Kyrgyzstan - Shepherd's Way
Shepherds Way

Tour Overview

Discover the little known, rarely visited Kyrgyzstan on our unique cycling holiday, journeying through a scenic backdrop of grand vistas, deep gorges, high snowy peaks, rural villages and glacial rivers.

Kyrgyzstan is dominated by mountains with over 90% of the land lying above 1000m. On redspokes’ Kyrgyzstan mountain biking tour you will cycle 2 passes above 3000m with the highest at 3364m. We begin cycling in the north east, alongside Lake Issyk-Kul (1606m). Situated in the spectacular Tien-Shan mountain range, this is Kyrgyzstan's largest lake and the world's second largest alpine lake after Titicaca in South America.

As we cycle south west we travel through areas cloaked in conifers and carpeted in wild flowers. We journey through meadow landscapes and enjoy magnificent glacial views. You will have the opportunity to ride a horse along the shores of the Son Kul Lake in true nomad style and visit the 2000 year-old petroglyphs carved by shaman.

Kyrgyzstan has re-emerged from the days as a Soviet Republic with its heritage and traditions intact. Along our route we experience nomadic culture and customs, enjoying local hospitality from shepherd families in their summer yurts amongst sparsely populated green mountains.

The route is mainly on unsurfaced tracks and road, where fewer than 4 to 5 vehicles travel each day with some challenging cycling over high mountain passes. You will have vehicle support throughout the trip. Tourism in Kyrgyzstan is still in its infancy and vast areas are largely untouched by development. Beaming smiles, open arms and unrivalled hospitality await you on this tour. Our Kyrgyzstan cycling tour is a rare opportunity to explore this undiscovered treasure in the heart of Central Asia.