Bicycle Touring The World: Kazakhstan, Khromtau to Araltogay

My latest bicycle touring around the world update, cycling across Kazakhstan. Khromtau to Araltogay. 114 miles. It’s been a dull and uninspiring day. There’s been nothing but long straight roads. And the only highlight of my day was turning the map over. Although that was a little disappointing when all I could see on the map were more straight roads.

I’ve had trouble finding places to eat. And then when I do find somewhere, the only thing they seem to do is fried eggs and sausages. I’ve had three lots today!

A Much Better Evening

The evening was a bit more eventful. I’d pitched my tent and settled down to a bowl of pasta when a dog appeared and started barking at me. Not in an aggressive manner, more of a letting me know he was there. The next minute, a young lad appeared on a bike. Great, I thought, all I need is to be spotted!

The young lad came over and shook my hand, as they all do and started to chat. Not that I understood him, as I’m sure he didn’t understand me. Although I think he may have understood more than I did! He sat just outside the tent with his dog, and we had the normal conversation that neither of us understood.

I think he asked what countries I’d travelled through, and we also talked about the Olympics and the medals that Kazakhstan had won. We also chatted about football, and he told me he was looking after some cows, which is why he was there. Sitting there talking, I shared some biscuits with him and his dog, Rex. He must have stayed for nearly two hours. And just before he left to go home, he tied a little red ribbon to my bike for good luck.

What an enjoyable evening that made up for the day’s dull ride. Although I was a little worried that he might return with others, I contemplated moving. But in the end, I stayed put.

Tour Information

It’s been years since I took this ride, but the memories (and the data) are all archived:

• Photos: See my photos on Flickr
• The route: View my journey around the world
• Videos: Check out my YouTube videos
• Tour page: Ride overview

Follow My Bicycle Touring Adventures

If you’re enjoying the ride and want to fuel my next mile, you can always buy me a beer. And, of course, you can always follow me on social media: Facebook, Bluesky, Threads, X, Instagram, YouTube and Pinterest. I’m also on Flickr, where you’ll find pictures from all my tours, along with regular photo updates that I generally publish each month.

If you want to find out if I’m away touring at the moment and check my location, visit the Where’s Garry page. And for an insight into the gear and logistics that keep me on the road, see my Life at 10mph Guide.