Tien Shan Trek, Kyrgyzstan

12 Day

Overview:

Tien Shan is truly one of the most beautiful places for trekking lovers. Almaty Expedition Team offers you the best-planned trekking expedition to the main attractions of Tian Shan Mountains. The expedition starts and ends in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. During the expedition you will be accompanied by the best local team. Kyrgyzstan is a country of snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, untouched nature and a rich historical heritage. The tour includes not only trekking, but also the opportunity to learn about the traditions and culture of the nomadic people. As is typical for nomads, who take excellent care of their guests, you can enjoy the hospitality of the Kyrgyz people and taste their traditional dishes.

The expedition is designed to visit beautiful places such as Issyk-Kul, the Jeti-Oguz gorge, Karakol, Ala-Kul, Arashan, Chopan-Ata, as well as a visit to the famous Burana Tower.

Every day you can enjoy magnificent views and locations. We’re well equipped with all camping and cooking equipment, so you’re in good hands. The best trekking expedition in the Tien Shan awaits you. Hope to see you soon!

Itinerary:

Welcome to Bishkek. You will be welcomed on your arrival at International Airport Manas. Check in at the local hotel and take your time. We will pick you up for the short city tour where you will see the main attractions of the capital. Welcome dinner at the restaurant.

Today we drive to Issyk Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. It is 182 km long, 60 km wide and lies at an altitude of 1608 metres. Issyk Kul means ‘warm lake’ and is heated from below by active volcanoes. The lake never freezes and is considered sacred by the locals. On the way we will explore the historical heritage of the Burana Tower which was built in the 11th century. Enjoy an open air museum at Balbals. Overnight at Tamga Guesthouse.

Jeti Oguz is one of the must-see places of Kyrgyzstan. Here you can enjoy a red-colored breathtaking 7 Cliffs. The name of Jeti Oguz literally means “Seven Bulls”. Today you have the opportunity to experience traditions and culture of the Kyrgyz nomads. We will take you to the eagle hunter family. Eagle hunting is one of the ancient traditional hunting arts, passed down from generation to generation for thousands of years. You can also enjoy the traditional yurt.

Let the trekking begin! Today we will trek to the Telety Pass. The passes through the narrow wooden gorge of Bay Tor. We will ascent up to 3780 meters / 12’400 ft and enjoy the stunning view of pure nature. The whole is about 14 km / 9 miles. And on arrival at the campsite, side enjoy a delicious meal from of expedition chef. Overnight in tent

Trek over the Telety Pass and descent to Karakol Gogre 2500 m / 8200 ft. The route is quite challenging with is several steep slopes, so please be careful. The whole trek takes about 8-9 hours in total. Camp on the East Telety River

Karakol Peak 5216m /17’112ft is the highest peak of Terskei Ala too Mountain Range. Today we take a round trip to reach the view point of Karakol Peak and enjoy the stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area. The route follows the Uyun Tor River. The total distance is about 16 km/ 10 miles with an ascent and descent of 600m/1960ft. Return to camp.

Trek to Alakol Lake via the Sirota Hut. The total trek is about 9km / 6miles. Enjoy the untouched nature. Camping at an altitude of 3580m / 11745ft.

Trek over the Alakol Pass and descend to the Arashan Gorge 2600m / 8530ft. Enjoy the stunning alpine lake of Alakol, which changes colour with the light of the day. Take a route through the Keldike Valley and arrive at the Arashan Hot Spring. Total trek is about 18km/13 miles. On arrival at the campsite you can enjoy a swim in the 50 Celcius / 122 Fahrenheit hot spring.

Karakol village is the administrative centre of Issyl Kul region. One hour drive to Karakol village and check in at Amir Hotel. In the afternoon we will take you on a short tour to see the main attractions of the town including the Dungan Mosque and enjoy a great dinner at the restaurant.

Today we drive for about 3-4 hours and arrive at Chopan Ata, where you can explore the ancient petroglyphs dating from the Bronze Age. In the evening enjoy a small folk concert specially for you! Enjoy the best traditional food and relax. Overnight in a local hotel.

Today we return to Bishkek. Visit the main attractions of Bishkek such as the central square, bazaar and the main museums of Bishkek. Farewell dinner at the restaurant with the whole team.

We will take you to Manas International Airport. Thank you for coming! Have a safe journey!

Tien Shan Trek, Kyrgyzstan

Duration: 12-Days
Total trek distance: 85 km /6-Day/
Best time: April-November
Begin and end: Bishkek
Tour type: Trekking & Hiking
Price from: 2550 USD p.p

Our highlights

Capital city Bishkek
Issyk Kul, Jeti Oguz Gorge
Charyn Canyon National Park
Kara Kul Moutantain
Arashan
Chopan Ata
Many other hidden gems

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Tour Price Includes

Support Team
Land Transportation
English speaking guide
Local Driver
Accommodation
Eat & Drink
Fees & Permits
Activities

Tour price excludes

Personal needs
Alcoholic beverages
Gratitude

Tour details:

Day pack, sunglasses, anti-mosquito, sunscreen, waterproof jacket, hand sanitizer, toiletries, power bank, camera, headlamp, hat, hiking shoes, warm jacket, sandals, and personal medicine. And please have some cash in case you want to go shopping or buy souvenirs.

There are toilets and showers in the tourist camps at Jeti Oguz, Karakol and Chopan Ata. During the wilderness trekking we set up a toilet tent next to the camp, but there is no shower. But you can always swim in the Issyk Kul lake and Arashan hot spring.

This is one of the best planned Tian Shan treks and anyone who loves trekking and hiking in the beautiful wilderness is welcome to book this expedition.

Please do not hurt the feelings of the locals and respect their traditions. When visiting the mausoleum, mosque and other local sacred sites, please dress promptly. Please get ready for the trip at the scheduled time. And if there is any inconvenience, please inform your guide first. Generally, there are not many inconveniences on this trip, but let’s remember that we are travelling and try to enjoy the moment! The group atmosphere is important and as an experienced team we try to make the tour as enjoyable as possible and ask you to help us.

We are responsible for visiting the places and seeing the attractions that we have mentioned in our itinerary. We are responsible for guiding you with pleasure and giving you a great expediton.

We are not responsible for any unplanned inconvenience during the tour. We are not responsible for the traffic in the city and finally we are not responsible for the bad weather conditions that you have to be prepared for in advance.

This is a fully guided expedition with a local support team. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide, local assistant, driver and expedition cook.

This tour is available all year round. The best time is from the end of March to November. During this period the weather is warm and in the middle of summer it gets very hot. However, in some mountainous areas you may feel cold due to the altitude and we ask you to pack a warm jacket in this case. Please check the weather forecast before you travel.

To confirm your trip we ask you to pay 600 USD DEPOSIT and the balance can be paid 2 months before the tour start date. We ask you to make your payment by bank transfer (SWIFT CODE)

Here is our cancellation policy that we recommend our clients follow.

Cancelling the tour within more than 2 months, 50% of your deposit payment will be rebussed (300 USD)

Cancellation within less than 1 month, the deposit will not be refunded (600 USD)

During the expedition you can experience different types of accommodation. In Bishkek, you can enjoy a 4-star hotel in the centre of the city. And in Jety-Oguz and Karakol you will stay in traditional lodgings and yurts. During the trekking in the wild nature you will have a tent.

The expedition includes all food and drink during the trip. You will have the opportunity to enjoy three meals a day prepared by our expedition chef. Fresh bottled water and snacks are included and you will have plenty of these. You will also have the opportunity to sample traditional local food and drink.