Best of Kyrgyzstan Trek

DAY 1. BISHKEK – KARAKOL VIA BURANA TOWER

Driving distance: 7-8 hours,   Meals: D  Accommodation: Homestay

After breakfast, meet the driver at your hotel to set off for a 7-hour-long journey to Karakol. Along the way stop at one of Kyrgyzstan’s oldest sights, the Burana Tower, and learn about its ancient architecture – rare in nomadic culture. The territory where the tower is located was once called Balasagyn town. This town had strategic meaning for the Great Silk Road. Here you will see a small museum with exhibits found during past excavations, providing more details about this ancient settlement, including a collection of “Balbals” – Turkic grave marks. After, continue driving to Karakol city via Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world after Titicaca in South America. Its length reaches 182 km and width is 58 km, and the maximum depth is up to 668 meters. If we arrive early, we can take a short sightseeing tour in Karakol city by visiting the wooden Dungan mosques and Russian Orthodox churches if we have time. Dinner and overnight stay in Karakol city.

 

DAY 2. HIKING TO SIROTA CAMPSITE

Trekking distance/time: 11km / 6 hours, Ascent: 600 meters,  Meals: B, L, D, Accommodation: tent, 

Transfer from Karakol city to the starting point through lush Karakol Valley with gushing rivers along. Drop off near the bridge where our hike starts towards the lunch spot. Enjoy walking in this gorge with green slopes decorated by evergreen trees. Spot grazing herd of horses beautifying nature. After lunch, we hike in this serene environment up to Sirota Campsite standing at 3000 meters. After camping, take a walk around the area and relax in this solitude area surrounded by spruce trees.

 

DAY 3. ALA KUL LAKE TO KELDYKE VALLEY OVER ALA KUL PASS

Trekking distance/time: 9 km, 7 hours, Ascent:  +850m, Meals: B, L, D,  Accommodation: tent, 

This day challenges you with strenuous walking through screws and boulders before you get to the lake, for 3 hours. After a few hours of demanding ascent, be rewarded with the jewel of Ala Kul Lake standing at 3500 meters and fed by glaciers around. The view of this turquoise alpine lake takes your breath away. Lunch on the shore of the lake. After lunch, we head on to Ala Kul Pass standing at 3950 meters. Craggy and glaciated peaks of Terskey Ala-Too open on top of the pass. Give time to gaze at these towering peaks of the great Tian Shan Range. Descend the steep path towards the campsite at beautiful Keldyke Valley at (3200m).

 

DAY 4. TO ALTYN ARASHAN VALLEY AND HOT SPRINGS

Trekking distance/time: 11 km, 4 hours, Descent: – 750m, Meals: B, L, D,  Accommodation: Yurt camp,

After breakfast, we head on to our yurt camp along lush green pastures with gently flowing rivers of Altyn Arashan Valley, for 3-4 hours. At some point, you will cross one of the streams, but the level is low. Arrived at our yurt camp standing at 2450 meters. In fact, Altyn-Arashan means ‘Golden Spa’ and this valley is famous for its hot sulfur springs. We take a bath in hot spring pools after three long days of hiking to relieve muscle pains.

 

DAY 5. TO AK SUU VILLAGE – KARAKOL CITY – ISSYK KUL LAKE 

Trekking distance/time: 10 km / 4 hours, Descent: – 450m, Meals: B, L, D, Accommodation: yurt camp, Start the hike early morning, after breakfast. The last day of hiking is very easygoing compared to the days before. The trail goes most of the time along a beautiful river gushing through the valley. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka at 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. The final stretch, reach Ak Suu village (4 hours) where you will be picked up by our driver to get to Karakol city (30 minutes). Lunch in a local restaurant. Transfer to Bel Tam yurt camp in the southern shore of Issyk Kul lake, 4 hrs drive. On the way stop to explore the magical Skazka canyon. Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp at the lakeshore.

