What are the most spectacular roads in Kyrgyzstan?
Nestled in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan offers drivers a captivating journey through time and terrain. Its roads, ranging from the remnants of ancient trade routes to rugged mountain passes, tell stories of empires, nomads, and nature's grandeur.
The Pamir Highway stands as a testament to mankind's engineering prowess and the indomitable spirit of travel. As the second highest altitude international highway in the world, it offers views that are unparalleled, making every twist and turn a visual delight. The Torugart Pass, a significant border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and China, has served as a historical junction for cultures and trade, highlighting the country's position as a bridge between diverse worlds.
Then there's the Kok-Airyk Pass, a testament to nature's capriciousness. Open only during the short window of July and August, it challenges drivers with its unpredictable conditions, and rewards them with views that are ephemeral and enchanting. Beyond these iconic routes, the remnants of the ancient Silk Road meander through Kyrgyzstan, allowing travelers to trace the footsteps of ancient merchants and explorers. As one navigates the nation's roads, the juxtaposition of Eastern and Western influences, the echoes of nomadic tales, and the ever-present Islamic cultural nuances become evident.
In essence, driving in Kyrgyzstan is not just about reaching a destination; it's a journey through the pages of history, across the tapestry of diverse cultures, and amidst some of the most breathtaking landscapes on earth.
Terskey Torpok Pass: Ultimate 4wd destination
Pereval Teskeytorpo is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.160m (10,367ft) above the sea level, located in the Kochkor District of Kyrgyzstan.
A very bumpy, grueling road to Mingtur Pass
Pereval Ming-Tur is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.707m (12,162ft) above the sea level located in Ysyk-Köl, Kyrgyzstan.
Engilchek mine
Located in Ak-Suu District, southeast Issyk-Kul Region, in Kyrgyzstan, Engilchek mine was a tungsten, tin, molybdenum and other metals mine, topping out at 3.791m (12,437ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
The Wild Road to Uch-Chat Ashuu Pass
Uch-Chat Ashuu Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.731m (12,240ft) above the sea level, located in the Region Issyk-Kul, in eastern Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.
An awe-inspiring drive to Ak-Beyit Pass
Pereval Akbeit (Ak-Beyit Pass) is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.289m (10,790ft) above the sea level, located in Naryn Region, in the east of Kyrgyzstan.
Pereval Kara-Buura
Pereval Kara-Buura is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.301m (10,830ft) above the sea level, located in the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan.
Pereval Kizol-bel’
Pereval Kizol-bel’ is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.298m (10,820ft) above the the sea level, located in the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan.
A wild mountain road to Karakyr Pass
Pereval Karakyr is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.043m (13,264ft) above sea level, located in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest roads in the country.
Road A367
A367 is a high mountain road located in the Tian Shan Mountains, in the northern Naryn Region of Kyrgyzstan.
The road to Kalmak Ashuu Pass has taxed the nerves of more than a few drivers
Pereval Kalmakashu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.446m (11,305ft) above the sea level, located in the Naryn province of Kyrgyzstan.
Min-Kush Road
Min-Kush Road is a short mountain road located in the Jumgal District of Naryn Province of Kyrgyzstan.
River Kara-kysmak bridge
The River Kara-kysmak bridge is a wooden bridge located in the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.
Ozerny Pass is recommended for drivers with strong nerves only
Pereval Ozernyy is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,514m (11,528ft) above sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It's said to be one of the most treacherous drives in the area.
Driving a high mountain road to Kumtor Gold Mine
Located in the remote Issyk Kul province of Kyrgyzstan, Kumtor Gold Mine is the second-highest gold mining operation in the world, topping out at 4.460m (14,632ft) above the sea level. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
The Wild Road to Jalpak Bel pass
Pereval Dzhalpakbel is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.300m (10,826ft) above the sea level, located in the Region Naryn, in Kyrgyzstan.
Pereval Karakol
Pereval Karakol is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.485m (11,433ft) above the sea level, located in the Tian Shan mountains of Naryn province, in Kyrgyzstan.
Road A-364
Located in the Issyk-Kul Region, in the northeastern corner of Kyrgyzstan, the Road A-364 is a very exciting journey in the heart of the Tian Shan mountains.
Jonbulak Ashuu
The Jonbulak Ashuu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.018m (9,901ft) above the sea level, located in the Tian Shan mountains of the Region Naryn, in Kyrgyzstan.
Pereval Chamaldilga
Pereval Chamaldilga is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.414m (11,200ft) above the sea level, located in the Tian Shan mountains of the Region Naryn, in Kyrgyzstan.
The destryed road to Pereval Tong
Pereval Tong is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.012m (13,162ft) above the sea level, located in Issyk-Kul Region in north-eastern Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Driving to Kel-Suu Lake is only for special prepared vehicles
Kel-Suu is an alpine lake at an elevation of 3.525m (11,564ft) above the sea level, located in the At-Bashi District of Naryn Province of southeastern Kyrgyzstan.
Pereval Metrebel
Pereval Metrebel is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.916m (12,847ft) above the sea level, located in Osh Region, Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.
Sary-Chelek Lake
Sary-Chelek Lake is a high mountain lake at an elevation of 1.893m (6,210ft) above the sea level, located in Jalal-Abad Province in Western Kyrgyzstan.
Lenin Peak
Lenin Peak is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.623m (11,886ft) above the sea level, located in Gorno-Badakhshan (GBAO) on the border of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan.
How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Pereval Sarymoynak?
Pereval Sarymoynak is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3,133m (10,278ft) above sea level, located in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan.
The Road To Otmok Pass Has It All
Pereval Otmek is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.331m (10,928ft) above the sea level, located in the Jayyl District of Chuy Region of Kyrgyzstan.
Pereval Terek
Pereval Terek is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.374m (11,069ft) above the the sea level, located in the Talas Region of Kyrgyzstan.
Pereval Kum Bel
Pereval Kum Bel is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.256m (10,682ft) above the sea level, located in Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan.
Pereval Ayrytash
Pereval Ayrytash is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.882m (9,455ft) above the sea level, located in Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan. The climb is a series of narrow zigzags, with some impressive drops to the valley below.
Pereval Tjilbel
Pereval Tjilbel is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.256m (10,682ft) above the sea level, located in northern Naryn Region of Kyrgyzstan.
Highway A363/Issyk-Kul Lake
Located in Issyk-Kul Region, in the northeastern corner of Kyrgyzstan, Highway A363 is a very scenic drive running along the perimeter of Issyk-Kul Lake, the seventh deepest lake in the world.
Taking on the Twists and Turns of Road A371
A371 is the name of a high mountain road running through the south of Kyrgyzstan, from Sary-Tash to the border with China at Irkeshtam Pass.
Nichke pass
Nichke pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.925m (12,877ft) above the sea level, located in Batken Region of Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.
Pereval Chapchyma
Pereval Chapchyma is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.841m (9,320ft) above the sea level, located in Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan. The climb is a series of narrow zigzags, with some impressive drops to the valley below.
A wild road to Pereval Chon-Kokkiya
Pereval Chon-Kokkiya is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.790m (9,153ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
Pereval Tyuz-Ashuu
Pereval Tyuz-Ashuu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.408m (11,181ft) above the sea level, located in the southern part of the Jayyl District of Chuy Region of Kyrgyzstan.