An international MK car rally has been held in Kyrgyzstan.
Over four days, 60 cars traveled 1,850 kilometers across Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The event’s primary purpose is to develop car tourism, and open new tourist routes.
Tourism representatives note that such events are helpful for all of Central Asia. Tourist companies from Kyrgyzstan are now actively cooperating with Kazakh and Uzbek companies. Now, a tourist can start his route in one country, drive through another, and finish his journey in a third.
The Kyrgyz Tourism Development Support Fund told The Times of Central Asia that they always support such endeavors. In midsummer, the Madway Rally was held on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, where participants raced in cars resembling those from the movie Mad Max.
The authorities of Kyrgyzstan actively promote rally marathons, which are advertisements for local attractions and natural phenomena. Many participants come to familiarize themselves with local culture.
“The Tourism Foundation helped and accompanied the participants administratively. It helped participants pass the Kyrgyz-Uzbek border, provided police escort to the racers and ambulances in case of emergencies, and helped with accommodation for the marathon duration. The participants handled the financial issues themselves,” said Asylbek Aliyev, First Vice-President of the Tourism Development Support Foundation.
In addition, participants hold entertainment events during the race, invite artists, and help residents earn money.
Organizers of the Mk Rally explained to The Times of Central Asia that the cross-country rally is being held for the fourth time.
“The organizers are looking for beautiful routes, and Kyrgyzstan is rich in such beautiful landscapes. Each crew pays for participation, so the route is chosen carefully,” organizers said.
“We stopped in Jalal-Abad, Bishkek, Issyk-Kul, and finished in the Kyrchyn Gorge. We visited the beautiful Toktogul reservoir and drove through the Too-Ashuu pass. It is an unforgettable impression, and the mountain scenery is incredible. It was breathtaking. I want to photograph every meter. And you can talk about Issyk-Kul for hours,” Denis Krotov, a World Cross Country Championship participant, said.