 

DAY 6. ISSYK-KUL LAKE – SONKUL LAKE

Driving distance/time: 5-6 hours, 130 km, Meals: B, L, D,   Accommodation: yurt stay 

Today, we drive to Son-Köl Lake, one of the largest alpine-mountain lakes in the country and considered a sacred place for many Kyrgyz nomads for its best summer pastures. You can spot nomadic herders and their families tending their goats, sheep, and horses. On the way to Song Kul, you can opt to visit the eagle hunter to see some of his hunting skills (available for 60 USD). Lunch in Kochkor village. In Song-Kul we will have the opportunity to sample fresh airan (yogurt) and kumis (the national drink of fermented mare’s milk). After, we will stay in yurts set up along the lakeshore. Sleeping arrangements are on a multi-share, mixed-gender basis with mattresses on the floor. It can get very chilly in the evenings, so there is a stove for heating and plenty of blankets. There are no bathroom facilities inside the yurts – please expect outdoor toilets. Those daring enough for a morning dip can make use of Son-Köl.

 

DAY 7. SONGKUL TO KAZARMAN  

Driving distance/time: 7-8 hours, 194 km, Meals: B, L, D,   Accommodation: Guesthouse,

Drive south of the lake to reach Moldo Ashuu pass. Nice drive on switchbacks. Enjoy the beauty of colorful mountains while driving to Kazarman city. Lunch break en route. Arrival in Kazarman and a short walk in the city. Overnight and dinner in a homestay.

DAY 8. KAZARMAN TO OSH 

Driving distance/time: 6-7 hours, 258 km,  Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Hotel

The highlight of the day is the Kaldama pass. Amazing mountain ranges open up on top of the pass. Descend down the pass. Driving through dense bushes covering the road and mountain slopes delights your senses. Lunch on the way to a café. Arrival in Osh city and accommodation in a hotel. Afternoon walks in the city. Dinner at a restaurant.

 

DAY 9. DEPART OSH TO KOJOKELEN

Driving distance/time: 4 hours, Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Guesthouse 

Depart from historic Osh City to the village of Kojokelen(2200m), the starting point of the trek. There is remarkable scenery along the way to Kojokelen village so enjoy the ride! After three and half hours of driving, we reach Kojokelen a quiet rural village nestled in the foothills. Before dinner, take a short walk to the beautiful gorge above the village. We will enjoy a home-cooked dinner and an overnight stay at a family-run guesthouse.

 

DAY 10. TREK FROM KOJOKELEN VILLAGE OVER SARY BELL PASS TO KOSHMOINOK VALLEY

Trekking distance/time: 12km 7-8 hours, Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Yurt camp, Ascent: 1013 meters Descent: 412 meters

After breakfast, we say “Goodbye” to our hosts and start our trekking by crossing the wooden bridge. We start ascending the uphill for 5 hours with spectacular views of the gorge and it is giant red rock formations. The red rock formations forming the “Three Dragon Gorge ”is one of the most beautiful spots in all of Kyrgyzstan. Views of the rugged Kichik Alay Mountains open up on top of the pass. From there, follow the path as it winds along the edge of the hills. You can see the snow-covered Pamir landscapes in the distance with various grades of high-, mid-, and low alpine landscapes along the way. The trail then descends through the evergreen juniper forest into a beautiful Kosh-Moinok valley (40 minutes). Time to rest. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and overnight in a yurt camp.

 

DAY 11. TREK TO BESHKOL CAMP VIA KYZYL SHORO VILLAGE

Trekking distance/time: 20 km 8 hours, Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Yurt camp, Ascent: 1749 meters Descent: 868 meters

The second day is relatively strenuous and uphill. We fuel ourselves with a generous breakfast before setting off. The trail becomes steep and ascends approximately 400 meters through grass meadows, and pastures to Koshmoinok Pass at 3,210 m (1 hour). After the steep sloops, the trail winds its way down through evergreen trees and continues to the edge of the valley until it reaches Kyzyl Shoro village (2 hr). Break for lunch in the village at a homestay. Enjoy a hearty home-cooked meal, charge your devices and take a quick hot shower. After lunch, almost flat walk until you get to the next village. At this point, the trail turns away to the south, and from the trailhead begins the steep 9 km climb along the well-trodden path through fields filled with grazing cows and shepherd’s yurts inviting you for tea. As the trek progresses through the valley, the trail cuts back and forth across the river several times. With the increase in elevation, the terrain begins to change from mid-mountain green forest to high alpine rocky and dry landscapes. Finally, the Campsite! After 4-5 hours of intensive trekking, we reach our yurt camp. Dinner and overnight in a family-run yurt at 3,600 meters.

