Expeditions
ChallengingKyrgyzstan
Tian Shan Alpine Trek
Duration
10 days / 9 nights
From
€2,400
Best Season
July-September (snow-free passes)
Overview
Explore the spectacular Tian Shan ('Celestial Mountains') on this challenging but rewarding trek. Hike to turquoise alpine lakes, cross high passes with panoramic views, and camp in remote valleys rarely visited by tourists. This route showcases the best of Kyrgyzstan's mountain scenery. Horses carry equipment while you walk with just a daypack. Experienced local guides know the terrain intimately.
Highlights
- —Ala-Kul Lake (3560m) - stunning turquoise alpine lake
- —Cross 3900m pass with 360° mountain views
- —Remote Jyrgalan Valley - off the beaten path
- —Horses carry all camping equipment
- —Professional trekking cook
- —Small groups (max 10 trekkers)
- —Mix of camping and guesthouse stays
- —Experienced mountain guide
Day by Day
1
Bishkek Arrival
Airport pickup. Hotel check-in. Equipment check. Briefing.
2
Bishkek to Karakol
Drive to Karakol town (6hrs). Visit Dungan mosque, Russian church. Hotel.
3
Karakol to Trek Start - Altyn Arashan
Drive to trailhead. Trek through forest to Altyn Arashan valley (2600m). Hot springs. Camp. 12km, 5hrs.
4
Altyn Arashan to Ala-Kul Lake
Steep climb to stunning turquoise lake at 3560m. Camp at lakeside. 10km, 6hrs ascent.
5
Ala-Kul Pass & Descent to Keldike
Cross challenging pass (3900m) with spectacular views. Long descent to Keldike valley. Camp. 12km, 7-8hrs.
6
Keldike to Jyrgalan Valley
Trek through remote valleys. Enter beautiful Jyrgalan. Guesthouse in village. 15km, 6hrs.
7
Jyrgalan - Rest Day
Rest day in valley. Optional short hikes. Visit waterfall. Horse riding available. Guesthouse.
8
Jyrgalan Valley Exploration
Day trek up side valley to alpine meadows. Return to guesthouse. 12km, 5hrs.
9
Jyrgalan to Karakol
Drive back to Karakol. Hot shower! Celebration dinner. Hotel.
10
Karakol to Bishkek - Departure
Drive to Bishkek. Transfer to airport or continue travels.
What's Included
- +All accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, camping)
- +All meals during trek
- +Transport Bishkek - trailhead - Bishkek
- +Horses and horsemen for luggage
- +Trekking guide
- +Cook on trek
- +Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
- +Karakol National Park permits
Starting from
€2,400
per person
Duration10 days
DifficultyChallenging
CountriesKyrgyzstan
Best SeasonJuly-September (snow-free passes)
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Tian Shan Alpine Trek