Kyrgyzstan & the Tian Shan Mountains
Kyrgyzstan & the Tian Shan Mountains
15 Days Starting in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan and ending in Bishkek
Visiting: Bishkek, Son-Kul Lake, Issyk-Kul Lake, Jeti-Oguz Gorge, Telety Pass, Karakol Gorge, Ala Kol Lake, Ala Kol Pass, Karakol, Cholpon-Ata
Tour operator:
Tour code:
NCM
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 15
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Tour Overview
The Celestial (Tian Shan) Mountains dominate the small republic of Kyrgyzstan many of its peaks covered by eternal snows and alpine meadows. Explore this culturally rich country meeting local herders to learn about their traditional way of life and discover a land where people's lives are shaped by breathtaking sheer peaks, swift horses and majestic glaciers. Explore the lonely beauty of Son-Kul and Issyk-Kul Lakes, the latter the second largest alpine lake where the water never freezes, even in the depths of winter. Trek across a treeless mountain plateau with its verdant meadows used by shepherds in the summer months and ascend high into the mountains to Telety pass (3800m), Ala Kol Lake (3532m) and Ala Kol pass (3960m). Cultural immersion is also an important part of the experience and during the trip we learn the art of constructing a yurt with nomadic people and sample some kumis (fermented mares milk). If you are looking for an unforgettable experience exploring a remote country of blue lakes, green valleys and strong cultural traditions, this is the journey for you.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation Name: Asia Mountains or similar
Meals Included: Dinner
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: B Hotel or similar
Day 2 : Transfer To Son-Kul Lake (3,100M)
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation Name: Asia Mountains or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 3 : Son-Kul Lake (3,100M)
Location: Son-Kul Lake
Accommodation Name: Yurt camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 4 : Transfer To Issyk-Kul Lake (1,690M)
Location: Son-Kul Lake
Accommodation Name: Yurt camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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 Tamga to our small guesthouse. Please note that there is no single occupancy option at the guesthouse.Overnight: Guesthouse in Tamga
Day 5 : Transfer To Jeti-Oguz Gorge (2,250M)
Location: Issyk-Kul Lake
Accommodation Name: Guesthouse in Tamga
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 6 : Trek To Base Of Telety Pass (2,980M)
Location: Jeti-Oguz Gorge
Accommodation Name: Yurt camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 7 : Trek Over Telety Pass (3,800M) Down To Karakol Gorge (2,500M)
Location: Telety Pass
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 8 : Hike To The Base Of Karakol Peak (2,460M)
Location: Karakol Gorge
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 9 : Trek Along The Gorge To Ala Kol Lake (3,532M)
Location: Karakol Gorge
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day Hike In The Ala Kol Lake Region
Location: Ala Kol Lake
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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.
Day 11 : Trek Over Ala Kol Pass (3,960M) & Descend Into Arashan Gorge (2,600M)
Location: Ala Kol Pass
Accommodation Name: Tented camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 12 : Transfer To Karakol (1,800M)
Location: Karakol
Accommodation Name: Amir Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 13 : Transfer To Cholpon-Ata
Location: Cholpon-Ata
Accommodation Name: Karven Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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
Day 14 : Transfer To Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation Name: Asia Mountains or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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: B Hotel or similar
Day 15 : Trip Concludes In Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip will conclude after breakfast today, with private transfers to the airport. (Drive 30 km, 1 hr, asphalt road).
What's Included
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Accommodation
6 nights hotel/guesthouse -
15 breakfasts, 14 lunches, 13 dinners
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Airport transfers in Bishkek
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6 nights in comfortable hotels and guesthouses on a twinshare basis (note - there is no single occupancy option at the Tamga Guesthouse)
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5 nights fully supported camping on a twinshare tent basis
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3 nights in yurt on a multishare basis (no single occupancy option)
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mountain guide on trek
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50l kit bag for personal items provided during trek with 12kg allowance
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porter and cook services on trek
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group camping equipment
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private transport throughout
What's Not Included
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International airfares
International airfares are not included.
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Visas
Visas are not included.
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Travel Insurance (Compulsory)
Travel insurance is compulsory and not included.
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Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program
Meals and beverages not mentioned in the program are not included.
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Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol, etc
Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, and alcohol are not included.
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Tips and gratuities
Tips and gratuities are not included.
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Sleeping bags are not provided but can be hired
Sleeping bags are not provided but can be hired.
Accommodation
6 nights hotel/guesthouse
In cities or large towns you will be accommodated in 3 to 4 star, twin share properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable. Enjoy our fully supported camping in quality two person tents erected in scenic wilderness. A yurt is a circular felt tent used by nomadic people. Warm in winter and cool in summer offering you an awesome cultural experience. We use quality guesthouses. They are not luxury Inns but we make sure they offer you a truly authentic experience. The yurt nights are on a multi share basis; when in the yurts, normally there are 5-6 other travellers. Note - there is no single occupancy option at the Tamga Guesthouse or at the yurt camps.
