Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails

Duration

10 days

Tour Type

Small Group

Accommodations

Moderate

Physical Rating

Demanding

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

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.

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.

Trip Details

Duration

10 days

Transportation

Private Vehicle

Guide Language

English

Starts

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Finishes

Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Accommodations

Moderate

Travel Style

Walking & Trekking

Physical Rating

Demanding

Itinerary

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 (Number of Nights: 1)

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) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 3: Jety Oguz Valley

After breakfast, drive to Sutty Bulak to start your trek toward Svetlaya Polyana pass (2800 m). Take in the fascinating view of the highest peaks of Terskey Ala-Too as you trek down to Jety Oguz valley through the fir tree forest. You’ll make your way through rolling green hills, views of the mountain peaks, red rock formations, wildflowers, and a wooded canyon ending with the stunning peak of Oguz Bashi (5018 m) before arriving at your camp site for the night. Maiden Tears waterfall – or ‘Girls Braids’ waterfall – is a short walk from the site and will reward you with a 20 m high waterfall along the rocks.

Included Activities:

Suttu Bulak Valley - Trek

Accommodation:

Yurt camp (Multi-share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 4: Kyzyl Dzher Canyon

Wake up early today for a full day’s hike to Kyzyl Jar canyon. You’ll start gaining height right from the yurts and across the slops of Jety Oguz mountain, then cross the high pastures to the canyon. The canyon is not passable, but you’ll hike above its western edge. There will be many nomads' camps in site – stop by one to share a traditional lunch, learn about the area and take a much-needed break. After you rest up, hike down to Kyzyl Dzher canyon, also known as the ‘red cathedral’.

Included Activities:

Jety Oguz Valley & Kyzyl Jar Canyon - Trek

Accommodation:

Tent camp (Twin share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 5: Irdyk Valley

Refuel with breakfast then trek over the green pastures dotted with yurts of local nomads on your way to Irdyk Valley. Go from a red rock canyon through alpine meadows and forests to the peaceful valley with river and mountain views. This area has a unique array of flora and fauna, so keep your eyes out, especially for its varied species of birds, as your landscape shifts into forested slopes and the wide, serene valley framed by the snow-capped peaks. Tonight, camp among the forest on the bank of a crystal-clear mountain stream. Maybe enjoy a fire with your fellow travellers and recap the day’s adventure.

Included Activities:

Irdyk Valley - Trek

Accommodation:

Tent camp (Twin share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 6: Irdyk Lakes

Wake up early this morning for another day of hiking. Today, you’ll hike to the upper grounds of Irdyk valley to see Irdyk lakes. The untouched nature surrounded by mountains and meadows is a sight to see. The area is famous for its unique atmosphere and clear water, which creates reflections of the surrounding landscapes and looks like a painting. Return to camp in the evening, maybe feeling both happy and tired after taking in such overwhelming panoramas.

Included Activities:

Irdyk Lakes - Trek

Accommodation:

Tent camp (Twin share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 7: Mokroe Valley

Today, trek over Chulpek valley to Mokroe valley – an alpine gorge that starts through dense forests and gradually opens into lush meadows for a mix of wooded shade and big-sky views as you gain altitude toward a plateau. Take in the views of the mountains, forest and glacial lake then trek down Old Jeep Road – a major road through the mountains that forms a part of the historical Silk Road. Tonight, stop for camp in the forest for your final night in the mountains.

Included Activities:

Mokroe Valley - Trek

Accommodation:

Tent camp (Twin share) (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 8: Karakol

Pack up camp this morning and say goodbye to the local trekking crew. Trek down along the mountain river in the shade of centuries of old pines and fir trees and into the valley at the bottom. Give your legs a rest with a drive to Karakol where you’ll explore the city – once a Russian outpost on the edge of the empire. You’ll see the Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Cathedral and maybe visit a local market before a much-needed rest.

Included Activities:

Karakol - Dungan Mosque
Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 9: Bishkek

Drive back to Bishkek today. When you arrive in the late afternoon, settle into your hotel and maybe head out for a stroll and wander around in downtown with your local leader. You’ll see a mix of Soviet-era architecture, Central Asian culture, modern cafes and tree-lined boulevards. Tonight, commemorate the end of the trek over dinner with your group.

Accommodation:

Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)

Day 10: Bishkek

Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Exclusions

Flights to and from origin and destinations
Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
Recommended gratuities/tipping
Optional activities/tours
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.

Important Information

Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We will do our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling.

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.

Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.

AUD $3,395

(Tour only)

Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 10 days

Trip Type: Small Group

Activity Level: Demanding

Check Availability Brochure

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 22 May 2026

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Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989

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