Hiya,
We are a group of three in our first visit to Kyrgyzstan, and we are planning on bikepacking from Bishkek to osh and have a month from now the end of may, we have just arrived in Bishkek and are looking for some advice on current road conditions and if it is currently possible to go over the Kegeti pass? What level is the snow currently at?
Thanks for any advice or help you may have.
Danielle :)
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Hi Daniel,
I did Kegeti pass a few years ago, in the end of July, and there was some snow on top still, even though it didn't affect our progress. It is a fabulous mountain pass with great scenery. Once you descend it and get to a crossroads with a few yurts, turn right direction west. You will climb another pass (rocky at some points) and enter Karakol valley. This is a sublime valley.
If you still have some energy on your legs, on the way back to Bishkek from Kochkor, try cycle Shamshi Ashuu. It is just a small 4x4 track over mountains ending up into a hiking trail with lots of hike-a-bike sections. A lot harder and demanding than Kegeti, but also with impressive views and encounters on the way. Some info and photos in my blog (in Catalan, though):
- https://acopdepedal.wordpress.com/category/asia-central/kirguizistan/
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/128077807@N07/20853715098/in/album-72157648498219987/
- https://acopdepedal.files.wordpress.com/2016/03/kirguistan-en-bici-oxc3adgeno-nc2ba-84.pdf
Good luck!
G