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Best season:
July - August
Trip duration:
16 days
From/To :
Bishkek
Trek duration:
11 days
Trek duration
11 days
Accommodation:
Hotel / Tent / Homestay / Yurt
Difficulty :
Medium - Demanding
Difficulty
Medium - Demanding
See our detailed Travel Notes (PDF Download)
Group size :
8 to 12 travellers
Tour leader:
English-speaking Kyrgyz mountain guide
Price :
€ 1.920,- land only
Trekking and hiking adventure through pristine mountain ranges of Kyrgyzstan
Go on a guided trekking trip in northern and central Kyrgyzstan and explore the most beautiful mountain ranges of the High Tien-Shan during three distinctive trekking tours.
Meet friendly Kyrgyz nomads during your trek in glaciated Kungey Alatau, the northernmost Kyrgyz mountain range, which you will cross on your way south towards Issyk-Kul lake.
Hike the eastern Terskey Alatau - crossing several passes, trekking past sparkling mountain lakes and through lush flower meadows, enjoying the view of the glaciated mountain giants of the High Tien Shan.
Dip into the large, warm mountain lake Issyk-Kul and stay overnight in a yurt camp on its southern shores.
Explore beautiful alpine lake Son Kul and its surrounding summer pastures which are used by nomads of the Khirgiz Altau - it’s the starting point of our third and last trek.
Hike south through wild, pristine landscapes and deep gorges, past yurt camps and experience the legendary hospitality of central Asia's nomads.
Spend free time to explore the laid-back city of Bishkek and haggle at the lively and colourful Osh-Bazaar.
Detailed itinerary
DAY
1
Individual arrival in Bishkek and drive to Chon-Kemin valley
Early morning arrival at Bishkek airport. You will be met at the airport and taken to your hotel, where a room will be waiting for you. You can catch up on a few hours of sleep before the journey continues.
At noon, welcome by our mountain hiking guide. Together, you can run the last few errands, e.g. changing money. After lunch, we’ll start our round trip driving from Bishkek eastward in the direction of the Chon-Kemin valley. En route, we’ll visit the ancient minaret of Burana and the excavations of the former city of Balasagun, an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Soon, we’ll leave the wide and steppe-like landscape typical for Central Asia behind and reach the Kungey Alatau, the northernmost mountain range of the Tien Shan. We ‘ll spend the night in a beautiful homestay in a small, typical village, situated on the banks of the Chon Kemin river (approx. 1800 m).
At noon, welcome by our mountain hiking guide. Together, you can run the last few errands, e.g. changing money. After lunch, we’ll start our round trip driving from Bishkek eastward in the direction of the Chon-Kemin valley. En route, we’ll visit the ancient minaret of Burana and the excavations of the former city of Balasagun, an important stop on the ancient Silk Road. Soon, we’ll leave the wide and steppe-like landscape typical for Central Asia behind and reach the Kungey Alatau, the northernmost mountain range of the Tien Shan. We ‘ll spend the night in a beautiful homestay in a small, typical village, situated on the banks of the Chon Kemin river (approx. 1800 m).
| Drive: | 150 km / approx. 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Boarding house, Chon Kemin |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
2
Start of the first trek through pristine Kungey Alatau
In the morning, we’ll be driven deep into the Chon-Kemin valley, where we’ll set up our first tented camp amidst the many grass and flower meadows (approx. 2610 m). In the afternoon, a short acclimatisation hike through these impressive flower meadows will help us prepare for the heights of the coming days. The first glimpses of the wonderful Kyrgyz mountains will give us motivation enough to brave the thin air! In summer, the wide and lush valleys of the Kungey Alatau are popular with shepherds and nomads. Traditionally, the Kyrgyz shepherds and their families and horses spend the entire summer on the high alpine pastures in these remote regions of the Tien-Shan. The hospitality of the partly nomadic people is proverbial and you can be quite sure that we will be offered Khumis (lightly fermented mare‘s milk, the national drink of the Kyrgyz), the local tonic.
| Drive: | 80 km / approx. 3 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (2610 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
3
Easy hike along the Chon-Kemin valley
In the morning, we’ll meet our local staff. After breaking camp, they’ll pack our equipment and pretty soon, we’ll start our trek together. On a wide trail, we’ll follow the beautiful valley westward, along the Chon Kemin river. In Soviet times, a connecting road from Almaty (Kazakhstan) to lake Issyk-Kul had been planned in this region but it was never finished. It was an ambitious project but all we can see today are some remains. Enjoying the rambling landscape and the fresh air, we’ll slowly be approaching the snow and ice covered peaks of Kungey Alatau. In the afternoon, camp will be set up at the mouth of the river Dolon Ata (approx. 2930 m).
