Mountain Trekking Tour in Kyrgyzstan
Accommodation, guides, transport included. 20% deposit, balance 45 days before tour starting date.
Mountain Trekking Tour in Kyrgyzstan Highlights
Trek through the Tien Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan on this 14-day small-group tour with 8 days of hiking. From Bishkek you travel past the Burana Tower and a lunch with a Dungan family to the Chon Kemin valley. Here a 4-day trek with pack horses crosses the Kungey Ala-Too range, past the pastures of Toru Aigyr, the mountain lake Kol Kogur and a 3,347 m pass, down to the north shore of Issyk-Kul.
After a night by the lake you explore the Grigoriev Gorge, Karakol, the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and the Skazka Canyon, and meet an eagle hunter in Bokonbaevo. A 2-day trek above the south shore of Issyk-Kul takes you over a pass of about 3,600 m to the Boz-Salkyn pastures, and a final 2-day hike from Kyzart crosses the flower-covered Kilemche valley and the Tuz Ashuu pass to Son-Kul lake, where you stay in a yurt camp and get to know the life of the nomads. The group has up to 12 travelers, and nights are spent in hotels, guesthouses, tents and yurts.
Difficulty: Challenging Eight trekking days of 10–17 km (4–7 hours) with climbs of up to 1,695 m a day and passes of 3,347 m, about 3,400 m and about 3,600 m; four nights in tents and two in shared yurts with outdoor toilets. Horses carry the luggage on the first two treks. Drives of up to 315 km (5–6 hours).
Guaranteed departures
Every date runs as scheduled. Same price on all departures.
Guaranteed tour dates 2027
| Dates | Days | Price | Book |
|---|---|---|---|
| – Available | Sun – Sat | $2,330 |
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| – Available | Sun – Sat | $2,330 |
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Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Bishkek at any time and enjoy some free time on your own. At 11:00 we meet the guide and the rest of the group for a short briefing about the itinerary and travel plan. Then we discover the city center: the central Ala-Too Square with its monuments, Victory Square, Oak Park and the Central Mosque. After lunch at a local restaurant, we visit the famous Osh Bazaar. As soon as you step into the market, you plunge into a colorful oriental atmosphere: an endless stream of people and a huge variety of goods. Welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant, where you can taste the national Kyrgyz cuisine. Note: hotel check-in is after 14:00. We highly recommend booking an extra night at the hotel, as most flights to Bishkek arrive late at night or early in the morning.
Bishkek, Ala Too Square, Bishkek Oak Park, Osh Bazaar (Bishkek)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Our journey begins with a visit to the Burana Tower, an ancient minaret in the Chuy Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan. The tower, the funerary monuments, earthworks, the remains of a castle and three mausoleums are all that is left of the ancient town of Balasagyn, founded by the Karakhanids at the end of the 9th century. Lunch in Iskra village with a Dungan family – Chinese Muslims who once had to flee China – where you taste their national cuisine. Then we head to Tar Suu village in the Chon Kemin Valley, known for its beauty and its rich diversity of animals and plants. A walk through the village lets you explore the lifestyle of the local people. Dinner at the guesthouse.
Burana Tower, Iskra, Chon Kemin
- Bishkek → Chon Kemin (200 km)
Overnight: Chon Kemin (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to the starting point near the Chon Kemin River. From here we start our 4-day trek to the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Horses carry the luggage – you only take the things you need for the 4 days of the trek and leave the rest of your luggage in the vehicle with the driver. The mountain slopes are covered with fir trees. After a picnic on the way, we continue through the forest to the pastures of Toru Aigyr, where we set up our tents. Dinner and overnight in a tent. Trek: 10 km, +750 m, 4 h
Toru Aigyr pastures
- Chon Kemin → Toru Aigyr pastures (10 km)
Overnight: Toru Aigyr pastures (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we hike towards Kol Kogur Lake at 2,500 meters. The lake lies on the northern slope of the Kungey Ala-Too mountains in a picturesque wooded area and is considered one of the most beautiful mountain lakes of the Northern Tien Shan. It has a trapezoidal shape. We set up our tents on the shore of the lake and enjoy the magnificent landscapes around us. Dinner and overnight in a tent. Trek: 11 km, +300 m, -320 m, 5 h
Kol Kogur Lake
- Toru Aigyr pastures → Kol Kogur Lake (11 km)
Overnight: Kol Kogur Lake (Tent camping)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we head towards the pastures of Kyzyl Aska and cross a pass at 3,347 meters. Coming down from the pass, we set up our tents not far from the river. Dinner and overnight in tents. Trek: 14 km, +880 m, -800 m, 5–6 h
Overnight: Tent camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Today is the last day of the trek. From Kyzyl Aska we walk to Achyk Tash, where our driver picks us up and brings us to the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the pearl of the Kyrgyz land. Issyk-Kul is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca; its name means "hot lake" in Kyrgyz. At the hotel you can take a shower and rest. If you like, you can swim in the lake and relax on the beach. Dinner at the restaurant. Trek: 11 km, -500 m, 3–4 h
Issyk Kul Guide, Cholpon Ata
Overnight: Cholpon Ata (Lakeside resort)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we visit the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges, two of the most famous attractions of the Issyk-Kul region. You can go for a walk, enjoy the wild nature around you and spend some pleasant time in these beautiful places. Picnic in the gorge or lunch at a café on the road. In Karakol we visit its famous sights, the Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque. Dinner at a local restaurant, then rest at the hotel.
