The red striated rock of Skazka Canyon in Kyrgyzstan.
4.9
| 132 reviews

Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

9 nights
Challenging

Hike the most spectacular mountain range in Central Asia and sleep under the stars

What's Included?

Activities & Certified Guides

All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guides

All accommodation

2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a guesthouse, 1 night in a yurt, 4 nights wild camping

Meals

All breakfasts, lunches and dinners

Transfers

Your airport and local transfers, packhorses to carry overnight luggage, all permits and entry fees

Equipment

Tents, sleeping mats, a group mess tent and cooking equipment are provided while you're camping

Small Like-minded Groups

Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 12 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people
From

excluding flights
From

excluding flights

What's it like?

4.9
| 132 reviews
Incredible trek
August 2025
Charlotte C.
Incredible trek
August 2025
Charlotte C.
Incredible trek
August 2025
Charlotte C.
Incredible trek
August 2025
Charlotte C.
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
August 2025
Luke R.
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
August 2025
Luke R.
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
August 2025
Luke R.
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
August 2025
Luke R.
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
August 2025
Luke R.
One of the best trips I've done!
August 2025
Erin C.
One of the best trips I've done!
August 2025
Erin C.
One of the best trips I've done!
August 2025
Erin C.
One of the best trips I've done!
August 2025
Erin C.
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
July 2025
Thomas S.
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
July 2025
Thomas S.
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
July 2025
Thomas S.
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
July 2025
Thomas S.
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
July 2025
Thomas S.
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
July 2025
Thomas S.
Amazing walk through the Tian
July 2025
Charlotte M.
Amazing walk through the Tian
July 2025
Charlotte M.
Amazing walk through the Tian
July 2025
Charlotte M.
Amazing walk through the Tian
July 2025
Charlotte M.
Mountain Adventures
July 2025
Julian S.
Amazing Trip
July 2025
Jack B.
Amazing Trip
July 2025
Jack B.
Amazing Trip
July 2025
Jack B.
Amazing Trip
July 2025
Jack B.
Amazing Trip
July 2025
Jack B.
Amazing Trip
July 2025
Jack B.

Hike dramatic, red sandstone canyons and swim in the pristine water of the Issyk Kul high alpine lake

Experience the legendary hospitality of the Kyrgyz semi-nomadic shepherds and spend a night in their yurt

Cross the epic Jukku Pass (3800m) - a spectacular climb surrounded by glaciers and meet Aitbek, one of the last remaining Eagle Hunters in Kyrgyzstan

Key Information

Day 1

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan

Check into your hotel in Bishkek (800m), the cultural hub of Kyrgyzstan, and meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early enough, join for lunch and then head into the city on foot with your guide to explore the huge Osh Bazaar before sitting down for a traditional Kyrgyz feast.

Day 2

Issyk Kul Lake

Hiking

3hrs · 7km · 400m up · 400m down

Driving

7hrs

Take a scenic road trip across the vast Kyrgyz plains to the city of Karakol at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. Along the way, hike through the red sandstone Konorchek Canyon, stopping for a picnic lunch with a seriously good view. Journey on to the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world. In Karakol (1900m), visit the unique Dungan Mosque and settle into your cosy guesthouse for the evening.

Day 3

The 7 Bulls

Hiking

7-8hrs · 18km · 825m up · 725m down

Rise early for a visit to the wooden Orthodox church of Karakol, or just enjoy a lazy start to the day. Cross the pasturelands that lay above the lake and head to the valley of Jety Oguz (2150m), or ‘the seven bulls’ - 7 red stone cliffs from where you'll hit the trail. See your first yurts, home to Kyrgyz semi-nomadic farmers and shepherds and get your own taste of the local culture as you bed down in one for the night. Learn about the age-old traditions still employed, but expect an exchange - they are just as curious to know about your lives too.