| Ascent: | 400 m |
| Descent: | 100 m |
| Walking Time: | 6 - 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (2930 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
4
Ascent to Ak-Suu valley
We’ll start the day with a rewarding hike to the western Ak Suu river, the source of which is a small lake, nestled like a glittering sapphire in the rocky landscape. Our trek then takes us south, towards the Ak Suu pass. We’ll set up camp at the lower end of the glacier tongue (approx. 3420 m), before crossing the pass the next day.
| Ascent: | 600 m |
| Descent: | 100 m |
| Walking Time: | 5 - 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (3200 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
5
Crossing Ak Suu pass (4052 m) amid glaciated mountains
Today, we’ll cross the first pass of our trekking trip. We’ll hike up along the glacier moraine and the glacier tongue on a narrow but good path. Even though the path is steep at some places, it is always easy to walk, also for our packing horses who will follow the same trail. The further we ascend, the more impressive the surrounding mountain landscape with the many glaciated peaks of Kungey-Alatau is. After three hours, we’ll reach the wide saddle of the Ak Suu Pass (4052 m). A great view over the snow and ice covered mountains awaits us there.
After a well-deserved rest, we’ll descend west into the beautiful valley of Cho Ak Suu. Quickly, we’ll leave the rocky and snowy peaks behind and return to the idyllic, flowery alpine meadows of Kyrgyzstan, where we’ll pitch our tents in Kungey-Alatau for the last time (approx. 3000 m).
After a well-deserved rest, we’ll descend west into the beautiful valley of Cho Ak Suu. Quickly, we’ll leave the rocky and snowy peaks behind and return to the idyllic, flowery alpine meadows of Kyrgyzstan, where we’ll pitch our tents in Kungey-Alatau for the last time (approx. 3000 m).
| Ascent: | 900 m |
| Descent: | 1050 m |
| Walking Time: | 8 - 9 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (3000 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
6
Descending towards Issyk-Kul and drive to Karakol
The last stage of our first trekking tour takes us downhill through lush alpine meadows along the Chon Ak Suu. Again, we’ll pass yurt camps, observing shepherds and their herds. With a little luck, we’ll be invited into a yurt again. The shepherds and nomads and their families spend the summer months on the high alpine pastures, mainly living on dairy products and freshly prepared flat bread. Hospitality is the top priority here and there are often beautiful - albeit short - encounters.
Around noon we’ll reach a dirt road, say goodbye to our horsemen and their animals. They’ll return to their villages while we’ll hop on the minibus waiting for us. We’ll head southeast on an initially bumpy road and further on to the provincial town of Karakol, situated at the eastern end of the large lake Issyk-Kul.
In Karakol, we’ll visit the famous wooden Russian Orthodox church and a traditional Dungan mosque. After a delicious traditional dinner, we’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable hotel in Karakol.
Around noon we’ll reach a dirt road, say goodbye to our horsemen and their animals. They’ll return to their villages while we’ll hop on the minibus waiting for us. We’ll head southeast on an initially bumpy road and further on to the provincial town of Karakol, situated at the eastern end of the large lake Issyk-Kul.
In Karakol, we’ll visit the famous wooden Russian Orthodox church and a traditional Dungan mosque. After a delicious traditional dinner, we’ll spend the night in a simple but comfortable hotel in Karakol.
| Drive: | 100 km / approx. 3 h |
| Descent: | 700 m |
| Walking Time: | 3 - 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Boarding house, Karakol |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
7
Start of the second trek in eastern Terskey Alatau
Today, we‘ll start into our second trek, taking us through the Eastern Terskey Alatau. Leaving Karakol, we‘ll reach the trailhead after about one hours’ drive. It‘s situated at the entrance of the Boz-Uchuk valley (approx. 2200 m). We‘ll meet our local horsemen and their horses there. Soon the luggage is packed on the small, strong Kyrgyz horses and we’ll start walking.
