Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails

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No booking fees

E-ticket/Mobile-voucher

Carbon neutral

10 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants, maximum 18 travelers

12 peopleMaximum group size

15 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Challenging

Demands good physical fitness and stamina for more intense or extended activities.

Starts

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Ends

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Highlights

Trek through part of Kyrgyzstan’s mountain scenery – a trekking paradise with over 90% of the country covered by mountains. The Tien Shan Mountain range expands across China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is often considered the alternative to the famous Swiss Alps

See stunning scenery every day – panoramas of alpine lakes, meadows, lush green pastures, fir tree forests and snowcapped mountains, with barely any tourists in sight.

Follow the nomad's trail along the way, making encounters with them, learning about their nomadic life and if you are lucky, you'll see some wildlife that call this area home, including golden eagles, mountain goats, deer, foxes and more.

Spend your nights away from modern civilisation listening to soothing crackling bonfires, staring into the Milky Way and tucking into peaceful camps in nature.

Lead by a IFMGA certified local leader with the expertise of a support crew, your trekking is made hassle free. Take your day pack on the trek and everything else from setting up the tents, cooking meals and transporting your luggage to the next stop are taken care of by your local crew.

Itinerary

Spend 10 unforgettable days in Kyrgyzstan as you trek along the western Tien Shan Mountain Range, follow nomad’s trails, spend nights in traditional yurts and take in the views of snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes. Journey through forests, canyons, meadows and more as you learn about this Central Asian country with a local leading the way.

day 1 - Bishkek

Salam! Welcome to Bishkek. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not explore the city’s tree-lined parks and gardens and wide streets perfect for strolling. Maybe head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables) and visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little crowded, but it provides a peek into local life. After you meet your local leader and fellow travellers, maybe head out to dinner and get your first taste of Kyrgyz cuisine.

accommodation:Hotel (1 night)

day 2 - Issyk-Kul Lake

As you get ready for your trekking adventure, drive through scenic landscapes to the Issyk Kol Lake – the second largest alpine lake in the world. On the way, stop at Kok Moinok canyons to stretch your legs and check out the red rock formations. Tonight, you’ll stay in a traditional hand-crafted Krygz yurt – a traditional nomad dwelling near the lake with a view of snow-capped mountains.

accommodation:Yurt camp (Multi-share)