Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country with difficult terrain and rich roads for researchers. If you are considering a trip for yourself, which should include long routes through mountain passes, with indescribable views of the beauty of the valleys, then Kyrgyzstan is the ideal place for your trip.
You can discover the opportunity to explore new territories and create your own routes. As the well-known wisdom says, a samurai has no goal, he has only a path. To this end, we will undertake a study of the types of roads in Kyrgyzstan. Depending on the location and function of the road there are, trunk, main and rural.
The most important roads include strategic highways of national importance. They are usually in good condition and serve mainly to connect the main regions of the country, such as Bishkek – Osh. They also include roads connecting Kyrgyzstan with other countries, such as Uzbekistan and China.
The second group includes the main roads that connect cities within Kyrgyzstan. They vary in quality, in some places they can be well maintained, and in some places they are paved. For example, roads of this type include Osh – Jalal-abad or Karakol – Balykchy.
The next group of roads are rural roads. By providing an arterial link between villages and pastures, these roads unfairly receive less attention, although for many people they are often the only way to get anywhere. Thus, they play a key role in the lives of many rural residents. Rural roads are often inferior in quality to other main roads, and their composition can vary from paved to gravel roads. Often it is these roads that offer unique views of natural landscapes.
However, the classification of roads can also be carried out according to their composition and condition. Below you can find the main types of roads by their composition and condition. Kyrgyzstan is a rich country for various types of roads, and now you will see why.
Tarmac road
Paved roads are made of asphalt or concrete, providing a smooth and durable surface. Paved roads in urban areas and major highways are generally in good condition, which ensures comfortable and safe driving. However, from time to time there may be potholes or repaired areas.
Gravel road
Gravel roads consist of loose stones and gravel, which can vary in size and density. This means that along the way you can meet a different composition of the road, from rubble, soil up to large stones requiring caution. Gravel roads can range from wellleveled surfaces to uneven and bumpy sections. Rain or the movement of vehicles can lead to the formation of dents (corrugations) and deeper ruts. The grip may vary depending on weather conditions, and care must be taken to prevent skidding or sliding, especially on motorcycles. This may also include Kankar Roads (or Murrum Roads) roads.
Unpaved road
In fact, dirt roads are the result of rammed earth of natural coating and priming. They occur most often when climbing in mountainous terrain or in villages. As a rule, such roads do not contain large stones. The road is relatively homogeneous and comfortable. Dry dirt tracks can be packed and relatively smooth, but during or after rain they can become more difficult. Wet conditions make them softer and can lead to the formation of dirt, which makes navigation difficult and makes it slippery.
Mountain passes and trails
It is worth noting that here we are talking about mountain passes on unpaved roads. Mountain passes can pass through difficult terrain and in hard-to-reach areas of the country. Mountain passes are paved only on the main roads of the country. However, some locations may be located in places where there is no asphalt. Let’s talk about them more specifically. The composition of mountain passes and trails can vary greatly. Some of them may have a paved surface, while others may be covered with gravel or earth. The composition of the mountains also plays an important role.
Many mountains have sharp protrusions and consist mainly of rock, which is reflected in the entire composition of the road. So they become sharp, shallow and rocky of various sizes. In other places on pastures, the road may be more level and consist mainly of earth and dust. The condition depends on maintenance and weather conditions. Paved mountain roads may be in good condition, but they may become narrower and steeper. Unpaved passes may have a more uneven surface with steep slopes, which requires careful driving or driving skills, especially with elevation changes.
Off-road
Off-road routes can include a mix of gravel, mud, rocks, and even river crossings in some cases. These routes are less well maintained and can vary greatly. You may encounter deep mud, large rocks, or uneven surfaces. Off-road driving requires advanced skills and proper equipment. A special role in this case is played by the ground clearance of the car.
Weather influence
Winter conditions: During the winter months (from November to March), many mountain roads, especially at high altitudes, can become impassable due to heavy snowfall and ice.
During this period, it is not recommended to travel along these routes by motorcycle.
During the rains: The rainy season (usually from April to June) can lead to landslides and washouts
and mudflows, which makes it difficult to travel on roads, especially unpaved ones.
Gravel roads may become softer, and rocky paths may become slippery due to rain.
Summer and autumn: Summer (July to August) and early autumn (September to October) offer the best conditions for skiing. Roads are generally more accessible and drier, but be prepared
for occasional showers in the afternoon.
Useful statistics
The length of highways in Kyrgyzstan is 34,000 kilometers. Of these, 18,727 km are under the responsibility of the Ministry of Transport of the Kyrgyz Republic. The remaining 15,272 are the responsibility of municipalities and regional authorities.
By its composition:
● Concrete pavement is 10,000 km (intensity of more than 3,000 cars per day)
● Asphalt pavement is 6,000 km (intensity of more than 14,000 cars per day)
● The black gravel surface is 2,000 km (intensity of 500 cars per day)
● Unpaved roads 2,000 km (intensity less than 500 cars per day)
● Gravel surface 9500 km (intensity less than 200 cars per day)
Table 1: Road category speed limit
| Road category | Speed |
| Automobile road | 90 km/h |
| Paved road | 60km/h |
The same map, but with mountains
Just take a moment and look at the crossing areas where the roads skirting the massive mountain system. This is why the roads are, what they are. Now, you can see why roads are so important in Kyrgyzstan. If you are willing to travel across with countless mountains, passes, valleys and meadows Kyrgyzstan are welcome you.
Useful links
THE PROCEDURE for classification and numbering of public roads on the territory of the Kyrgyz Republic
– http://cbd.minjust.gov.kg/act/view/ru-ru/100245
General information about the roads of the Kyrgyz Republic
– http://mtd.gov.kg/dorogi-2/