The eastern regions of the Terskey Alatau mountain range stretch out far and wide, largely untouched. The valleys have a gentler character than those we encountered on our first trek but the landscape is no less impressive and beautiful. Countless marmots call this landscape their home and their piercing warning whistles announce our arrival from afar. With some luck, we’ll also see some wild sheep and ibex. Since the end of the Soviet era, there has been a growing wolf population, but encounters with these extremely shy animals are very unlikely. Above the forest line, near a small stream, we’ll set up our camp (approx. 3000 m).
The eastern regions of the Terskey Alatau mountain range stretch out far and wide, largely untouched. The valleys have a gentler character than those we encountered on our first trek but the landscape is no less impressive and beautiful. Countless marmots call this landscape their home and their piercing warning whistles announce our arrival from afar. With some luck, we’ll also see some wild sheep and ibex. Since the end of the Soviet era, there has been a growing wolf population, but encounters with these extremely shy animals are very unlikely. Above the forest line, near a small stream, we’ll set up our camp (approx. 3000 m).
| Drive: | 35 km / 1 h |
| Ascent: | 800 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 5 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (3000 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
8
Hiking over two passes to the river Ak Suu
In the morning, we’ll hike through alpine meadows up to a 3516 m high pass. From the pass, you’ll enjoy the impressive panorama of the main chain of the Terskey-Alatau - many peaks of its peaks are over 5000 meters high. To the south, the impressive Tashtanbek Tor Bashi, over 4000 meters high, dominates the scenery.
After descending westward, crossing the small Dzherges valley (approx. 3180 m) and a steep descent, a gentle section of our trek takes us past marmot habitat to the 3671 m high Ailanysh pass. After another descent to the Ak Suu river, we‘ll set up camp on a vast, lush meadow (approx. 2850 m).
After descending westward, crossing the small Dzherges valley (approx. 3180 m) and a steep descent, a gentle section of our trek takes us past marmot habitat to the 3671 m high Ailanysh pass. After another descent to the Ak Suu river, we‘ll set up camp on a vast, lush meadow (approx. 2850 m).
| Ascent: | 1000 m |
| Descent: | 1200 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 8 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (2800 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
9
To the hot springs of Altyn Arashan
After crossing the wide Ak Suu river, we’ll start hiking over terraced terrain up towards the 3616 m high Ortok Pass. Climbing ever higher through lush meadows full of flowers and negotiating some easy scree, we‘ll reach the pass after about 3 hours. Once more enjoying the views of the vast, untouched mountains of the Terskey-Alatau, we’ll let our breath be taken away by the panorama of a number of 5000 m high peaks: Pik Palatka, the mighty Ak Suu wall, or the Pik Karakol. At 5216 m, the latter is the highest mountain in the Terskey Alatau.
From the pass, we’ll hike down into the beautiful Anyrtor valley and follow a narrow, gentle path downhill until we reach the small settlement of Altyn Arashan ("Golden Spring", 2570 m) in the afternoon, where we’ll pitch our tents.
There will be enough time for a soothing bath in the hot radon springs, offering an ideal opportunity to relax your tired limbs after the trekking tour.
From the pass, we’ll hike down into the beautiful Anyrtor valley and follow a narrow, gentle path downhill until we reach the small settlement of Altyn Arashan ("Golden Spring", 2570 m) in the afternoon, where we’ll pitch our tents.
There will be enough time for a soothing bath in the hot radon springs, offering an ideal opportunity to relax your tired limbs after the trekking tour.
| Ascent: | 900 m |
| Descent: | 1100 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (2570 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
10
Drive to the southern shore of lake Issyk-Kul
After an early breakfast, we’ll hop on an off-road minibus to take us from Altyn Arashan to Karakol, negotiating a wild and bumpy dirt road. In Karakol, we’ll have the opportunity for some quick shopping and lunch at a local restaurant before continuing on a good road along the south shore of the great Issyk-Kul.
On the shores of the large, warm lake Issyk Kul, we‘ll take a break in our road trip to Son-Kul and stop at a small, traditional yurt camp. It is located near the lake shore, giving us the opportunity to swim and relax in the pleasant waters of the Issyk-Kul in the afternoon before we’ll spend the night in the beautiful, traditional yurts.
