
Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan - Tent trekking between Issyk Kul and Tien Shan
Kyrgyzstan - Tent trekking between Issyk Kul and Tien Shan
Duration
18 days
Start/End
Bischkek
Tour type
Group
Level
Demanding
Accommodation
Hotel, guesthouse, yurt, tent
Overview
90 percent of Kyrgyzstan is mountains, rich in unspoilt nature, crystal-clear streams and lakes. After Bishkek, Ala Archa National Park and Song Kul you trek with tents through the Terskey Alatau, cross the Telety Pass and climb through the Karakol valley to turquoise Lake Alakul.
However varied the ideal image of paradise may be, Kyrgyzstan comes quite close to this vision. It is a land full of untouched nature with rich flora and fauna, blessed with crystal-clear streams and lakes, and consisting of 90 percent mountains and mountain ranges. The diversity of Kyrgyz landscapes, virtually untouched, is breathtaking. The beaches of the blue mountain lake Issyk-Kul are fringed by gentle meadows interspersed with fields of sunflowers. Directly behind the lake, the snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan Mountains rise from dark spruce forests. The impressions of this trip are multifaceted and offer you much more than just hiking in pristine mountain nature. The program offers a wide range of activities. Whether hiking, horseback riding, swimming, or fishing – you'll experience many facets of Central Asian nomadic culture. You'll gain deep insights into the traditions and history of Kyrgyzstan. This route was once traversed by richly laden caravans of the Silk Road, as well as by the fierce horsemen of Genghis Khan.
Tour Code
Tour language

German, EnglishItinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Bishkek
Your journey begins! The flight to Kyrgyzstan is overnight.
Arrival in Bishkek
Day 1
Your journey begins! The flight to Kyrgyzstan is overnight.
Day 2
Exploration tour in Bishkek
Hotel
You arrive in Bishkek early in the morning, where your Kyrgyz tour guide will meet you at the airport. Afterwards, you'll be transferred directly to your hotel, where you can check in early. Just 40 km south of Bishkek, you can already see the first snow-capped 4000-meter peaks. Around midday, you'll set off to explore the city. You'll visit the National Museum and stroll through the lively Osh Bazaar, which entices visitors with its abundance of spices. In the evening, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Exploration tour in Bishkek
Day 2
Hotel
You arrive in Bishkek early in the morning, where your Kyrgyz tour guide will meet you at the airport. Afterwards, you'll be transferred directly to your hotel, where you can check in early. Just 40 km south of Bishkek, you can already see the first snow-capped 4000-meter peaks. Around midday, you'll set off to explore the city. You'll visit the National Museum and stroll through the lively Osh Bazaar, which entices visitors with its abundance of spices. In the evening, you'll enjoy a welcome dinner. Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3
Ala-Archa National Park
Hotel
1,200 m elevation gain and loss / 7 h / 14 km
80 km / 2 hours
Today you'll be heading to Ala Archa National Park. The three- to four-hour hike to Ratzek Hut at 3200 meters is particularly worthwhile. The impressive Ak Say Glacier awaits you right behind the hut. If you'd prefer a more relaxed pace, you can turn back halfway with a second guide and visit a stunning waterfall. This will make your first day of trekking a bit more leisurely.
Ala-Archa National Park
Day 3
Hotel
1,200 m elevation gain and loss / 7 h / 14 km
80 km / 2 hours
Today you'll be heading to Ala Archa National Park. The three- to four-hour hike to Ratzek Hut at 3200 meters is particularly worthwhile. The impressive Ak Say Glacier awaits you right behind the hut. If you'd prefer a more relaxed pace, you can turn back halfway with a second guide and visit a stunning waterfall. This will make your first day of trekking a bit more leisurely.
Day 4
Visit to the Burana Tower – Trip to Song Kul Lake
yurt
360 km / 8 hours
Your journey through Kyrgyzstan begins with a visit to the Burana Tower, a minaret dating back to the Silk Road era. After a six-hour drive, you'll reach the picturesque Song Kul Lake at an altitude of 3,000 meters, nestled in the heart of this nomadic region. There, you'll spend the night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt.
