Can you put bicycles on buses in Kazakhstan?

[twowheelredinski]

Hi all,

I need to fast-track from Tashkent to Bishkek via public transport, and was wondering if anyone knew whether the buses in Kazakhstan were big enough to take a large bicycle on board (i.e., do they have luggage compartments underneath, or racks on the roof?)

I've read on the forum that there are lots of buses, but just not sure if these are more like minivans, passenger buses, or larger coaches.

Many thanks!
Bruno

[steven]

There might be a big bus from Tashkent to Shymkent, I am not sure. Ask around. If not, cycle to Shymkent (should be one day), from there, take a bus to Almaty, there are many, and they are big. People usually take big loads on these buses, they are used to seeing a fridge or a widescreen tv, so a bicycle is not an unusual request. The bus passes through Kordai, which is the border town with Kyrgyzstan. Get off there, and cycle the remaining 20 km into Bishkek. That will be the quickest way imo.

[twowheelredinski]

Ah, cheers heaps, Steven. Much appreciated.

[steven]

You're welcome. I'll make sure to send your complimentary Caravanistan t-shirt to 2 man tent, Hubba Hubba, New South Wales, Uzbekistan.

Funnily enough, for a moment there I thought Hubba Hubba was an actual placename in Australia