Kyrgyzstan
Ala-Kul & Son Kul: Trek the Heart of the Tien Shan
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Kyrgyzstan Tour Overview
Ala-Kul & Son Kul: Trek the Heart of the Tien Shan
Trek to Kyrgyzstan’s famous glacial lake at 3,532 meters, cross a 3,860-meter pass, then ride horses with nomads at Son Kul.
Duration
10 Days
Price
$2,400
Difficulty
Hard
Best Time
June – September
Start in Bishkek and drive east along the north shore of Issyk-Kul to begin a 3-day trek through the Tien Shan — ascending from the Karakol Valley to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,532 meters, crossing the 3,860-meter pass, and descending to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan. After the trek, drive the south shore of Issyk-Kul through Jeti Oguz, the ancient Buddhist carvings at Tamga Tash, and the wind-sculpted formations of Skazka Canyon. Meet championship eagle hunter Salavat and his golden eagle in Bokonbaevo, then spend two nights at an award-winning yurt camp on Son Kul Lake — riding horses, visiting nomadic shepherds, and watching a private Kok Boru demonstration. Return through the red rock canyons of Konorchek to the mountain ethno-resort of Supara for a farewell dinner before departure.
Tour Highlights
Ala-Kul Lake — Turquoise Water at 3,532 Meters
Altyn Arashan Hot Springs
Son Kul — Two Nights of Nomadic Immersion at 3,016 Meters
Eagle Hunting with Championship Berkutchi Salavat
Dungan Dinner — A Culinary Crossroads
Issyk-Kul South Shore — Gorges, Canyons & Sacred Stones
Konorchek Canyons & Supara Ethno-Resort
Kyzyl Tuu — Yurt-Making Village
Ala-Kul & Son Kul: Trek the Heart of the Tien Shan
Your Kyrgyzstan Tour Itinerary
1
Day 1
Arrival in Bishkek
Arrival at Manas International Airport with transfer to your hotel in Bishkek, the greenest city in Central Asia. Explore the capital on a walking tour through Ala-Too Square, the shaded paths of Oak Park, and the sensory overload of Osh Bazaar — spices, textiles, dried fruits, and handcrafts piled high. Welcome dinner featuring authentic Kyrgyz cuisine with wine or beer. Meals included: D. Note: most international flights arrive late — booking a pre-night is highly recommended. Approximately 30 km, 40 minutes from the airport.
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Your Accommodation
Orion Hotel Bishkek or similar
Locally-owned 5-star boutique hotel on Erkindik Boulevard with spa and pool.
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2
Day 2
Burana Tower, Issyk-Kul North Shore & Dungan Dinner
First stop: the Burana Tower, a 9th-century minaret and the last remnant of the ancient Silk Road town of Balasagyn. Continue along the north shore of Issyk-Kul — the world's second-largest alpine lake, whose name means "hot lake" in Kyrgyz because it never freezes despite its altitude. Arrive in the Karakol region for dinner with a Dungan family in Yrdyk village — ethnic Chinese Muslims who fled China and preserved their distinct cuisine and traditions in Kyrgyzstan. Overnight at ToodoResort. Meals included: B/L/D. Approximately 400 km, 5–6 hours.
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Your Accommodation
ToodoResort or similar
Boutique resort near Karakol with mountain views.
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3
Day 3
Trek Day 1: Karakol Gorge to Alpine Camp
Begin the 3-day Ala-Kul trek. Drive to the trailhead in Karakol Gorge and trek with a local mountain guide through spruce forest and alpine meadow to the alpine camp at 2,500 meters. All trek meals provided by a professional cook. Porters carry up to 5 kg per person; main luggage stays at ToodoResort. Meals included: B/L/D. Trekking: 10–12 km, ~5 hours, +600 m.
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Your Accommodation
Yurt at Alpine Camp
Traditional yurt at the alpine camp in Karakol Gorge at 2,500 meters.
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Day 4
Trek Day 2: Alpine Camp to Ala-Kul Lake
The most demanding and rewarding day of the trip. From camp at 2,500 m, ascend over 1,000 meters to Ala-Kul Lake at 3,532 m — turquoise glacial water ringed by the peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too. Walk the lakeshore and take in the panorama. Camp at the lake. Meals included: B/L/D. Trekking: 12 km, ~6–7 hours, +1,100 m / -100 m.
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Your Accommodation
Tent at Ala-Kul Lake
Camping at Ala-Kul Lake, 3,532 meters.
