Best of Tian Shan Mountains Trek

DAY 1: TRANSFER FROM BISHKEK TO KOK-JAIYK VALLEY 

Driving distance/time: 380 km, 6 hours
Hiking distance/time: 7 km, 2 hours  

Depart from Bishkek toward the Kok-Jaiyk Nature Reserve in the picturesque Jeti-Oguz Valley. The journey follows the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, offering beautiful views of its turquoise waters, before turning into the valley. Along the way, make a short stop to admire the famous Jeti-Oguz Canyons – seven striking red rock formations that stand out dramatically against the green hills.
Continue a few kilometers up the valley until reaching Kok-Jaiyk, a vast alpine meadow surrounded by evergreen forests and towering peaks. From here, pack your luggage and begin a gentle hike through the lush valley toward your yurt camp, located at 2,615 meters and facing one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic peaks, Oguz Bashy (Boris Yeltsin Peak).
After settling into your yurt, take a short walk around the area to experience the calm of mountain life and observe local herders going about their daily routines.

Accommodation: shared yurts in Golden yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, traditional Russian-style sauna (banya), and western-style toilets

DAY 2: HIKE TO THE FOOT OF OGUZ BASHY PEAK (BORIS YELTSIN PEAK) AND TREK TO TELETY PASS CAMP

Hiking distance/time: 18 km, 7-8 hours
Ascent / Descent: 935 m, 350 m 

After breakfast, begin your hike towards the stunning foot of Oguz Bashy (Boris Yeltsin) Peak (5,170 m), one of the most majestic mountains of the Terskey Ala-Too range. The trail gradually ascends through evergreen forests and alpine meadows where herds of horses and yaks graze peacefully. Upon reaching the base of the peak (around 2,600 m), take a break to enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by dramatic glacial views and pristine mountain air.
After lunch, continue your trek deeper into the valley as the path climbs steadily toward Telety Pass. The final section of the trail offers wide-open panoramas of rocky ridges and snow-capped peaks. Arrive at your tent camp near the foot of Telety Pass (around 3,000 m) in the late afternoon. Settle in and enjoy a warm dinner amidst the serene alpine landscape.

Accommodation: tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 100 KGS), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), no hot shower, outdoor toilets

DAY 3: CROSS TELETY PASS TO KARAKOL GORGE

Trekking distance/time: 16 km, 6-7 hours
Ascent / Descent: 650 m, 1200 m

Start your ascent toward Telety Pass (3,770 m). The trail gradually climbs through rocky terrain and alpine meadows dotted with edelweiss and other mountain flowers. As you gain altitude, magnificent views open up over the surrounding ridges and valleys. The final stretch to the pass is steeper but rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views of the Terskey Ala-Too mountain range.
After resting at the top and taking photos, begin your descent into the Karakol Gorge. The path winds down along a river valley, passing through lush alpine meadows where marmots peek from their burrows and eagles soar above. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by the vast mountain scenery before continuing to your campsite nestled among spruce trees at around 2,550 meters.

Accommodation: tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 100 KGS), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), no hot shower, outdoor toilets

DAY 4: HIKE TO THE FOOT OF KARAKOL PEAK 

Trekking distance/time: 15 km, 6 hours
Ascent / Descent: 520 m, 520 m  

Set off for a day hike toward the foot of the majestic Karakol Peak (5,216 m), one of the highest and most impressive peaks in the Terskey Ala-Too Range. The trail follows a scenic route along the river, gradually ascending through meadows filled with wildflowers and framed by dense spruce forests.
As you gain elevation, the landscape opens up, revealing a breathtaking panorama of rocky ridges and glaciers. Upon reaching the viewpoint near the foot of Karakol Peak (around 3,070 m), take a break to enjoy your picnic lunch while admiring the towering snow-covered slopes and the serene alpine atmosphere.
After soaking in the views and taking photos, begin your descent back to the tent camp along the same trail. The return walk offers another chance to enjoy the tranquility of the gorge and spot wildlife such as marmots or mountain goats. Arrive at the campsite in the afternoon, relax, and enjoy a hearty dinner by the campfire surrounded by mountain silence.

