Tour Overview
| Duration | 10 Days / 9 Nights |
|---|---|
| Country | Kyrgyzstan — Tian Shan Alpine Trekking Circuit |
| Price From | $1,695 per person (twin share) |
| Tour Style | Trekking / High Alpine Adventure |
| Data Source | Journal of Nomads / yellowwoodadventures.com — 2026 |
Itinerary Highlights
Day 1: Bishkek Arrival
Arrive and explore. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 2: Karakol via Issyk-Kul
Drive the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Stop at the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon — red sandstone formations like Utah transported to Central Asia. Arrive Karakol. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 3: Karakol Valley — Trek Day 1
Trek into the Karakol Valley through pine forests toward Karakol Peak (5,216m). Camp at 2,900m.
Day 4: Ala-Kul Lake — The Turquoise Jewel
The most challenging and rewarding day: ascend to Ala-Kul Lake (3,560m), a stunning high-alpine lake whose color changes from deep turquoise to emerald depending on the light. Camp near the lake.
Day 5: Ala-Kul Pass — The Summit
Cross the Ala-Kul Pass (3,860m) — the highest point of the trek with 360° views of the entire Terskey Ala-Too range. Descend into the Altyn Arashan Valley. Soak in hot springs. Overnight at mountain hut.
Day 6: Altyn Arashan Rest Day
Rest day in Altyn Arashan. Optional day hikes to glaciers, more hot springs, or just relax. Overnight at mountain hut.
Day 7: Return to Karakol
Hike or 4×4 back to Karakol. Hot shower and celebration dinner. Overnight in Karakol.
Day 8: Jeti-Ögüz & Return to Bishkek
Morning at Jeti-Ögüz (Seven Bulls red rocks). Drive to Bishkek. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 9: Bishkek Free Day
Markets, museums, and relaxation. Farewell dinner. Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 10: Depart Bishkek
Transfer to airport.
Inclusions
- 9 nights accommodation (city + mountain huts/tents)
- All meals during trek (3 days city B&B)
- All camping equipment
- Horses for luggage transport (trek portion)
- Experienced trekking guide
- 4×4 Altyn Arashan transfer
- All park fees
- Airport transfers
Why Kyrgyzstan
- Ala-Kul Pass (3,860m) — stand on top of the Tian Shan with 360° views
- Ala-Kul Lake — the most stunning alpine lake you’ve never heard of, colors that change by the hour
- Hot springs at 2,600m — soak in nature’s jacuzzi as glaciers gleam above
- The Tian Shan — the Mountains of Heaven, one of the world’s great wildernesses
- Trek past 5,000m peaks with only eagle cries for company
