**GREATNESS OF TIEN SHAN**
Welcome to the land of **pristine mountains, eternal glaciers, and powerful rivers**. Kyrgyzstan is the **purest embodiment of Central Asia**, nestled in the heart of the **great Tian Shan mountain range**. The name **"Tian Shan"** translates to **"Celestial Mountains"**, and as we ascend and descend the **winding roads**, we will witness **breathtaking panoramic views** and breathe in the **crystal-clear mountain air**.
Almost **90% of our journey** takes place at **altitudes above 1500m**, with about **one-third** exceeding **3000m**. Despite the heights, we will be surrounded by **lush green grasslands** and **dense coniferous forests**. The highlight of our adventure is visiting **Kyrgyzstan’s crown jewel**—the legendary **Lake Issyk-Kul**, one of the **purest lakes on the planet** and home to the **mystery of an ancient underwater city**.
This journey is not just about landscapes; it’s also about **immersing in the rich culture** of the local people. We will stay overnight in **authentic yurts**, explore **ancient monuments** left by the region’s earliest settlers, and experience the **warm hospitality** of the Kyrgyz people.
And the best part? **All of this – on a motorcycle!**
Route Description
Useful Information for Motorcycle Tour Participants
**Greatness of Tien Shan**
🗓 Duration: 12 days
🌍 Countries: Kazakhstan - Kyrgyzstan
📍 Start: Almaty
🏁 Finish: Almaty
🛣 Total Distance: approx. 3000 km
🏨 Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, tent camps
🚙 Support: SUV and a lead motorcycle guide
🏍 Motorcycle Fleet: Suzuki DRZ400S or Suzuki DR650SE
Day 1: Almaty
Arrival in Almaty. Airport pickup and hotel accommodation. Later, for acclimatization, our easy-going excursion begins with a
visit to Medeu – the highest-altitude ice rink in the world, located at 2100m in the Zailiyskiy Alatau mountains. This rink has seen 170 world
speed-skating records set here. Not impressed? Well, then the enormous dam, rising 150 meters high in the gorge to protect the city from mudslides,
will surely leave you in awe. You can even climb to the very top via a staircase with 842 steps and make a wish – as per local legend!
Next, we will ascend to the Shymbulak ski resort. After that, we’ll have lunch at a national cuisine restaurant near Medeu, where you’ll taste
delicious Kazakh dishes made from lamb and horse meat. After lunch, we will head to a Falcon Show. In the evening, you will enjoy dinner and meet
our support team. A well-deserved rest at the hotel before embarking on our amazing journey.
Day 2: Almaty - Bishkek
Wake-up. Breakfast. The long-awaited start into the embrace of the Tian Shan! Leaving the city, we will ride along the stunning peaks of the Zailiyskiy Alatau. Turning off the highway onto light off-road terrain, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vast Kazakh steppe. By noon, we will cross the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border. A bit of patience will be needed as we head towards Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan! Accommodation in a hotel.
Day 3: Bishkek - Lake Son-Kul
Morning in Bishkek. Breakfast. Leaving the city, we will pass through a series of villages where the borders between them are almost imperceptible,
except for road signs marking their existence. Then, we turn towards the Kyrgyz Range and begin the ascent to the famous Too-Ashu Pass.
This is a stairway to the heavens! At an altitude of 3600m, we will witness an astonishing panorama of the Tian Shan mountains.
Passing through the 4-kilometer tunnel at the top of the range, we will descend to the Kokomeren River.
The second half of the day will be a series of mountain serpentines, leading us to Son-Kul Lake, located at 3500m. This beautiful,
remote place holds a special aura – a romantic and peaceful atmosphere where one can truly connect with nature. Here,
we will taste traditional national dishes and spend the night in authentic yurts, listening to the songs of the ceaseless mountain winds.
Day 4: Lake Son-Kul
A day of rest and relaxation. Son-Kul Lake is the perfect place to experience true tranquility. We will enjoy traditional national meals and tea in a warm yurt, ride horses, or simply gaze at the lake while breathing in the fresh mountain air.
