Way of the CaravanUncovering Forgotten Caravanserais Scouting New Route - Bikepacking Expedition
Description and overall ideaIn 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: 716 km
Duration: 8-10 days