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Day 5
Trek Day 3: Ala-Kul Pass, Altyn Arashan & ToodoResort
Ascend to the 3,860-meter Ala-Kul Pass — the highest point of the entire trip — with panoramic views of peaks rising above 5,000 m. Then descend 1,400 meters through the gorge to the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan, where a long soak rewards three days of trekking. Transfer by UAZ vehicle to Karakol and return to ToodoResort. Meals included: B/L/D. Trekking: 15 km, ~6–7 hours, +350 m / -1,400 m.
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Your Accommodation
ToodoResort or similar
Boutique resort near Karakol with mountain views.
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6
Day 6
Jeti Oguz, Tamga Tash & Skazka Canyon to Ak-Tengir
A scenic recovery day along the south shore of Issyk-Kul. Visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque in Karakol, then drive to Jeti Oguz — meaning "Seven Bulls" — where massive red-brown rock formations stand together like a wall against the sky. Continue to the ancient Buddhist carvings at Tamga Tash and the surreal wind-sculpted formations of Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. End the day at Ak-Tengir yurt resort in Tosor, with beachfront yurts looking across Issyk-Kul to the snow-capped Kungey Ala-Too. Meals included: B/L/D. Approximately 210 km, 4 hours driving.
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Your Accommodation
Ak-Tengir Yurt Resort
Beachfront yurt glamping on the south shore of Issyk-Kul.
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Day 7
Eagle Hunting, Kyzyl Tuu & Son Kul
Meet championship berkutchi Salavat and his golden eagle Cagilgan in Bokonbaevo for a private 1.5-hour demonstration of traditional eagle hunting, archery, and taigan hunting dogs. Continue to Kyzyl Tuu, a village where the entire community is engaged in traditional yurt manufacturing, for a hands-on workshop. Drive through Kochkor with a lunch stop, then cross the mountain pass to Son Kul Lake at 3,016 meters. Settle into the award-winning Nomad’s Dream yurt camp on the southern shore. Meals included: B/L/D. Approximately 300 km, 6–7 hours driving.
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Your Accommodation
Nomad’s Dream Yurt Camp
Award-winning yurt camp on the shores of Son Kul Lake at 3,016 meters.
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Day 8
Son Kul Immersion — Horseback, Shepherds & Stargazing
A full day of nomadic immersion with no driving. Ride horses across the jailoo to a ridgeline viewpoint overlooking the lake and surrounding peaks. Visit a nomadic shepherd family on their summer pastures for kumys, airan, and kurut tasting with boorsok-making. In the afternoon, watch a private Kok Boru (buzkashi) demonstration — the ancient mounted sport recognized as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, coordinated with local horsemen. Meals included: B/L/D. After dinner, step outside for some of the most spectacular stargazing in Central Asia at 3,016 meters with zero light pollution.
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Your Accommodation
Nomad’s Dream Yurt Camp
Second night at award-winning Nomad’s Dream yurt camp.
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Day 9
Son Kul to Konorchek Canyons & Supara
Depart Son Kul after breakfast, descending through the mountain pass with a photo stop at the turquoise Orto-Tokoy Reservoir. Enter the dramatic Boom Gorge and hike into the Konorchek Canyons — a red rock labyrinth of wind-sculpted sandstone formations known as the Aeolian Castles, often compared to a miniature Grand Canyon. The 2.5–3 hour hike passes through narrow corridors of clay and rock before opening into spectacular canyon panoramas. Continue to Supara Chunkurchak, a mountain ethno-resort at 2,500 meters with hillside yurts overlooking the Tien Shan. Farewell dinner at the resort restaurant. Meals included: B/L/D. Approximately 315 km, 5–6 hours driving plus hike.
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Your Accommodation
Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort
Mountain ethno-resort at 2,500 meters with panoramic Tien Shan views.
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Day 10
Departure
Meals included: B. Buffet breakfast at Supara with mountain views, then transfer to Manas International Airport for departure. Approximately 70 km, 1–1.5 hours.
Kyrgyzstan Tour Details
Pricing & What's Included
Transparent pricing with all-inclusive land costs and flexible group rates.
