Motorcycle travel Kyrgyzstan: Tien-Shan Tour

Today we pick up our motorcycles and set off on a really nice day trip. First, we head to Papansee, the large water reservoir near Osch. Then we cruise along unpaved gravel roads through green valleys and up to one of the many passes south of the city. In the afternoon, we roll back to Osch to the hotel along the well-developed road coming from China and Tajikistan – just the right start for our motorcycle journeys.

After a delicious breakfast, we say goodbye to our nice hosts and start the motorcycles. We drive up a valley, passing oil pumps, until we reach Mailu-Suu. On site, we learn more about the former uranium mining and the legacy issues hidden here - not as idyllic as it looks. Our goal for the day is a hotel right by the huge Toktogul Reservoir. The view over the lake to the hills on the other side is simply breathtaking 

Today we are going from Kyzyl-Oi to the remote yurt camp at the 3000 m high Songköl Lake – there is neither phone reception nor electricity, but nature in its purest form. The lake is located on a vast high plateau, where in summer, Kyrgyz shepherds graze their herds. The nights are usually cold and starry – perfect for admiring the sky after a long day of motorcycle travel.

Today we're going to take it a little easier. Anyone who still doesn't want to miss out on motorcycle riding can zoom over to the nearby Yssikköl – the second largest freshwater lake in the world. Perfect for enjoying the day in a relaxed manner on our motorcycle trips.

Today, landscapes, colors, and mountain ranges change almost hourly – a real adventure! The highlight is the 3400 m high Kulak-Ashuu Pass in the middle of the Tien Shan, the mountain range at the border with China, which gives our tour its name. The stage ends in Kazarman, the small gold mining town, where we can finally take a fresh shower again.

Today we travel along well-developed roads to the high valley of Sarytash, directly at the foot of the Pamir and the border with Tajikistan. Towering before us are enormous peaks rising up to 7000 m – impressive! Our goal is the base camp at the foot of Peak Lenin (7134 m), where yaks graze and we can enjoy the serenity in this magnificent mountain world.

We spend the last day of our tour relaxed in Osch. Anyone who wants can stroll through the bazaar or explore the city a little. Afterwards, we toast together to a really successful tour. Early the next morning, we head to the airport – with many memories of our motorcycle trips in our luggage.