Bishkek is experiencing a period of rapid urban expansion, characterized by a sharp increase in population and vehicle density. Currently, government priorities lean heavily toward automotive infrastructure. Unfortunately, this often comes at the expense of public transportation, green spaces, proper sidewalks and dedicated cycling paths.
While a few cycling lanes exist, they are almost exclusively integrated into pedestrian sidewalks—and even these are frequently encroached upon by scooters and motorized two-wheelers.
For cyclists, the challenge isn't just within the city limits. Regional roads connecting Bishkek to nearby towns, as well as the narrow pavements between villages, are increasingly crowded.
For bikepackers looking to escape the city noise and traffic, finding a "safe exit" is essential.
I have mapped out two "Safe Exits" east of Bishkek. These routes allow you to leave the chaos of the city behind and head toward the legendary Kegeti Pass—the gateway to the Celestial Mountains—without having to share the road with cars.

What are these "Safe Exits"?
These exits utilize the gravel maintenance paths running alongside the Chüy Valley's irrigation canals. This canal system is vital to the region, feeding crop fields, five small hydroelectric stations and cooling the city’s coal power plant. For a cyclist, they provide a smooth, car-free corridor out of the urban sprawl.

• Exit 1: Great Chüy Canal

Coordinates: N 42.86567° E 74.71930°
Location: At the railway bridge in the Uchkun district, bordering the suburban village of Novopokrovka.

• Exit 2: South Chüy Canal

Coordinates: N 42.80483° E 74.71557°
Location: In the suburban village of Kara-Zhygach.

How to Reach the Exits?
To help you navigate to these gravel arteries, I have identified five Starting Hubs across the city. The routes from these hubs are designed to use the safest possible terrain: existing (though shared) bicycle lanes*, wide sidewalks, and quiet secondary backstreets.


The Great Chüy Canal (Exit 1 Route)
This path winds along the outskirts of several suburban villages and the town of Kant. It eventually passes the village of Ken-Bulun and continues toward Dön-Aryk and Kegeti Village—the gateway to the stunning Kegeti Valley.

• Note: This is a scenic detour, but it adds approximately 20 km to your journey compared to the South Canal route.

The South Chüy Canal (Exit 2 Route)
If you are looking for efficiency and aesthetics, this is the preferred choice. It is more straightforward, offers expansive views over the valley, and passes through fewer settlements. It is the fastest way to reach the mountains and eastern trailheads.

*Please be aware that all designated cycling paths in the city are integrated into pedestrian sidewalks. They are marked only by white or yellow painted lines; stay alert for pedestrians and obstacles.