Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

Excellent trip, well organised with great leaders. The hiking was excellent with spectacular views and the cultural activities at either end of the trip well thought out. Also no hidden costs.

.

I would like to leave a review To tell and encourage you, To go on a trip just like this Which really was absolute bliss. I trekked the mountains in Kyrgyzstan With like minded people and a sound plan.

The hike was tough, but not too much The food was fabulous, stews and such. The people were a team of gems Led by guides who were soon our friends

The balance of culture, hikes and rest This trip really was the very best!

If you love mountains and don't like crowds, this is the best choice which you can make for your holidays! Stunning views, untouched nature, lovely people and delicious food. Our guides (Mirs, Ady and Abdu) were amazing, so knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful. They went above and beyond to make this trip unforgettable (singing national anthems, whipping with branches in the sauna, and testing fermented drinks was so funny!). Our group was very diverse, with people from different parts of the World, which made it it even more interesting. We got along very well and we spent many long evenings full of jokes and laughter. If I could, I would go back there even tomorrow!

We had a great time on our trek through Kyrgyzstan. The scenery is beautiful, a rare remaining wilderness. Watching nomadic farmers herd huge numbers of cattle and horses up steep mountain passes and camping next to beautiful lakes was incredible. The food was far better than I expected (particularly as a veggie!) and we really appreciated the efforts of Aibek, Stas and Aidai to make us all comfortable. The horsemen were also incredibly helpful and friendly.

Really amazing trip - Stas and the team went above and beyond!!! Would highly recommend.

Mirs was one of the most knowledgable thoughtful, diligent and attentive guides ever. Trip of a lifetime. Felt almost like a mini fellowship of the ring - and we didn’t see a single other tourist!

Probably the best MBA trip I’ve ever been on! (and I’ve been on a few). I don’t know where to start, but the guides are probably a good place - Stas, Aibek and Aida were phenomenal. Entertaining, knowledgable, kind and always kept us safe. The horsemen, hosts and driver were wonderfully hospitable and welcoming. Having them all present, created a safe community which I loved. We were fed abundantly and the variety of outdoor adventure, history and culture was the ultimate mix. The diversity of activities and accommodation was curated perfectly, giving us a brilliant taste of what Kyrgyzstan culture has to offer. The group dynamic was unmatched and we were lucky enough to have a bunch of likeminded souls that offered endless laughs. The hikes itself were not that challenging, but offered expansive experience of the incredibly jaw dropping landscapes and peaceful remoteness. All in all, I couldn’t have imagined a better trip. It surpassed everything I could’ve hoped for and more.

I would highly recommend this trip to anyone thinking of going to Kyrgyzstan. We had the best time, our group had such a good vibe and our guides (shoutout to Mirs, Edy and Abdu) were so lovely, knowledgeable and helpful. Would do it all again in a heartbeat.

This trip exceeded any expectations I had - the Tian Shan mountains are simply breathtaking. The stunning and unspoilt views, varied days hiking and great group dynamics make this trek the perfect way to disconnect from daily life for a week. Loved the blend of cultural visits, hiking, enjoying a much-needed sauna and swim in the lake and city tour. Some lovely guesthouses and yurt camps with very friendly and accommodating hosts, and a few great nights wild camping. I was impressed with the variety and amount of food throughout - this is not a trip where you will go hungry! From the guides (Stas and Ibek) to our horsemen and driver (Asad) - everyone was brilliant; lots of history and local information shared and I felt safe and looked after at all times. My first MBA trip and I would absolutely book another - loved it!

This trip was amazing, the people of Kyrgyzstan are so hospitable and the scenery of the country is striking. The trek itself is so much fun, great food, views and excitement with the camping.

Breathtaking, undulating landscapes that span red canyons, alpine valleys and snowy peaks. A very unique experience and possibly one of few places in the world that remain largely untouched by tourism. Beyond the obvious natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan, our guides Stas, Aibek, and Aidai ensured a memorable trip. They were knowledgable, supportive, and most of all entertaining. The hiking was comfortably challenging and the pace tailored to the groups abilities. Each day was fuelled with a generous breakfast, lunch and dinner. I would highly recommend this trip for anyone who is looking to hike and camp in less-known trails.

What an amazing trip. We were led by Stas, Aibek (Googlebek) and Aidai who were wonderful guides. Their knowledge, support and humour made the trip even better. They made sure we were always comfortable and VERY well fed. The hiking was challenging at times, but we travelled as a group so that no one felt left behind. The scenery is absolutely stunning, almost untouched - we never even saw any other hiking groups for the whole trip! I'd highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for a rewarding hiking and camping trip, but also bucket loads of fun!

