Day 55: From Osh to Gulcha
Monument to a Hero
Leaving Osh, the route began with a pass around the striking equestrian statue of Manas, the legendary hero of Kyrgyz folklore. Positioned in the centre of a roundabout, the monument stood as a symbol of strength, resilience, and unity — a fitting figure to mark the beginning of a climb into the mountains.
Into the Highlands
As the road rose steadily, so did the energy demands on the ID. Buzz. Climbing toward the Chinese border, the vehicle’s efficiency was tested in high-altitude terrain. Along the way, the team encountered a welcome moment of hospitality: locals offering buckets of handpicked mountain berries, similar to wild strawberries — sweet, tart, and full of the region’s character.
Pastures emerged where the steppe gave way to alpine meadows. Horses grazed freely, often alongside their riders. Horsemanship is a way of life here, and the sight of a lone rider navigating a ridge against the setting sun captured the spirit of the landscape perfectly.
Taldyk Pass and Beyond
The ascent peaked at the Taldyk Pass, nearly 3,000 metres above sea level. The view from the top stretched across a valley layered in light and cloud. The descent that followed was equally dramatic — a series of switchbacks carved into the rock, leading toward the town of Gulcha.
As the sun dipped below the peaks, the mountains glowed in muted purples and silvers. The day ended with a full recharge — for both the vehicle and the team — in preparation for the next phase of the tour.
Next stop: China.