Day 4

Jailoo Kyzyl Suu

Hiking

8hrs · 22km · 1000m up · 1100m down

Cross the Jailoo Kyzyl Suu, and join the Jukkuchak Valley (2240m), a path previously used by explorers in the 1930s on their way to Chinese Turkestan. Either way you’ll be back in time for dinner at your first wild camping spot.

Day 5

The Jukku Valley

Hiking

6hrs · 17km · 720m up · 150m down

Leave the foothills of the mountains behind and ascend the beautiful Jukku Valley, flanked on both sides by Tian Shan pine trees. As you hike the landscape will change fast as you journey deeper into the mountains, ending at 2600m above sea level. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies as shooting star spotting is a must from your wild camping spot.

Day 6

Jukku Lake

Hiking

6hrs · 18km · 820m up · 250m down

Venture further and higher into the Jukku Valley, which was once trafficked by caravans heading to China along the ancient Silk Road. Set up camp at around 3140m above sea level in a serene spot on the shores of the first Jukku Lake.

Day 7

The big one: The Jukku Pass (3640m)

Hiking

6-7hrs · 12km · 750m up · 200m down

Climb to the top of the incredible Jukku Pass. It’s a long day with a lot of up and down, but the view from the top makes every step worthwhile. Once on the other side of the pass, it continues to rise gradually and you'll be glad to reach camp on the Arabel Syrt around lunchtime. Fuelled up on a hot meal, those who want can walk up to the plateau at 4000m for an unforgettable panorama of the surrounding snowy peaks before bunking down in your tent. Sleeping at 3680m, you’ll be sure to feel the cold tonight and will probably welcome the never-ending cups of tea that are passed around.

Day 8

The Arabel Syrt

Hiking

1-2hrs · 5km · 70m up · 50m down

Cross the ‘syrt’ (elevated flatland) of Arabel (3735m) - a unique ecosystem of highlands dotted with crystalline lakes. After a few kilometres, cross a bridge over the river to find the vehicle waiting to drive you back to Issyk Kul Lake. There may be time for a short hike to the Barskoon Waterfalls en route (if your legs still have the appetite for more) before ending the day at Tamga where tonight's guesthouse and a hot shower await.

Day 9

The Great Aitbek

After an early breakfast, drive back to Bishkek along the dry south shore of the high altitude Issyk Kul Lake (1650m). There’ll be time for a swim before visiting Skazka Canyon, with its many shades of red and yellow. Stop to meet Aitbek, one of the few remaining ‘berkutchy’ (Kyrgyz eagle hunters) and learn how he trains his golden eagle before returning to Bishkek and a final group dinner.

Day 10

Head for home

Wave goodbye to Kyrgyzstan and head back to the airport in time for your flight home.

The Area

map

Logistics

Starts

Manas International Airport, Bishkek

11:00 on Day 1

Ends

Manas International Airport, Bishkek

Depart anytime on Day 10

Transfers

Airport transfers are included for arrivals at any time on or before Day 1, and at any time on or after Day 10 (provided you have supplied your arrival and departure details in advance).

Please note there will be a welcome briefing at the hotel in Bishkek at 11:30am on Day 1 so please aim to arrive before then.

Travel options

There are regular flights to Kyrgyzstan from major airports across the UK and Europe, usually with a brief stopover.

Day 1

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 2

Guesthouse · Twin or triple share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 3

Yurt · Multi share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 4 – Day 7

Wild camping · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 8

Guesthouse · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 9

Hotel · Twin share

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

Day 10

Departure day

Breakfast

Lunch

Dinner

What is the food like?

Traditional Kyrgyz food revolves around bread, meat and various dairy products. The preparation techniques and major ingredients have been strongly influenced by the nation's ancient, nomadic way of life, so many of the cooking techniques are conducive to the long-term preservation of food. If you get the chance, be sure to join in with the cooking and learn more about the local specialities.

During the trek, breakfast will consist of porridge, eggs, soups and sausages. Lunch will likely be a packed lunch of a sandwich and various other local treats, such as dried fruits and nuts. Dinner will always be hot and usually a combination of stews, noodle dishes and soups.

