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Driving in Kyrgyzstan

Driving in Kyrgyzstan is a great way to explore the country’s mountains, lakes, and remote valleys. However, road conditions can change quickly, especially outside towns and on mountain routes.
Please read these recommendations before your trip. Drive carefully, plan your route in advance, and always follow local traffic laws and the restrictions in your rental agreement.

  • Mountain driving requires patience and concentration. Distances can be misleading, and a short route on the map may take several hours to complete.

    - Start early and avoid planning long mountain drives late in the day.
    - Keep both hands on the steering wheel and concentrate on the road.
    - Use a low gear when descending steep slopes to help control your speed and reduce brake overheating.
    - Do not coast downhill in neutral.
    - Slow down before bends and stay on your side of the road.
    - Never overtake when visibility is limited or the road ahead is unclear.
    - Take breaks if you feel tired. Do not drive when sleepy.
    - Avoid driving after dark, particularly on unfamiliar mountain and gravel roads.

    Under Too Travel’s rental rules, driving after 10:00 PM is prohibited.

    If you are unsure whether a road is safe or suitable for your vehicle, contact Too Travel before continuing. It is always better to change your plans than to risk an accident or vehicle damage.

  • Our vehicles are equipped with different four-wheel-drive systems. Understanding how to use them correctly can help you drive more safely on mountain roads and rough terrain.

    Two-Wheel Drive and Four-Wheel Drive

    Some Toyota 4Runner models operate primarily in rear-wheel drive, with four-wheel drive available when needed. Toyota Prado models in our fleet use permanent four-wheel drive.

    - Rear-wheel drive (2H): On vehicles equipped with this mode, it is suitable for normal driving on dry, paved roads.
    - Four-wheel drive (4H): On vehicles with selectable four-wheel drive, this mode provides additional traction on suitable slippery or loose surfaces, such as gravel, mud, or snow. Follow the instructions for your specific vehicle.
    - Permanent four-wheel drive: On vehicles equipped with this system, power is delivered to all four wheels during normal driving. Some models also have a centre differential lock for additional traction in difficult conditions.

    Important: Four-wheel drive improves traction but does not prevent skidding or guarantee safe braking. Always reduce your speed to match the road conditions.

    What Is Low Range (4L)?

    Low range is a special transmission mode designed for driving slowly when additional torque and control are needed. It is different from the normal gear selector positions marked 2 or L.

    Use low range when appropriate for your vehicle, for example:
    - Climbing or descending steep, rough slopes.
    - Driving over difficult off-road terrain at low speed.
    - Moving slowly through deep mud or other challenging surfaces where permitted.

    Low range is not intended for normal road driving or high speeds. It does not make prohibited roads safe or permitted.

    What Do the 2 and L Gear Positions Mean?

    On vehicles with an automatic transmission, the gear selector may include positions marked 2 and L. These limit the transmission to lower gears and can help provide engine braking when descending hills.

    - 2: Limits gear changes to lower gears, usually up to second gear, depending on the transmission.
    - L: Keeps the transmission in a lower gear range for stronger engine braking and low-speed control.

    These positions are not the same as selecting low range using the separate four-wheel-drive lever or switch. Do not confuse them.

    When descending a long or steep slope, reduce your speed before the descent and use an appropriate lower gear to help control the vehicle. Do not rely on the brakes alone, and avoid sudden downshifts that could cause the wheels to lose traction.

    Important Safety Rules

    The controls and switching procedures vary between vehicles. Before using 4H, 4L, a differential lock, or any other off-road setting, make sure you understand the instructions for your specific vehicle.

    Some modes can only be selected when the vehicle is stopped and the transmission is in Neutral (N). Never force a control or attempt to change modes while the wheels are spinning.

    If you are unsure which setting to use, contact Too Travel before attempting a difficult section of road.

  • The general speed limits in Kyrgyzstan are:
    - In towns and cities: up to 60 km/h unless road signs indicate otherwise.- Outside built-up areas: up to 90 km/h unless road signs indicate a lower limit.- On gravel roads: maximum 40 km/h under Too Travel’s rental rules.
    Always follow posted speed limits and adjust your speed to road conditions, visibility, traffic, and weather. Never exceed the permitted speed, even if local drivers are driving faster. Other people driving habits do not change the speed limit, and speeding may result in a fine.

  • Livestock is common throughout Kyrgyzstan. You may encounter sheep, cows, horses, donkeys, or other animals on roads, particularly in rural areas and mountain valleys.
    - Slow down when approaching animals and be prepared to stop.- Do not honk aggressively or make sudden movements that could frighten them.- Allow animals and their herders enough space to pass.- Be especially careful around blind corners and after sunset.- Never assume the road ahead is clear just because you cannot see animals immediately.-If animals are blocking the road, wait patiently until it is safe to proceed.
    Night driving is prohibited under Too Travel’s rental rules, partly because animals can be extremely difficult to spot in the dark. Reduced visibility gives you less time to react if an animal suddenly appears on the road, increasing the risk of a serious accident.

