You’ll stay in small family-run guesthouses in either twin or triple rooms. These are basic but clean with shared facilitiess. Depending on the group size you may also stay in their yurts if available.

Guesthouses

The yurt camp in Chong Kyzyl Suu valley is owned by a local family, with 3 available for guests whilst the family sleep in an old Soviet-style wagon. 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.

Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

Traditional Yurts

You’ll camp next to a local family's yurt in roomy, twin share tents. There will also be a tent for group meals and a toilet tent for larger groups.

Wild Camp

You’ll stay in small family-run guesthouses in either twin or triple rooms. These are basic but clean with shared facilitiess. Depending on the group size you may also stay in their yurts if available. 

The yurt camp in Chong Kyzyl Suu valley is owned by a local family, with 3 available for guests whilst the family sleep in an old Soviet-style wagon. 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.

You’ll camp next to a local family's yurt in roomy, twin share tents. There will also be a tent for group meals and a toilet tent for larger groups.


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The terrain is rough, uneven and completely magnificent, so you should be comfortable walking up to 8 hours/20km a day.

Traditional Kyrgyz food revolves around 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.
During the trek, breakfast will comprise 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 (vegan included), please check with your host.
If you get the chance, be sure to join in with the cooking and learn more about the local specialities.

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The Jukku Pass, Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan

Chong Kyzyl Sus, Kyrgyzstan 

The Jukku Valley, Kyrgyzstan

Airport transfers are included if you arrive any time on Day 1 and depart anytime on Day 10. If you decide to extend your stay or arrive early, airport transfers can be arranged by your host. Please see Optional Extras for the price.

Guides

5 nights in a guesthouse, 1 night in a yurt, 3 nights wild camping

Accommodation

Meals

To and from the airport and everything in-between

Transfers

Pack horses to carry your overnight luggage

Porterage

All the camping equipment you'll need

Equipment

Permits

5 nights in a guesthouse, 1 night in a yurt, 3 nights wild camping

To and from the airport and everything in-between

Pack horses to carry your overnight luggage

Check into your hotel in Bishkek, the cultural hub of Kyrgyzstan, and meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early enough, explore the huge Osh Bazaar or join your guide for a city walk before sitting down for a traditional Kyrgyz feast.

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan

Day 1

Take a scenic roadtrip across the vast Kyrgyz plains to the city of Karakol at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. Leave the car behind you and hike through the red sandstone Konorchek canyon, stopping for a picnic lunch with a serious view. Journey on to the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world, and settle into your cosy guesthouse for the evening.

Issy Kul Lake, Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan

Issyk Kul Lake

Day 2

Rise early for a visit to the wooden Orthodox church of Karakol and the Dungan Mosque, 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, or ‘the seven bulls’ - 7 red stone cliffs overhanging a picturesque village where you’ll stay tonight.

The 7 Bulls

Day 3

Prepare for a challenging day as you trek across the vast ‘jailoos’, the Kyrgyz name for summer pasturelands. 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.

Chong Kyzyl Sus

Day 4

Cross the jailoo, Kyzyl Suu, and join the Jukkuchak Valley, a path previously used by explorers in the 1930s on their way to Chinese Turkestan. For those with fuel left in their legs, continue further and jump into some natural hot springs. Either way you’ll be back in time for dinner at your first wild camping spot.

Valley hopping

Day 5

Leave the foothills of the mountains behind and head into 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 2660m above sea level. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies as shooting star spotting is a must.

The Jukku Valley 

Day 6

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 make every step worthwhile. Sleeping at 3715m, you’ll be sure to feel the cold tonight and will probably welcome the never-ending cups of tea that are passed around.

The big one: The Jukku Pass (3640m)

Day 7

Cross the ‘syrt’ (elevated flatland) of Arabel - a unique ecosystem of highlands dotted with crystalline lakes. The crossing itself is pretty spectacular, with the surrounding glaciers close enough to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for ibex, foxes, bearded vultures and even wolves. End the day with a quick transfer to Tamga, where tonight's guesthouse and a hot shower await.

The Arabel Syrt

Day 8

After an early breakfast, drive back to Bishkek along the dry south shore of the high altitude Issyk Kul Lake. 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.

Back to Bishkek

Day 9

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

Head for home

Day 10

Check into your hotel in Bishkek, the cultural hub of Kyrgyzstan, and meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early enough, explore the huge Osh Bazaar or join your guide for a city walk before sitting down for a traditional Kyrgyz feast.


Take a scenic roadtrip across the vast Kyrgyz plains to the city of Karakol at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. Leave the car behind you and hike through the red sandstone Konorchek canyon, stopping for a picnic lunch with a serious view. Journey on to the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world, and settle into your cosy guesthouse for the evening.


Rise early for a visit to the wooden Orthodox church of Karakol and the Dungan Mosque, 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, or ‘the seven bulls’ - 7 red stone cliffs overhanging a picturesque village where you’ll stay tonight.


Prepare for a challenging day as you trek across the vast ‘jailoos’, the Kyrgyz name for summer pasturelands. 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.

Cross the jailoo, Kyzyl Suu, and join the Jukkuchak Valley, a path previously used by explorers in the 1930s on their way to Chinese Turkestan. For those with fuel left in their legs, continue further and jump into some natural hot springs. Either way you’ll be back in time for dinner at your first wild camping spot.



Leave the foothills of the mountains behind and head into 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 2660m above sea level. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies as shooting star spotting is a must.


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 make every step worthwhile. Sleeping at 3715m, you’ll be sure to feel the cold tonight and will probably welcome the never-ending cups of tea that are passed around.



Cross the ‘syrt’ (elevated flatland) of Arabel - a unique ecosystem of highlands dotted with crystalline lakes. The crossing itself is pretty spectacular, with the surrounding glaciers close enough to explore. Keep your eyes peeled for ibex, foxes, bearded vultures and even wolves. End the day with a quick transfer to Tamga, where tonight's guesthouse and a hot shower await.

After an early breakfast, drive back to Bishkek along the dry south shore of the high altitude Issyk Kul Lake. 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.


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


United States Dollar

Double or Twin Room in Bishkek (per room)

Single Room in Bishkek (per room) 

Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade

Airport Transfer One Way

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

Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Trailblazer Price - 4 spots left at 5% off

Trailblazer Price - 1 spot left at 5% off

Trailblazer Price - 3 spots left at 5% off

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

Share a bowl of kumys with 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

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

Share a bowl of kumys with 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

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Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

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Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

DURATION

LOCATION

ANNUAL LEAVE

SEASON

GROUP SIZE

MEETING POINT

ACCOMMODATION

DIFFICULTY

Similar Trips

EXPERT LOCALGUIDES

YOUR MONEYIS SAFE

TOTALFLEXIBILITY

A COMPANY YOU CANACTUALLY TRUST

EXPERT LOCAL
GUIDES

YOUR MONEY
IS SAFE

TOTAL
FLEXIBILITY

A COMPANY YOU CAN
ACTUALLY TRUST