As the local economy is traditionally based on animal rearing and breeding, vegetarianism is still largely unheard of, however, your host can arrange this if requested. For other dietary requirements (including vegan, mild gluten-free and lactose-free diets, which are difficult to cater for on this trip), please check with your host.

100% strictly Gluten-Free/Coeliac diets in particular are a challenge to cater for as many gluten-free alternatives, such as GF bread, are not yet available in Kyrgyzstan; and on this itinerary there are limited catering facilities whilst both camping and staying in yurts and guesthouses to avoid cross-contamination of foods.

What is the accommodation like?

Twin room in the Navat Hotel, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.
Bishkek

In Bishkek you'll stay at the Navat Hotel, or a hotel of similar standard such as Hotel Evropa or Hotel Damas. You'll stay in twin-share rooms by default.

Guesthouses on trek

In Karakol and Tamga, you’ll stay in small family-run guesthouses in either twin or triple rooms. These are basic but clean with shared facilities.

Traditional Yurts

The yurt camp in Chong Kyzyl Suu valley is owned by a local family, with three yurts available for guests whilst the family sleep in an old Soviet-style wagon. You'll be sharing a yurt with up to six people. There is a wooden latrine and one banya (Russian-style bathroom/sauna). There is electricity, but no plugs. Meals are taken in the wagon with the family, or outside next to the river.

Wild Camp

On Days 4 to 7, you’ll camp in wild locations in twin-share tents. You'll need to put up and take down your own tent. There will also be a tent for group meals and a toilet tent for larger groups.

Upgrades

For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability. This is available on all nights, except for the night in the yurt.

This trip has been rated as Challenging

This trip is suitable for trekkers comfortable walking with a daypack for up to 8 hours/22 km a day, although most days are 6-7 hours and up to 18 km. The terrain is largely undulating and you will be walking at a steady pace. The Jukku Pass (3640m) is the most challenging section and you will climb over 750m ascent, with plenty of time to stop and rest your legs. You will also have horses carrying your overnight kit so will only need to trek with a small rucksack of essentials.

The trekking season in the Tian Shan is short and we only schedule departures when the temperatures are at their mildest and all the mountain passes are in use. Kyrgyzstan gets surprisingly little rain and has over 300 days of sunshine a year.

In the summer, the mornings are usually clear, but the afternoons can be hazy. Even in summer, there can be occasional snowfalls above 3000m and the Arabel Syrt can be wet and marshy as a result of meltwater. At lower altitudes (around the tree line) summer temperatures usually range from 16-28°C and it can feel very hot during the day. In the highlands, the temperatures range from 8-12°C. Night times will feel cold and the higher camps temperatures may hover only a few degrees above freezing or even dip below zero.

Bishkek and the lowland areas around Lake Issyk-Kul will be hot in the day and mild in the evenings.

Sian J.(August 2025)
Epic trekking adventure

This is a truly spectacular trek. Every day delivered new and spectacular scenery. From red canyons, to pine forests to snow capped mountains with glistening lakes… Kyrgyzstan is stunning. Adeel, Aidai and Danir looked after us so well - knowledgeable, fun and professional. This is an incredibly well organised trip. I absolutely loved it!

Charlotte C.(August 2025)
Incredible trek
Incredible trek
Incredible trek
Incredible trek
Incredible trek

This was one of the best trips I’ve ever been on. I’d thoroughly recommend it and it’s inspired me to travel more around Central Asia.

The scenery and landscape was so varied but all stunning. The group was lovely and the guides were attentive. There was plenty of food and on the whole, they catered well for vegetarians (one time when a restaurant served beef in a vegetarian dish, the guides swiftly arranged for a new dish). The hike itself was challenging with some very steep ascents but manageable. We had all weathers from 36C in Bishkek to a blizzard during the hike but the kit list covered exactly what we needed. I’d make sure you have good walking boots that you have hiked in during hot weather and good walking socks - those with blisters struggled with the hike.