  • Many scenic destinations can only be reached by gravel roads, dirt tracks, or rough mountain routes. These may have potholes, loose stones, deep ruts, steep gradients, narrow sections, and unprotected edges.
    - Reduce your speed and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. Loose stones can be thrown up by its tyres and crack or chip your windshield.- Avoid driving over sharp rocks that could damage the tyres or the vehicle’s underbody.- Avoid sudden braking, sharp turns, and aggressive acceleration.- Watch for oncoming traffic, falling rocks, and vehicles approaching around blind bends.- Do not leave the established road or attempt shortcuts across rough terrain.- Never cross rivers or flooded sections.- Do not enter roads or areas prohibited by your rental agreement.- The maximum permitted speed on gravel roads under Too Travel’s rental rules is 40 km/h.
    A 4x4 vehicle does not make every road safe or accessible. Please check our Forbidden Roads & Restricted Areas guide before planning your route.

  • Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. A sunny morning may be followed by rain, fog, snow, or strong winds. Rain can make dirt roads muddy and slippery, while snow and ice can make mountain passes dangerous.
    Before setting off:- Check the weather forecast using Windy app and review road conditions along your route.- Allow extra time for mountain journeys.- Avoid driving into heavy fog, snowstorms, or conditions in which you cannot safely see the road.- Never attempt to cross flooded roads or fast-flowing water.- If conditions become unsafe, stop at a suitable safe location and contact Too Travel for advice.- Rockfalls, mudflows, landslides, and other natural events can block roads or make them dangerous. If we receive information about a hazard affecting your planned route, we will notify you and recommend an alternative route where possible.
    Mountain roads and passes may also be temporarily closed due to weather, roadworks, or other restrictions. Always check current conditions before departure and follow our advice regarding route changes.

  • Fuel stations are available in towns and along major roads, but they can be scarce in remote mountain regions. Mobile coverage is also limited or unavailable in some mountainous areas, so it is important to plan ahead.
    Fuel and Route Planning
    - Refuel whenever convenient, especially before entering remote areas.- Do not start a long mountain journey with a nearly empty tank.- Plan your route in advance and identify fuel stops along the way.- Download offline maps before leaving areas with reliable internet access.- Keep your phone charged and bring a charging cable or power bank.- Tell someone your planned route when travelling to remote areas.
    Recommended Navigation Apps
    We recommend the following apps for navigating around Kyrgyzstan:- 2GIS — useful for navigating both cities and mountainous areas in Kyrgyzstan. It offers detailed maps of many roads and destinations. On some European and American phones, a VPN may be required for the app to work properly.- OsmAnd — offers detailed offline maps and is particularly useful in remote areas with limited mobile coverage.- MAPS.ME — provides offline maps that can help you navigate without an internet connection.
    Google Maps and other navigation apps may suggest roads that are unsuitable for your vehicle or lead through restricted areas. Always check your route before setting off and follow the restrictions in your rental agreement.
    Important: Following a navigation app does not exempt you from responsibility for entering prohibited roads or restricted areas. You are responsible for checking that your planned route is permitted under your rental agreement.
    If a route looks unsafe, is blocked, or appears to enter a restricted area, do not continue. Contact Too Travel for advice before proceeding.
    Mobile Coverage and Emergency Communication
    Mobile coverage is not available in all mountainous areas of Kyrgyzstan. In some remote valleys, you may lose your mobile signal for extended periods.
    - MegaCom coverage is available in some areas with large concentrations of yurt camps, including Son-Kul and Kel-Suu. However, coverage is not guaranteed everywhere.- Many large yurt camps have Starlink internet. If you need internet access, you may be able to purchase a connection directly from the camp.- If you have a Garmin satellite communicator, you can use it to send emergency messages where supported. If you do not have one, another traveller passing through the area may be able to help you send a message using their device.
    Vehicle GPS Tracking
    Our rental vehicles are equipped with GPS trackers. Please note that these trackers rely on mobile network coverage to transmit location data and may not update while the vehicle is outside coverage areas.
    If an incident occurs or we lose contact with you for an unusually long time, the last available tracking information may help us identify your approximate location and determine where to start looking if assistance is needed.
    For this reason, please inform Too Travel of your planned route, especially when travelling to remote areas. If you expect to be without a signal for an extended period, let us know your destination and approximate arrival time in advance.
    In an emergency, prioritize your safety and use any available means to contact emergency services and Too Travel as soon as possible.

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