Grigoriev Gorge, Semenov Gorge, Karakol, Karakol Orthodox cathedral, Karakol Dungan Mosque
- Cholpon Ata → Karakol (160 km)
Overnight: Karakol (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we drive to the Jeti-Oguz gorge. The red rock "Broken Heart" at the entrance of the gorge creates a romantic atmosphere, and you have time to walk and enjoy the marvelous views of the Jeti-Oguz rocks. Lunch at a local café or guesthouse on the way. Then we continue to the Skazka canyon, whose name means "fairy tale" in Russian. Here you find rocks of surprising shapes and sizes – a skyscraper or an animal can suddenly appear in front of you. Walk in the canyon (1–2 h). In Bokonbaevo we meet an eagle hunter with his bird and see the alertness and speed of the eagle during the hunt – one of the oldest traditions of the Kyrgyz nomads. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.
Jeti Oguz, Skazka Canyon, Bokonbaevo
- Karakol → Bokonbaevo (150 km)
Overnight: Bokonbaevo (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the guesthouse, transfer by car to the village of Kara Tumshuk (30 min) to start our 2-day hike towards the Ashuu-Tor pastures (jailoo). Picnic lunch along the way. In the afternoon, enjoy stunning sunset views of Issyk-Kul Lake. Then we continue to the Jazuu-Kechuu pastures, where we spend the night in tents. Trek: 15 km, 7 h, +1,695 m, -580 m
Overnight: Tent camping
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we set off on an exhilarating hike to Tash-Tar Ata mountain at around 3,600 meters. As we cross the pass, we enjoy stunning views of Issyk-Kul Lake over a leisurely lunch. In the afternoon, we descend to the beautiful Boz-Salkyn pastures, where a driver picks us up. Transfer by car to Kochkor village (2 hours). On arrival you can rest and take a shower. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse. Trek: 10 km, 7 h, +390 m, -915 m
Boz-Salkyn, Kochkor
- Boz-Salkyn → Kochkor (120 km)
Overnight: Kochkor (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the guesthouse, transfer by car to the starting point, Kyzart village (1 hour). The 2-day hike to Son-Kul Lake begins. We cross the Kilemche valley – "carpet" in Kyrgyz – where a wide variety of mountain grasses and alpine flowers cover the slopes like a colorful carpet. Picnic during the hike. We arrive at the shepherds' yurt camp, where we spend the night. Dinner in a yurt. Trek: 17 km, 4–5 h, ±200 m Note: 4–6 people per yurt. The toilets are outside; there is no shower in the camp.
Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours, Kilemche
- Kochkor → Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours (70 km)
- Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours → Kilemche (17 km)
Overnight: Kilemche (Yurt camp)
- Shower: No
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we continue our trek through this beautiful landscape and cross the Tuz Ashuu pass (3,400 m). From the pass, Son-Kul Lake looks very small, but as we descend and approach it, the lake appears in front of us in all its grandeur and beauty. At the yurt camp you enjoy the hospitality of the nomads and discover their lifestyle. Dinner and overnight in yurts. Trek: 14 km, 5–6 h, +800 m, -400 m Note: 4–6 people per yurt. Toilets and shower are outside.
Song Kul
- Kilemche → Song Kul (14 km)
Overnight: Song Kul (Yurt camp)
- Shower: Yes
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast in the yurt, we return to the capital. We descend from the Kalmak Ashuu pass at 3,400 meters and pass through the Boom Gorge. Lunch at a restaurant or guesthouse in Kochkor. In Bishkek there is time to visit the Osh Bazaar to buy gifts or souvenirs. Farewell dinner at a traditional restaurant.
Kochkor, Bishkek, Osh Bazaar (Bishkek)
- Song Kul → Bishkek (315 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. Check-out is before 12:00; departure at any time. Airport transfers are not included in the tour price and can be booked as an extra.
Meals: Breakfast
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Group Tour Price
Single room supplement: $312
Optional extras
Extra night in Bishkek before or after the tour: double/twin room $90, single room $70
Airport transfer one way, 1–2 travelers (per car): $25 per group
Airport transfer one way, 3–4 travelers (per car): $45 per group
Airport transfer one way, 5–10 travelers (per car): $70 per group
What's included
Included
- Group transfers in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle
- Experienced driver
- English-speaking guide for the whole tour
- Accommodation as mentioned in the program
- Full board (set menu: salad, soup, main course, bread, tea and water), except breakfast on day 1
- Visits mentioned in the program
- Tents during the treks (2 people per tent)
- Horses carrying the luggage during the treks on days 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 10
- Eagle hunting demonstration
Not included
- International flights
- Airport transfers: 25 USD (1–2 travelers), 45 USD (3–4 travelers) or 70 USD (5–10 travelers) one way per car
- Single room supplement (optional): 312 USD per person
- Extra night in Bishkek before or after the tour: 90 USD per double/twin room, 70 USD per single room
- Early check-in and late check-out (check-in at hotels is after 14:00, check-out before 12:00)
- Breakfast on day 1
- Porters for the luggage during the 2-day trek to Son-Kul Lake (days 11 and 12)
- Porters for baggage at hotels and the airport
- Sleeping bags and mats
- Insurance
- Alcohol
- Tips for the guide, driver etc.