Ek6498(August 2025)
An epic adventure on a path less travelled

This is a special trip to a unique and still largely undiscovered gem. I found the hiking very manageable, the views were amazing, we had a great group, and I made some very nice memories. The camp food was impressive and plentiful, and they did well at catering for vegetarians and those with allergies.

Some advice: invest in good gear - it will make or break your trip. The nights are very cold, so pack warm clothing, and unless you have a good sleeping bag I would rent one from MBA - as then there is also more space in your own bag. Also definitely buy a travel, insulated airbed - I really regretted not having one. We had some rain in August - so make sure you have waterproofs. A water filter system like Sawyer or Life straw is key - tablets don't work well as they don't eliminate any debris in the water. Finally I would recommend arriving 1 or 2 days before the start of the trip to recover from jet lag and see a bit more of Bishkek.

I perhaps wouldn't do this trip if you haven't been at altitude before - as it's quite an extreme way to test it out considering you are so remote. It would be great to have a communal tent where people can sit and socialise in the evening before the meals. Because it was so cold we couldn't sit outside so most evenings people were in their tents until the dinner was ready. It would be great to have somewhere to warm up and play cards etc with the group.

Otherwise its a really great trip and the trek really is spectacular.

Luke R.(August 2025)
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on
One of the best trips I’ve ever been on

This trip surpassed my already high expectations, from our guides, the campsites, the food, the group and of course the scenery and views. Everything was 10/10!

Couldn’t recommend this trip enough. Kyrgyzstan will definitely be a country I visit again further down the line!

John H.(August 2025)
The first two days are

The first two days are crossing valleys, with some steep climbs and descents interspersed with crystal-clear mountain streams. Rewards include a hidden canyon and a field of rosemary! After a night in a yurt the "real" trek begins, a steady incline toward the looming snow-capped peaks. The valley sides narrow, we pass fields of monstrous boulders lying sleepily in the grassy meadows. The last yurt homestead, and turn to climb toward the high-altitude upland "jailoo". En-route is the most picturesque lakeside camp you can imagine. Gray Marmots play in the sunshine, unperturbed by our passing.

Expertly led by an experienced team of local guides and horsemen, the trek was an unforgettable experience.

Darcy H.(August 2025)
Top trip to Kyrgystan

I loved this trip.

Erin C.(August 2025)
One of the best trips I've done!
One of the best trips I've done!
One of the best trips I've done!
One of the best trips I've done!
One of the best trips I've done!

This trip absolutely lives up to all the glowing reviews. I had the most amazing time, loved challenging myself with the hikes, enjoyed the cultural experiences, and appreciated the warmth of our guides, horsemen and driver. I'm so glad I did this trip, and am already eyeing up my next MBA adventure in Central Asia.

Mike B.(August 2025)
The Tian Shan mountains are simply astonishing

A fantastic trip with very few areas for improvement

Nicole T.(August 2025)
Excellent - Kyrgyzstans nature is

Excellent - Kyrgyzstans nature is beautiful

Frona H.(August 2025)
Excellent trek. Very well organized

Excellent trek. Very well organized and matched the description.

Rosamond L.(August 2025)
Great trip!

Well-organised adventure shared with like-minded people and experienced local guides and horsemen. We were able to swim most days on the multi day trek in (cold) rivers and lakes, with the trek bookended by shower-saunas if desired. The guesthouses and hotels were well-chosen. The trek itself required only a moderate level of fitness, with the weather having the potential to take the challenge up a notch. We had only an hour or so of rain so it was relatively easy going. Treat the kit list as a bible - I used it all, albeit most of the cold weather gear only on the last night of camping. The eagle hunters are magnificent. A big recommend for this tour - and a shout-out to Fabien who managed on-the-ground admin impeccably.