 

DAY 12. TO SARY-MOGOL VILLAGE OVER SARY MOGOL PASS 4303M

Trekking distance/time: 14 km 6-7 hours, Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Guesthouse, Ascent: 925 meters Descent: 1053 meters

After breakfast, we head to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 meters. Walk along the stream all the way up to the foot of the pass (1,5 hours). Head up to the top of the pass on a barely seen trail in a zigzag formation on loose scree (1 Hr). The ascent to the pass is steep and covered in loose scree. As you arrive at the pass, the glaciated peaks and alpine lakes begin to appear. Enjoy your accomplishment at the top of the pass with its otherworldly and stunning views. While descending, some parts of trails are a bit challenging as the trail is narrow and the terrain is composed mainly of scree and small pebbles. We break for lunch at the riverbank with glacier views all around. After lunch, we head into a valley to follow the small stream all the way to a finish point of the trail (2-3 hours). Meet your driver and drive to Sarymogol village (20 minutes). Arrive at your homestay and enjoy a home-cooked dinner. Take a shower, and enjoy your dinner.

 

DAY 13. TREK TO TRAVLERS’S PASS (4100 meters)

Trekking distance/time: 20 km 7-8 hours, Meals: B, L, D Accommodation: Yurt camp, Ascent: 760 meters Descent: 760 meters

Wake up early. After breakfast, we drive for 50 minutes to get to Tulpar Kul lake. Arrival, we will head south from Tulpar Kol to the alpinist Peak Lenin Base Camp. After passing the Base Camp, we will begin the ascent to Traveller’s Pass. The trail goes slowly up except for the last 20 minutes where it becomes a steep zigzag trail that ends up on the Traveller’s Pass at 4,100 meters. Enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers tumbling off the massive peak. Go to the viewpoint on the right of the pass and get an even better view of Lenin Peak at 7,134 meters, the highest peak in this Pamir-Alay Mountains. Break for lunch there. Return to the yurt camp in the same way you came. Overnight and dinner in a yurt camp.

 

DAY 14. BACK TO OSH CITY

Driving distance/time:  250 km 5 hours, Meals: B

Breakfast. Drive back to Osh city. End of tour.

 

Price for the Best of Kyrgyzstan Trek:

Number of people	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Price per person in USD	2300	2050	1750	1680	1560	1500	1400

 

Included

Not included

– All the necessary transportation*  – Accommodation:   3-star hotels – 2 nights (in Karakol and Osh) Guesthouse – 3 nights  Yurt camp – 6 nights Tent/Camping – 2 nights (Only during the Ala Kul trek) – Full board meal**: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner – Crew for Ala Kul trek (guide, porters, tent, gas, etc ) – Crew for Alay Mountains trek (guide, luggage horses, horsemen, etc) – Bottled water – Border permits

– Hotels and meals in Bishkek – Alcoholic, soft, coffee, mineral drinks – Tips  – Health/Travel insurance – Items not mentioned above – Sleeping bags, mat – Guide during the driving days – Entrance tickets to sightseeing – City tours

* Starting from 5 people mini-bus will be provided. 

**Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian/vegan or if you have food allergies.

 

Join the following groups for summer 2024 (If the following dates do not suit your travel plans, please contact us, we will post a new tour with your dates and try to collect more people to join you)

14-day trekking in Kyrgyzstan

What to Expect:

Accommodation on the trek: In small villages, you will be accommodated in a family guesthouse. They are not luxury but we make sure they offer you a truly authentic experience. Expect to share a room with 3-5 people. You will be provided with a bed and warm blankets. Toilets are shared, and often outside. Hot showers are available almost in all of the homestays. 

