Mountains and Meadows

The cyclists will pedal east through the arid landscape before climbing up into the foothills of the Tian Shan Mountains. Camping for the night near the Charyn Canyon, some riders may be tempted to test their rafting skills on the fast-flowing river but they would be advised to rest up for the upcoming climbs. The riders now enter Kyrgyzstan and head west along the southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, the 2nd largest alpine lake in the world and flanked by 2 mountain ranges that run its entire length. Riders will enjoy a rest day here, soaking up the incredible view and dinning on fish freshly caught in the lake.

Following yet another fragment of the ancient Silk Road, the cyclists will now challenge themselves with an epic ride through rural Kyrgyzstan - rough roads, winding rivers, endless hills, tiny villages, nomadic herders with their yurt camps, sparkling lakes - all set against the stunning back-drop of lush green meadows and snow-capped mountains that give this section its name. Don't be surprised if you are invited more than once to a yurt to share the traditional fermented mare's milk. Finally, the cyclists will pull into Osh, the country's oldest city, home to one of Central Asia's busiest and most interesting markets and the end to this beautiful and challenging section.

Highlights

• Kyrgyzstan - a cyclist's paradise
• Lake Issyk-Kul
• Spectacular mountain scenery
• Ancient city of Osh