Kyrgyzstan 2025 Day 1
Arrival, Briefing & City Vibes in Bishkek!
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
The best country to start a motorcycle tours on the Ancient Silk Way of Central Asia!
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan, a small country in the very heart of Central Asia, holding a unique geographical title: the most landlocked nation on Earth. Far from the crowds, far from mass tourism, this is a place where raw nature and ancient culture still dominate daily life.
Once part of the Soviet Union, today Kyrgyzstan is the proud homeland of the Kyrgyz people – one of the last truly nomadic cultures on the planet. Here, traditions passed down for centuries are not museum pieces; they are lived every day. Yurts still dot the high mountain pastures, horses roam freely across vast valleys, and hospitality is deeply rooted in the culture.
The country is framed by the colossal mountain ranges of the Tien Shan, with peaks soaring well above 7,000 meters. Endless gravel roads, remote high passes, alpine lakes, and open steppe landscapes create a playground that feels purpose-built for adventure riders. In many areas, you can ride for hours without seeing another vehicle, a rare and powerful feeling of freedom.
In short: Kyrgyzstan is one of the best destinations in the world for motorcycle tours. And even more so for those dreaming of riding along the ancient Silk Way, crossing the heart of Central Asia on two wheels.
That’s exactly why Eleven Riders is here.
How Day 1 Unfolded
📍 Hello, Bishkek!
Our motorcycle tour in Kyrgyzstan officially began in Bishkek, the country’s laid-back capital and the perfect gateway to Central Asia. Riders arrived from UK, Italy, Spain, Colombia and US, and they were all united by the same goal: to explore the Silk Road landscapes of Kyrgyzstan by motorcycle.
We kicked things off with a warm welcome, followed by a detailed safety and route briefing. Riding in Central Asia is an unforgettable experience, but preparation is key, especially when your route takes you deep into the mountains and far from civilization.
We took a short tour of Bishkek to absorb its unique atmosphere. Wide boulevards lined with trees, striking Soviet-era architecture, bustling bazaars, and a surprisingly relaxed pace of life give the city its distinctive character: a blend of East and West, past and present.
A cozy local lunch followed, where expectations and excitement flowed as freely as the tea!
Meeting the Machines
Then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: meeting our bikes!
For this trip, we had CFMoto MT450, Suzuki DRZ450 and Yamaha XT660 motorcycles. These motorcycles were not just transport: they were our tools to cross mountain passes, follow forgotten Silk Road routes, and reach places few travelers ever see.
As the sun dipped lower, we gathered once more for a relaxed welcome dinner, sharing laughs and anticipation for the journey ahead. To make the evening even better, our partners at Fuel Motorcycles surprised everyone with high-quality welcome packs, the perfect touch to end our first day.
The bikes are ready.
The team is ready.
Central Asia awaits.
Stay tuned for Day 2, as we leave the city behind and ride toward the breathtaking Son-Kul Lake, following ancient paths once traveled by Silk Road caravans — now explored on one of the most unforgettable motorcycle tours in Kyrgyzstan.
📸 All photos by @jakebaggaley.photographer