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"A 4X4 SAGA LIKE NO OTHER"

THE YAK CUP

Round up a couple of mates and take on the Yak Cup!

About 20 teams embarking on an adventure through Kyrgyzstan's rugged heart, each commandeering a rusty Soviet relic of a 4X4 Lada.

What's in store? A cheeky smack from the towering Celestial mountains, a dance with danger along remote dirt tracks, and a chilly dip in forgotten lakes. And as if that wasn’t enough, add mingling with elusive nomad tribes and dodging the local traffic jams of wandering Yaks.

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THE VEHICLE

Meet the Lada, the "Siberian Knight" of the auto world! This quirky chariot may look simple, but it's a beast where it counts. 

 

The Lada 4x4 is a minimalist's haven on wheels, a testament to the times when driving was pure and unadulterated by modern distractions. The interior, a capsule of nostalgia, offers Spartan luxury, reminiscent of a bygone era when vehicles were the backdrop of memorable conversations and the open road was the destination.

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THE DATES

⦿  JULY EDITION (2026):  


     25th July - 1st August

⦿  AUGUST EDITION (2026):  

     7th August - 15th August

THE PRICES

€ 3,600  per team (max 4 people) - Includes the rent of the vehicle, a support vehicles, a lot of vodka, two nights in cozy yurts camps along the way, launch & finish parties and much more.

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  • Is there a predefined route to follow?
    The Yak Cup kicks off and wraps up in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital. You'll head East towards China in a vaguely clockwise direction, hitting a series of checkpoints to ensure you catch all the breathtaking spots (and to keep you from wandering off into Kazakhstan or Tajikistan!). This adventure is all about exploring the uncharted, so gear up to be amazed by Kyrgyzstan’s beauty with your team.
  • How Does the Challenge-Based Format Work?
    The Yak Cup is not a race - it’s an adventure-driven, challenge-based competition where strategy, creativity, and a touch of madness decide who takes home the glory. While participants are completely free to roam, highly curated challenges and tactical checkpoints set the pace for collecting points along the road. From the first team to snap a selfie with a yak, to every hitchhiker you pick up, to crossing high-altitude passes - each completed challenge earns you points. Some are easy, some are brutal, but all are legendary. The team with the most points at the finish line takes the Cup. Full challenge list? Revealed only at the launch event. Expect the unexpected.
  • Entry Fee & What's Included?
    For a fee of 3,600 EUR per team, you get: An adventure-ready 4x4 Toyota Sequoia, complete with third-party insurance and all necessary paperwork. Repair lessons from our expert mechanics. Two nights in pre-arranged yurt campsites (CheckPoints) to bond with fellow YakCuppers and share your amazing tales from the road. A support vehicle with local guide and mechanic following the Yak Cup for those just-in-case moments. Launch & finish parties to celebrate in style. The comprehensive expedition RoadBook mapping all of the off-road tracks and must see spots. Official Yak Cup swag – T-shirts and more. One or two tents per team (depending on how many you are). Kyrgyzstan's remote border permit to roam freely across the entire country About a crate of vodka for those chilly nights. THE KNOWLEDGE: Insider tips for your journey, from start line tactics to a comprehensive team handbook. A COMMUNITY OF LIKE-MINDED CRAZY BUGGERS: Join a group of genius-idiots drawn to the call of overland adventure. THE ADVENTURE: 8 days of the most thrilling, pants-stirring adventuring possible in a rugged 4x4.
  • Do I need to be a professional driver to participate?
    Not a pro, but definitely a confident and experienced driver. If you're fresh off your driving test or if road trips aren't your jam, this isn’t for you. Kyrgyzstan's roads are mostly unpaved, with steep climbs and endless twisty mountain paths. If you’ve never left asphalt before, maybe start with a yoga retreat.
  • How many people per team?
    2 to 4 people. There is a 300 EUR supplement if you are 4.
  • Is this dangerous?
    Let's be clear: this is a genuinely dangerous adventure. You're driving a simple vehicle on rough roads in a remote part of the world. The risks? High altitudes, low oxygen – tough on you and your vehicle. This isn't a glorified holiday; it's raw, basically unsupported adventure with real risks to your health and life. That's what makes it an epic adventure. By joining, you're taking full responsibility for these risks.
  • What driving license do I need?
    You'll need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Kyrgyzstan. It's a legal must-have, extending your license to multiple languages. It can be purchase online with just a few clicks through the following website. We urge you to purchase the dual version (print + digital) because the digital-only version will cause issues when you will get stopped by the police (because trust us, you will). This document is mandatory for all participants, and one per team won't cut it!
  • What about the refundable vehicle deposit?
    We'll need a refundable deposit of 750 EUR per team, due 4 weeks before launch. This is to ensure you bring the car back – it's cheaper and easier than us having to retrieve it. We'd prefer not to need a deposit, but it's a necessary evil. The deposit comes back to you within three/fore weeks, provided the vehicle returns in one piece to the finish line. We'll give you the full details on the contract when payment time comes.
  • Is Kyrgyzstan safe?
    Yes, Kyrgyzstan is increasingly a popular and safe tourist destination. The only recently iffy area was the Batken region, due to Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border disputes, but tourists were never targeted. Petty crimes can happen, and you might bump into the odd corrupt cop, but overall, it's a safe place to explore.
  • Is this actually a race?
    We may call it a rally, but it's not a race. Think of it as an epic road trip with a crew of adventure-thirsty folks. There's no speed test; we encourage you to soak in the journey and enjoy every moment of this incredible experience.
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