Thomas S.(July 2025)
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
Incredible trip! Exactly what I
Incredible trip! Exactly what I

Incredible trip! Exactly what I was looking for for in terms of visiting Kyrgyzstan off the beaten track, experiencing the local cultures, cuisines, past times and landscapes.

Charlotte M.(July 2025)
Amazing walk through the Tian
Amazing walk through the Tian
Amazing walk through the Tian
Amazing walk through the Tian
Amazing walk through the Tian

Amazing walk through the Tian Shan Mountains. The hike was tough but doable if you have a decent level of fitness. The scenery was stunning and we walked along a mix of roads and paths as we wound up into the mountains. The weather was really changeable and we had some rain most days so definitely make sure to bring rain trousers/jacket and bring more socks than you think you'll need. Having a dry/clean pair of socks to put on at camp in the evenings was a dream.

Andrew L.(July 2025)
Jaw dropping scenery, best camp

Jaw dropping scenery, best camp sites ever experienced, good physical exertion, cultural immersion and constant lovely little surprises. I left with a little piece of Kyrgystan in my heart.

Isabella R.(July 2025)
An adventure I will never forget!

I could not recommend this trip more - Kyrgyzstan is a magical country and this trek is the perfect way to explore its spectacular valleys, canyons and nature. Plus, not many tourists around which I loved.

The enthusiasm and genuine passion of our guides Victor, Adyl and Aidai made this the best guided tour I have ever done, a real dream team! A big thanks to the rest of our the crew and all our group for all the fun and laughs!

In a nutshell - BOOK NOW!! You wont' regret it, I promise :)

Padraig D.(July 2025)

Mountains landscapes breathtaking

Julian S.(July 2025)
Mountain Adventures
Mountain Adventures

This was an excellent mountain adventure, made even better by the thoughtful and fun guiding from Victor, Adyl and Aidai (plus the horsemen and the drivers) together with a fantastic group of fellow trekkers!

Jack B.(July 2025)
Amazing Trip
Amazing Trip
Amazing Trip
Amazing Trip
Amazing Trip
Amazing Trip
Amazing Trip

Spectacular country showcased by our guide - Victor, whose infectious enthusiasm for Kyrgyzstan and the mountains, made it one of the most fun trips I’ve been on. He and his team can’t be praised enough for how enjoyable they made the trip!

Kyrgyzstan itself was beautiful and there was incredible scenery and views basically every day. The people we encountered were all so friendly too.

If you enjoy hiking in amazing places then I’d highly recommend the trip.

Pauline C.(July 2025)
Memorable Adventure in an Off-the-Beaten-Path Country
Memorable Adventure in an Off-the-Beaten-Path Country
Memorable Adventure in an Off-the-Beaten-Path Country
Memorable Adventure in an Off-the-Beaten-Path Country
Memorable Adventure in an Off-the-Beaten-Path Country
Memorable Adventure in an Off-the-Beaten-Path Country
Memorable Adventure in an Off-the-Beaten-Path Country
Memorable Adventure in an Off-the-Beaten-Path Country

I booked MBAs because I had an amazing guide for my Kilimanjaro hike. Kyrgyzstan felt so foreign to me that I knew I needed another guided service again.

Let me start by saying how beautiful the mountain ranges are here. You can experience them even in the city center. The people are kind and welcoming. The tour hits all the highlights on my checklist: horseback riding, eagle hunting, a city tour and beach day on Issyk kul lake.

The hike itself wasn’t technically difficult. The path was pretty straightforward, with a few steep climbs. We even reached the 4000m mark on the last day! Some hiking days were quite long, but honestly, the longest and most tiring part was the 8-9 hour drive to and from the starting point. Thankfully, our guide kept us entertained throughout the journey.

The landscapes were so beautiful and pristine. Each day in the mountains was more beautiful than the last. Aybek, Abdu, and the team took care of us like family.

Elijah A.(July 2025)
Most unique trek I've been on!
Most unique trek I've been on!
Most unique trek I've been on!
Most unique trek I've been on!

