
The route follows a rough grader road built by construction equipment for the Mynzhylky mudflow dam. The 'road' is made of boulders the size of footballs. Riding standing up, the vibration burns out your arms and legs within minutes. Above 2,500m the air gets thin. When you reach the 15-meter concrete dam wall, you're inside a glacial circus — towering peaks on all sides, near-freezing temperatures even in summer. It's a different world up there.
Helmet, balaclava, body armor with arm protection, knee pads (worn over your pants), jersey, and gloves.
Water, windbreaker jacket (depending on weather), thick pants, and comfortable closed-toe shoes.
"Past the meteo station the road gets rocky and narrow. The dam area at the top looks lunar, gray rock and cold water, nothing growing. Alpine meadows on the lower sections reminded me of Switzerland. Big altitude gain."
Азамат Б."Tough climb, my thighs were burning by hour three. But the descent makes up for everything. You need decent fitness for this one, not a casual afternoon ride."
Rebecca T.