SRMR-Inspired Bikepacking Routes in Kyrgyzstan | FreeBike.kg

Route ideas inspired by SRMR from FreeBike.kg

Inspiring options “following the tracks of Silk Road Mountain Race”. These are touring versions, not the official race route.

Route 1: Talas mountains and the road to Son-Kul (6–8 days)

• Start: Bishkek → transfer/ride to the Talas area.
• Days 1–2: gravel and old roads around Talas, gentle acclimatisation.
• Days 3–4: heading to higher passes, overnight stays in yurt camps.
• Days 5–8: riding towards Son-Kul on old roads similar in character to SRMR sections (no need to follow the official race track exactly).
• Finish: either descend to the main road and transfer back to Bishkek, or continue riding around the lake.

For whom: for those who want to feel the spirit of the race, but without extreme timing.

Route 2: High plateaus of Naryn and the road to the border (7–14 days)

• Start: Naryn (reach it from Bishkek by bus/transfer with your rental bike).
• Days 1–3: riding the plateaus south of Naryn, overnights in yurts or tent.
• Days 4–8: wilder sections towards Baetov and in the general direction of Torugart — terrain and atmosphere are very similar to the new SRMR 2026 sections.
• Days 9–14: extra days as a buffer for bad weather and additional side trips.

For whom: experienced bikepackers who already have multi-day, self-supported trips behind them.

Route 3: From the mountains to Issyk-Kul via Kegety and Kok-Airik (5–8 days)

• Start: Bishkek → approach ride to the foot of Kegety Pass.
• Days 2–3: climb to Kegety, high-altitude camping.
• Days 4–6: linking Kegety and Kok-Airik passes with an exit to the north shore of Issyk-Kul.
• Days 7–8: rest and an easy loop along the shore, then return to Bishkek.

For whom: bikepackers who want a “mini-SRMR” — short, but serious.

When to come and how to book a bike

SRMR is held in August for a reason: it’s the optimal window in terms of snow and temperatures for high passes. For touring bikepacking the season is a bit wider: roughly from late May to early October, but the highest sections are most comfortable from July to September.

To prepare for SRMR 2026 or simply ride parts of the race route:

1. Decide on your main goal:
• training and acclimatisation before the SRMR start;
• your own bikepacking route with elements of the race track;
• “dotwatching holiday”: ride during the day and follow the race on the map in the evening.
2. Book your bike in advance
• specify your height, preferred bike type (MTB for mountains) and dates;
• tell us what experience you already have with multi-day cycle touring.
3. Get our advice on route and gear
• we will suggest which sections are best suited to your level;
• provide up-to-date information on road conditions and mountain passes;
• help you build a basic gear list for mountainous Kyrgyzstan and high altitude.

Why FreeBike.kg is a good match if you dream about Silk Road Mountain Race

• Focus on bikepacking and mountain routes in Kyrgyzstan — we specifically work with those who come for multi-day trips, not just city rides.
• The right bikes for SRMR-like conditions — hardtail 27" and 29" MTBs with options to mount bags, low gearing and serviced suspension.
• Experience with international bikepackers — we understand what matters to you: reliability, clear pricing, help with logistics, route and transfers, not just “rent a bike for a day”.
• Support in case of a bike breakdown in remote mountain areas.
• Tech support via video call — we won’t leave you alone with your problem.
• Local knowledge — we live here, we know the roads, passes, seasons and weather, and we can honestly tell you where it’s better not to go.

Sources: themountainraces.cc, freebike.kg, bikepacking.com