Motorbike rental in Kyrgyzstan: the best rental agencies in Bishkek and Osh

Motorbike travel in Kyrgyzstan

This small landlocked country in the middle ofCentral Asia, along the Silk Road, is the ideal destination for a motorcycle road trip off the beaten track. In Kyrgyzstan, there are thousands of trails to explore. From the sandy tracks of Issyk Kul to the mountains of the Tian Shan, this small country of wild beauty will never cease to amaze you. In our book EXPLORE KYRGYZSTAN, you’ll find a selection of the 24 best off-road routes across the country. The motorcycle will give you a unique feeling of freedom and attract the curiosity of the locals.

Kyrgyz people rarely use motorcycles to get around, preferring to travel on horseback! The few motorbikes you come across are mainly driven by tourists. Rental companies in Bishkek and Osh specialize in trail bikes with all the equipment you need to travel independently! Beware: there are very few bike rental agencies in Kyrgyzstan, and demand is high. We therefore recommend that you book your bike in advance, as they go very quickly, especially in July and August!

Road conditions in Kyrgyzstan

The roads linking the main towns in Kyrgyzstan are asphalted (Bishkek, Karakol, Kochkor, Naryn, Osh, etc.). So you won’t need a trail bike to get to Lake Issyk Kul and the country’s main towns. Be careful, however: asphalt roads can be more or less degraded, with potholes, bumps and debris. Even on sections where the pavement has just been renovated, we advise you against speeding.

When you leave the main roads to discover the valleys and mountain passes of Kyrgyzstan, you’ll be on dirt tracks of varying degrees of maintenance. In this case, a trail bike is recommended, as you may encounter mud, rockslides, fords and even snow! Don’t forget, this is a very mountainous country. To help you, we’ve classified the routes in the book EXPLORE KYRGYZSTAN by difficulty level from 1 to 5. If in doubt about an itinerary, don’t hesitate to ask the locals or ask in our Overland Kyrgyzstan discussion group.

Which bike for your road-trip in Kyrgyzstan?

You can ride any type of motorbike on the main roads, but as mentioned above, beware of potholes, bumps and other road damage. As a general rule, take it easy, as danger can come from anywhere, especially from the large numbers of animals on the roadside. You’re vulnerable when you’re on a motorcycle, and emergency medical services are very limited, so it’s best to be prepared!

For riding on Kyrgyz trails, we strongly recommend a light, powerful trail bike and off-road tires (50/50).

The biggest difficulties are the fords. It’s sometimes impossible to get past them on a motorcycle. If the water level is higher than your knee and there’s a current, we advise you not to take any risks: turn back or wait until the next morning (rivers are lower at the beginning of the day).

Don’t forget that in addition to your own weight, you need to add your equipment and any fuel reserves, which can quickly weigh down and slow down the bike. Note also that conditions can become extreme with snow and slippery road surfaces, especially when crossing passes.

How much does it cost to rent a motorcycle in Kyrgyzstan?

Given the scarcity of two-wheelers in the country, the difficulty of finding spare parts and the cost of maintenance, the price of motorcycle rental is relatively high compared with other Southeast Asian countries.

For a 250cc motorcycle, you can expect to pay between 60 and 70 euros per day.

For a 600cc motorcycle, you can expect to pay between 80 and 100 euros per day.

Is an International Driving Permit compulsory?

Yes, an international driver’s license is compulsory in Kyrgyzstan. It is rarely checked, but it is advisable to apply for it before your stay in the country. If you don’t have an international permit, you can have your permit translated into Russian on arrival in Bishkek. This translation must be notarized.

Where can I rent a motorbike in Bishkek?

The majority of rental agencies are located in Bishkek. There aren’t many rental companies, but the market is growing. We advise you to book in advance. Here is our selection of the best motorcycle rental agencies in Bishkek, serious and professional rental companies.

Where can I rent a motorbike in Osh?

If you want to visit Tajikistan, it will be easier to rent a motorcycle in Kyrgyzstan in Osh. There aren’t many rental companies, but the market is growing.