{"id":7023,"date":"2022-03-09T18:32:44","date_gmt":"2022-03-09T17:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wobblyride.com\/?p=7023"},"modified":"2025-10-23T12:16:05","modified_gmt":"2025-10-23T10:16:05","slug":"cycling-in-kyrgyzstan-practical-bike-touring-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wobblyride.com\/pl\/2022\/03\/09\/cycling-in-kyrgyzstan-practical-bike-touring-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Cycling in Kyrgyzstan – practical bike touring guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Since I saw pictures of Karakol Valley on my friend’s Facebook, I have dreamt of cycling in Kyrgyzstan. This little-known post-Soviet country is sometimes called the Switzerland of Central Asia. In my opinion, Kyrgyzstan is like Switzerland but on steroids.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not only are the mountains 3000 meters higher than the majestic Swiss Alps. Unlike the Swiss, fully developed resorts with ski lifts, paved roads and restaurants everywhere, the valleys are vast and unspoiled. The colours constantly change in Kyrgyzstan: from green meadows to brick-red canyons, from azure lakes to straw steppes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Mountains near Jyrgalan<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
\"canyon<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cycling in Kyrgyzstan is not a piece of cake. It requires strength, endurance and good planning. The mountain passes will take your breath away (literally, because of the lack of oxygen). The constant fight against the washboard roads will remind you of all the worst swearwords you ever knew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But the unique mix of nomadic culture, soviet history and nature so stunning that it seems unreal will guarantee that every day in Kyrgyzstan will be an adventure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I visited Kyrgyzstan in the summer of 2019. This article was last updated in May 2024.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jak dojecha\u0107?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flights to Kyrgyzstan<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The easiest way to get to Kyrgyzstan from most locations is by flight to Bishkek. Most travellers from Europe and America will need a layover in Istambul. I flew from Sarajevo to Bishkek with Turkish Airlines and returned with the same airline from Almaty to Prague.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should also check the connections via Dubai with Emirates or Fly Dubai.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes, a cheaper alternative from Europe is to fly to Almaty in Kazakhstan. You can cross the border by bike (visiting the stunning Charyn Canyon on the way) or by marshrutka (minibus).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Read more about taking your bicycle on a plane and the requirements of different airlines here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dokumenty<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kyrgyzstan is the most accessible country in Central Asia. It offers visa-free entry for citizens of 69 countries, and citizens of most European countries can stay without a visa for 60 days. Check if your country is on the list on Caravanistan.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you want to stay longer, you can renew your stay by crossing the border and re-entering the country. I met a British guy who practically lived in Bishkek and went on a trip to Almaty every other month, not caring about the visa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"cycling<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Border permit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

To enter some border areas, you will need a special border permit. It usually costs around 20-25 euros. You will need it to visit Inylchek, Lenin Peak Basecamp, Chong Kemin Valley, Kel Suu, Chatyr Kol, and the Ak Sai Valley. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Contact CBT (Community Based Tourism Association<\/a>) for help organising it. It usually takes seven days, so reach out in advance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can find a map of areas requiring a border permit on visitkarakol.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Bike rental in Kyrgyzstan<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Most bicycle rental companies are in Bishkek. They offer modern mountain bikes equipped with rear racks and prepared for a long tour. Some of them only accept cash.<\/p>\n\n\n\n