Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Trekking & Cultural Expedition
Discover More
Kyrgyzstan Tour Overview
Kyrgyzstan Trekking & Cultural Expedition
A 14-day guided journey through Kyrgyzstan's Tien Shan: Alpine treks, glacial lakes, mountain passes, eagle hunters, and yurt stays with nomadic shepherds.
Duration
14 Days
Price
$2,650
Difficulty
Moderate
Best Time
June–September
This full-inclusive Kyrgyzstan trekking tour weaves eight days of mountain trekking through three distinct routes across the Tien Shan. The first is a four-day traverse from Chon Kemin Valley over the Kungey Ala-Too mountains to the north shore of Issyk-Kul. The second climbs above Bokonbaevo to 3,600 meters for panoramic views across the lake from the highland passes. The third crosses the flower-carpeted Kilemche Valley to Son-Kul Lake, where nomadic shepherds still live as they have for centuries. Between treks, explore the 9th-century Silk Road ruins of Burana Tower, walk through the flame-red formations of Jeti-Oguz and Skazka Canyon, share a meal with a Dungan family, and watch an eagle hunter work with his golden eagle in Bokonbaevo.
Kyrgyzstan Trekking & Cultural Expedition
Your Kyrgyzstan Tour Itinerary
Route Overview
14 Days · Kyrgyzstan
1
Day 1
Arrival in Bishkek
Your adventure begins at Manas Airport, where our team transfers you to Kyrgyzstan’s laid-back capital. After settling in, explore Ala-Too Square and the State Historical Museum, stroll through Oak Park, and dive into the vibrant chaos of Osh Bazaar — an endless maze of dried fruits, spices, and traditional felt crafts that offers an authentic introduction to Kyrgyz daily life. The day concludes with a welcome dinner of national Kyrgyz cuisine.
Your Accommodation
Orion Hotel
Contemporary boutique hotel in central Bishkek with mountain views and modern comforts.
View Details
2
Day 2
Bishkek to Burana Tower & Chon Kemin Valley
Your journey into the countryside begins at the Burana Tower, a 9th-century Silk Road minaret in the Chuy Valley — all that remains of the once-thriving Karakhanid city of Balasagyn. You can stop for lunch in Iskra village with a Dungan family, descendants of Chinese Muslims who fled China generations ago, and taste their distinctive cuisine (optional, not included). From here, continue to Tar Suu village in the Chon Kemin Valley, where an evening walk reveals the rhythm of rural Kyrgyz life before dinner at your guesthouse.
Your Accommodation
Guest House Jekshen
Family-run guesthouse in Karool-Dobo village with mountain views and home-cooked Kyrgyz meals.
View Details
3
Day 3
Chon Kemin to Toru Aigyr – Trek Day 1
The four-day trek to Issyk-Kul begins at the Chon Kemin River. The trail climbs through slopes of dense Tien Shan fir before emerging onto the open pastures of Toru Aigyr, where camp is set for the night. Pack for four days of trekking — luggage is carried by horses, and main suitcases remain in the vehicle until the trek ends.
Trek: 10 km | 4 hours | +750m
Your Accommodation
Wilderness Camp – Toru Aigyr
Mountain campsite on open alpine pastures at the start of the Chon Kemin trek.
View Details
4
Day 4
Toru Aigyr to Kol Kogur Lake – Trek Day 2
The trail continues to Kol Kogur Lake at 2,500 meters on the northern slope of the Kungey Ala-Too. Nestled in a wooded basin, this trapezoidal lake is considered one of the most beautiful in the Northern Tien Shan — snow-dusted peaks reflected in still alpine waters, surrounded by spruce forests and wildflower meadows. Camp on the lakeshore.
Trek: 11 km | 5 hours | +300m / -320m
Your Accommodation
Wilderness Camp – Kol Kogur Lake
Lakeside camp beside one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in the Northern Tien Shan.
