Kyrgyzstan & the Tian Shan Mountains

Upon arrival into Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, you will be met at the airport and a transfer is provided to the group hotel (30km, ~1hr). Your local guide will conduct a group briefing in the lobby at 12.00pm before you head out for a welcome lunch and a sightseeing tour of Bishkek including Central Square, Victory Square, Parliament House and other highlights.

Overnight: Asia Mountains Hotel or similar

Today we drive to Son-Kul Lake where we are introduced to the nomadic life of Kyrgyz families who live much as their ancestors have for generations. Drive 390 km, 8-9 h., + 2000 m (asphalt + dirt road). We will have the opportunity to sample fresh airan (yoghurt) and kumis (the national drink of fermented mare's milk). This evening we spend the night in a yurt camp in the summer mountain pastures. Please note that there is no single occupancy option at the yurt camp.

Overnight: Yurt camp

Today we learn how to set up a yurt. The yurt is the traditional shelter for people of the Tian Shan Mountains. These nomadic dwellings are constructed of a multi-pieced wooden frame that is overlaid with several felt coverings of sheep wool. It takes only about two hours to put a yurt together. There are usually many colorful handmade mats, felt rugs and embroideries to be found inside, as well as a 'dastorkon' – a low table with delicious food prepared for guests. Please note that there is no single occupancy option at the yurt camp.

Overnight: Yurt camp

Today we journey by road to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake (drive 290 km, 7-7.5 hrs., - 1400 m asphalt + dirt road), the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. It is set at 1608m above sea level against the scenic backdrop of the Tian Shan mountains. Measuring 182 km long by 58 km wide, the lake was created by volcanic activity. It is heated by geothermal activity and never freezes, even in the depths of a Kyrgyz winter. In the summer the water temperature reaches 25-28 degrees centigrade (warmer than the air) and you can swim in the lake enclosed on all sides by the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains. Extremely deep and nicely warm, over the centuries the lake served an oasis in this hostile mountain environment. With its diverse flora and fauna Issyk-Kul Lake and the surrounding countryside is considered to be one of Central Asia’s most remarkable locations. In the late afternoon, taking advantage of the beautiful light, we'll visit Skazka, which translates to Fairytale Canyon, which was formed through thousands of years of wind, water and ice erosion. There'll be 1-2 hours to explore the rock canyons after which time we continue on to the Oimo-Tash yurt camp. Please note that there is no single occupancy option.

Overnight: Oimo-Tash yurt camp

Today we drive to Jeti-Oguz Gorge which translates from Kyrgyz as 'Red Cliffs of Seven Bulls'. Drive 100 km, 3 h., + 560 m (asphalt + dirt road). Jeti-Oguz is set at the height of 2,250 m above sea level on the northern slopes of the Terskei Ala-Too Ridge. The gorge slopes are covered with the world-famous Tian Shan blue spruce along the fast mountain river which flows parallel to the trail. Today we will trek through mountain woods and hike up to the 'Maiden Tears' Waterfall. Please note that there is no for single occupancy option at tonight's yurt camp.

Overnight: Yurt camp

Today we will begin our gradual ascent toward the foot of the Telety Pass (2,980m) (16 km, 6-8hrs). The trail follows the river bank in a very narrow wooded gorge called Bay Tor that leads up to alpine meadows. Here on a flower carpet the mountain air is sweet and the views amazing. After lunch we continue our trek to our camp site at the foot of the Telety Pass. For those with extra energy, there’s a nice walk across the river up to the waterfall at the head of the valley.

Overnight: Tented camp

Today there is a sustained ascent to the Telety Pass (3,800m) which affords beautiful views down the valley, before crossing the Telety saddle and descending to Karakol Gorge (2500m) (18 km, 6-8hrs). As we hike up from our camp the views of the tents set alongside the river become smaller while the imposing twin peaks of 'Bulls Head' come into full view. Following the course of the river we see marmots and wild horses before reaching the top of the pass to enjoy panoramic views. Descending, we follow the trail along the course of the East Telety River to our tented camp set in a delightful forest setting.

Overnight: Tented camp

From our camp at Karakol Gorge we take a day hike to the base of Karakol Peak (5,216m) (16 km. 6-8 hrs). The trail runs parallel to the course of the Uyun Tor River initially through blue spruce forest rich in vegetation where mushrooms can be found in abundance. From May, the meadows turn into a panoramic delight as flowers begin to bloom. Here you can find snowdrops, primrose, white anemone, alpine aster, edelweiss and various species of wild tulips. We follow a breathtaking trail as far as the snout of Karakol's long glacier with wonderful viewpoints of lakes and sheer valleys along the way.

Overnight: Tented camp

Today we will trek along a picturesque gorge to 'Sirota' hut and further to Ala Kol Lake (3,532m) (9 km, 6-8 hrs). We cross the river over a bridge from where the trail will lead us into forest from where the ascent is steep and sustained but you'll be rewarded with fantastic views at every point. We continue ascending along the river and reach a wonderful waterfall flowing down from Ala Kol Lake. After a short last push, we cross the crest to the our first views of the magical lake.

Overnight: Tented camp

Today we will take a lovely walk (4hrs) to the glacier and the river that flows into the lake. Return to the Ala Kol Lake tented camp.

Today we will trek over Ala Kol Pass (3,960m) passing Ala Kol Lake before descending into Arashan Gorge (2,600m) (18 km, 6-8 hrs). Ala Kol Lake stretches from east to west for 2.8 km. Depending on the light, the water regular changes its colour. It can be emerald green, turquoise green with reflections of white clouds, light green or dark grey, even black. Its a challenging two to three hour hike from camp to the pass saddle during which time we enjoy wonderful views of the lake as the main range comes into view. Savouring the view from the pass there's a strong sense of the ampitheatre of the Tian Shan mountains. The descent is steep and involves crossing a scree slope before entering the wide valley of Keldike with picturesque landscapes, flocks of sheep and herds of goats. Later the trail will bring us into a forest again as we descend into Arashan Valley. Enjoy picturesque Arashan Gorge with its magnificent mountain side alpine meadows rich in fir-trees against a backdrop of the mighty Palatka (4,956m). This afternoon we'll enjoy bathing in the hot springs.

Overnight: Guesthouse

After breakfast we will hike down the gorge along a mountain road in a spruce forest (approx. 8kms); where we will meet our vehicles and journey by road to Karakol, a small administrative centre of the Issy Kul region, situated on the southern bank of the lake. (Drive 30 km, 1 h., - 800 m asphalt + dirt road.) We'll enjoy lunch at a private home before venturing out to visit the city centre, Holy Trinity Cathedral and Dungan Mosque.

Overnight: Karagat Hotel or similar

Today we set off for the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake. (Drive 140 km, 3-4 h asphalt road.) Along the way we visit the Ananievo Orthodox Church and the Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs site set at the foot of the Kungei Alatau Ridge.

Overnight: Raduga Hotel or similar

Today we drive back to Bishkek. (Drive 250 km, 4-5 hrs, - 800m, asphalt road). Along the way we will visit the ruins of Burana Tower near Tokmok city as well as Turkic ancient tombs.

Overnight: Asia Mountains Hotel or similar

The trip will conclude after breakfast today, with private transfers to the airport. (Drive 30 km, 1 hr, asphalt road).