Visit to the Burana Tower – Trip to Song Kul Lake
Day 4
yurt
360 km / 8 hours
Your journey through Kyrgyzstan begins with a visit to the Burana Tower, a minaret dating back to the Silk Road era. After a six-hour drive, you'll reach the picturesque Song Kul Lake at an altitude of 3,000 meters, nestled in the heart of this nomadic region. There, you'll spend the night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt.
Day 5
Hike at Song Kul
yurt
The Kyrgyz herders have their jailoos, or summer pastures, around the lake. Many stories by Chingiz Aitmatov, Kyrgyzstan's most famous writer, originated in this region. You'll spend the day hiking around the lake and have the opportunity to interact with the nomads.
Hike at Song Kul
Day 5
yurt
The Kyrgyz herders have their jailoos, or summer pastures, around the lake. Many stories by Chingiz Aitmatov, Kyrgyzstan's most famous writer, originated in this region. You'll spend the day hiking around the lake and have the opportunity to interact with the nomads.
Day 6
Trip to Issyk Kul
Guesthouse
300 km / 6 hours
You drive east along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, passing poplar, apricot, and apple trees, towards Tamga. The afternoon is yours to enjoy – take a stroll through the village, enjoy a swim in Issyk-Kul, or embark on an approximately three-hour hike to the special stone, Tamga Tash.
Trip to Issyk Kul
Day 6
Guesthouse
300 km / 6 hours
You drive east along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, passing poplar, apricot, and apple trees, towards Tamga. The afternoon is yours to enjoy – take a stroll through the village, enjoy a swim in Issyk-Kul, or embark on an approximately three-hour hike to the special stone, Tamga Tash.
Day 7
Terskey Alatau
yurt
350 m elevation gain, 150 m elevation loss / 4 h / 12 km
80 km / 2 hours
The hike takes you through the most beautiful part of the Terskey Alatau Mountains. You'll only be carrying a daypack, hiking through an idyllic valley, past a picturesque waterfall, towards Öguz Bashi (5168 m).
Terskey Alatau
Day 7
yurt
350 m elevation gain, 150 m elevation loss / 4 h / 12 km
80 km / 2 hours
The hike takes you through the most beautiful part of the Terskey Alatau Mountains. You'll only be carrying a daypack, hiking through an idyllic valley, past a picturesque waterfall, towards Öguz Bashi (5168 m).
Day 8
Exploring the surroundings
yurt
900 (uphill and downhill) / 7 h / 15 km
You'll explore the upper part of the valley with its fiery red Jety-Öguz cliffs. The climb is rewarded with a magnificent panorama, offering breathtaking views of Pik Baytor (4700 m) and Pik Aylanma (4800 m). On the way down, you'll have a stunning view of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Exploring the surroundings
Day 8
yurt
900 (uphill and downhill) / 7 h / 15 km
You'll explore the upper part of the valley with its fiery red Jety-Öguz cliffs. The climb is rewarded with a magnificent panorama, offering breathtaking views of Pik Baytor (4700 m) and Pik Aylanma (4800 m). On the way down, you'll have a stunning view of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Day 9
Towards Telety Pass
Tent
900 m elevation gain, 150 m elevation loss / 6 h / 16 km
Today, porters will carry your luggage. You will hike along the Telety River to below the Telety Pass and set up camp on a lush green meadow at an altitude of approximately 3050 m, not far from a waterfall.
Towards Telety Pass
Day 9
Tent
900 m elevation gain, 150 m elevation loss / 6 h / 16 km
Today, porters will carry your luggage. You will hike along the Telety River to below the Telety Pass and set up camp on a lush green meadow at an altitude of approximately 3050 m, not far from a waterfall.
Day 10
Crossing the Telety Pass
Tent
750 m elevation gain, 1,300 m elevation loss / 8 h / 18 km
The trail begins with a moderate ascent across alpine meadows. Later, you'll climb the rugged scree and the Telety Pass (3780 m) before descending into the Karakol River valley. There, you'll set up camp on a riverbank at 2500 m. Depending on where you camped the previous evening, it's about another 1.5 hours up to the pass.