This trip was incredible throughout. The lead guide Victor was world-class, and the assistants, Adyl and Aidai were incredible as well.

The scenery in this trek was astounding and diverse. In one day, it feels like you go from the Swiss Alps to the Utah Canyons and back again.

We covered a decent amount of ground, but the trekking wasn't too difficult. The coolest part was that we didn't see a single other tourist group-- only an occasional shepherd. This is some of the most untouched nature you'll find!

William K.(July 2025)

Good, itinerary needs some work

Caault(July 2025)
Amazing week !!!
Amazing week !!!
Amazing week !!!
Amazing week !!!
Amazing week !!!
Amazing week !!!

Based on the reviews I was expecting a great trip. I got that and more ! Amazing week in the mountains - varied scenery and fantastic guides. If you’re debating this trip, book !! You won’t be sorry :)

Eleanor D.(July 2025)
An incredible trip! It was

An incredible trip! It was a privilege to walk in such remote areas, with an unbelievable variety of landscapes, from arid canyons to lush green grass and the smell of wild thyme. A special thanks to the local tour operator, Nomad's Land, who, in addition to generally being great, helped me out of a pickle when I lost my passports and was exceptionally helpful.

Danielle P.(July 2025)
Incredible experience
Incredible experience
Incredible experience
Incredible experience
Incredible experience
Incredible experience

What an opportunity to explore a country that feels so untouched. Our main guide Aibek was very knowledgable and enthusiastic. The other guides and horsemen were always smiling and happy to help. Everywhere you turn on the hikes is just like something out of a picture book it is gorgeous. Highly recommend this tour!!

Furhan A.(July 2025)
Breath-taking views and an incredible adventure!

Kyrgyzstan is an incredibly country and the MBA tour does an astute job in showcasing the varied landscape and geographies the country has to offer. The tour was well organised, with Fabien doing a great job behind-the-scenes prior to/ during the trip. Meanwhile, our guides Aibek, Daniyar and Abdurahman were a consistent source of knowledge, positivity and very warm meals in the mountains :)

I would heartily recommend this tour to anyone looking to get off the beaten track and explore the mountains of Kyrgyzstan. You will come back with new friends, plenty of memories, and an appreciation for this small, yet beautiful, country in Central Asia

Fiona T.(July 2025)
Fantastic hiking with very few tourists!
Fantastic hiking with very few tourists!
Fantastic hiking with very few tourists!
Fantastic hiking with very few tourists!

This trip was an incredible experience and introduction to a country still generally undiscovered. The hiking was across varied but always beautiful terrain, and our amazing guides Meers, Idai and Adyl had lots of interesting information to pass on about the landscapes and Kyrgz culture. The campsites were also well chosen, and sometimes we even arrived at the camps to find our tents put up by the wonderful horsemen. I would highly recommend this trip to people who like hiking (a base level of fitness helps but the elevation is not too challenging) and who want to experience Kyrgzyzstan off the beaten track.

Petra S.(July 2025)
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing!
Absolutely amazing!

I was blown away by this trip! Kyrgyzstan is just a country of abundance, the flora, fauna, animals and varied landscape and scenery is breathtaking. The guides, Aibek and his team and the horsemen, were brilliant. They worked together like a well oiled machine and the schedule was perfect. The trip offered great variety being in different locations, varied scenery together with a lot of information about the country, people and traditions. I really really recommend this trip.

Dannyoneillnorway(July 2025)
Tian Shan
Tian Shan
Tian Shan

Great experience led by our guides Aybek, Danyr and Abdulrahman who were entertaining and fun throughout

Angela(July 2025)
Epic Adventure
Epic Adventure
Epic Adventure
Epic Adventure
Epic Adventure

There aren’t the words to describe just how beautiful Kyrgyzstan is. Each hike was more picturesque than the next and the camp sites were something else. We had all the weathers, which just added to the experience and seeing the Tian Shan mountains in all their glory.

