Situation and safety Kyrgyzstan
 

Hi,

Tomorrow we will depart with our '83 Mercedes for an overland trip to Ukrain, Russia, Kazachstan. I am thinking to cross to Kyrgyzstan too as I'd like to see the Issyk Kul lake, Karakol area. I think I need to enter via Bishkek.

What is the situation there and is it responsible to go there.

Jurgen

Know of some cyclists in the north of China who are heading up that way, they have heard that all trouble is in the south near Uzbekistan, they intend to enter at Bishek and back out into china and into takijisatn from memory
I am not sure but I think that is the inof they have heard from other travellers where the problems are

Their blog is:
The Keenaskiwis

I rode through Kyrgyzstan two weeks ago. No issues. I didn't stop around Osh except at checkpoints. A couple of rock throwers and a few one finger salutes was as bad as it got. Lots of burned out buildings, even along the highway. I met other bikers as well as bicyclists also touring in the south. The north was fantastic, well worth it.

know of cyclists in Osh last staurday all peaceful but a few burnt out buildings

We went through Osh and Jalalabad in late July. No problems at all - the local Uzbeks were very friendly and invited us into their destroyed homes, showing us the damage. The Kyrgyz soldiers were also friendly, giving us melons and joking around. Definitely a sad and sobering place though, with plenty of recent destruction. Fine to drive through but wouldn't recommend a long stay.
Cheers
Rob
51st Traverse

Hubby is in Osh at the moment and reports it's quiet ....