Kyrgyzstan & the Tian Shan Mountains

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Overview
Highlights
- Journey through spectacular scenery to Son-Kul and Issyk-Kul Lakes
- Discover Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs
- Trek over the Telety and Ala Kol Passes and to the base of Karakol Peak
- Explore the intriguing capital city of Bishkek
What's this trip about?
Details
Travel Themes
Destinations
Attractions
Activities
Max Group Size
Trip includes
- 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 13 dinners
- Airport transfers in Bishkek
- 6 nights in comfortable hotels and guesthouses on a twinshare basis (note - there is no single occupancy option at the Tamga Guesthouse)
- 5 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
- 3 nights in yurt on a multishare basis (no single occupancy option)
- mountain guide on trek
- 50l kit bag for personal items provided during trek with 12kg allowance
- porter and cook services on trek
- group camping equipment
- private transport throughout
- medical kit
Itinerary

Upon arrival into Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, you will be met at the airport and a transfer is provided to the group hotel (30km, ~1hr). Your local guide will conduct a group briefing in the lobby at 12.00pm before you head out for a welcome lunch and a sights...
Today we drive to Son-Kul Lake where we are introduced to the nomadic life of Kyrgyz families who live much as their ancestors have for generations. Drive 390 km, 8-9 h., + 2000 m (asphalt + dirt road). We will have the opportunity to sample fresh airan (yoghurt) and ...
Today we learn how to set up a yurt. The yurt is the traditional shelter for people of the Tian Shan Mountains. These nomadic dwellings are constructed of a multi-pieced wooden frame that is overlaid with several felt coverings of sheep wool. It takes only about two h...
Today we journey by road to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (drive 290 km, 7-7.5 hrs., - 1400 m asphalt + dirt road), the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. It is set at 1608m above sea level against the scenic backdrop ...
Today we drive to Jeti-Oguz Gorge which translates from Kyrgyz as 'Red Cliffs of Seven Bulls'. Drive 100 km, 3 h., + 560 m (asphalt + dirt road). Jeti-Oguz is set at the height of 2,250 m above sea level on the northern slopes of the Terskei Ala-Too Ridge. The gorge ...
Today we will begin our gradual ascent toward the foot of the Telety Pass (2,980m) (16 km, 6-8hrs). The trail follows the river bank in a very narrow wooded gorge called Bay Tor that leads up to alpine meadows. Here on a flower carpet the mountain air is sweet and the...
Today there is a sustained ascent to the Telety Pass (3,800m) which affords beautiful views down the valley, before crossing the Telety saddle and descending to Karakol Gorge (2500m) (18 km, 6-8hrs). As we hike up from our camp the views of the tents set alongside the...
From our camp at Karakol Gorge we take a day hike to the base of Karakol Peak (5,216m) (16 km. 6-8 hrs). The trail runs parallel to the course of the Uyun Tor River initially through blue spruce forest rich in vegetation where mushrooms can be found in abundance. From...
Today we will trek along a picturesque gorge to 'Sirota' hut and further to Ala Kol Lake (3,532m) (9 km, 6-8 hrs). We cross the river over a bridge from where the trail will lead us into forest from where the ascent is steep and sustained but you'll be rewarded with f...
Today we will take a lovely walk (4hrs) to the glacier and the river that flows into the lake. Return to the Ala Kol Lake tented camp.
meals : B,L,D
Today we will trek over Ala Kol Pass (3,960m) passing Ala Kol Lake before descending into Arashan Gorge (2,600m) (18 km, 6-8 hrs). Ala Kol Lake stretches from east to west for 2.8 km. Depending on the light, the water regular changes its colour. It can be emerald gree...
After breakfast we will hike down the gorge along a mountain road in a spruce forest (approx. 8kms); where we will meet our vehicles and journey by road to Karakol, a small administrative centre of the Issy Kul region, situated on the southern bank of the lake. (Drive...
Today we set off for the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake. (Drive 140 km, 3-4 h asphalt road.) Along the way we visit the Ananievo Orthodox Church and the Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs site set at the foot of the Kungei Alatau Ridge. Overnight: Raduga Hotel or similar
meals : B,L,D
Today we drive back to Bishkek. (Drive 250 km, 4-5 hrs, - 800m, asphalt road). Along the way we will visit the ruins of Burana Tower near Tokmok city as well as Turkic ancient tombs. Overnight: Asia Mountains Hotel or similar
meals : B,L,D
The trip will conclude after breakfast today, with private transfers to the airport. (Drive 30 km, 1 hr, asphalt road).
meals : B
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Dates & Availability
Check Current Availability, prices, specials with World Expeditions.
The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

World Expeditions Reviews & Ratings
Fantastic trip including a 5 night hike staying in tents
The hike was the highlight with magnificent views while walking through a variety of terrains. At times it was a little challenging but we are over 60! It added to t...
The trip was fantastic
Whilst the trekking was a challenge at times with steep ascents and difficult paths, this only made the rewards greater. A wonderful part of the world and an extreme...
A great walk
I would rate as a hard walk with amazing views. Good ...
Son Kul Lake and the Tien Shan mountains were extremely scenic and wonderful for walking
The tents were excellent and the meals provided on trek...
This is an amazing trip in an equally amazing country
Our leader was very good at keeping all aspects of the varied itinerary to...
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Logistics
What's excluded
- International airfares
- Visas
- Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
- Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol, etc
- Tips and gratuities
- Sleeping bags are not provided but can be hired
Accommodation
- 6 nights hotel/guesthouse
- 5 nights camping
- 3 nights yurt
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