Crossing the Telety Pass
Day 10
Tent
750 m elevation gain, 1,300 m elevation loss / 8 h / 18 km
The trail begins with a moderate ascent across alpine meadows. Later, you'll climb the rugged scree and the Telety Pass (3780 m) before descending into the Karakol River valley. There, you'll set up camp on a riverbank at 2500 m. Depending on where you camped the previous evening, it's about another 1.5 hours up to the pass.
Day 11
In the valley of the Karakol River
Tent
4-5 h
After the strenuous last few days, you can take a rest day in the beautiful mountain surroundings or join a short hike. In the evening, you have the opportunity to enjoy a Russian sauna (banya).
In the valley of the Karakol River
Day 11
Tent
4-5 h
After the strenuous last few days, you can take a rest day in the beautiful mountain surroundings or join a short hike. In the evening, you have the opportunity to enjoy a Russian sauna (banya).
Day 12
Ascent to the Alakul Lake dam
Tent
1,200 m elevation gain, 150 m elevation loss / 8 h / 9 km
You'll ascend 900 meters alongside crystal-clear mountain streams to the natural dam of Lake Alakul. Your campsite is located above the lakeshore (3560 m). You can spend the afternoon relaxing at this romantic lake.
Ascent to the Alakul Lake dam
Day 12
Tent
1,200 m elevation gain, 150 m elevation loss / 8 h / 9 km
You'll ascend 900 meters alongside crystal-clear mountain streams to the natural dam of Lake Alakul. Your campsite is located above the lakeshore (3560 m). You can spend the afternoon relaxing at this romantic lake.
Day 13
Alakul Pass – Arashan Valley
Tent
400 m elevation gain, 1,450 m elevation loss / 6 h / 13 km
The Alakul Pass (3880 m) is the scenic highlight. From the pass, you have a magnificent panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding 5000-meter peaks. The trail descends into the Arashan Valley, where you will set up camp at 2600 m.
Alakul Pass – Arashan Valley
Day 13
Tent
400 m elevation gain, 1,450 m elevation loss / 6 h / 13 km
The Alakul Pass (3880 m) is the scenic highlight. From the pass, you have a magnificent panoramic view of the lake and the surrounding 5000-meter peaks. The trail descends into the Arashan Valley, where you will set up camp at 2600 m.
Day 14
Circular hike in the Arashan Valley
Tent
6 hours / 13 km
A scenic hike leads you upstream along the Arashan River, past meadows of blooming edelweiss. Above the Geldike Valley, the summit of Pik Palatka (4800 m) appears, and ahead, the majestic cliff face of Pik Aksu (5020 m) glistens in the sun.
Circular hike in the Arashan Valley
Day 14
Tent
6 hours / 13 km
A scenic hike leads you upstream along the Arashan River, past meadows of blooming edelweiss. Above the Geldike Valley, the summit of Pik Palatka (4800 m) appears, and ahead, the majestic cliff face of Pik Aksu (5020 m) glistens in the sun.
Day 15
Hiking or rest day
Tent
depending on the choice
Today, many options await you: You can either climb the technically easy summit of Chon Kyzyl Tash (approx. 3700 m), take a circular hike through the Anyr Tor Valley, hike deep into the beautiful Arashan Valley (2655 m), or simply enjoy a rest day at the hot springs. The hot springs are not only highly valued by the locals but are also a welcome relief for your muscles.
Hiking or rest day
Day 15
Tent
depending on the choice
Today, many options await you: You can either climb the technically easy summit of Chon Kyzyl Tash (approx. 3700 m), take a circular hike through the Anyr Tor Valley, hike deep into the beautiful Arashan Valley (2655 m), or simply enjoy a rest day at the hot springs. The hot springs are not only highly valued by the locals but are also a welcome relief for your muscles.
Day 16
Last day of trekking – Aksu – Karakol – Issyk Kul
Hotel
350 m elevation gain, 950 m elevation loss, 4 hours, 15 km
110 km / 2 hours
A roughly four-hour hike will take you to Aksu, where the vehicles will pick you up. In Karakol, there will be time for a stroll through the bazaar and a visit to the old wooden church before continuing on to the northern shore of Issyk-Kul.