View Details
5
Day 5
Kol Kogur Lake to Kyzyl Aska – Trek Day 3
Today’s trek is the most demanding of the Chon Kemin section. After breakfast, you head toward the pastures of Kyzyl Aska, crossing a 3,347-meter mountain pass – the highest point of this trek.
The ascent offers increasingly expansive views across the Kungey Ala-Too range. After crossing the pass, you descend to the river valley below, where camp is set up near the water. The sense of remoteness and scale here is extraordinary.
Trek: 14 km | 5–6 hours | +880m / -800m
Your Accommodation
Wilderness Camp – Kyzyl Aska
High-altitude camp at 3,100m after crossing the highest pass of the Chon Kemin trek.
View Details
6
Day 6
Kyzyl Aska to Cholpon-Ata & Issyk-Kul – Trek Day 4
The final day of the Chon Kemin trek descends from Kyzyl Aska to Achyk Tash, where your driver is waiting to transfer you to Issyk-Kul — the world’s second-largest alpine lake. Its name means “hot lake” in Kyrgyz, as it never freezes despite the surrounding mountains. At your lakeside resort, take a long-awaited shower, swim in the lake, or simply rest on the beach after four days of mountain trekking.
Trek: 11 km | 3–4 hours | -500m
Your Accommodation
Ethno Guest House Caravan
Eco-friendly guesthouse in Tamchy village, 300 meters from Issyk-Kul's north shore.
View Details
7
Day 7
Grigoriev & Semienov Gorges to Karakol
Explore the Grigoriev and Semienov gorges, two of Issyk-Kul’s most dramatic mountain valleys, with walking trails through wild alpine scenery. After a picnic lunch, continue along the lake’s eastern shore to Karakol, gateway to the Central Tien Shan. Visit the wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque — built entirely of wood without a single nail in a Chinese architectural style, one of the most distinctive buildings in Central Asia.
Your Accommodation
ToodoResort
Mountain cabins in Karakol Gorge with river views and easy access to alpine trails.
View Details
8
Day 8
Jeti-Oguz, Skazka Canyon & Bokonbaevo
At Jeti-Oguz, the iconic Broken Heart rock formation frames the entrance to a valley of massive red sandstone pillars — the Seven Bulls that give the gorge its name. Next, Skazka Canyon: wind-eroded red clay formations shaped into natural skyscrapers and surreal landscapes stretching toward Issyk-Kul’s turquoise waters. In Bokonbaevo, meet a traditional eagle hunter and his golden eagle for a demonstration of this ancient nomadic practice (optional, booked in advance).
Your Accommodation
Agat Yurt Camp
Handcrafted yurt camp on Issyk-Kul's sunny south shore with Tien Shan mountain views.
View Details
9
Day 9
Bokonbaevo to Jazuu-Kechuu – Trek Day 5
Transfer to Kara Tumshuk village to begin a two-day highland trek. The trail climbs steadily through rolling pastures, crossing the Kyzyl-Kia area at 3,300 meters. By afternoon, stunning sunset views over Issyk-Kul unfold from high above the southern shore — the vast blue expanse stretching between snow-capped ranges. Camp at Jazuu-Kechuu jailoo. Pack for two days — main luggage stays in the vehicle.
Trek: 15 km | 7 hours | +1,695m / -580m
Your Accommodation
Wilderness Camp – Jazuu-Kechuu Jailoo
Highland camp on a remote summer pasture at 3,300m with panoramic mountain views.
View Details
10
Day 10
Jazuu-Kechuu to Boz-Salkyn & Kochkor – Trek Day 6
Today reaches the expedition’s highest point: Tash-Tar Ata mountain at approximately 3,600 meters, with panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake unfolding as you cross the pass. After lunch with this spectacular backdrop, descend to Boz-Salkyn jailoo where your driver waits. A two-hour transfer brings you to Kochkor village for a hot shower and rest after two days on the highland.
Trek: 10 km | 7 hours | +390m / -915m
Your Accommodation
Guest House
Family-run guesthouse in Kochkor, the gateway town to Son-Kul Lake and the central highlands.
