I came to Kyrgyzstan for 3 weeks to do the Tian Shan Traverse. I was super excited to do something that looked totally epic and way more remote than the usual bikepacking trips I was used to. I spent 2 days getting to the top of the first 4000m pass only to encounter deeper and deeper snow. I got to within probably 300m of the top and could clearly see it but the snow was waist deep and it wasn’t too clear where the actual track was. So I had to make the massively disappointing decision to turn back. It’s just a little too early in the year for it and I probably would have encountered worse snow and/or impossible river crossings later in the route so I’m pretty confident it was the right decision.
I went back to Bishkek and planned a different route up into Kazakhstan. I headed to Almaty then round the south east corner of the country, back into Kyrgyzstan. A mix of road and gravel. Some brutal long straight roads in Kazakhstan that really sap your energy and are a little boring to be honest. But in contrast, some of the most beautiful off-road sections I’ve ever ridden.
Ended up having a real blast despite the early disappointment.
by ajackbot
3 Comments
Wooooow! What a trip!
Do you mind sharing the bag setup? Especially in the front. I have a Jack the Bine Rack myself and fitted a S/F Handlebar bag on it. What do you use? 🙂
Amazing trip, I’ve driven some of those roads and I’m awed by the fact that you cycled them. Well done!
awesome pictures, sounds like a great trip!