© 2025 Eastern Blog / Stefan Schandera. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.
Kyrgyzstan, December 2024
December 2024
Kyrgyzstan Winter Road Trip (Issyk-Kul to Naryn)
Driving through a snow-covered, freezing high-altitude landscape is a truly unique experience. Issyk-Kul, the starting point of the journey, is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, often called the "Heart of the Tianshan." In winter, it offers solitude and icy winds—quite the contrast to the swarms of tourists in summer.
Heading south to Naryn along the Bishkek-Naryn-Torugart Road in December 2024 provides a glimpse into the country’s evolving landscape. This highway (which is also known as European route E125 and Asian Highway 61 in Kyrgyzstan) serves as a key trade route, linking Kyrgyzstan to China. From Naryn, it’s less than 200 kilometers to the Torugart Pass and the Chinese border. Many of the trucks on the road bear Chinese license plates, transporting Chinese-made vehicles into Kyrgyzstan and further into Central Asia.
When and how you can travel here depends heavily on weather conditions and the accessibility of the high mountain passes. When faced with an icy mountain road, only two things truly matter: a reliable 4WD vehicle and a healthy respect for the ice. On my December 2024 trip, the passes were heavily iced over, and accidents lined some sections of the road. However, the stretches between the passes were surprisingly well-maintained and mostly ice-free.
Heading south to Naryn along the Bishkek-Naryn-Torugart Road in December 2024 provides a glimpse into the country’s evolving landscape. This highway (which is also known as European route E125 and Asian Highway 61 in Kyrgyzstan) serves as a key trade route, linking Kyrgyzstan to China. From Naryn, it’s less than 200 kilometers to the Torugart Pass and the Chinese border. Many of the trucks on the road bear Chinese license plates, transporting Chinese-made vehicles into Kyrgyzstan and further into Central Asia.
When and how you can travel here depends heavily on weather conditions and the accessibility of the high mountain passes. When faced with an icy mountain road, only two things truly matter: a reliable 4WD vehicle and a healthy respect for the ice. On my December 2024 trip, the passes were heavily iced over, and accidents lined some sections of the road. However, the stretches between the passes were surprisingly well-maintained and mostly ice-free.
If you plan to travel within Kyrgyzstan in winter, keep in mind that only some overland roads will be open. By the way, the ski resorts in the region are excellent. So, if you’re up for this - drive safe and enjoy the ride!
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Images are published only with consent or in contexts where public interest justifies their use. However, it is possible that rights or standards in certain countries could inadvertently be violated, as I may not be fully aware of all laws and standards applicable worldwide.
The photographed individuals were asked for permission if they were at the center of the shot. If they were members of the military or police, they were blurred. For recordings of public events, the right to photograph in public spaces applies. This also applies to military parades or parades involving the military or security forces. Military facilities or critical infrastructure were blurred. Objects or areas marked with a prohibition on photography or video recording were not captured.
If you believe any content violates ethical standards or personal rights or any other right, please contact me with a detailed description of your concern. I take such matters seriously and will address them promptly.
© 2025 Eastern Blog / Stefan Schandera. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this site’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited.