Tien-Shan Trekking Tour

Our exciting and adventurous 7-day trekking tour starts today. You will be picked up by our tour guide early in the morning and drive to the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, located at an altitude of 1609 m above sea level.

On the way, we will stop at Kyzyl-Tuu village for an authentic kyrgyz lunch at a local family's house. This village is known for fabricating yurts from A to Z. You can also try to put one up yourself to get a better taste of nomad culture.

After lunch, we will visit the Aksay canyons for an easy 2 km hike, with an elevation change of 200-300 m. This canyon is surrounded by epic rock walls sculpted by wind and time. Upon your request, we can arrange a traditional Berkut show - a fascinating demonstration of skilled hunters showcasing the ancient art of eagle hunting.

By evening, we'll arrive in the Tamga area and settle into a cozy yurt camp by the lake.

After breakfast at the yurt camp, we'll leave the lakeshore behind and drive toward the quiet Suttuu-Bulak gorge, where the day's mountain adventure begins. The trail gradually climbs toward the Aksay Pass (2,805 m), opening wide panoramas over the rolling Kok-Jayik pastures and distant peaks. The ascent is steady but rewarding — 14 km of varied landscapes, with 700 meters of elevation gain and 600 meters of descent, leading us from 2,100 meters to 2,200 meters above sea level. From the top, the views stretch endlessly before we descend toward the striking red formations of Jeti-Oguz gorge.

After completing the trek, our vehicle will meet us and transfers us to the mountain town of Karakol. Here, comfort replaces the trail as we check into a hotel and prepare for a delicious cultural experience. In the evening, we are welcomed into a Dungan family’s home — descendants of Chinese Huimin who settled in the region generations ago — where a traditional homemade dinner offers a deeper appreciation of the area’s diverse heritage.

In the morning, after breakfast, we will board a special off-road Soviet UAZ vehicle to travel deep into the scenic Karakol Gorge. Surrounded by spruce forests and rushing mountain rivers, where we will reach the starting point of today’s trek. This day a second trekking guide joins the group, ensuring additional support and safety as we move into higher altitude terrain.

From here, the trail steadily ascends toward Sirota Camp. Though relatively short in distance, the 3 km hike includes a 450-meter elevation gain, taking us from 2,550 meters to 2,950 meters above sea level. The climb allows for gradual acclimatization while offering increasingly stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

By afternoon, we arrive at Sirota Camp and settle into a traditional yurt camp nestled in the mountains. The fresh alpine air, open valleys, and quiet atmosphere, create a perfect setting to rest and prepare for the more challenging ascent that awaits the following day.

After an early breakfast at the camp, we begin the most spectacular and challenging day of the trek. The trail climbs steadily above the tree line toward the iconic Ala-Kul Lake, ascending 1,000 meters from 2,950 m to the highest point of the route at 3,900 m. Upon arrival to the lake we will stop for a well-deserved lunch, surrounded by silence, wind, and mountains.

After crossing the pass, the descent begins — 1,400 meters down into the lush valley of Altyn Arashan. To ease the long downhill stretch, we will mount horses and ride into the gorge, guided by experienced horsemen and accompanied by two trekking guides to ensure comfort and safety. By late afternoon, we arrive in the valley at 2,500 m, where a warm dinner awaits at the guesthouse. The day ends with a relaxing soak in the natural hot springs — a perfect reward after 16 km of unforgettable mountain adventure.

After breakfast at the guesthouse, we take time to fully appreciate the peaceful atmosphere of Altyn Arashan valley. You can explore the area at a relaxed pace and visit the wild hot springs.

After lunch, we begin our descent on foot toward Aksuu village. The hike takes approximately 3–4 hours, following scenic trails down the gorge as the alpine landscape gradually transitions into lower valley terrain. Upon arrival, our vehicle meets us and transfers us back to Karakol, where the evening is dedicated to another authentic cultural experience — dinner in a welcoming Uyghur family’s home, offering traditional cuisine and heartfelt hospitality.

After breakfast, we will depart Karakol and begin our scenic drive toward the picturesque Chon-Kemin Valley. The journey follows the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, where the mountains rise above the lake’s deep blue waters.

On the way, we stop at the beautiful Semenov Gorge for a moderate hike to a Suttuu-Bulak mountain lake hidden among alpine meadows. The round-trip walk takes approximately three hours, offering fresh mountain air, forested trails, and peaceful landscapes. We enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake before descending and returning to the main road through the neighboring Grigorevka Gorge, known for its lush pastures and facsinating mountain rocks.

In the late afternoon, we will continue our drive to Chon-Kemin Valley, where we settle into a cozy guesthouse for the night, surrounded by rolling hills and traditional village life.

After breakfast, we will enjoy a peaceful horseback ride through the wide pastures of Chon-Kemin Valley. This ride offers a final taste of nomadic life and a quiet moment to reflect on the journey through the mountains.

After lunch at the guesthouse, we begin our drive back to Bishkek. On the way, we will stop at the historic Burana Tower — an ancient minaret complex dating back to the Silk Road era. Here, you can explore the small museum and view the collection of balbals (stone petroglyphs) scattered around the site, remnants of the medieval city of Balasagun.

Upon arrival in Bishkek, we gather for a farewell dinner, sharing memories and celebrating the completion of an unforgettable adventure.