On the shores of the large, warm lake Issyk Kul, we‘ll take a break in our road trip to Son-Kul and stop at a small, traditional yurt camp. It is located near the lake shore, giving us the opportunity to swim and relax in the pleasant waters of the Issyk-Kul in the afternoon before we’ll spend the night in the beautiful, traditional yurts.
| Drive: | 160 km / 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Yurt camp |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
11
Drive to Son Kul - the summer pastures of the Kyrgyz nomads
After breakfast, we‘ll continue along the shores of Issyk Kul and then on into the mountains of Kyrgyz Alatau, the central range of the Tien Shan. In the late morning hours, we’ll reach the district town of Kochkor, known for its felt production. Kochkor is a great place to learn more about the traditional felt production - we’ll visit one such place. The carpets or „shyrdaks“ are used to carpet yurts etc. and even today, large felt mats are used to cover the outside of the traditional yurts.
After lunch, we‘ll leave the small town of Kochkor, driving south on an initially good road. Soon, we’ll take another road branching off towards Son Kul. It’s a road ever more difficult to drive and at some point, the asphalt ends. We’ll drive the last few kilometres on a bumpy dirt track before we’ll set eyes on today’s destination: the turquoise lake Son Kul, located at 3000 m. The large lake is surrounded by almost 4000 m high mountain ranges, rising gently from the shores of the lake. Every summer, a great number of nomads and herdsmen and their horses settle around Son Kul. We’ll pitch our tents on the south side of the lake.
After lunch, we‘ll leave the small town of Kochkor, driving south on an initially good road. Soon, we’ll take another road branching off towards Son Kul. It’s a road ever more difficult to drive and at some point, the asphalt ends. We’ll drive the last few kilometres on a bumpy dirt track before we’ll set eyes on today’s destination: the turquoise lake Son Kul, located at 3000 m. The large lake is surrounded by almost 4000 m high mountain ranges, rising gently from the shores of the lake. Every summer, a great number of nomads and herdsmen and their horses settle around Son Kul. We’ll pitch our tents on the south side of the lake.
| Drive: | 170 km / approx. 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (3000 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
12
Start of the third trek through remote Kyrgyz Alatau
After breakfast and breaking camp, we’ll start the third trek of the journey.
Leaving Son Kul behind, we’ll take a trail south over sprawling flower meadows to Kum Bel pass (3700 m). The turquoise-blue lake of Son Kul sparkling behind us, we’ll enjoy the high, partly snow-covered mountain ranges of the Khirghiz Alatau to the north. After a short descent, we’ll hike up to another pass for a short while, cross it and descend down to the valley on the other side, which will be our home for the night at an altitude of about 3000 meters. We’ll set up camp on the shores of a small stream.
Leaving Son Kul behind, we’ll take a trail south over sprawling flower meadows to Kum Bel pass (3700 m). The turquoise-blue lake of Son Kul sparkling behind us, we’ll enjoy the high, partly snow-covered mountain ranges of the Khirghiz Alatau to the north. After a short descent, we’ll hike up to another pass for a short while, cross it and descend down to the valley on the other side, which will be our home for the night at an altitude of about 3000 meters. We’ll set up camp on the shores of a small stream.
| Ascent: | 600 m |
| Descent: | 650 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 6 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (3000 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
13
The nomads of Tien Shan
Following the small stream down the valley, we’ll hike past nomadic shepherds and their animals. With a little luck, we‘ll be invited into one of their yurts to try some Khymyz, the national drink of Kyrgyzstan.
Strengthened by the nutritious mare's milk, we‘ll cross several nameless passes until descending relatively steeply into a small side valley, where we‘ll set up our last camp on the beautiful valley floor.
Strengthened by the nutritious mare's milk, we‘ll cross several nameless passes until descending relatively steeply into a small side valley, where we‘ll set up our last camp on the beautiful valley floor.
| Ascent: | 650 m |
| Descent: | 1050 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 7 h |
| Accommodation: | Tent (2600 m) |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
14
End of the trek and drive to Naryn
After breakfast, we’ll walk for two hours before reaching the end of our trek. Our minibus will be waiting for us. We’ll be taken to the nearby provincial capital of Naryn, where we‘ll stay in a comfortable homestay and spend a leisurely free afternoon.
| Descent: | 400 m |
| Walking Time: | approx. 2 h |
| Drive: | 80km / 2 h |
| Accommodation: | Boarding house, Naryn |
| Meals: | B L D |
DAY
15
Drive across Dolon Pass to Bishkek
Return to Bishkek by minibus, crossing the 3030 m high Dolon Pass on the way to Kochkor. Arrival in Bishkek in the early afternoon. The rest of the day is free. The city is worth a short stroll. In the evening, a final dinner together, and soon it is time to say goodbye to Central Asia.
| Drive: | 300 km / 4 h |
| Accommodation: | Hotel, Bishkek |
| Meals: | B D |
DAY
16
Flight home or onward journey
Depending on your flight connection, transfer to Bishkek airport and flight home.
| Meals: | B |
B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Difficulty rating - altitude acclimatisation - preparation
Overall Difficulty
Moderate to Demanding
Technical difficulty
Easy to Moderate
No alpine difficulties, but solid sure-footedness is required. Most of the trek follows narrow but good hiking trails without technical difficulties. There are a few sections on easy backcountry terrain (meadows). Very few passages on steep trails need to be tackled, e.g. in the Terskey Alatau.
