Gorge. We enjoy riding through remote mountains and small villages. It is a stunning route of dirt track, old paved road and small villages. There is plenty of time to meet and engage with the friendly locals, always quick to smile and return a Salaam Alaikum. The rural areas of Kyrgyzstan remain unspoiled, traditional and rich in culture. At the end of the day we reach Kyzyl Oi. Views of these red mountains are absolutely breath taking, and there is no better way to end this fantastic, unforgettable cycling day. 

Cycling Distance: 43km (27 miles)
Total Climb: 395m (1,295ft)
Total Descent: 320m (1,214 ft)
Accommodation: Homestay (B,L,D)

Day 12: Kyzyl-Oi - Baytur

Our final day on the bikes will be mainly uphill. We ride through the beautiful Suusamyr Valley. The valley abounds with stunning panoramas encompassing mountains, verdant forests, glistening lakes, and meandering rivers. This breathtaking locale stands proudly as one of the premier tourist havens in Kyrgyzstan. Visitors flock to indulge in an array of exhilarating activities, including  rafting expeditions,  horseback rides, heart-pounding paragliding adventures, and even the unique seasonal tradition of partaking in kumis, a detoxifying drink made from mare's milk.

Cycling Distance: 56km (35 miles)
Total Climb: 710m (2,329ft)
Total Descent: 110m (360ft) 
Accommodation: Camp (B,L,D)

Day 13: Baytur - Bishkek

We drive back to Bishkek via the spectacular Too Ashuu Pass (3,000m), descending through dramatic alpine landscapes and deep valleys. Along the way, enjoy the changing scenery as we leave the mountains behind and return to the capital.

Once back in Bishkek, there will be time for some last-minute shopping – perfect for picking up local souvenirs, crafts, or a traditional Kyrgyz felt hat. In the evening, we’ll gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the adventure and reflect on the journey.

Accommodation: Hotel (B)

Day 14: Bishkek

redspokes Kyrgyzstan cycling tour ends today. You will be transferred to the airport for your journey home. Chon Rakhmat! Ak Jol - Thank you! Have a good flight!