Our guides worked so hard on the trip and always with a smile, so grateful to them and the horsemen.

An incredible experience with a fantastic group of people; I’d absolutely recommend this trip. Loved it. Totally exceeded expectations.

If you’re planning on going:

  • the second guest house has their own cider that’s particularly good; I’d recommend keeping a few som back for that. Their sauna is an optional extra but also well worth it.
  • cash is easy to exchange on the first day, either at the airport or near where you have lunch; I took dollars to change, some people changed euros; others got cash out at an atm.
  • the kit list is pretty accurate; I followed it and used everything.
Jenny A.(July 2025)
Awesome trip with fabulous people
Awesome trip with fabulous people
Awesome trip with fabulous people
Awesome trip with fabulous people
Awesome trip with fabulous people
Awesome trip with fabulous people
Awesome trip with fabulous people

Kyrgyzstan way exceeded my (high!) expectations. Stunning varied scenery & got totally off the beaten track with a great group. It was unexpectedly warm but definitely need all the gear as had hail, rain & sun!

Our guides Meers, Idai & Adyl were amazing. . Meers paced the walking incredible well to suit the group & the food produced was plentiful & tasty.

All in all, an unforgettable trip in a truly beautiful & friendly country.

Itinerary Activities

  • Optional guided tour of Osh Bazaar
  • Guided hike through Konorchek Canyon
  • Visit Dungan Mosque
  • Visit the Orthodox church of Karakol
  • Guided hike through the valley of Jety Oguz
  • Guided hike crossing Jailoo Kyzyl
  • 3 days of guided hiking in the Jukku Valley
  • Guided crossing of the 'syrt' of Arabel
  • Optional hike to the Barskoon Waterfalls
  • Swim in the Issyk Kul Lake
  • Meet Aitbek, one of the few remaining Kyrgyz eagle hunters

Guides

  • Expert, local, English-speaking guides

Accommodation

  • 2 nights in a hotel
  • 2 nights in a guesthouse
  • 1 night in a yurt
  • 4 nights wild camping

Meals

All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:

  • 9 breakfasts
  • 9 lunches including picnics
  • 9 dinners including traditional Kyrgyz feasts

Transfers

  • Group arrival transfers from Manas International Airport on Day 1
  • Departure transfers to Manas International Airport any time on Day 10
  • Transfers during the trip

Porterage

  • Pack horses to carry your overnight luggage

Equipment

  • All camping equipment

Permits

  • All permits and entry fees

Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.

Travel to and from the trip

Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.

Tips

Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the following as a guideline per person:

  • Horsemen, driver and assistant: 70-200 KGS ($1-3 USD) per day.
  • Guide: 200-350 ($3-5 USD) per day

Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures, and you'll need to provide your policy details before departure. Your insurance should offer adequate cover for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment, and the specific activities involved in your adventure. We also recommend ensuring your policy includes cancellation and curtailment cover, in case you're unable to join your trip due to unforeseen circumstances such as illness.

Standard travel insurance may not cover all the activities included in your adventure, so it's essential to check the details carefully. There are adventure-specific providers that many travellers have used in the past, such as True Traveller (for those based in the UK or Europe), or Rise + Shield, both of which offer cover for a wide range of adventurous activities.

Please make sure your chosen policy meets your individual needs and covers all aspects of your trip. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (4000m).

Visas

Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.

Personal Expenses

You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.

What do I need to bring?