Day 5: Lake Son-Kul - Tash-Rabat Fortress
Morning wake-up, breakfast. After a good night’s sleep, we are back in the saddle of our iron steeds, continuing our motorcycle adventure across Kyrgyzstan.
We descend from Son-Kul Lake via the spectacular Moldo-Ashu Pass (3201m). By evening, we will reach the stone fortress of Tash-Rabat (14th century).
This unique building is located in the heart of the Tian Shan, constructed from stone blocks within a mountain at 3200m above sea level. After an excursion inside the fortress,
we will enjoy traditional Kyrgyz cuisine and stay overnight in traditional yurts.
Day 6: Tash-Rabat - Naryn
In the morning, we’ll take a break from motorcycles and ride horses – a great opportunity to feel like a nomad!
After lunch, we’ll get back on our motorcycles and head towards Naryn, a city nestled within a mountain gorge. Along the way, we may encounter
real nomadic families. We will stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Day 7: Naryn - Issyk-Kul Lake (Tamga)
This day is full of vivid emotions, as we climb the Tossor Pass, situated at an altitude of 4000m! If the weather permits and the snow does not block our path,
we will descend on the other side of this mountain ridge and reach Issyk-Kul Lake.
This is the second-largest high-altitude lake in the world (1608m above sea level). Often called the "Pearl of Central Asia," it is Kyrgyzstan's main tourist attraction.
We will stay overnight in Tamga on the lake’s shore. Here, you can relax, swim in the lake’s refreshing waters, or even enjoy healing mud baths.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse with locals.
Day 8: Issyk-Kul Lake (Tamga) - Issyk-Kul Lake (Bastery)
In the morning, we continue our journey. Today, we head to the stunning Jeti-Oguz Gorge,
where we will meet an eagle hunter who will demonstrate one of the oldest hunting traditions.
Jeti-Oguz is famous for its red rock formations, known as "Seven Bulls" (Jeti-Oguz), as well as the "Broken Heart" Mountain.
Next, we continue to Karakol, one of the oldest settlements on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. We will visit the Dungan Mosque,
built in a traditional Chinese style, followed by a visit to an old wooden Orthodox Church, constructed in the 19th century without a single nail.
From there, we return to Lake Issyk-Kul, this time traveling along its northern shore – a great opportunity to see the lake from all angles.
Day 9: Issyk-Kul Lake
A day of rest and relaxation – absolutely necessary after the constant ascents and descents through the Tian Shan mountains. We will stay at a lakeside resort on the shores of Issyk-Kul and enjoy a leisure day right here! Swimming, sunbathing, and mud baths will help us unwind and recharge for the next part of our adventure.
Day 10: Issyk-Kul Lake - Charyn Canyon
It’s time to leave beautiful Kyrgyzstan, cross the border, and return to the breathtaking landscapes of Kazakhstan.
Our destination is the stunning Charyn Canyon, one of Kazakhstan’s natural wonders. We will descend to the bottom of the canyon,
where we will spend the night in authentic yurts, the traditional dwellings of nomads.
All around us will be fantastic rock formations, surrounded by the mystical beauty of the ancient canyon.
Day 11: Charyn Canyon - Almaty
Our thrilling adventure is coming to an end. Full of unforgettable emotions, we will ride back to Almaty, the most beautiful city in Central Asia. In the evening, we will celebrate the successful completion of our tour in a restaurant, where you will receive certificates and gifts as a memento of this incredible journey. Overnight stay in a hotel.
Day 12: Almaty
TAfter a good night’s rest, everything will depend on your flight departure time – perhaps you will have a chance to explore Almaty a bit more. At the designated time, we will transfer you to the airport. This marks the end of your journey through Kazakhstan. Wishing you a safe flight and a smooth landing back home! These unforgettable days spent in Kazakhstan with the Silk Off Road team will remain in your memory for decades to come! 🌍🏍️🔥