Way of the Caravan

Uncovering Forgotten Caravanserais

Scouting New Routes - Bikepacking Expedition

1st expedition - Along the South shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and through the plateaus of highlands.
2nd expedition - North to East of Issyk Kul Lake Basin.

1st Expedition

Along the South shore of Issyk-Kul Lake and through the plateaus of highlands.

Description and overall idea

In September 2024, while once again reviewing Google satellite images of the mountains in southern Issyk-Kul region, I came across an image that resembled the remnants of an ancient fortress on the banks of the Burkan River in its middle stretch. So far, I have not been able to find any writings describing this place or mentioning any research conducted there.
I have ridden through the Burkan Valley three times by bicycle so far, traveling from west to east toward the Arabel Pass. A couple of times, I stopped here to camp in the yurt of local shepherds. I have examined maps and satellite images of this area many times, yet I had never previously noticed the outlines of a lost fortress. The perimeter of this structure is identical to the well-preserved caravanserai of Tash Rabat and is similar to the ruins of the Tosor and Barskoon archeological sites.
Lost in the mountains, in the middle of the unknown, a forgotten caravanserai. I want to visit this place in the summer of 2025, to spend a day and a night there, to experience the silence in the heart of the unexplored, to take a deep breath, to feel myself as a lost pilgrim, endlessly gaze at the slopes of the mountains and the depths of the gorges.
Along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, several places still hold the ruins of forgotten caravanserais. They remain along the same roads that were traveled 1,500 years ago.
I want to cycle through these places, visiting ancient ruins of cities and caravanserais, Scythian burial mounds, and ancient tombs.

All are welcome to join this adventure.
4 riders will be accepted to the expedition.

Based on the results of the expedition, the final track and route description will be compiled, described and posted on www.bikepackingkyrgyzstan.cc for public access.

Total distance: 717 km
Duration: 8-10 days

Organization

When: July, 2025. Dates are not fixed.

Vehicles: MTB and Gravel bikes

Guide and tour coordinator: Malik Alymkulov - bikepackingkyrgyzstan.cc founding editor

Who: 4 riders are welcomed to join expedition

Unsupported: Participants are responsible for carrying most of their own gear, food, and supplies while riding.

Navigation: GPX file for your navigation app or dedicated device will be provided for download

Photography and Videography: There'll be many stops for photography as I will be doing some work for my The Last Nomad Republic photography project.

Join:
70€ per day for solo rider
100€ per day for group of 2 riders
120€ per day for group of 3 and more
a guided self-supported bikepacking trip
a bikepacking guiding service only
online planning and organization assistance included

How to join:
For more details send me e-mail through the form below or contact via Instagram direct message.

Archeological series:
Learn the first "Exploring Silk Road Ancient Cities" bikepacking overnighter route of the Celestial Archeological Series here.

2st Expedition

North to East of Issyk Kul Lake Basin.

Description and overall idea

Regions and places:
Sary-Özön Valley (along Chuy River) and Issyk Kul Lake Basin – traversing from the northern shore through to the eastern highlands.

Start: in Bishkek

Explore three biggest historical sites of the Medieval Silk Road Era of Sary Özön Valley: Nevaket, Suyab and Balasagyn, smaller settlement of Ken-Bulun.
Tackle the Kök-Oirock Pass 3889m.
Explore a couple of iconic places: petroglyphs of Cholpon Ata.
Follow the ancient caravan routes of the Silk Road that once traced paths along the Northern and Eastern parts of Issyk Kul Lake.

Locations: Karkyra, Jergalan, Chon Ashu Pass 3822m, Enylchek, Bays of Eastern shore of the Lake.
Uncover settlements, caravanserais, fortresses and memorial sacred places of earlier nomadic times.

Finish: in Kyzyl Suu, Issy-Kul Region

Date: 1st or 2nd of August
Total distance: apx 932 km
Duration: 10-15 days

A guided tour.
Exploration and Photography.
Slow pace.
Wild camping.
Self supported
Border Permit Requaired.
3 bikepackers are welcomed.
Price: 70€ per day max (guiding service only).

Based on the results of the expedition, the final track and route description will be compiled, described and posted on www.bikepackingkyrgyzstan.cc for public access.