A memorable road trip to Pereval Ak-Bel'
Pereval Ak-Bel' is a high mountain pass at an elevation of 3.594m (11,791ft) above the sea level, located in the remote Issyk-Kul Region in north-eastern Kyrgyzstan, near the Chinese border.
Situated along the northwestern slope of the Ak Shirak ridge in the Tian Shan range, the road to the summit is totally unpaved. A 4x4 vehicle is required. Remember this is a mountainous area, climbing up a high mountain, with a notorius absence of oxygen. Altitude and extreme weather are always a factor. Always check the weather forecast before you start your journey: adverse conditions are common. Starting at the unpaved road to Kumtor mine, the road to the summit is 5.7 km (3.54 miles) long. The road is mostly flat.
Pic: Vitaliy Rage