Motorcycle tours in Central Asia: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan (Pamir), Uzbekistan. Enduro tours. Jeep 4x4 tours
KAZAKHSTAN - CHINA - KYRGYZSTAN
MOTORCYCLE TOUR
17 DAYS
The expedition to China is a rare and extraordinary motorcycle tour that takes you deep into Chinese Central Asia — a part of the world that most adventure riders never reach. Starting and finishing in Almaty, Kazakhstan, the route crosses into China at Khorgos and follows the ancient northern Silk Road through the heart of Xinjiang province. You will ride through high alpine lakes, vast desert basins, eroded canyon landscapes, and the ruins of Buddhist kingdoms that flourished here over a thousand years ago, before arriving at Kashgar — one of the most fascinating cities in Asia. From Kashgar, you cross back into Kyrgyzstan over the Torugart Pass, ride to the legendary Tash-Rabat caravanserai, descend to the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, and return to Almaty through the Kolsay Lakes and Charyn Canyon. Three countries, one loop, one legendary road.
P.S. We do not describe on our website some places and roads that are commercial secrets and exclusive parts of our itinerary. But you will see them!
The expedition to China
Duration: 17 travel days, 14 riding days
Country: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan
Start/Finish: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Total Distance: 3900 km
Bikes: Suzuki DR650 SE
Roads: about 90% paved roads and 10% dirt roads.
Accommodation: Hotels and guesthouses. On twin-sharing basis. Single room upgrade available (extra pay). One night common stay in yurt.
Group size: min 8 and max 10 riders.
Visa: We do not provide visa support so please organise visas in advance
Click for more info for Kazakhstan. Click for more info for China.
Click for more info about Kyrgyzstan
Country: Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan
Start/Finish: Almaty, Kazakhstan
Total Distance: 3900 km
Bikes: Suzuki DR650 SE
Roads: about 90% paved roads and 10% dirt roads.
Accommodation: Hotels and guesthouses. On twin-sharing basis. Single room upgrade available (extra pay). One night common stay in yurt.
Group size: min 8 and max 10 riders.
Visa: We do not provide visa support so please organise visas in advance
Click for more info for Kazakhstan. Click for more info for China.
Click for more info about Kyrgyzstan
Date: 04.07.2026 - 20.07.2026
Price: 6500 USD per person for group of 6 riders. Price $6300 per person for group of 8 riders.
Tour price includes:
Tour price excludes:
Requirements:
Tour price includes:
- Suzuki DR650SE motorcycle (third-party insurance included)
- Fuel for motorcycles
- Services of ride leader
- All documents and permits for travel in China
- Support vehicle on territory of China
- All stays (twin-share room)
- Three meals a day
- All entry fees
- Airport transfer
- SilkOffRoad souvenirs
Tour price excludes:
- Any possible motorcycle damages
- Damage deposit: USD 500 (refundable if no damage)
- Flights
- Visas
- Personal insurance
- Any other expenses not included in the price
Requirements:
- International driver's license with motorcycle category
- Minimum age: 25 years
- At least 3 years of riding experience
- Comfortable on mixed asphalt and gravel roads
- Physical strength and endurance
- Pure optimism and respect for local laws and culture
PRICE INFO
1. Almaty
Arrival in Almaty. Airport transfer to the hotel. In the evening we meet at the hotel to check the motorcycles and paperwork. Afterwards, welcome dinner awaits at a local restaurant where we go over the trip details. Overnight at the hotel.
2. Almaty – Khorgos (Kazakhstan). ~330 km
We leave Almaty and ride east on the Western China – Western Europe highway, one of the great modern roads built along the ancient Silk Road corridor. The route takes us through the expanses of the Kazakh steppe, past the Altyn-Emel mountain pass, and down into the Ili River valley — a fertile corridor that has served as a gateway between civilizations for thousands of years. We arrive at the Kazakh side of the Khorgos border zone and settle in for an early night ahead of the crossing tomorrow. Overnight at the hotel.
