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.

Torugart Pass is a border crossing between Kyrgyzstan and China

Torugart Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.752m (12,310ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and China. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Pamir Highway is the second highest altitude international highway in the world

The historical Pamir Highway (M41) is an excellent challenge for a 4x4 adventure travelers. Most of the road is paved (in very bad conditions) and stretches more than 1,200km between Osh (in Kyrgyzstan) and Dushanbe (in Tajikistan) through the Pamir Mountains. The road is heavily damaged in places by erosion, earthquakes, landslides, and avalanches.

Tossor Pass is a thrilling (scary) off road experience in Kyrgyzstan

Pereval Tossor is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.901m (12,798ft) above the sea level, located in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Highest roads of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is a high mountain country located in Central Asia. Over ninety percent of the country is mountainous territory, so almost any journey, anywhere in the country involves crossing over a mountain pass.

Driving The Wild Road to Song Köl

Song Köl is an alpine lake at an elevation of 3.048m (10,000ft) above the sea level, located in northern Naryn Province, Kyrgyzstan..

9 whiplash-inducing switchbacks to Töö Ashuu Pass

Töö Ashuu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.576m (11,732ft) above the sea level, located in the Chuy Region of Kyrgyzstan. This is definitely not a Sunday drive. Drive with care as this is a mountain road with dangerous drop offs.

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 the 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.

Conquering the Frightening Too Ashuu Tunnel: Navigating Kyrgyzstan's High Altitude Challenge

Töö Ashuu Tunnel is a high mountain tunnel at an elevation of 3.180m (10,433ft) above the sea level, located in the Chuy Region of Kyrgyzstan.

Moldo-Ashuu isone of the most extreme roads in Kyrgyzstan

Moldo-Ashuu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.346m (10,977ft) above the sea level, located in the Naryn province of Kyrgyzstan. It's one of the most famous hairpinned roads in the world.

The unpaved road to the top of Kegety Pass

Pereval Kegety is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.832m (12,572ft) above the sea level, located in the Naryn Province, northern Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Driving the Pamir Highway to Taldyk Pass

Taldyk Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.615m (11,860ft) above the sea level, located in the Alai Mountain Range of the Osh Province, eastern Tajikistan. The pass is traversed by the paved M41 highway (Pamir Highway)

A journey on the legendary Pamir Highway to Kyzylart Pass

Kyzylart Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.292m (14,081ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest roads of the country.

Tash Rabat Road is an extremely isolated drive

Located in the Naryn Province of Kyrgyzstan, Tash Rabat is a stone caravanserai (an extensive network of traveler’s inns along old caravan roads) in the middle of nowhere.

Pereval Barskaun: recommended for the drivers with strong nerves

Pereval Barskaun is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.760m (12,335ft) above the sea level, located in the Tian Shan mountains of the Region Issyk-Kul, in Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.

Here's How To Have The Ultimate Road Trip To Erkeshtam Pass

Erkeshtam Pass is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.838m (9,311ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and China. This is a popular border crossing for travelers journeying across Central Asia.

Seok Pass is a road you'll never forget

Seok Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.024m (13,202ft) above the sea level, located in the Region Issyk-Kulin of Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country. 

Crossing Dolon Pass is rather complicated

Dolon Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.030m (9,940ft) above the sea level, located in the Naryn Province of Kyrgyzstan.

A white desert road to Pereval Ala-Bel

Ala-Bel Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.175m (10,416ft) above the sea level, located in the Talas Ala-Too mountain range of Kyrgyzstan.

Dare to drive the dangerous Pereval Arabel

Pereval Arabel is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.839m (12,595ft) above the sea level, located in the Tian Shan mountains of the Region Issyk-Kulin in Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.

The Road To Chong Ashuu Pass Has it All!

Chong Ashuu Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.011m (13,159ft) above the sea level, located in the Tian Shan mountains of the Region Issyk-Kulin, in Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the highest mountain roads of the country.

Crossing the spectacular Naryn river bridge

Naryn river bridge is a wooden bridge located in the Naryn Province in central Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.

The Ultimate Guide to Traveling the Pereval Kaldama

Pereval Kaldama is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.992m (9,816ft) above the sea level, located in the Fergana valley, in southwestern Kyrgyzstan.

The road to Kara-Keche Pass is truly an unforgettable experience

Kara-Keche Ashuu Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.384m (11,102ft) above the sea level, located in Naryn province, Kyrgyzstan.

Crossing the Kyzyl-suu River Bridge in Kyrgyzstan

Kyzyl-suu river bridge is an iron bridge located in the Osh Region of Kyrgyzstan. It’s one of the most spectacular bridges in the world.