We land early in the morning and take a bus to our hotel in the city. There, we'll rest and sleep in. Around midday, we'll enjoy a late breakfast, unpack our bicycles, and assemble them. In the afternoon, we'll explore Bishkek on a short guided tour that will take us to the lively bazaar and the city center. We'll end the day with a relaxing dinner together, sampling traditional Kyrgyz delicacies.

After a leisurely breakfast, we left the city and boarded a minibus that took us about three hours southeast. Our mountain biking adventure began at the Orto Tokoy Reservoir, situated at an altitude of 1,700 meters. First, we enjoyed a short descent along the mountain pass road before catching sight of the turquoise lake. After riding just a few kilometers, we arrived at its tranquil shore, a perfect spot to enjoy the peace and serenity of nature. The trail then leads us along the pristine Chui River. Soon, the first snow-capped peaks of the 4,000-meter mountains rise before us, nestled in a lush green landscape. After about 30 kilometers, we reach Kochkor, situated at an altitude of 1,850 meters. There, we spend the night with a warm and welcoming Kyrgyz family. Those who wish can also learn about traditional felt making in the village, a fascinating glimpse into the region's culture.

After a hearty breakfast, we set off on one of the longest stages of our trek. The gentle slope of the path allowed us to gradually acclimatize to the altitudes that awaited us in the coming days. The expansive Kochkor Valley, crisscrossed by sandy and gravel tracks, impressed us with its traditional agriculture and the majestic mountains that frame it. After more than 30 kilometers, we leave the vast plains behind and enter the main, barely traveled road that leads us to the Kyzart Valley. Here begins the most demanding climb to the Chaar Archa Pass. Upon reaching the summit, we are rewarded with a magnificent view of both valleys, a true highlight of the stage. The final stretch offers pure cycling pleasure: an 8-kilometer descent through wide meadows and a flowing trail that finally leads us to the valley floor, where our first campsite is located.

After our first night under the stars and a hearty breakfast, we set off for Son Kul Lake. The ascent took us 12 kilometers to the pass, at an impressive 3,220 meters altitude. Upon reaching the summit, we were rewarded with a breathtaking view of Son Kul Lake, a true highlight of the trip and, for many, the most beautiful place in the country. Situated at an altitude of about 3,000 meters, the crystal-clear waters of this 20-kilometer-long natural gem reflect the surrounding peaks and captivate with their unique scenery. A pleasant 4-kilometer descent through expansive meadows leads us directly to the lake's shore, leaving us in awe. Here we stop for lunch, and for the more adventurous, there's even the opportunity to swim in its refreshing waters. Afterward, we continue our journey along the picturesque plateau beside the lake until we reach our yurt camp. The tranquility and unspoiled beauty of this landscape are profoundly relaxing and will stay with us for a long time.

Along the picturesque shores of Lake Son-Kul, past grazing cattle and traditional yurts, we made our way to Terskey Pass, also known as the "Pass of the 33 Parrots." After the ascent, a spectacular view of the first fir forests typical of Kyrgyzstan's Tian Shan awaited us at the pass, a preview of the diverse landscape that lay ahead. The subsequent descent takes us to the Son Kul Valley, where we enjoy lunch with a backdrop of mountains and forests. After regaining our strength, we face the next challenge: the ascent to another mountain pass towards Naryn. This ancient garrison town on the Silk Road sits at an altitude of 3,013 meters and marks the next destination on our journey. We cover the final kilometers comfortably by minibus.

From Naryn, we follow the turquoise Naryn River upstream. The water, winding through the landscape, creates a diverse and breathtaking panorama. Along the river, we pass through several typical Kyrgyz villages, offering a glimpse into the rural life of the region. Our route follows magnificent trails, often alongside the steep riverbank. After a few short sections where we'll have to push our bikes, we embark on an exhilarating descent that takes us directly to our campsite, located at the entrance to a breathtaking gorge. A perfect place to relax and end the day.

For further acclimatization, today's stage takes us along the "Little Naryn." This morning, we'll cross an old wooden bridge and follow a narrow path that winds through a stunning gorge. At the end of the gorge, the landscape opens up, and we arrive at a remote mountain valley overlooked by the small village of Örük Tam. About 20 kilometers from the settlement, we arrived at our campsite. Surrounded by vast mountain landscapes and idyllic summer pastures, we enjoyed the tranquility of nature. We ended the night relaxing around the campfire: the perfect ending to this peaceful day.

This stage takes us through the breathtaking landscape of the Kyrgyz highlands, along the Balgart River. On either side rise glacier-capped mountains, while before us stretches the vastness of the Kyrgyz plateau: a sight that will be etched in our memories. Our destination is the Jylyy Suu hot springs, at an altitude of approximately 3,000 meters. There we will camp and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere while we prepare for the challenges of the following day and the next mountain pass.

The most exciting stage of our trek brings us ever closer to the imposing glaciers of the Tian Shan Mountains. We cross the Üch Emchek Valley, passing grazing yaks, and gradually gain altitude. The final, steep climb takes us to Tosor Pass, the highest point of our journey at 3,893 meters. There, directly in front of the glacier, we enjoy a quick snack and change our clothes before the next high point awaits. Ahead of us stretches a spectacular 37-kilometer descent to Lake Issyk-Kul. Initially, a technical scree trail leads us down, then it transforms into a gravel track and finally a picturesque path through meadows, offering breathtaking views of the lake. We'll stop for lunch halfway down to enjoy the magnificent vista of Issyk-Kul's crystal-clear waters. The descent continues along varied trails and paths, with an ever-changing landscape: from wooded slopes to strange gorges of reddish and yellow sandstone. Finally, we reach our destination: Lake Issyk-Kul, whose sandy beaches and crystal-clear waters invite us for a well-deserved swim. Afterward, we continue by vehicle to Yeti-Oguz, about 80 kilometers away, where we spend the night in the cozy cabin of our guide, Tilek.

Today we treated ourselves to a relaxing day at our charming accommodation and took the opportunity to visit the nearby rock formation "Yeti Oguz," which means "Seven Bulls." These striking red rocks, which probably once resembled the bulls depicted, are now eleven enormous boulders that create a fascinating contrast with the lush green valley. The provincial capital, Karakol, is also nearby. There's much to discover there: the lively bazaar, the famous Dungan wooden mosque, the Orthodox church, and the historical museum are just a few of the places worth visiting. Uyghur cuisine is highly recommended, especially the dish "Ashlamfu," which is very popular in Karakol. Those who wish can also visit Lake Issyk-Kul and relax there. Today we'll spend it at our own pace, according to our own desires and needs.

On our way back to Bishkek, we passed through numerous picturesque villages along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. The stunning views of the lake and the scenery along the way made the all-day return trip a truly enjoyable experience. Sadly, our journey was drawing to a close. In the evening, we'll reminisce about the past few days at a traditional restaurant, savor the excellent Kyrgyz cuisine one last time, and toast to an unforgettable trip. With countless cherished memories of Kyrgyzstan, we'll begin our journey home.

In the early hours of the morning, we boarded our flight back home. With suitcases full of unforgettable memories, we left Kyrgyzstan behind. The vast plains and majestic mountains will stay with us for a long time.