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Drive to Bishkek through the Talas Ala Too Mountain Range

Last updated on July 26, 2016 by Claire / this article contains affiliate links (Info)

As you get closer to Bishkek while driving on the Pamir Highway from the South, you get to cross the Talas Ala Too Mountain Range. This is one of the most beautiful sections of the road with stunning valleys and high mountains passes.

Driving through Talas Ala Too Mountain Range Toktogul to Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

Navigate back to the complete Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide


TIPS FOR TRAVEL PLANNING ADDICTS

Driving on M41 / Pamir Highway in the Talas Ala Too mountains

  • The section of the road is well maintained. However right after winter, when the snow melt there might be some damage. 
  • Be careful, the scenery is beautiful and it is easy to be distracted
  • Be careful, some passes are high and can be covered in snow during the shoulder seasons

Climbing on the Pamir Highway

After driving on the Parmir Highway along the Naryn river and around the Toktogul reservoir, the road started to climb towards higher and higher mountains.

M41 Pamir Highway up to Ala-Bel Pass, Kyrgzystan 1
M41 Pamir Highway up to Ala-Bel Pass, Kyrgzystan 2
M41 Pamir Highway up to Ala-Bel Pass, Kyrgzystan 3

Ala-Bel Pass, 3175 m

We reached the Ala Bel Pass at 3175 m in altitude. Here we stopped and enjoyed the fresh air. Mid June there was still snow not far from us. 

Ala-Bel Mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 1

The panorama was fantastic. However I was sick and was not able to shoot all the photos I wanted to take.

Ala-Bel Mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 2

The transhumance was happening and we cross path with some Kyrgyz nomads which created some incredible views

Ala-Bel Mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 4
Ala-Bel Mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 5
Ala-Bel Mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 3

Through the Talas Ala Too Mountain Range

Then the road remain at high altitude straigth through the mountain range. The veiws were specatular. We were driving roughly at 90km/h I think so my photos tend to be blurry. All along we saw families of nomads who had established camp for the summer.

Talas Ala Too Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan 1
Talas Ala Too Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan 2
Talas Ala Too Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan 3
Talas Ala Too Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan 4
Talas Ala Too Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan 5
Talas Ala Too Mountain Range, Kyrgyzstan 6

Too Ashuu mountain pass - 3588m

The last mountain pass before Bishkek (120km away) is Too Ashuu depending on where you read. It crosses at 3588m (according to Internet) or 3586m (according to the map I bought in Kyrgyzstan).

​Thy build a tunnel so we actually don't climb to the aboslute top. We only get to 3180m.

Too Ashuu mountain pass tunnel, Kyrgyzstan

As we arrived on the other side, there were animals on the road again. They were taking them at 3000 meters!!!! I am wondering if they climbed higher to cross and walked through the tunnel... Would be scary for the drivers around...

Too Ashuu mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 1

Right after the road went down quite aburptly with many turns. It you get car sick, be ready 🙁

Too Ashuu mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 2
Down from Too Ashuu mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 1
Down from Too Ashuu mountain pass, Kyrgyzstan 2

And then we rejoined civilization...

As I was sick and those were big normal towns, I hae not photos for you.

You can also check out some photos from Carvanistan on the M41 including at the end some shot when it is coverd in snow.


Want to see more of Kyrgyzstan's beauty?

Discover more planning information, things to do and places to see in my online Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide.

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TOGTOKUL RESERVOIR

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Hi! I’m Claire

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I am the Travel Planning Geek behind the ZigZag Travel Guides. My goal is to provide you with clear and practical information to help you plan unforgettable trips! Read more

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