3. Khorgos – Khorgos (China). Border crossing.
This morning we complete customs formalities and cross into China at Khorgos — one of the busiest land border crossings in Central Asia. We finish the temporary motorcycle license application process and settle into the Chinese side of the border zone. The rest of the day is free to explore the modern Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center and prepare for the road ahead. Overnight at the hotel in Khorgos, China.
4. Khorgos – Dushanzi. 430 km
We pick up our licenses and head east into Xinjiang. Our first major stop is Sayrum Lake (Sailimu Lake) — a spectacular high-altitude lake at 2,073 meters, set among green alpine slopes and framed by the peaks of the Tianshan range. The deep blue of the water against the surrounding mountains is one of the most impressive natural sights in all of Xinjiang. From there we descend through the mountain passes and continue along the Northern Xinjiang highway toward Dushanzi. Overnight at the hotel in Dushanzi.
5. Dushanzi – Urumqi. 310 km
We begin the day with a visit to the Dushanzi Grand Canyon — a striking gorge of layered sedimentary rock in shades of ochre, rust, and cream, carved by centuries of wind and water. We then ride to Shihezi for lunch before continuing to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang and one of the most remote major cities in the world by distance from any ocean. In the evening, we visit the Grand Bazaar — a vast traditional market where the flavors, textiles, and craft traditions of the Silk Road come alive. Overnight at the hotel in Urumqi.
6. Urumqi – Turpan. 220 km
We ride south from Urumqi toward Turpan, one of the lowest and hottest points on Earth, sitting 154 meters below sea level. Along the way we stop at a salt lake and the Yadan Landform — an otherworldly landscape of wind-eroded clay towers, ridges, and open desert sculpted by thousands of years of natural erosion. As we descend toward Turpan, the Tianshan mountains recede behind us and the Taklamakan Desert spreads out ahead. Turpan is one of the great oasis cities of the Silk Road, fed to this day by an ancient underground irrigation system called karez. Overnight at the hotel in Turpan.
7. Turpan – Korla. 390 km
We ride west past the famous Flaming Mountains — a range of red sandstone hills that glow like burning coals in the afternoon heat and inspired the legendary Journey to the West. Continuing south through Gangou Canyon, we arrive at Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China. This is a long day in the saddle through some of the most dramatic desert scenery on the entire tour. The landscape is vast and almost entirely empty — a genuine sense of riding at the edge of the world. Overnight at the hotel in Korla.
8. Korla – Kuqa. 310 km
Today's route follows the northern rim of the Tarim Basin through some of the most historically significant territory on the Silk Road. We cross the Tiemen Pass — the ancient Iron Gate Pass — and stop at the Popar Forest in the Tarim region before visiting the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, a narrow winding slot canyon of red rock cutting through the desert foothills. Kuqa, ancient Kucha, was once a major Buddhist kingdom and a key trading center on the northern Silk Road. Overnight at the hotel in Kuqa.
9. Kuqa – Aksu. 280 km
We take time in the morning to explore the ancient heritage of the Kuqa area. The Kizilgaha Beacon Tower is a Han Dynasty watchtower standing alone in the desert, a remnant of the old garrison road that once connected China to the western world. The Subashi Temple ruins are among the best-preserved Buddhist monastery remains in Xinjiang. We then visit the Kizil Caves — one of the oldest Buddhist cave complexes in China, with murals dating back to the 3rd century that predate the Dunhuang grottoes. Afterward, we continue west to Aksu. Overnight at the hotel in Aksu.
10. Aksu – Kashgar. 510 km
The longest riding day of the China section. We leave Aksu and ride through Keping, stopping to take in the Red Desert — a striking landscape of deep crimson dunes and badlands unlike anything else on the route. From there we push west across the Tarim Basin toward Kashgar. As we approach the city, the profile of the Pamir mountains rises on the horizon. Kashgar has been a crossroads of civilizations for over two thousand years — the point where the northern and southern Silk Road routes converged. Overnight at the hotel in Kashgar.