Fitness and stamina
Moderate to Demanding
Ascents of up to approx. 1000 m in altitude difference per day, descents of up to approx. 1000 m in altitude difference per day. Most stages will be less. The walking times can add up to 7 or 8 hours a day, but most stages are shorter. The long stages, sometimes up to 25 km on a single day, should not be underestimated. Good physical condition is required and a prerequisite.
Altitude acclimatisation
In the course of this trek, we’ll spend most of our time at altitudes of about 3000 to 3500 m; the highest altitudes will be the Ak-Suu pass at 4050 m. The altitude acclimatisation during the trek is well-tolerated: We’ll climb to steadily increasing heights and the sleeping heights, a maximum of 3400 m, are very moderate compared to treks in the Himalayas. The three short treks alternate with relaxing driving days. We have organised and run tours in Kyrgyzstan for many years and have not had any problems relating to high altitudes. Nevertheless, heights around and over 3500 m should not be taken lightly.
Please help your body in this important process by:
• starting the journey in good health and well-rested,
• avoiding any unnecessary efforts during the first days of the trek,
• walking relatively slowly, especially when ascending,
• drinking lots of liquids (water),
• trusting and following the instructions and advice of your guide.
• avoiding any unnecessary efforts during the first days of the trek,
• walking relatively slowly, especially when ascending,
• drinking lots of liquids (water),
• trusting and following the instructions and advice of your guide.
Requirements and preparation
This trip is ideal for mountain hikers with a good level of fitness, accustomed to day hikes of 1000 to 1200 m of ascent/descent in the Alps and who do not shy away from longer tours of 1500 m of ascent/descent either. As a participant, you follow a regular exercise regime of (endurance) sports and may already have trekking experience. It is helpful to have hiked or mountaineered in altitudes around 4000 meters before, but this is not a prerequisite.
Endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: regular running (jogging), cycling as well as long mountain hikes carrying an average daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) are best for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
Endurance training is the best way to prepare yourself: regular running (jogging), cycling as well as long mountain hikes carrying an average daypack (approx. 6 to 10 kg) are best for developing cardiovascular fitness and stamina.
PLEASE NOTE: Prices quoted are land only and do not include international flights. Flights SHOULD NOT be booked until the departure is showing 'Guaranteed' or 'Almost full'.
Inclusions & Exclusions
What's included
- English speaking Kyrgyz mountain guide
- Experienced, local cook on the treks
- Local horsemen and their horses for packing the equipment - approx. 10 to 12 kg baggage allowance per traveller
- 3 nights in a quiet 3* hotel in Bishkek - twin-share room including breakfast
- Camping in spacious TRAVEL TO MOUNTAIN tents while trekking - 2 travellers share a three-person tent
- Full board during the trekking incl. hot beverages (tea, coffee, etc.)
- Comfortable homestays in Chon-Kemin and Naryn
- Comfortable 2* to 3* hotel in Karakol
- 1 night in a traditional yurt at Lake Issyk-Kul
- Full board during the trip according to detailed itinerary
- All transports and transfers according to the itinerary - including airport transfers
What's not included
- International flight to Kyrgyzstan
- Travel insurance - you can take out travel insurance and/or trip cancelation/ interruption insurance through TTM.
- Entrance fees to museums, churches, etc.
- Horseback riding
- Beverages
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Single room supplement in Bishkek: € 120,- - if available a room can be shared with another solo traveller of the same sex. Please let us know your preferences at the time of booking. Please note: In the yurt camp, about 4 travellers share a yurt, single yurts are not available. Single rooms are available in most guesthouses but in exceptional cases it may be necessary to share a room.
- Surcharge for single tent use: € 75,-
- Costs incurred for itinerary changes due to clients' actions/decisions
- All other costs not mentioned under "What's included"