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

Traveling by motorbike in Kyrgyzstan

This small landlocked country in the middle of Central Asia, along the Silk Road, is the ideal destination for an off-the-beaten-path motorbike road trip. In Kyrgyzstan, there are thousands of tracks perfect for exploration. From the sandy tracks of Issyk Kul to the Tian Shan mountains, this small country with its wild beauty will never cease to surprise you. In our book EXPLORE KYRGYZSTAN, you’ll find a selection of the 28 most beautiful 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 motorbikes to get around; they prefer to travel on horseback! The few motorbikes you will come across are therefore mainly ridden by tourists. Rental companies in Bishkek and Osh have specialized in trail bike rental with all the right equipment for autonomous travel! Be careful, there are relatively few motorbike rental agencies in Kyrgyzstan and demand is high. Therefore, we recommend booking your motorbike in advance, as they go very quickly, especially in July and August!

Road conditions in Kyrgyzstan

The roads connecting the main cities of Kyrgyzstan are paved (Bishkek, Karakol, Kochkor, Naryn, Osh, etc.). You won't need a trail-type bike to access Lake Issyk Kul and the country's main cities. Be careful though: paved roads can have varying degrees of damage, 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 and set off to discover the Kyrgyz valleys and mountain passes, you will be on dirt tracks in varying states of maintenance. In this case, a trail bike is recommended, as you may encounter mud, landslides, river crossings, and even snow! Don't forget the country is very mountainous. 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 the question in our Overland Kyrgyzstan discussion group.

Which motorbike for your road trip in Kyrgyzstan?

You can ride on the main paved roads with any type of motorbike, but as mentioned before, watch out for potholes, bumps, and other road damage. Generally speaking, ride easy because danger can come from anywhere, especially from the large number of animals on the side of the road. You are vulnerable on a motorbike and emergency medical resources are very limited, so it's better to be safe than sorry!

For riding on Kyrgyz tracks, we highly recommend a light and powerful trail bike as well as off-road tires (50/50).

The biggest difficulties are the river crossings. On a motorbike, it is sometimes impossible to cross them. 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 have 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 roads, especially when crossing passes.

How much does motorbike rental cost in Kyrgyzstan?

Given the rarity of two-wheelers in the country, the difficulty of finding spare parts, and the cost of maintenance, the price of motorbike rental is relatively high compared to Southeast Asian countries.

For a 250cc motorbike, 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 driving permit is mandatory in Kyrgyzstan. It is rarely checked, but it's better to apply before your stay in the country. If you don't have an international permit, you can have your license translated into Russian upon arrival in Bishkek. This translation must be notarized.

Where to rent a motorbike in Bishkek?

Bishkek is where you will find the majority of rental agencies. 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 motorbike rental agencies in Bishkek, serious and professional rental companies.

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