11. Rest Day in Kashgar
A full day to rest and explore Kashgar at your own pace. The Old Town is one of the best-preserved traditional Islamic urban quarters in Central Asia, with narrow mud-brick lanes, craftsmen's workshops, and centuries-old family homes. The Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China and the spiritual heart of the city. The Abakh Khoja Mausoleum — known as the Fragrant Concubine Garden — is a beautifully tiled dynastic tomb complex and one of the most sacred Islamic sites in Xinjiang. In the evening, we visit the night market. Overnight at the hotel in Kashgar.
12. Kashgar – Tash-Rabat (Kyrgyzstan). ~260 km
We depart Kashgar early to tackle the high-altitude ascent toward the Torugart Pass (3,752 m). This is the "heavy lifting" day; between Chinese customs at Topa and the Kyrgyz border entry, the formalities can be unpredictable. Once through, we enter the rugged wilderness of Kyrgyzstan. The landscape shifts from the high deserts of Xinjiang to the lush, alpine heights of the Tian-Shan. We veer off the main road into a hidden valley to reach Tash Rabat. This ancient stone fortress once served as a vital shelter for Silk Road merchants and monks. Overnight in a yurt camp near Tash-Rabat.
13. Tash-Rabat – Naryn. ~115 km
After a morning exploring the mysterious chambers of Tash Rabat we begin a more relaxed descent. The road takes us through the vast At-Bashy Valley, framed by the jagged, snow-capped At-Bashy Range to the south. This shorter riding day allows for plenty of stops to photograph and relaxed riding. We follow the flow of the Naryn River—the longest in Kyrgyzstan—into the town of Naryn. Overnight in a Hotel in Naryn.
14. Naryn – Tosor. ~170 km
We leave Naryn and ride north through the Terskey Alatau Mountains, climbing over Tosor Pass before descending to the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The pass offers sweeping views over the Naryn River basin on one side and the vast blue of Issyk-Kul on the other. We arrive at Tosor on the quiet, wild south shore — the "Pearl of Central Asia." This vast mountain lake sits at 1,608 meters above sea level and is ranked among the 25 largest lakes in the world and the 7th deepest, with a depth of 702 meters. Overnight at a yurt camp on the lakeshore.
15. Tosor – Karkara. 183 km
We leave the south shore and ride east along Issyk-Kul toward Karakol, the fourth-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, sitting at the eastern end of the lake near the base of the Central Tien Shan massif. We stop in Karakol for lunch before continuing north into the Karkara Valley, a wide open steppe corridor that runs along the Kazakhstan border. We finish the day at Karkara camp — a quiet, remote setting that feels a world away from the lake. Overnight at camp.
16. Karkara – Almaty (Kazakhstan). ~300 km
We leave Karkara and cross back into Kazakhstan, riding west through the Ketmen mountain range before dropping into the Charyn River valley. We stop at Charyn Canyon — a unique natural monument often compared to the Grand Canyon, with striking formations of red and orange rock stretching for 90 kilometers along the river, including the famous Valley of Castles. After taking in the views we continue on smooth tarmac back to Almaty. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrate the completion of the expedition, and present certificates and gifts as a memory of the journey.
17. Almaty
Transfer to Almaty airport according to your flight time. Thank you very much for joining us on this expedition. You are always welcome to return and take part in another adventure in Central Asia!
Arrival in Almaty. Airport transfer to the hotel. In the evening we meet at the hotel to check the motorcycles and paperwork. Afterwards, welcome dinner awaits at a local restaurant where we go over the trip details. Overnight at the hotel.
2. Almaty – Khorgos (Kazakhstan). ~330 km
We leave Almaty and ride east on the Western China – Western Europe highway, one of the great modern roads built along the ancient Silk Road corridor. The route takes us through the expanses of the Kazakh steppe, past the Altyn-Emel mountain pass, and down into the Ili River valley — a fertile corridor that has served as a gateway between civilizations for thousands of years. We arrive at the Kazakh side of the Khorgos border zone and settle in for an early night ahead of the crossing tomorrow. Overnight at the hotel.