View Details
11
Day 11
Kochkor to Kyzart & Kilemche Valley – Trek Day 7
Transfer to Kyzart village to begin the two-day trek to Son-Kul Lake. The trail leads through the Kilemche Valley — “carpet” in Kyrgyz — and the name fits: alpine flowers and mountain grasses of every color blanket the slopes like a living tapestry. By late afternoon, arrive at a shepherds’ yurt camp for dinner in a traditional yurt and an unforgettable introduction to nomadic life under an impossibly starry sky.
Trek: 17 km | 4–5 hours | ±200m
Your Accommodation
Yurt Camp – Kilemche Valley
Traditional yurt stay in the flower-filled Kilemche Valley on the trek to Son-Kul.
View Details
12
Day 12
Kilemche Valley to Son-Kul Lake – Trek Day 8
The final day of trekking crosses the Tuz Ashu pass at 3,400 meters. From the top, Son-Kul Lake appears deceptively small — but as you descend, it reveals its true grandeur: a vast, shimmering expanse surrounded by rolling green jailoos and grazing herds. At the lakeside yurt camp, nomadic families who spend their summers here welcome you with warm hospitality. This is one of the last places in Central Asia where traditional pastoral life continues largely unchanged.
Trek: 14 km | 5–6 hours | +800m / -400m
Your Accommodation
Yurt Camp – Son-Kul Lake
Lakeside yurt camp at 3,016m on the shores of Kyrgyzstan's most iconic alpine lake.
View Details
13
Day 13
Son-Kul Lake to Bishkek
After a final breakfast with views across Son-Kul, the drive descends from Kalmak Ashu pass at 3,400 meters, winding through the dramatic Boom Gorge to the lowlands. Lunch in Kochkor along the way. In Bishkek, revisit Osh Bazaar for last-minute gifts before a farewell dinner celebrating the journey with your fellow travelers.
Your Accommodation
Supara Chunkurchak Ethno-Resort
Mountain ethno-resort in Chunkurchak Gorge with panoramic Tien Shan views and acclaimed Kyrgyz cuisine.
View Details
14
Day 14
Departure
Transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight. If your flight is later in the day, you may have time for a final morning walk through Bishkek’s tree-lined boulevards before heading to the airport.
Kyrgyzstan Tour Details
Pricing & Departures
Transparent pricing, comprehensive inclusions, and exactly what to expect.
Prefer your own dates and itinerary? Our private expeditions offer full flexibility with the same expert guides, exclusive access, and conservation partnerships — tailored entirely around your group.
Starting From
$2,650
Based on Group of 4
Currency
USD
Private Group Rates
| Group Size | Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $7,000 | |
| 2 | $3,800 | |
| 3 | $3,250 | |
| 4 | $2,650 | |
| 5 | $3,150 | 2nd Car Needed |
| 6 | $2,700 | |
| 7 | $2,650 | |
| 8 | $2,400 | |
| 9 | $2,700 | 3rd car needed |
| 10 | $2,500 |
What's Included
- Airport Transfers
- Private Transportation
- English speaking driver for 1-4pax
- English speaking guide for 5-10pax
- Accommodation as per program**
- All Meals as per programme
- Bishkek City Tour: Ala-Too Square, Victory Square, Oak Park, Central Mosque
- Burana Tower
- Issyk Kul lake
- Semenov/Grigoriev gorges
- Karakol City Tour
- Jety Oguz & The Seven Bulls
- Skazka canyon
- Son Kol lake
- 4-days Chon Kemin trek
- 2-days Bokonbaevo trek
- 2-days Son Kol lake trek
Not Included
- Personal expenses & Insurance
- Extra night in Bishkek (Double/Twin): $140 per room
- Extra night in Bishkek (Single): $110 per room
*
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.
†
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 secure your place on this expedition? Spaces are limited to ensure an intimate experience.
Book This Tour
Kyrgyzstan Trekking & Cultural Expedition
Book Your Adventure
Complete your booking request below and we'll be in touch within 24 hours
Support
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.