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.

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.

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.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 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 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 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 is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.256m (10,682ft) above the sea level, located in northern Naryn Region of Kyrgyzstan.

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.

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 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 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.

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 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.

Pereval Aktog is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.444m (11,299ft) above the sea level located in Ysyk-Köl, Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Kyndy is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.410m (11,187ft) above the sea level, located in the Naryn Province, northern Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Eshigart is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.135m (10,285ft) above the sea level, located in Osh Region of Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Maydantal is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.544m (11,627ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. The climb is a series of narrow zigzags, with some impressive drops to the valley below.

Altyn-Arashan is an alpine meadow at an elevation of 2.528m (8,293ft) above the sea level, located in Ak-Suu District, in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan. The road is very bumpy and can be a scary experience.

Pereval Chunkuris an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.111m (10,206ft) above the sea level, located on the border of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.

Pereval Karaashu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.310m (10.859ft) above the sea level located in Ysyk-Köl, Kyrgyzstan.

Kubaky Pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.168m (7,112ft) above the sea level, located in the Issyk-Kul Region, in the northeastern corner of Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Bedel is an international high mountain pass at an elevation of 4.093m (13,428ft) above the sea level, located on the border between Kyrgyzstan and China.

Pereval Ashpara-Ashuu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.871m (12,700ft) above the sea level, located in the Chuy Region of Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Mazar-Asjuu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.832m (12,572ft) above the sea level, located in the Chuy Region of Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Kitjine-Sarybeles is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.542m (11,620ft) above the sea level, located in the At-Bashi District of Naryn Province of southeastern Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrk-Kyz pass is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.222m (10,570ft) above the sea level, located in Naryn Province, in the east of Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Choloktor is a high mountain peak at an elevation of 3.618m (11,870ft) above the sea level, located in Jalal-Abad Region of Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Tyuzashu is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.400m (11,154ft) above the sea level, located in the Naryn Province, northern Kyrgyzstan.

Nestled in the heart of Kyrgyzstan, Pereval Soroka soars to heights of 3,560m (11,679ft) above the sea, offering an intriguing traverse through the Osh Region.

Base Camp Maida Adyr is a high mountain camp at an elevation of 2.600m (8,530ft) above the sea level, located in Ak-Suu District, southeast Issyk-Kul Region, Kyrgyzstan.

Pereval Akkyl is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 2.926m (9,599ft) above the sea level, located in the Jalal-Abad Region in western Kyrgyzstan.