Bishkek to Kël-Suu Lake: 8 stops across Kyrgyzstan
The route from Russia through Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan with a length of. The journey includes visiting the capital Bishkek, overcoming a 3-kilometer tunnel connecting the north and south of the country, and reaching Lake Karasu in the mountains of the Naryn region.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Bishkek
- End
- Kël-Suu Lake
- Stops
- 8
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Bishkek
- Torugart Pass — 3 km Soviet-era tunnel connecting northern and southern Kyrgyzstan through high mountain range, critical infrastructure linking regions.
- Osh — Second-largest city in Kyrgyzstan located in the southern region, ancient historical center on the Silk Road.
- Sarychilak Lake — Well-known alpine lake in southern Kyrgyzstan, nearby waypoint and reference location for the expedition route.
- Song-Kol Lake — High-altitude plateau lake resembling Mongolian landscape, treeless alpine location hosting international cycling route checkpoint.
- 33 Parrots Pass — Famous mountain pass descending from Song-Kol plateau with winding road resembling a serpent shape, waterfall at base.
- Naryn — Historic city nestled between mountains in central Kyrgyzstan, supply point en route to high-altitude Kël-Suu Lake.
- Kël-Suu Lake — Exceptionally beautiful high-altitude alpine lake in Naryn region, primary destination and goal of the expedition series.
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- There are many spare parts and services for Lexus LX and GX470 cars in Bishkek, which makes it easier to maintain while traveling.
- Tip
- In Bishkek, exchange money and buy SIM cards before heading to wild areas where this will not be the case.
- Food
- At the market in Bishkek, buy groceries before leaving for the mountains, as there are few shops in remote areas.
- Tip
- The 3 km long Torugart Tunnel connects the north and south of Kyrgyzstan and is a toll road.
- Transport
- On dirt roads, release the tire pressure for a comfortable ride, like on a pillow.
- Food
- In Kyrgyzstan, try the local drink kumys (carbonated) and kukurud (non-carbonated fermented milk drink with a sour taste).
- Food
- Watermelons in Kyrgyzstan are very cheap, buy them in large quantities for a long trip.
- Where to stay
- On Lake Kel-Suu, a yurt costs 1200 soms, breakfast 500 soms per person, dinner 500 soms per person (two yurts for six people).
- Tip
- Parrot Pass 33 is named after a Soviet cartoon; From a height, the road looks like a snake. At the foot there is a waterfall, requires 10 minutes on foot.
- Timing
- During the international cycling season, Song-Kyol Lake can be overloaded with cyclists, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Transport
- On the route to Kel-Suu, dirt roads, swamps and fords are possible; Use an experienced guide for a new country to avoid losing your way.
- Avoid
- Do not drive around puddles in the fields - a swamp may be hidden under the grass, from which it is very difficult to pull a car out even with a winch.
Video on this route
Let's go to the most BEAUTIFUL lake in the world! / Kel-suu, Kyrgyzstan / Episode 1