Bishkek - TASTE OF TIEN-SHAN: KYRGYZSTAN ALPINE TRAVERSE

Bishkek

TASTE OF TIEN-SHAN: KYRGYZSTAN ALPINE TRAVERSE

Hiking

What you'll do

This journey immerses you in the picturesque corners of the Tien-Shan mountains, revealing Kyrgyzstan's most spectacular natural beauty. Trek through dramatic gorges along ancient paths, cross alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers, and ascend to the stunning moraine-glacial Ala-Kul Lake—where water shifts from emerald green to turquoise to dark grey depending on the light.

Cross Telety Pass at 3,800 meters with panoramic views across snow-capped peaks, discover the unique "Sirota" mountain hut adorned with fairy-tale wooden sculptures, and trek forest trails through Tien Shan blue spruce. The route combines active mountain adventure with thoughtful comfort: porter-supported tent camps provide full meal service, and your main luggage (up to 10kg) travels ahead while you hike with just a daypack.

The perfect finale awaits at Altyn-Arashan's famous hot mineral springs, where thermal baths reaching +50°C soothe tired muscles after days in the mountains. This moderate trek suits active travelers with good fitness seeking the best of Kyrgyzstan's wilderness—spectacular scenery, cultural encounters with local herders, and the satisfaction of crossing high passes without technical mountaineering.

Itinerary

Important stuff

From the highest peaks to the hidden trails, we've got your back

100% Guaranteed Departures

Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.

Flexible Changes

Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.

Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance

Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

100% Guaranteed Departures: Once you book, your trip is guaranteed to run, allowing you to book your flights with confidence.
Flexible Changes: Want to change your departure date or trip? No problem—enjoy maximum flexibility to make changes up to 60 days before departure.
Comprehensive Insurance & Assistance: Travel with peace of mind. Our insurance package covers accidents and rescue during outdoor activities, medical expenses, and luggage protection, as well as trip cancellations and 24/7 medical assistance from our insurance partner.

see more on How it works

What's included

Accident insurance

Medical and luggage insurance

Travel cancellation insurance

Transport from airport

Transport to airport

All permits and entry fees

Special military car for transfer to/from Altyn Arashan gorge

English-speaking trekking guide for the entire trip

Porter services (up to 10kg of personal belongings per person)

Bottled water (1 liter/day/person) during trekking—boiled water provided

Accommodation for 1 night in a yurt camp

Accommodation for 4 nights in tent camps

Accommodation for 1 night in a guesthouse

Full board meals (6 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners) including cook services during trekking

Flight

Visa (if applicable)

Sleeping bag

Everything not mentioned in the “What’s included”

Tips

Meals not included in the trip

Expenditure of personal nature

Alcohol (wine, beer, drinks)

Excess porter fee (20 USD per kg over 10kg limit)

Hotel Porter fees

Photo/video fees at museums

Accommodations

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Yurt Camp (Night 1)

Traditional felt yurts providing authentic Kyrgyz mountain hospitality in Kok Jaiyk ("Flower Meadow"), surrounded by blue spruce forests and dramatic red sandstone formations. These circular structures offer rudimentary but charming accommodation with shared facilities. Accommodation will be on a twin/double basis.

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Fixed Tent Camps (Nights 2, 3, 4)

Well-organized tent camps with Red Fox Family tents (shared accommodation), sleeping mattresses provided. Full meal support from camp cooks, basic facilities, and stunning mountain locations at the foot of Telety pass, in Karakol forest, and beside turquoise Ala-Kul Lake. Accommodation will be on a twin/double basis.

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Guesthouse (Night 5)

Simple guesthouse accommodation offering real beds and access to the valley's famous natural hot springs (thermal baths up to +50°C). A welcome retreat after four nights camping, providing the perfect setting for muscle recovery and mountain relaxation. Accommodation will be on a twin/double basis.

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Hotel in Bishkek (Night 6)

Comfortable hotel in Kyrgyzstan's capital offering modern amenities, hot showers, and proximity to the airport for next morning's departure. Accommodation will be on a twin/double basis.

Guides

Ak-Sai Travel

Our local guides are experienced mountain professionals with strong knowledge of the Tien-Shan region and Kyrgyz culture. They are trained in trekking safety, first aid, and high-altitude conditions. Attentive and supportive, they ensure a safe journey while adapting the pace to the group and sharing insights about the landscapes and local traditions. All guides follow professional standards and possess the expertise to handle the demands of multi-day high-altitude trekking.