It is June 2025 and I’ve been traveling in Central Asia for a few weeks now. At the moment I’m on my way in mountainous Kyrgyzstan, with my own campervan and dog, so special! Would you also like to read my first blog about Kyrgyzstan? Please click on this link! https://www.marianaroundtheworld.com/en/asia/camper-trip-kyrgyzstan-i/
Krasnyy Most, A365
Unexpectedly, I found a nice spot for the night just along the A365 road behind a restaurant. Wow, it is quite windy here! I get out of bed at night to move the camper a bit…
In the morning, we walk through the fields, where we find a beautiful skeleton of a cow’s head.
We continue on the A365, as today we have the Son Kul mountain lake on our agenda.
Mountain lake Son Kul
It turns out to be a difficult 50km unpaved road to the Son Kul mountain lake. After 30 arduous kilometers, I ask an Austrian parked along the side of the road how things are going. Ugh, that doesn’t sound good… the road is getting worse, impossible without a 4×4, according to him, muddy, and there was still snow this morning. It’s now 15 degrees Celsius.
We have to turn back, which is a real shame, but my advice: Kyrgyzstan is definitely one to do with mud tires, 4x4s, and good shock absorption!
So, 30 arduous kilometers back. By the way; the views along the way are phenomenal, I didn’t do this ride for nothing!
Naryn River
We park in the town of Naryn along the river and between the mountains at an altitude of 2,000 meters, a wonderful place to sleep 😍
It’s lovely here, we walk along the river, or rather, a swirling river! And two local boys want to be photographed, so sweet.
Oh well, the next morning there are other locals wanting to have their picture taken! How funny!
Tash Rabat
On the way to Tash Rabat a stunning route through the mountains, wow Kyrgyzstan is amazing!
Tash Rabat is a well-preserved Nestorian monastery from the 10th century, which served as a caravanserai along the Silk Road from the 15th century onward. I can just imagine caravan traders passing through here, traveling from East Asia to the West. A magical place! Lots of locals, yurts, horses, and, of course, tourists.
En route
I continue along the Silk Road towards Osh. The scenery is gorgeous! Rivers and mountains in all sorts of different colors, small villages, cemeteries in beautiful locations, and finally, our parking lot next to an abandoned farmhouse. In the middle of nowhere and complete silence, except for a massive thunderstorm that passes by.
I need to fill up with diesel because I won’t be finding any more gas stations anytime soon. Back to the village, where I buy a 10-liter bottle of diesel… a bit dubious, but it does smell like diesel! According to the gas station attendant, the gravel road to Osh is a good one. Great, we’re off!
It doesn’t take half an hour, and the gravel turns into a washboard, unpleasant. I have to drive 124 km to Osh on a washboard? And then huge puddles on the road, shortly after mud and even more mud. I can’t do this without mud tires and a 4×4. I’ll turn around again and make a NEW PLAN. Such a shame, because it’s supposed to be a magnificent mountain pass!
Issyk Kul Lake
I think it would be best to head back north, but first do some hiking and chilling at Issyk Kul Lake.
Traffic in Kyrgyzstan
Traffic in Kyrgyzstan can be quite challenging at times. For example, hardly anyone signals. This creates life-threatening situations because drivers will suddenly turn left on the highway… or stop for no reason. Drivers are also incredibly impatient and will stick to your bumper until they can overtake. They simply don’t like waiting and will honk immediately. Also, check out this video!
Change of plans
Meanwhile, I’ve made a NEW PLAN. I would also have liked to visit Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. But I’ve changed my plans:
1.Tajikistan, like Kyrgyzstan, is actually not easily accessible without a good all-terrain vehicle.
2.An important border in Uzbekistan is closed, and it’s going to be hot there next month, around 45 degrees Celsius!
So I’ll save a visit to these countries for another time!
We’re now traveling through Kazakhstan and continuing our journey into Europe. Want to read more tips and facts about Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan? Read my next blog post!
