Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Hike the most spectacular mountain range in Central Asia and sleep under the stars
Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Hike the most spectacular mountain range in Central Asia and sleep under the stars
DURATION
LOCATION
ANNUAL LEAVE
SEASON
GROUP SIZE
MEETING POINT
ACCOMMODATION
Hotel · Guesthouse · Yurt · Wild camping
DIFFICULTY
The terrain is rough, uneven and completely magnificent, so you should be comfortable walking for up to 8 hours and 22km a day
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
Day 1
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan
Check into your hotel in Bishkek, 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
Driving
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, visit the unique Dungan Mosque and settle into your cosy guesthouse for the evening.
Day 3
The 7 Bulls
Hiking
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, 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
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. Either way you’ll be back in time for dinner at your first wild camping spot.
Day 5
The Jukku Valley
Hiking
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
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
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
Cross the ‘syrt’ (elevated flatland) of Arabel - 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. 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.
Included
Guides
Expert, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a guesthouse, 1 night in a yurt, 4 nights wild camping
Meals
Munch on tasty food throughout
Transfers
To and from the airport and everything in-between
Porterage
Pack horses to carry your overnight luggage
Equipment
All the camping equipment you'll need
Permits
All permits and entry fees
Not Included
Flights to and from the meeting point
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Visas where required
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
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. 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 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 (including vegan and gluten-free diets, which are difficult to cater for on this trip), please check with your host.
What is the accommodation like?
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.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Manas Airport
11:00 on Day 1
Ends
Manas Airport
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). There will be a welcome briefing at the hotel in Bishkek at 11:30 on Day 1 so please aim to arrive by then if possible.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Kyrgyzstan from major airports across the UK and Europe, usually with a brief stopover.
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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 or sleeping mat (optional - basic foam mats are provided but you may want to bring your own Thermarest 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)
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
…
Highly recommended trip. Kyrgyzstan is a very beautiful country, and this trek passes through a diverse range of landscapes, from the red-rock canyons close to Issyk-Kul, through the broad glacier-carved Juuku valley, to the windswept Arabel plateau. As a result of the change in altitude, we experienced four seasons in a week, starting in hot sunshine and finishing in a chilly but magical snowscape. Our guides were excellent, working very hard to ensure we were well-fed (including accommodating dietary requirements) and entertained (one night there was a campfire). The horsemen also did a great job and the horses were very calm when we briefly rode them to reach one of our camping spots. The route was well chosen to allow time to acclimatise to the altitude, as well as plenty of time to rest and chat over a cup of tea. There were good opportunities to spot wildlife, including eagles, vultures, and marmots. Besides the trek, the cultural activities were very enjoyable - my personal highlights were the eagle hunting demonstration (and the delicious home cooking that followed) and meeting a lovely couple who make yurts.
I'm sure each group has a good dynamic in a different way, but I got on well with everyone in mine and I feel there wasn't too much difference in walking pace between the slower and speedier hikers. I came as an individual traveller and enjoyed making new friends. The whole experience was seamless and justified the price tag. Thank you Mir-Said for putting together such a good programme!
A few tips: Rent your sleeping bag - you'll have peace of mind that you'll be warm enough and have more space in your luggage for other things. Buy some gifts at very reasonable prices from the Osh bazaar and then leave them at the hotel to pick up at the end of the trip. Bring a book and a pack of cards or a similar game, as the evenings are long (especially if you choose September dates when it gets dark earlier).
An amazing trip - thoroughly well-organised and put together. The scenery was stunning, and the guides Mir-Said and Ruslan were excellent. The only downside was when the trip finished!
Our guides Stas and Ibek were absolutely fantastic and the trip was spectacular. The hiking and scenery was beautiful and the culture and food was impressive too. If you're on the fence about going, then definitely go for it!
We had a fantastic time trekking with our guides Mir-Said and Abdurahman. Everything was super well organised from the moment we landed, and the guides were a great source of local knowledge about anything from food choices to the country's rich history, traditions, and politics.
The trekking was beautiful, rugged, and remote. Some days were more challenging than others, but never too hard for anyone in the group, and everyone was in good spirits throughout with regular rest and food breaks. We loved the dramatic and ever changing landscapes and wild camping spots, and it was amazing just how few people we passed in the mountains.
Thanks for making the trip so memorable, and for introducing us to the many intrigues of Kyrgyzstan!
The trip was fabulous. Was very impressed with the food quality, especially when camping. The guides were exceptionally helpful and knowledgeable. The group was very supportive and worked well together. Views while hiking were spectacular!
Words or photos won’t do it justice. Great trip. Excellent hiking - challenging but in a good way. All inclusive. Our guides were exceptional. And generally well looked after and verify well fed
Great trip. The guides were fabulous and the trek throughly enjoyable.
Fantastic holiday! Really beautiful country and a well organised trip.
Our guides Stas and Ibek were absolutely fantastic and the trip was spectacular. The hiking and scenery was beautiful and the culture and food was impressive too. If you're on the fence about going, then definitely go for it!
We had an amazing time on our trip to the Tian Shan mountains. The scenery is out of this world and changes day by day. The walking is tough at times but definitely worth it. Victor and Abdurahman looked after us throughout - making delicious meals and always keeping us entertained. Managed to experience a small part of the countries culture before and after the walk - definitely a trip to do!
We've crunched the numbers to work out the total carbon footprint of this trip, and plant enough trees to suck 2x as much back out the atmosphere.
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 for 2023 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 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 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. For every person booked with us since 2016 we’re planting enough trees to suck at least 2x more carbon out the atmosphere than is emitted by their trips. All native trees, as part of amazing projects that are re-foresting degraded land, tackling the biodiversity crisis and supporting local communities at the same time. We go further than that too, also funding re-wilding projects worldwide to help protect important keystone species from extinction. See the reforestation and re-wilding schemes we support. See our carbon action plan.
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.
This trip is suitable for trekkers of average fitness. You should feel comfortable walking for up to 8 hours a day/22 km 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, 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.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
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.
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.
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.
Absolutely. Your host can look after any luggage you don't need while trekking.
We recommend checking out the country specific information here and also talking to a travel nurse.
For current advice about travelling in Kyrgyzstan, have a read of the UK Foreign Office pages here.
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (4000m).
Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine.
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness.
We fully endorse Campbell Irvine as their insurance offers all of the above, so get in touch with them or call on 020 7938 1734 to get your insurance sorted. We suggest that you book travel insurance as soon as you book your adventure, just to cover you for any last-minute life changes. We know you’re an active lot and injuries do happen!
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 (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're in good company. Our adventures are typically made up of a mix of solo travellers and small groups of two or three friends who simply love adventure, pushing themselves and meeting awesome like-minded people. See here for more info about our lovely bunch of Much Better Adventurers.
Want to book a private trip? Just tap ‘Private Group’ in the dates and prices tab.
Your trip is led by carefully curated local hosts and expert guides. See here for more info about the guides we work with.
Pay In Installments
You can choose to pay for this trip in as many installments as you like, with no interest or fees.
Full Financial Protection
Your money is safe. Every booking is fully financially protected.