Sleeping in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt is a highlight for many travelers. The yurt nights are on a multi-share basis, normally with 5-6 people and you will sleep on mats on the ground with blankets piled on top. Toilets are outside, so be sure to have a headlamp with you to navigate there at night.

Food during the hike: Most of the meals on this tour are home-cooked and provided by a yurt camp or guesthouse. These traditional Kyrgyz meals usually include some sort of meat (often mutton) served with potatoes, rice, or homemade noodles. Fresh bread rounds are also a must at every meal and you’ll often find homemade jams and traditional sour cream to go with this.

When camping you will also be served a simple hot meal at dinner. Lunch on the trail is usually a picnic made composed of bread, meat, vegetables, fruit, and other snacks. 

We are able to cater for vegetarian diets. Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian/vegan or have food allergies. If your dietary requirements are especially strict, you are advised to bring a sufficient supply of your required food types with you to ensure you are provided for.

Drinking Water: There are clean mountain springs along the trail that are possible to drink, for refilling please bring your water bottles. To avoid any stomach pain or diarrhea you should also carry water purification tablets and water filters. While trekking, boiled or safe drinking water is available to purchase in guesthouses or in yurt camps.

What you carry: In your daypack, you will carry a rain/down jacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables, and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm, etc. Horses or porters carry all group gear and your trek pack.

Recommended packing list for the trek:

• Warm clothes and layers as it gets warm during the day, but can go below freezing at night and when it rains • Good trekking shoes • Day pack to carry a camera, water, sunscreen, etc. • Sun protection as the sun is very strong at altitude: Sunglasses, sunscreen (SPF 30 or above), and a sun hat /cap • Water and windproof jacket and pants. It gets especially windy on the mountain passes • Walking sticks are recommended (available at 6 USD per day) • Medical kit for treating blisters, traveler’s diarrhea, and other minor illnesses. • Water purification tablets or drops if you want to clean the spring water • Refillable water bottle • Lip balm: your lips get chapped very easily in the mountains • Wet wipes and/or anti-bacterial gel to clean hands • Hat and gloves to wear at night for warmth • Headlamp to navigate campsite and yurt camps at night • Warm sleeping bag (available at 5 USD per day). Yurts and homestays provide blankets.

Note: we will provide you with a saddle bag to put your gear in it and carry on the horses. While on the trek, the gear should be packed in a rucksack or Duffel Bag, which will be easy to carry by the horses. No suitcase!))

Phone and Internet access:

In general, Kyrgyzstan has excellent internet access throughout the country. All the hotels and most guesthouses in the cities or towns offer free WiFi. However, purchasing a local Sim Card upon arrival in Kyrgyzstan can also be an option. The best mobile service provider in Kyrgyzstan is “MegaCom”. Not only do they have the best coverage in the country, but they also have the most choice in terms of data packs and are relatively cheap. You can find the MegaCom sales offices right at the airport or in the city centers. While trekking WiFi may be available in most guesthouses, but high in the mountains, the phone reception simply does not work. So you should expect to trek for a couple of days without access to the internet. Your tour guide will offer you some advice on when and where you will get a connection.

Please note that during the trek electricity will be available only in the guesthouses so make sure to charge your devices. But no electricity while camping in tents and staying in yurt camps. Past travelers have found portable solar chargers to be very useful.   

Weather Information:

The climate in Kyrgyzstan is continental because it is located so far from the ocean, but the general climate of Kyrgyzstan is quite pleasant, with four defined seasons. Although the summer in the cities can get quite hot, at higher altitudes, the temperature remains cool and never reaches very high. Because of heavy snowfall in the winter, many passes and trails can be not accessible, because of it many destinations and trekking paths can only be reached in the summer months. The pleasant weather for trekking season normally starts from early July till the end of September. 

On warm summer days, the temperature in the Tian Shan and Alay Mountains might reach up to +20 to +25 degrees during the day, and +10 to +15 at night. But if it rains it will get a bit chilly but not freezing cold. Generally, the weather in July, August, and September is mostly sunny and dry, occasional rainy days should be expected.