- Optional activities
- Personal expenses
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
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Night 1
Bishkek
My Hotel or similar
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Night 2
Chon Kemin
Kemin Guesthouse or similar
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Night 3
Toru Aigyr pastures
Tent at Toru Aigyr or similar
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Night 4
Kol Kogur Lake
Tent at Kol Kogur Lake or similar
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Night 6
Cholpon Ata
Caprice Lakeside Resort or similar
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Night 7
Karakol
My Hotel Karakol or similar
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Night 8
Bokonbaevo
Emily Guesthouse or similar
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Night 10
Kochkor
Mira Guesthouse or similar
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Night 11
Kilemche
Yurt camp in Kilemche or similar
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Night 12
Song Kul
Yurt camp at Song Kol or similar
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Night 13
Bishkek
My Hotel or similar
Good to know
- Group size: 4–10 travelers.
- Luggage on the treks: Horses carry the luggage on the treks of days 3–6 and 9–10. Take only what you need for the trek and leave the rest of your luggage in the vehicle with the driver. Porters for the 2-day trek to Son-Kul Lake (days 11–12) are not included.
- Tents and yurts: 2 people share a tent. In the yurt camps 4–6 people share a yurt and the toilets are outside; the Kilemche camp has no shower. Sleeping bags and mats are not included.
- Arrival: Most flights to Bishkek arrive late at night or early in the morning, so we recommend booking an extra night at the hotel. Check-in at hotels is after 14:00, check-out before 12:00.
- Accommodation: The accommodation is subject to availability; reservations are made only after confirmation and payment.
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Kyrgyzstan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan before booking.
The official currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). Bishkek has plenty of ATMs, but outside the larger towns and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul cash is how almost everything is paid.
ATMs and cards
Some ATMs in Bishkek dispense US dollars as well as som. Beyond the capital, ATMs are found in the few largest towns but mostly not in smaller ones, except on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Mastercard works in all ATMs, but Visa is still the more widely accepted card. Demirbank's red ATMs have lately been the best option for foreign cards, with moderate fees.
Exchanging money
Exchange offices in the major cities change US dollars, euros and roubles into som. Notes must be clean, fresh and without any signs of wear. Exchange offices prefer larger notes from 50 USD and 50 EUR, and sometimes give a better rate for them.
Paying by card
Cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, large supermarkets and some museums in Bishkek and Osh, and occasionally even in taxis. Elsewhere, apart from the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, paying by card is not practical.
Kyrgyzstan is generally safe for travellers and tourism is growing fast, but the usual precautions matter.
Documents
Always carry your passport or a notarised copy. Without proper identification you can be detained by the police.
In towns
- Robberies, some of them violent, and thefts happen especially in crowded places such as the bazaars. Take care after dark.
- Sexual harassment has been reported on public transport. Avoid walking or travelling alone, especially at night.
- Book taxis in advance from established services.
- Stay away from crowds and demonstrations.
- Watch where you step: some streets have large holes and pavements are often uneven.
Laws and customs
- Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices.
- Possessing or using narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Do not photograph anything related to the armed forces or security services.
- Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely discussed or publicly recognised.
Border areas
Smuggling makes the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan unstable and best avoided.
Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for travellers from many countries. Others can apply for an electronic visa or through an embassy.
Visas
For a tourist visa, most passport holders need an invitation letter from a tourism company. Kyrgyzstan has had an electronic visa system since 1 September 2017.
Border regions
Visiting border regions requires a special permit.
The best times to visit Kyrgyzstan's lower areas are May–June and September. In the high mountains, July and August are best.
Lower areas: May–June and September
In late spring and early autumn the valleys, Issyk-Kul's shores and the towns are green or golden, days are pleasant rather than hot and there are fewer visitors.
High mountains: July and August
This is when the high pastures, yurt camps and mountain passes are open, and trekking and horse-riding routes that are under snow the rest of the year can be reached. Days in the valleys can reach about 30°C, and nights at altitude can still be close to freezing. Summer is also the time of festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
Winter
Winters in the highlands are long and close the high passes, but it is still a captivating season. Hiking, horse riding and skiing are all possible, and yurt stays are available too.
Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is basic and medical facilities are scarce, so comprehensive medical and travel insurance is essential.
Medicines
If you rely on regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip: it can be hard or expensive to find locally.
Insurance
Arrange comprehensive medical and travel insurance before you arrive. A serious accident or illness may mean emergency air evacuation to a neighbouring country.
Food and water
Treat tap water and other local water as contaminated and boil it before drinking; bottled water is the safest choice throughout your stay. Be careful with unpasteurised dairy and other animal products.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis are recommended before entering the country, and others may also be advisable. Ask your doctor or travel clinic.
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