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

Day 1: Bishkek to Mountain Gateway — Ancient Towers and Red Sandstone

Upon arrival at Manas International Airport (we suggest landing by 12 PM), meet your local guide and driver for the scenic transfer directly to Djety Oguz gorge. The journey passes through the heart of Kyrgyzstan, stopping first at the historic Burana Tower—an ancient 11th-century minaret near Tokmok that once stood proud in Balasagun, capital of the Karakhanid State. Explore this remarkable remnant of Central Asian history before continuing along the scenic route through the Issyk-Kul region. Stop for lunch at a local café, then arrive in spectacular Djety Oguz Gorge to witness stunning red sandstone formations nicknamed "The Broken Heart" and "Seven Bulls." Continue along the winding gorge road crossing charming log bridges through lush landscapes, Tien-Shan blue spruce forests, and alpine meadows until reaching Kok Jaiyk ("Flower Meadow")—your yurt camp surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery. Settle into traditional felt yurts for dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Forest Gorges and Flower Meadows — Trek to Telety Pass Base

Meet your porters this morning—they'll carry your main luggage (up to 10kg per person) in special rucksacks between camps throughout the trek. After breakfast, begin trekking along the riverbank through Bay Tor's narrow wooded gorge, gradually ascending toward alpine meadows. Here, the landscape opens into a spectacular flower carpet where mountain air turns sweet and clear, views expand in every direction, and the simplicity of nature washes away all troubles. After rest and lunch, continue trekking to the tent camp positioned at the foot of Telety pass, crossing a substantial river via bridge shortly before arrival. Settle into your Red Fox Family tent, enjoy dinner prepared by camp cooks, and rest well—tomorrow brings the trek's highest pass. Distance: 16 km (9.9 mi) | Elevation gain: +450 m (1,476 ft) | Time: 6-8 hours

Day 3: Crossing the High Pass — Telety to Karakol Gorge

Depart camp after breakfast and begin the ascent to Telety pass at 3,800 meters (12,467 ft)—the trek's highest point. The first kilometer threads through fragrant juniper bushes before the trail opens onto a narrow path with steady climb. From the pass summit, panoramic views reward your effort: the Tien-Shan's peaks and ridges stretch in every direction beneath the brilliant Central Asian sky. The descent follows a wide talus slope across alpine meadows brilliant with herbs and wildflowers, tracking East Telety river downward. Cross this river at one point (sandals recommended—no bridge here), then hike through forest along a root-covered trail descending into Karakol gorge. The final kilometer follows an old dirt-truck road leading to tonight's tent camp hidden among trees. Dinner and overnight in the forest. Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi) | Elevation gain: +750 m (2,461 ft) - 1,300 m (4,265 ft) | Time: 6-8 hours

Day 4: Fairy-Tale Forests and Alpine Ascent — To Ala-Kul Lake

After breakfast, descend along the gorge about a kilometer, cross the river via bridge, then begin a sustained forest ascent. The trail climbs to a steep grass-covered slope where switchbacks lead past a river overflow to an extraordinary place: "Sirota" mountain log hut. Inside you'll find a table, benches, and fireplace; outside, numerous animal sculptures and wooden idols carved by unknown artists create a fairy-tale atmosphere—the perfect spot to rest and snack. Continue climbing higher, leaving the forest behind as the trail follows the river to a beautiful waterfall flowing down from Ala-Kul Lake itself. Pass the waterfall, ascend a natural dam, and suddenly the lake reveals itself: a stunning turquoise moraine lake stretching 2.8 kilometers east to west, 500 meters wide, 70 meters deep. "Ala-Kul" means "Colorful Lake"—the water shifts from emerald green to turquoise to dark grey to black depending on light and weather. The final kilometer to camp tracks along the lakeshore. Tonight's high-altitude camp at 3,600 meters (11,811 ft) offers spectacular views. Distance: 10 km (6.2 mi) | Elevation gain: +1,100 m (3,609 ft) | Time: 6-7 hours

Day 5: Lake Pass and Hot Springs Reward — Descend to Altyn-Arashan

Wake beside the turquoise lake with morning light painting the Terskei Ala-Too range: peaks Ak-Suu, Djigit, Karakol, and Oguz Bashi rising above glaciers. After breakfast, begin ascending to Ala-Kul pass, the trek's final major crossing, with continuously improving views back over the lake and surrounding peaks. From the pass, descend along talus slopes into the wide Keldike valley featuring picturesque landscapes where herds of cattle and flocks of sheep graze among wildflowers—classic Central Asian pastoral scenes. Upon arrival at Altyn-Arashan guesthouse, celebrate completing the high route with a well-earned soak in the valley's natural hot springs. These thermal baths reach up to +50°C, providing perfect muscle recovery after four consecutive mountain days. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse—real beds after three nights in tents feel extraordinary. Distance: 18 km (11.2 mi) | Elevation gain: +200 m (656 ft) - 1,200 m (3,937 ft) | Time: 6-7 hours

Day 6: Forest Descent and Return to Civilization

After breakfast and final views of Altyn-Arashan's mountain-ringed valley, begin the 5-kilometer (3.1 mi) descent through the gorge along a mountain road winding among dense spruce forests. The gradual descent (-1,000m / -3,281 ft) provides easy walking, allowing time to reflect on the trek's highlights and transition back toward civilization. Upon reaching the gorge bottom, board a special military truck—the only vehicle capable of navigating this rugged terrain—for the transfer to Karakol town, then continue the drive back to Bishkek. The return journey retraces your route past Issyk-Kul lake with fresh appreciation for the mountains you've just traversed. Distance: 15 km (9.3 mi) | Elevation loss: -1,000 m (3,281 ft)

Day 7: Farewell to Kyrgyzstan

Transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight (we suggest booking return flights from 12 PM onward). Carry memories of turquoise alpine lakes, high mountain passes, wildflower meadows, fairy-tale forest huts, and the soothing hot springs of Kyrgyzstan's Tien-Shan. End of program. Distance: 30 km (18.6 mi) transfer | Time: 45 minutes

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

Accomodations

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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.