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Peregrine Travel Centre

Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails

Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails

From $ 4,125 AUD

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Description

Spend 10 unforgettable days in Kyrgyzstan as you trek along the western Tien Shan Mountain Range, follow nomad’s trails, spend nights in traditional yurts and take in the views of snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes. Journey through forests, canyons, meadows and more as you learn about this Central Asian country with a local leading the way.

Trip Name
Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Trek through part of Kyrgyzstan’s mountain scenery – a trekking paradise with over 90% of the country covered by mountains. The Tien Shan Mountain range expands across China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is often considered the alternative to the famous Swiss Alps
  • See stunning scenery every day – panoramas of alpine lakes, meadows, lush green pastures, fir tree forests and snowcapped mountains, with barely any tourists in sight.
  • Follow the nomad's trail along the way, making encounters with them, learning about their nomadic life and if you are lucky, you'll see some wildlife that call this area home, including golden eagles, mountain goats, deer, foxes and more.
  • Spend your nights away from modern civilisation listening to soothing crackling bonfires, staring into the Milky Way and tucking into peaceful camps in nature.
  • Lead by a IFMGA certified local leader with the expertise of a support crew, your trekking is made hassle free. Take your day pack on the trek and everything else from setting up the tents, cooking meals and transporting your luggage to the next stop are taken care of by your local crew.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and maybe on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Bishkek
Salam! Welcome to Bishkek. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not explore the city’s tree-lined parks and gardens and wide streets perfect for strolling. Maybe head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables) and visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little crowded, but it provides a peek into local life. After you meet your local leader and fellow travellers, maybe head out to dinner and get your first taste of Kyrgyz cuisine.
Day 2 - Issyk-Kul Lake
As you get ready for your trekking adventure, drive through scenic landscapes to the Issyk Kol Lake – the second largest alpine lake in the world. On the way, stop at Kok Moinok canyons to stretch your legs and check out the red rock formations. Tonight, you’ll stay in a traditional hand-crafted Krygz yurt – a traditional nomad dwelling near the lake with a view of snow-capped mountains.
Day 3 - Jety Oguz Valley
After breakfast, drive to Sutty Bulak to start your trek toward Svetlaya Polyana pass (2800 m). Take in the fascinating view of the highest peaks of Terskey Ala-Too as you trek down to Jety Oguz valley through the fir tree forest. You’ll make your way through rolling green hills, views of the mountain peaks, red rock formations, wildflowers, and a wooded canyon ending with the stunning peak of Oguz Bashi (5018 m) before arriving at your camp site for the night. Maiden Tears waterfall – or ‘Girls Braids’ waterfall – is a short walk from the site and will reward you with a 20 m high waterfall along the rocks.
Day 4 - Kyzyl Dzher Canyon
Wake up early today for a full day’s hike to Kyzyl Jar canyon. You’ll start gaining height right from the yurts and across the slops of Jety Oguz mountain, then cross the high pastures to the canyon. The canyon is not passable, but you’ll hike above its western edge. There will be many nomads' camps in site – stop by one to share a traditional lunch, learn about the area and take a much-needed break. After you rest up, hike down to Kyzyl Dzher canyon, also known as the ‘red cathedral’.
Day 5 - Irdyk Valley
Refuel with breakfast then trek over the green pastures dotted with yurts of local nomads on your way to Irdyk Valley. Go from a red rock canyon through alpine meadows and forests to the peaceful valley with river and mountain views. This area has a unique array of flora and fauna, so keep your eyes out, especially for its varied species of birds, as your landscape shifts into forested slopes and the wide, serene valley framed by the snow-capped peaks. Tonight, camp among the forest on the bank of a crystal-clear mountain stream. Maybe enjoy a fire with your fellow travellers and recap the day’s adventure.
Day 6 - Irdyk Lakes
Wake up early this morning for another day of hiking. Today, you’ll hike to the upper grounds of Irdyk valley to see Irdyk lakes. The untouched nature surrounded by mountains and meadows is a sight to see. The area is famous for its unique atmosphere and clear water, which creates reflections of the surrounding landscapes and looks like a painting. Return to camp in the evening, maybe feeling both happy and tired after taking in such overwhelming panoramas.
Day 7 - Mokroe Valley
Today, trek over Chulpek valley to Mokroe valley – an alpine gorge that starts through dense forests and gradually opens into lush meadows for a mix of wooded shade and big-sky views as you gain altitude toward a plateau. Take in the views of the mountains, forest and glacial lake then trek down Old Jeep Road – a major road through the mountains that forms a part of the historical Silk Road. Tonight, stop for camp in the forest for your final night in the mountains.
Day 8 - Karakol
Pack up camp this morning and say goodbye to the local trekking crew. Trek down along the mountain river in the shade of centuries of old pines and fir trees and into the valley at the bottom. Give your legs a rest with a drive to Karakol where you’ll explore the city – once a Russian outpost on the edge of the empire. You’ll see the Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Cathedral and maybe visit a local market before a much-needed rest.
Day 9 - Bishkek
Drive back to Bishkek today. When you arrive in the late afternoon, settle into your hotel and maybe head out for a stroll and wander around in downtown with your local leader. You’ll see a mix of Soviet-era architecture, Central Asian culture, modern cafes and tree-lined boulevards. Tonight, commemorate the end of the trek over dinner with your group.
Day 10 - Bishkek
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
22-05-202631-05-2026AUD $ 4,995-
29-05-202607-06-2026AUD $ 4,125-
05-06-202614-06-2026AUD $ 4,530-
12-06-202621-06-2026AUD $ 4,235-
19-06-202628-06-2026AUD $ 4,890-
26-06-202605-07-2026AUD $ 4,125-
03-07-202612-07-2026AUD $ 4,395-
10-07-202619-07-2026AUD $ 4,595-
17-07-202626-07-2026AUD $ 4,790-
07-08-202616-08-2026AUD $ 4,295-
14-08-202623-08-2026AUD $ 4,395-
21-08-202630-08-2026AUD $ 4,690-
28-08-202606-09-2026AUD $ 4,595-
04-09-202613-09-2026AUD $ 4,395-
11-09-202620-09-2026AUD $ 4,690-
18-09-202627-09-2026AUD $ 4,235-
25-09-202604-10-2026AUD $ 4,350-
02-10-202611-10-2026AUD $ 4,125-
21-05-202730-05-2027AUD $ 4,950-
04-06-202713-06-2027AUD $ 4,950-
18-06-202727-06-2027AUD $ 4,950-
02-07-202711-07-2027AUD $ 4,950-
16-07-202725-07-2027AUD $ 4,950-
30-07-202708-08-2027AUD $ 4,950-
13-08-202722-08-2027AUD $ 4,950-
27-08-202705-09-2027AUD $ 4,950-
10-09-202719-09-2027AUD $ 4,950-
24-09-202703-10-2027AUD $ 4,950-

Accommodation

Hotel (3 nights), Yurt Camp (2 nights), Tent (4 nights)

Transport

Private Vehicle

Map

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