Bags

  • Soft (ideally waterproof) overnight duffel bag or rucksack for the horses to carry (60-80 litres)
  • Daypack (25-30 litres litres) with rain cover (or bring drybags)
  • Waterproof liner or drybags for main duffel bag/rucksack

Clothes

  • Mid-weight down jacket
  • Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood
  • Waterproof and windproof trousers / overtrousers
  • Breathable wicking layers
  • Fleece jacket or similar
  • Thermals (wool/merino is best)
  • Warm hat
  • Gloves
  • Buff or neck scarf
  • Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts T-shirts
  • Underwear & socks
  • Swimwear
  • Suitable UV-blocking sunglasses
  • Sunhat
  • Something to sleep in
  • Waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
  • Gaiters (optional - for early June and late Sept/Oct trips only)
  • Sandals / Crocs

Sleeping

  • Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
  • Sleeping bag (3/4 season, down to -5°C Comfort Rating): available to rent also (see Optional Extras)
  • Travel pillow or pillowcase
  • Thermarest-style sleeping mat (Highly recommended - basic foam mats are provided but you may want to bring your own sleeping mat for additional comfort)

Other

  • Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
  • Universal travel plug adapter
  • Power bank or solar charger
  • Passports (and visas)
  • Travel insurance documents
  • Ear plugs
  • High SPF suncream and lipbalm (SPF 50+ recommended)
  • Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
  • Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
  • Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags)
  • Quick-dry towel
  • Alcohol hand-gel
  • Headtorch or torch
  • Reusable water bottle x 1-litre and/or hydration bladder/pouch
  • Water purification tablets or treatment system
  • Quickdry travel towel
  • Biodegradable wet-wipes
  • Energy bars and snacks (optional, local snacks provided)
*Requests for optional extras can be made after booking on your “My Bookings” page

Sleeping bag rental

Payable Before Departure

Sleeping bag rental

Double or Twin Room in Bishkek (per room)

Payable Before Departure

Double or Twin Room in Bishkek (per room)

Single Room in Bishkek (per room)

Payable Before Departure

Single Room in Bishkek (per room)

Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade

Payable Before Departure

Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade

We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.

What's the number?
It works out on average at 386kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.

The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.

But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:

  • Driving 1000 miles/1609km would be approximately 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person, if there were two of you in it).
  • A return economy class flight between London and New York would be approximately 1619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
  • 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approximately 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.

What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.

Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.

Your host will provide you with boiled water while trekking, but we advise that you also pack a filtration system of your own (e.g. Saywer or Steripen) or water purification tablets (e.g Aqua Tabs or Micropur) to ensure that the water is fully treated.

Absolutely. Your host can look after any luggage you don't need while trekking.

This trip visits locations at or above 2500m, where some people may experience symptoms of Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS).

Previous experience at altitude doesn’t guarantee the same response again – your body can react differently on each trip. However, having been at altitude before is still valuable: it gives you a better understanding of how your body might respond, what symptoms to look out for, and how to manage your pace and energy levels.

Your guide is trained to manage the risk of altitude sickness by controlling the rate of ascent, monitoring group wellbeing, and responding appropriately if anyone feels unwell.

Before booking, we recommend considering your personal health, particularly if you have any pre-existing conditions, and consulting a medical professional if you’re unsure. Arriving early to allow your body to acclimatise can also make a big difference.

Your travel insurance must cover the maximum altitude reached on this trip and include emergency evacuation.

Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.

Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.

Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).

For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.

We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.

We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.

If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.

All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. You must be over 18 to join one of our trips.

You're always in good company on one of our adventures.

Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.

Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.

It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.

Don't just take our word for it:

  • 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
  • 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
  • 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends

See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.

Need help finding flights?

From logistics and how to get there, to fitness, group dynamic and trip difficulty, Rory and his team of friendly experts are on hand to help.

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Secure your spot with the minimum deposit and pay off the remaining balance in as many instalments as you like, with no interest or fees. Full details

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Much Better Adventures is rated ‘Excellent’ on Trustpilot with over 1000 verified trip reviews averaging 4.8/5.

Connect before you go

You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details

DEPARTURE DATES

September 2025

Saturday 6th September 2025

to Monday 15th September 2025
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Saturday 13th September 2025

to Monday 22nd September 2025
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked

Saturday 20th September 2025

to Monday 29th September 2025
Guaranteed to run
Fully Booked
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Go private and split the bill with ease.

Forget complex logistics, we've taken care of all the details to ensure a hassle-free get together. All of the adventure, none of the faff.

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