Kyrgyzstan - The Shepherd's Way

Discover little known, rarely visited regions on redspokes unique Kyrgyzstan cycling holiday, riding 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 mountain cycling holiday you will cycle 2 passes above 3000m with the highest at 3364m. Redspokes Shepherd’s Way cycling holiday begins and ends in the vibrant Kyrgyz capital city Bishkek. We will transfer by vehicle to begin cycling from Lake Issyk-Kul (1606m) in north east Kyrgyzstan. Situated in the spectacular Tien-Shan mountain range, this is Kyrgyzstan's largest lake and the world's second largest alpine lake. 

We ride south west on our Kyrgyzstan cycle itinerary, biking through areas cloaked in conifers and carpeted in wild flowers, deep into the heart of Tien Shan Mountains. We continue cycling on winding roads along incredible gorges to reach the first of our high passes Jalpak Bel at 3348m. We enjoy cycling 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 2000-year-old petroglyphs carved by shaman. After enjoying a rest day, we cycle from Son Kul Lake to ride over the Kara Keche Pass, the highest point of our Kyrgyzstan cycling holiday. Cycling on with a downhill ride to Kyzyl Oi our Kyrgyzstan cycling holiday continues with a ride through the Red Rocks Gorge and through beautiful Suusamyr valley towards the Too Ashu pass. Too-Ashuu in ancient times was a key pass along the ancient Silk Road. Our cycling itinerary ends as the Too Ashuu ski base, from here we will transfer back to Bishkek.

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

The cycling tour route is mainly on unsurfaced tracks and road, where fewer than 4 to 5 vehicles travel each day with some challenging riding over high mountain passes. You will have vehicle support throughout the holiday. 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 our Shepherd’s Way itinerary. redspokes Kyrgyzstan cycling holiday is a rare opportunity to explore this undiscovered treasure in the heart of Central Asia.