Kyrgyzstan & the Tian Shan Mountains

15 days
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Small Group Tour
Discover the land of the Nomads and Celestial Mountains on this active adventure through Kyrgyzstan
$379 OFF
$3,639
From$3,260
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

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?

    Discover the land of the Nomads and Celestial Mountains on this active adventure through Kyrgyzstan

Compare to similar trips

Details

Itinerary focusClassic Highlights
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 15 people
Age rangeNo age restrictions
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityBishkek
End CityBishkek

Travel Themes

  • Trekking & Expeditions
  • Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

Destinations

Attractions

  • Bishkek

Activities

  • Trekking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 15

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

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Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Arrive Bishkek

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...

Day 2 Transfer to Son-Kul Lake (3,100m)

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 ...

Day 3 Son-Kul Lake (3,100m)

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...

Day 4 Transfer to Issyk-Kul Lake (1,690m)

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 ...

Day 5 Transfer to Jeti-Oguz Gorge (2,250m)

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 ...

Day 6 Trek to base of Telety Pass (2,980m)

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...

Day 7 Trek over Telety Pass (3,800m) down to Karakol Gorge (2,500m)

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...

Day 8 Hike to the base of Karakol Peak (2,460m)

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...

Day 9 Trek along the gorge to Ala Kol Lake (3,532m)

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...

Day 10 Day hike in the Ala Kol Lake region

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

Day 11 Trek over Ala Kol Pass (3,960m) & descend into Arashan Gorge (2,600m)

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...

Day 12 Transfer to Karakol (1,800m)

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...

Day 13 Transfer to Cholpon-Ata

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

Day 14 Transfer to Bishkek

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

Day 15 Trip concludes in Bishkek

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

Price From $3,260
Price per day$217
Last Updated: 3/12/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
07 Jul 2025
21 Jul 2025
$3,260
28 Jul 2025
11 Aug 2025
$3,260
18 Aug 2025
01 Sep 2025
$3,260
06 Jul 2026
20 Jul 2026
$3,390
27 Jul 2026
10 Aug 2026
$3,390
17 Aug 2026
31 Aug 2026
$3,390

World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone. We will arrange for you to share accommodation with another traveller of the same gender and if we cannot match you up we will provide a single room at no extra charge. If you prefer not to share a single supplement is payable to guarantee your own room. Please refer to our website for the additional cost.

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.

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World Expeditions Reviews & Ratings

4.9/5  Excellent
Excellent
1,618
Great
221
Average
8
Disappointing
1
Terrible
4
H

Helen Yeates

Nov 2024

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...

S

Sally Stevenson

Sep 2024

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

Anthony Ducker

Aug 2024

A great walk

I would rate as a hard walk with amazing views. Good ...

P

P. Carr

Nov 2019

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...

I

I. Gunn

Sep 2018

This is an amazing trip in an equally amazing country

Our leader was very good at keeping all aspects of the varied itinerary to...

Write a Review

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I

Ingrid Marshall

Jan 2025

My adult daughter and I had a memorable trip to EBC in December with World Expeditions and highly recommend the whole experience

Our group of four, were very well supported by an experienced group of Nepali guides, cook, kitchen boys and porters. Our leader – Bir Singh – was exceptional. He en...

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Wendy Merriman

Jan 2025

Our tour through Laos & Cambodia was well organised with knowledgeable local guides

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Mark Hemmons

Jan 2025

An amazing adventure through Laos and Cambodia

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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
Requirements
On a moderate to challenging trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and travellers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate and challenging trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more; level ground is rare in the mountains. Suggested preparation: One hour of strenuous exercise, four times a week, interspersed with a relatively demanding bushwalk or long distance cycle depending on the activity you plan to undertake. To prepare for your trek you should begin training at least three months before your departure. Trekking: Hill walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best exercise for trekking is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. Hill walking with a 7kg pack in variable weather conditions is a must. Multi day walks are ideal preparation for our trekking adventures. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you know you can cope with a moderate to challenging graded trek. Speed is not important; stamina, confidence and rhythm are. Specialist gear required include walking boots and day pack (a comprehensive gear list is provided in the pre-departure information provided on booking).,
Travel Insurance
We require that you take out a personal travel insurance policy to cover against sickness, accident, loss of baggage, unexpected alterations to travel arrangements and travel disruption, emergency evacuation, cancellations, etc. A suggested policy is enclosed with these notes. If you take out an alternative policy, we need to be advised of the details. It is your responsibility to ensure any and all pre-existing medical conditions are adequately covered by your insurer. Please note: if you choose credit card cover, in our experience, this may not insure against high cost needs. For example; helicopter emergency evacuation. If you do decide to choose credit card coverage, please check all policy details thoroughly. You should always carry your travel insurance policy, emergency card and photocopies of your passport and cash cards with you during your trip.
Visa requirements
Please check visa requirements with your reservations consultant*
Age Requirements
No age restrictions
Additional Information
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Trip ID
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