Per Person
$2,400
Based on group of 4
Single Supplement
$500
Deposit
$600
Currency
USD
Group Rates
| Group Size | Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo traveler | $4,360 | Contact us for pricingSingle occupancy |
| 2 travelers | $3,245 | Per personDouble occupancy |
| 3 travelers | $2,800 | Per personSmall group |
| 4 travelers | $2,400 | Per personGroup rate |
| 5–6 travelers | $2,595 | Per personSecond vehicle included |
| 7–8 travelers | $2,350 | Per personBest value |
What's Included
- Accommodation based on double occupancy
- All meals as indicated in the itinerary
- Airport arrival and departure transfers
- All land transportation in private vehicle as indicated in the itinerary
- English-speaking driver plus additional English-speaking guide (4+ guests)
- Local mountain guide, professional cook, and porters during the 3-day Ala-Kul trek
- All trekking equipment including tents, sleeping bags, and cooking gear
- All entrance fees and site visits as indicated in the itinerary
- Private eagle hunting demonstration with championship berkutchi Salavat in Bokonbaevo
- Kyzyl Tuu yurt-making workshop
- Private Kok Boru (buzkashi) demonstration at Son Kul
- Horseback riding at Son Kul
- Nomadic shepherd family visit at Son Kul
- Konorchek Canyons guided hike
- Dungan family dinner in Yrdyk village
- Welcome dinner with wine or beer in Bishkek
- Farewell dinner at Supara Chunkurchak
- Bishkek city tour including Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and Osh Bazaar
- Karakol city tour including Holy Trinity Cathedral and Dungan Mosque
- Burana Tower visit
Not Included
- International airfare
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses and personal laundry
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Gratuities for driver, guide, and local trekking guides
- Extra night upon arrival in Bishkek ($200/double room or $170/single room)
- Single supplement ($500 — applies to all accommodation nights except tent camping)
- Alcoholic beverages beyond welcome and farewell dinners
- Medical evacuation costs
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Deposit & Payment: A 25% deposit secures your place (credit card accepted). 50% balance due 90 days before departure. Final balance due 60 days prior — ACH bank transfer available at reduced fees. Bookings within 60 days require full payment.
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Cancellation: 90+ days — full refund minus $500 admin fee. 60–89 days — 50% refund. Under 60 days — no refund. Comprehensive travel insurance covering emergency evacuation is required for all participants.
Ready to trek the Tien Shan? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate, personalized experience.
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Every journey we craft is built on four foundational pillars that ensure authentic, sustainable, and transformative adventures to Earth's last wild places.
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Intimate group sizes for authentic connections, minimal environmental impact, and personalized attention in Earth's wildest places.
Expert Local Guides
Every journey led by passionate locals who know their homeland intimately—from wildlife tracking to cultural traditions.
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We partner with local communities and conservation groups, ensuring your adventure supports protection and livelihoods.
Safety & Preparation
Professional safety equipment, emergency communication, and comprehensive briefings prepare you with confidence.
Ala-Kul & Son Kul: Trek the Heart of the Tien Shan
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Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should I book my adventure?
We recommend booking 6-12 months in advance, especially for remote destinations like Greenland or Madagascar. This allows time for permit processing, securing the best local guides, and ensuring accommodation availability in these pristine, limited-access locations.
What's included in an Ecovoyager adventure?
Each adventure includes expert local guides, unique accommodations, all transportation within the destination, most meals featuring local cuisine, and exclusive access to experiences unavailable to mass tourism. International flights and personal travel insurance are typically separate.
Are your adventures suitable for all fitness levels?
We design adventures for various fitness levels and always discuss physical requirements during planning. Many of our destinations offer different activity intensities, and we can customize experiences to match your capabilities while still providing authentic wilderness encounters.
How do you ensure travel is sustainable and ethical?
We partner exclusively with local operators who share our conservation values, ensure tourism revenue supports local communities, limit group sizes to minimize environmental impact, and contribute directly to conservation projects in each destination we visit.
What if I need to cancel or change my trip?
We understand plans can change. Our cancellation policy varies by destination and timing, but we always work to minimize fees and maximize flexibility. We strongly recommend comprehensive travel insurance and will provide guidance on the best policies for adventure travel.
Can you arrange custom adventures to other destinations?
Absolutely! While we specialize in our core destinations, we can create custom adventures to other remote, wild places that align with our mission of authentic, sustainable travel. Contact us to discuss your dream destination and we'll explore possibilities.
What sets Ecovoyager apart from other tour operators?
We focus exclusively on authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations that most travelers never reach. Our deep partnerships with local communities, commitment to conservation, and rejection of mass tourism create truly transformative experiences that benefit both travelers and destinations.
How do you handle safety and emergency situations?
Safety is our top priority. Our local partners are extensively vetted and trained in wilderness safety and emergency protocols. We provide comprehensive safety briefings, maintain communication equipment, and have established emergency evacuation procedures for all our remote destinations.