Last day of trekking – Aksu – Karakol – Issyk Kul
Day 16
Hotel
350 m elevation gain, 950 m elevation loss, 4 hours, 15 km
110 km / 2 hours
A roughly four-hour hike will take you to Aksu, where the vehicles will pick you up. In Karakol, there will be time for a stroll through the bazaar and a visit to the old wooden church before continuing on to the northern shore of Issyk-Kul.
Day 17
Issyk Kul – Bishkek
Hotel
300 km / 4 hours
For early risers, there's one last chance to take a dip in Issyk-Kul. Afterward, you'll return to Bishkek. You can do some last-minute shopping at the bazaar and enjoy traditional cuisine at a farewell dinner.
Issyk Kul – Bishkek
Day 17
Hotel
300 km / 4 hours
For early risers, there's one last chance to take a dip in Issyk-Kul. Afterward, you'll return to Bishkek. You can do some last-minute shopping at the bazaar and enjoy traditional cuisine at a farewell dinner.
Day 18
Return journey to Germany
You'll begin your journey home with many wonderful memories. You'll be taken to the airport and fly back home with many new experiences.
Return journey to Germany
Day 18
You'll begin your journey home with many wonderful memories. You'll be taken to the airport and fly back home with many new experiences.
Services
What's included
Scheduled flight from/to Frankfurt to Bishkek and back with Turkish Airlines or another airline in Economy Class (subject to availability; flight surcharge may apply)
Accommodation as per itinerary (7x tent, 4x yurt, 3x hotel, 2x guesthouse)
Meals as per itinerary (full board)
all journeys in private vehicles
German-speaking tour guide
Carrier for max. 12 kg of personal trekking luggage
Camping equipment excluding sleeping bag
What's not included
Travel insurance (we are happy to put together an individual offer)
personal equipment
Visa and vaccinations, if required
Tip
Meals and drinks not mentioned
optional excursions
Additional porter's baggage (approx. €12 per 1 kg)
vaccinations if necessary
Character of the trip
Fitness
Demanding
Altitude
High
Culture / nature
Pure nature
An active group trip can be an enriching experience, but it also requires adaptability and a willingness to compromise. The abilities of the other participants may differ from yours. You may need to step outside your comfort zone or adjust your expectations so that the group can enjoy the trip together. Often, you will share unforgettable moments with like-minded people and forge new friendships.
For this trip, you should have sure footing, a head for heights, and be able to walk confidently on challenging trails. Good stamina for hiking stages of up to 8 hours and physical fitness are also important. Furthermore, you should be open to other cultures and have the stamina for longer journeys on sometimes unpaved roads.
Dates and prices
Group dates
Optional
Single room supplement
€310.00
per person
Rail & Fly ticket, 2nd class (valid within Germany)
€90.00
per person
Private tours for 2 or more people available on request
Notes on the trip
Yurt overnight stay
During your trip, you will also be staying in yurts. Each yurt accommodates 4-6 people. They are equipped with mattresses, warm blankets, bedding, and an electrical connection (light, sometimes a power outlet). You will eat your meals in a large communal yurt. Sanitary facilities (such as showers) are not available everywhere, but there are basic toilet blocks. Yurt camp at Song-Kul Lake The "Ak-Sai Travel" yurt camp at Song-Kul Lake offers accommodation for up to four people in each yurt, depending on group size and camp occupancy. The yurts are typically occupied by two to four people; single occupancy can be requested and is subject to availability. There is a separate dining yurt furnished with wooden tables and benches. The yurts are decorated in a traditional style and include electricity, two wooden beds, and two additional cots can be provided if needed. Shoes must be removed upon entering the yurts, or you can wear the provided felt slippers. The yurts are heated twice daily with a wood-burning stove. Your sleeping arrangements consist of a mattress, bed linen, a pillow, a blanket, and a sleeping bag. A satellite phone is available in the camp for emergencies. There are a total of 35 yurts. The camp also offers four toilets (two of which are European style), a sauna, and five sinks. The shower cubicles (2 for women and 2 for men) with hot water are located in a separate yurt.
Trekking luggage
Your personal luggage will be transported by porters during the hikes. The weight should not exceed 12 kg; otherwise, an additional fee may apply. You can leave any items you don't need in Bishkek or Karakul, and they will be returned to you after the trek.