Accommodation: Tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 100 KGS), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), no hot shower, outdoor toilets

DAY 5: HIKE TO ALA KUL LAKE 

Trekking distance/time: 13 km, 6-7 hours
Ascent / Descent: 1050 m, 200 m  

After breakfast, continue your trek deeper into the mountains toward the breathtaking Ala-Kul Lake, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan. The trail begins with a steady climb along the Karakol Gorge, following a mountain river and passing through lush spruce forests and blooming meadows. As you ascend higher, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with rugged cliffs and snow-covered peaks rising around you.
After a picnic lunch on the way, the trail gets steeper during the final ascent to the lake. Upon reaching Ala-Kul (3,560 m), you’ll be rewarded with a stunning view of its turquoise waters framed by sharp ridgelines and glaciers. Spend some time walking along the lakeshore and taking in the tranquil atmosphere of this remote alpine paradise.
Enjoy a warm dinner at the tent camp as the sun sets behind the mountains, painting the lake in shades of gold and blue.

Accommodation: Tents (2 people in a tent)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 100 KGS), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), no hot shower, outdoor toilets

DAY 6: ALA KUL LAKE TO ALTYN ARASHAN VALLEY OVER ALA KUL PASS 

Trekking distance/time: 17 km, 7-8 hours
Ascent / Descent: 590 m,1550 m   

Begin the challenging but rewarding ascent to Ala-Kul Pass (3,900 m). The trail climbs steeply above the lake, offering ever-expanding views of the turquoise waters below and the snow-capped peaks surrounding it. As you approach the top, take your time to rest and admire the magnificent panorama – the Terskey Ala-Too range stretches endlessly, with rugged summits and glaciers glistening in the morning sun.
After reaching the pass, enjoy a well-deserved break and take in the spectacular views before starting your long descent into the Altyn Arashan Valley. The trail winds down through rocky slopes and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers, gradually leading into a lush valley framed by dense spruce forests.
Arrive in the picturesque Altyn Arashan Valley (2,450 m) by late afternoon. Known for its natural hot springs and serene atmosphere, this valley is one of the most relaxing spots of your trek. Settle into a cozy yurt camp, take a refreshing dip in the hot springs, and enjoy a delicious homemade dinner surrounded by mountain tranquility.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), hot shower, hot spring pools, and western-style toilets

DAY 7: HIKE FROM ALTYN ARASHAN TO AK-SUU AND TRANSFER TO BISHKEK

Driving distance/time: 450 km, 7-8 hours
Trekking distance/time: 15 km, 4-5 hours
Descent:  850m

After breakfast, begin your final day’s hike through the scenic Altyn Arashan Valley. The trail follows the river downstream, passing through pine forests, open meadows, and clusters of traditional wooden cabins used by local shepherds in summer. Enjoy the peaceful rhythm of nature as you walk along the gently descending path, with the sound of rushing water and birds echoing through the valley.
Take short breaks to admire the panoramic views of snow-covered peaks, including the striking Palatka (Tent) Peak, before arriving in Ak-Suu village (1,700 m) around midday. Here, your vehicle will be waiting for you.
Drive to Karakol City and enjoy a well-deserved lunch at one of the cozy local cafés or restaurants. After lunch, continue your journey back to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, passing picturesque mountain and lake views along the way. Arrive in Bishkek in the evening, marking the end of your memorable trek through the Terskey Ala-Too Mountains.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Price for the Best of Tian Shan Mountains Trek Guided Tour

Included in Tour Price:

• English-speaking trekking guide
• Yurt camp 3 nights (Shared with 4-5 people)
• Tents (shared with 2 people)
• All meals as indicated in the itinerary (All the meals are prepared in established camps except for lunch)
• Transport from/to Bishkek
• Personal meals
• Sleeping mats

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

Not Included in the Tour Price:

• Hotel and meals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan before and after the tour ends
• Men porter to carry your luggage (You will carry your personal belongings like clothes, sleeping bag)
• Tour Guide on transfer days from/to Bishkek
• Sleeping bag
• Drinking water
• Alcoholic drinks
• Services outside of the standard program
• Tips
• Travel and Health Insurance
• Flights or other domestic/international transport

Summer 2026 Group Tours are open for booking!

Lock in your trip with a $200 deposit now. Terms and conditions

If the following dates do not suit your travel plans, please contact us by email or WhatsApp. We will post a new tour with your dates and try to collect more people to join you to share the costs. Or you can check out our other Kyrgyzstan trekking group tours.