What You Carry
In your daypack you will need to carry extra warm clothing (depending on the altitude, location and weather), a rainjacket, water bottle, camera gear, valuables and personal items such as sunscreen, lip balm etc. Porters carry all group gear and your trek pack.
Grading
On a moderate to challenging trek physical activity will generally not exceed eight hours in a day, and travellers should be comfortable with occasional rough terrain. At any stage of a moderate and challenging trek you can expect long steep climbs and descents and a wide range of weather conditions. An example of an average day on trek could include several ascents and descents of 500 metres or more; level ground is rare in the mountains.
Suggested preparation: One hour of strenuous exercise, four times a week, interspersed with a relatively demanding bushwalk or long distance cycle depending on the activity you plan to undertake. To prepare for your trek you should begin training at least three months before your departure.
Trekking: Hill walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also highly recommended at least once a week for leg strengthening and aerobic fitness. The best exercise for trekking is bushwalking involving relatively steep ascents and descents. Hill walking with a 7kg pack in variable weather conditions is a must. Multi day walks are ideal preparation for our trekking adventures. If you can manage a couple of valley floor to ridgeline ascents per bushwalk, albeit with stops along the way, you know you can cope with a moderate to challenging graded trek. Speed is not important; stamina, confidence and rhythm are.
Mode of Transport
Travel comfortably with private transport throughout the tour, including airport transfers in Bishkek. The journey includes scenic drives to various destinations, allowing you to explore the stunning landscapes of Kyrgyzstan with ease.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in a mix of accommodations including 3 to 4 star hotels in cities or large towns, yurt camps in the mountain pastures, and guesthouses. The yurt camps offer a cultural experience and are on a multi-share basis, typically with 5-6 other travelers.
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Will I have to carry my own gear during the trek?
You will need to carry a daypack with personal items such as extra warm clothing, a rain jacket, water bottle, camera gear, and valuables. Porters will carry all group gear and your trek pack.
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What kind of physical preparation is recommended for this trek?
It is recommended to engage in one hour of strenuous exercise four times a week, along with a demanding bushwalk or long-distance cycle. Hill walking with a 5-7kg daypack is also advised at least once a week. Training should begin at least three months before departure to build stamina and confidence for the trek.
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What is the difficulty level of the trek?
The trek is graded as moderate to challenging, with physical activity generally not exceeding eight hours a day. You can expect long steep climbs and descents, and a wide range of weather conditions.
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Are there any cultural experiences included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes cultural experiences such as staying in yurt camps, learning how to set up a yurt, and sampling traditional Kyrgyz foods like airan and kumis.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, and 14 dinners.
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Is there an option for single occupancy in accommodations?
There is no single occupancy option available at the yurt camps or the guesthouse in Tamga.
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What kind of support is provided during the trek?
During the trek, a mountain guide will accompany you, and porter and cook services are provided. Group camping equipment and a medical kit are also included.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have offices on three continents which means your travelling companions will be just that – international and wonderfully eclectic. Part of small group travel means that although travellers come from various locations and backgrounds, you will be travelling with like-minded companions who, like you, are keen to share the experience and forge lifelong friendships.
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What about environmental impact?
We believe that adventure travel revolves around establishing a strong relationship with the people and environments in which we operate. Our responsible travel policies have been carefully developed to ensure that we minimise the impact of our presence and help to protect the regions we visit while contributing positively to the local community.
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What should I pack?
Your pre-departure documents include a detailed packing list with items that you need to bring. While most of the equipment for daily activities is included in your tour cost, some items like helmets and hiking boots are best brought from home. The pre-departure documents also include information on layering and recommended brands for various items to ensure you are fully prepared for your trip.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes. World Expeditions does not require single travellers to pay a surcharge for travelling alone on the vast majority of our trips. Our holidays are primarily on a twin share basis, so if you are joining the group as a solo traveller, we will match you with someone of your own gender. The choice is yours however; if you prefer not to share, we do offer single supplements for private occupancy.
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Are tips included in my trip price?
Tips are not included in the tour cost. Tipping is a personal thing, do not worry about how much, or when, to tip. Tipping guidelines are provided for certain destinations in our pre departure information upon booking, however the best advice will be provided by your tour leader.
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Am I suited to small-group travel?
We recognise that many of our travellers have not been on a ‘group trip’ before. Yet what our departures provide is both structure and flexibility, allowing you plenty of freedom within the framework of the itinerary. You’ll find that with our maximum group size at 16, you’ll travel in a minimal impact style with a great group of like-minded travellers.
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Can you advise which vaccinations are recommended?
While our pre-departure kit provides information on vaccinations, we suggest that you consult your doctor, local government inoculation centre or a travel medical specialist in order to get the most current advice regarding vaccination requirements.
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
World Expeditions allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform world expeditions, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
World Expeditions requires a minimum deposit of 400 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world expeditions charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.