Kok-Airyk Pass is only passable on July and August

Pereval Kok Airyk is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.850m (12,631ft) above sea level, located in the Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan. Driving through the pass, the driver will negotiate about 15 snaking sections of uncovered road with some stony places. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Kok-Airyk pass

Is Kok-Airyk Pass unpaved?

Set high in the Tian Shan mountains, the road to the summit, also known as Kök-Arik Ashuu pass, is totally unpaved, with numerous boulders and deep ruts throughout. 4x4 vehicles or enduro bikes only. Some local sources state the road is not passable anymore.

How long is Kok-Airyk Pass?

The pass is 69.2 km (42.99 miles) long running from Örnök to Ozerny Pass, on the border with Kazakhstan. Right at the pass there is an arch with a very optimistic inscription saying that the Cholpon-Ata-Almaty road has been built and international tourism can feel safe here.

Is Kok-Airyk Pass open?

This road is seasonally closed in winters and only passable on July and August. There are often rock avalanches coming down from the surrounding mountains which can close the road anytime.

When was Kok-Airyk Pass built?

Built from 1990 to 1991, atop the pass, if the weather is fine, there is a wonderful view of the Issyk-Kul lake and the snowy Terskey-Alatoo mountain ridge situated at the opposite side of the lake. The road crosses the Chong-Kemin National Park and offers an unforgettable panorama.
Pic: https://www.wikiloc.com/mountain-biking-trails/kok-airyk-pass-13698377/photo-8474860

 

 

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