Highly highly recommend this trip. The Tian Shan mountains are stunning and we didn’t see anyone else throughout the entire hike - go now before the destination becomes more touristic. Varied landscapes, from canyons to forests to glaciers. Excellent guides. Stunning camping spots. Not v hard - I would rate this mid-level not challenging personally. V grateful for this experience, thank you!

Amazing country, beautiful scenery and very friendly people.

Great trip with varied sights/activities. The guides had it organized perfectly and went above and beyond to make this trip special.

This part of the world is so unknown and unique. This trip showcased the Kyrgyzstan countryside and particularly the wilderness. We didn’t see any other hikes after day 1. Proper isolation to enjoy the mountains on our own. Would wholeheartedly recommend this trio to any one who likes to get to up into the mountains, experience unique scenery and meet friendly welcoming local communities.

Stunning scenery, enormous variety, friendly locals and interesting cultural elements. But what made this trek unique was the sense that we were in a completely remote area un-touched by tourism. We really were the only people on the trail. The occasional farmer might say hello but that was it - we felt like true pioneers. The walking is not too arduous - long days but never too much.

This is a very well organised adventure. Though advertised as challenging that is more about the wild camping conditions than the walking. Wild Camping is what it says on the tin, I had never done any form of camping before and found it appropriately adventurous. Everyone in the group and the horsemen help you put up the tents if you need additional help so no need to worry about that The hiking is steady paced, plenty of breaks and nothing too technical. Each day was well managed with plenty of stops for breaks, meeting local herdsmen or having a swim, run. Cannot recommend it enough

My holiday in Kyrgyzstan was an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking landscapes and thrilling hikes . Trekking the Tian Shan mountains with Much Better Adventures was an incredible journey that exceeded all of my expectations.

The pristine beauty of the Kyrgyzstan wilderness was truly awe-inspiring. From towering mountain peaks to crystal-clear lakes, every step of the trek offered a new and stunning view. The knowledgeable guides from Much Better Adventures and their local agents Stas and Dima were very skilled in leading us safely through the rugged terrain sharing some stories about the local culture and history. Stas was a superb leader, very focussed on our needs, keeping us together , the daily yoga and stretching routine was excellent and the hot sauna in the final guesthouse was a brilliant reward after all of the hiking.

One of the highlights of the trip was camping under the starlit sky and waking up to the peaceful sounds of nature. The night time camping was probably the most personally challenging aspect of the holiday for me so do pack your clothes as per the kit list, you go from cold to hot and back again very quickly. The sense of tranquility and connection with the natural world was truly rejuvenating for the soul. The local cuisine was another delightful surprise, with traditional dishes that satisfied both the palate and the appetite. The team were fantastic with lovely nutritious cooked food every day.

Overall, my holiday in Kyrgyzstan with Much Better Adventures was a perfect blend of adventure, exposure to new cultures , and relaxation. I returned home with a newfound appreciation for the beauty of nature and the warmth of the Kyrgyz people. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone looking for a unique and rewarding travel experience in the heart of Central Asia.

Thaks to Stas, Dmitri, Manin and team for an amazing trip. Every detail was taken care of and how they manage to make such great food every day during the Wild Camping remains a mystery. This trip is a challenging one and the camping (especially during the cold nights) was tough at time but the the reward was amazing hiking through one of the most remote areas of the world. Thanks for Stas for the fires, singing and card games helped us get through the cold nights. Highly recommend this amazxing MBA trip !!!

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

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!

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).

Great trip. The guides were fabulous and the trek throughly enjoyable.

Fantastic holiday! Really beautiful country and a well organised trip.

My son with whom I traveled together summed it up best: "This was one of the best experiences in his life". I could not agree more. My only regret is that it lasted too short :-)

Definitely do this trip - it was brilliant and such a great way to see a country as unique as Kyrgyzstan. During the whole hike you're going through their agricultural land so constantly surrounded by horses, cows and sheep - you feel totally immersed in their culture whilst exploring a magnificent landscape that exudes colour and beauty. The food was great, plentiful and healthy (and yes there was still plenty of chocolate!) - the home cooked lunch in the yurt was scrumptious. The guide and whole team were incredible, knowledgeable and funny, and clearly took on board feedback from prior groups to ensure we had the best time. Loved the variation in landscape and there was a cultural touch during the whole tour which was nice given the history and culture of the country. Be prepared for all weather - we went from blazing hot sunshine to blizzards and snow and back again and it made the experience fabulous.

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!

Amazing trip! Victor was the best and led us through the wilderness with skill and personality. Gorgeous vistas and great food and conversation with the group.

A great trip into the canyons and mountains of Kyrgyzstan with a chance to meet with local traditions. Good food, well organised and great value