3. Khorgos – Khorgos (China). Border crossing.
This morning we complete customs formalities and cross into China at Khorgos — one of the busiest land border crossings in Central Asia. We finish the temporary motorcycle license application process and settle into the Chinese side of the border zone. The rest of the day is free to explore the modern Khorgos International Border Cooperation Center and prepare for the road ahead. Overnight at the hotel in Khorgos, China.
4. Khorgos – Dushanzi. 430 km
We pick up our licenses and head east into Xinjiang. Our first major stop is Sayrum Lake (Sailimu Lake) — a spectacular high-altitude lake at 2,073 meters, set among green alpine slopes and framed by the peaks of the Tianshan range. The deep blue of the water against the surrounding mountains is one of the most impressive natural sights in all of Xinjiang. From there we descend through the mountain passes and continue along the Northern Xinjiang highway toward Dushanzi. Overnight at the hotel in Dushanzi.
5. Dushanzi – Urumqi. 310 km
We begin the day with a visit to the Dushanzi Grand Canyon — a striking gorge of layered sedimentary rock in shades of ochre, rust, and cream, carved by centuries of wind and water. We then ride to Shihezi for lunch before continuing to Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang and one of the most remote major cities in the world by distance from any ocean. In the evening, we visit the Grand Bazaar — a vast traditional market where the flavors, textiles, and craft traditions of the Silk Road come alive. Overnight at the hotel in Urumqi.
6. Urumqi – Turpan. 220 km
We ride south from Urumqi toward Turpan, one of the lowest and hottest points on Earth, sitting 154 meters below sea level. Along the way we stop at a salt lake and the Yadan Landform — an otherworldly landscape of wind-eroded clay towers, ridges, and open desert sculpted by thousands of years of natural erosion. As we descend toward Turpan, the Tianshan mountains recede behind us and the Taklamakan Desert spreads out ahead. Turpan is one of the great oasis cities of the Silk Road, fed to this day by an ancient underground irrigation system called karez. Overnight at the hotel in Turpan.
7. Turpan – Korla. 390 km
We ride west past the famous Flaming Mountains — a range of red sandstone hills that glow like burning coals in the afternoon heat and inspired the legendary Journey to the West. Continuing south through Gangou Canyon, we arrive at Bosten Lake, the largest inland freshwater lake in China. This is a long day in the saddle through some of the most dramatic desert scenery on the entire tour. The landscape is vast and almost entirely empty — a genuine sense of riding at the edge of the world. Overnight at the hotel in Korla.
8. Korla – Kuqa. 310 km
Today's route follows the northern rim of the Tarim Basin through some of the most historically significant territory on the Silk Road. We cross the Tiemen Pass — the ancient Iron Gate Pass — and stop at the Popar Forest in the Tarim region before visiting the Tianshan Mysterious Grand Canyon, a narrow winding slot canyon of red rock cutting through the desert foothills. Kuqa, ancient Kucha, was once a major Buddhist kingdom and a key trading center on the northern Silk Road. Overnight at the hotel in Kuqa.
9. Kuqa – Aksu. 280 km
We take time in the morning to explore the ancient heritage of the Kuqa area. The Kizilgaha Beacon Tower is a Han Dynasty watchtower standing alone in the desert, a remnant of the old garrison road that once connected China to the western world. The Subashi Temple ruins are among the best-preserved Buddhist monastery remains in Xinjiang. We then visit the Kizil Caves — one of the oldest Buddhist cave complexes in China, with murals dating back to the 3rd century that predate the Dunhuang grottoes. Afterward, we continue west to Aksu. Overnight at the hotel in Aksu.
10. Aksu – Kashgar. 510 km
The longest riding day of the China section. We leave Aksu and ride through Keping, stopping to take in the Red Desert — a striking landscape of deep crimson dunes and badlands unlike anything else on the route. From there we push west across the Tarim Basin toward Kashgar. As we approach the city, the profile of the Pamir mountains rises on the horizon. Kashgar has been a crossroads of civilizations for over two thousand years — the point where the northern and southern Silk Road routes converged. Overnight at the hotel in Kashgar.
11. Rest Day in Kashgar
A full day to rest and explore Kashgar at your own pace. The Old Town is one of the best-preserved traditional Islamic urban quarters in Central Asia, with narrow mud-brick lanes, craftsmen's workshops, and centuries-old family homes. The Id Kah Mosque is the largest mosque in China and the spiritual heart of the city. The Abakh Khoja Mausoleum — known as the Fragrant Concubine Garden — is a beautifully tiled dynastic tomb complex and one of the most sacred Islamic sites in Xinjiang. In the evening, we visit the night market. Overnight at the hotel in Kashgar.
12. Kashgar – Tash-Rabat (Kyrgyzstan). ~260 km
We depart Kashgar early to tackle the high-altitude ascent toward the Torugart Pass (3,752 m). This is the "heavy lifting" day; between Chinese customs at Topa and the Kyrgyz border entry, the formalities can be unpredictable. Once through, we enter the rugged wilderness of Kyrgyzstan. The landscape shifts from the high deserts of Xinjiang to the lush, alpine heights of the Tian-Shan. We veer off the main road into a hidden valley to reach Tash Rabat. This ancient stone fortress once served as a vital shelter for Silk Road merchants and monks. Overnight in a yurt camp near Tash-Rabat.
13. Tash-Rabat – Naryn. ~115 km
After a morning exploring the mysterious chambers of Tash Rabat we begin a more relaxed descent. The road takes us through the vast At-Bashy Valley, framed by the jagged, snow-capped At-Bashy Range to the south. This shorter riding day allows for plenty of stops to photograph and relaxed riding. We follow the flow of the Naryn River—the longest in Kyrgyzstan—into the town of Naryn. Overnight in a Hotel in Naryn.
14. Naryn – Tosor. ~170 km
We leave Naryn and ride north through the Terskey Alatau Mountains, climbing over Tosor Pass before descending to the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The pass offers sweeping views over the Naryn River basin on one side and the vast blue of Issyk-Kul on the other. We arrive at Tosor on the quiet, wild south shore — the "Pearl of Central Asia." This vast mountain lake sits at 1,608 meters above sea level and is ranked among the 25 largest lakes in the world and the 7th deepest, with a depth of 702 meters. Overnight at a yurt camp on the lakeshore.
15. Tosor – Karkara. 183 km
We leave the south shore and ride east along Issyk-Kul toward Karakol, the fourth-largest city in Kyrgyzstan, sitting at the eastern end of the lake near the base of the Central Tien Shan massif. We stop in Karakol for lunch before continuing north into the Karkara Valley, a wide open steppe corridor that runs along the Kazakhstan border. We finish the day at Karkara camp — a quiet, remote setting that feels a world away from the lake. Overnight at camp.
16. Karkara – Almaty (Kazakhstan). ~300 km
We leave Karkara and cross back into Kazakhstan, riding west through the Ketmen mountain range before dropping into the Charyn River valley. We stop at Charyn Canyon — a unique natural monument often compared to the Grand Canyon, with striking formations of red and orange rock stretching for 90 kilometers along the river, including the famous Valley of Castles. After taking in the views we continue on smooth tarmac back to Almaty. In the evening we gather for a farewell dinner at a local restaurant, celebrate the completion of the expedition, and present certificates and gifts as a memory of the journey.
17. Almaty
Transfer to Almaty airport according to your flight time. Thank you very much for joining us on this expedition. You are always welcome to return and take part in another adventure in Central Asia!
ITINERARY
This motorcycle is perfect for the roads of the Central Asia. The Suzuki DR650SE is a highly reliable and easy-to-ride motorbike. It handles the highway effortlessly and can tackle off-road terrain with ease. With some adjustments, it’s suitable for riders with a height of 170 cm and above. This bike will be your faithful and reliable companion on this adventure!
Power: 43 HP Seat height: 865mm-885mm. Weight: 160 kg
Power: 43 HP Seat height: 865mm-885mm. Weight: 160 kg
SilkOffRoad Motorcycle Tours
Kazakhstan, Almaty
Kazakhstan, Almaty
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