BISHKEK – KARAKOL VIA BURANA TOWER

Burana Tower - Driving distance: 420 km
After breakfast, the driver will meet you at your hotel to embark on a journey to Karakol. En route, visit one of Kyrgyzstan’s oldest landmarks, the Burana Tower, and explore its ancient architecture, which is rare in nomadic culture. The area where the tower stands was once known as Balasagyn town, a strategic location on the Great Silk Road. Here, you can explore a small museum showcasing artifacts from past excavations, offering insights into this ancient settlement, including a collection of “Balbals” – Turkic grave markers. Continue the drive to Karakol city via Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world after South America’s Lake Titicaca. With a length of 182 km and a width of 58 km, its maximum depth reaches 668 meters. If time permits, enjoy a short sightseeing tour in Karakol city, visiting the wooden Dungan mosques and Russian Orthodox churches. Dinner and overnight stay in Karakol city.

HIKING TO KARAKOL GORGE

Karakol Gorge - Trekking distance: 10km Ascent: 440 meters
Transfer from Karakol city to the starting point through the lush Karakol Valley, accompanied by gushing rivers. The hike begins near the bridge, leading to the lunch spot. Enjoy walking in this gorge with green slopes adorned by evergreen trees. Spot grazing herds of horses enhancing the natural beauty. After lunch, continue hiking in this tranquil environment up to the campsite at 2550 meters. After setting up camp, take a stroll around the area and relax in this peaceful setting surrounded by spruce trees.

TO ALA KUL LAKE VIA SIROTA HUT

Ala Kul Lake - Trekking distance: 10 km Ascent: +1030m
This day presents a challenge with strenuous walking through scree and boulders before reaching the lake in about 3 hours. After a few hours of demanding ascent, be rewarded with the stunning Ala Kul Lake at 3500 meters, fed by surrounding glaciers. The view of this turquoise alpine lake is breathtaking. Arrive at the campsite and settle into tents. Enjoy a free stroll around the lake. Dinner and overnight stay.

TO ALTYN ARASHAN VALLEY AND HOT SPRINGS OVER ALA KUL PASS

Altyn Arashan - Trekking distance: 13 km Ascent: – 340m Descent: - 1400m
After breakfast, head to Ala Kul Pass at 3950 meters. The craggy and glaciated peaks of Terskey Ala-Too become visible at the top of the pass. Take time to admire these towering peaks of the great Tian Shan Range. Descend the steep path towards the campsite at the beautiful Keldyke Valley (3200m). Enjoy lunch, then proceed to the yurt camp along the lush green pastures with gently flowing rivers of Altyn Arashan Valley, a 3-4 hour journey. At some point, you will cross a stream, but the water level is low. Arrive at the yurt camp at 2450 meters. Altyn-Arashan, meaning ‘Golden Spa,’ is renowned for its hot sulfur springs. Relax in the hot spring pools after three days of hiking to soothe muscle aches.

TO AK SUU VILLAGE – JETI OGUZ VILLAGE

ISSYK-KUL LAKE – SONG KOL LAKE

Song Kol Lake - Driving distance: 130 km
Today, travel to Song Kol Lake, one of the largest alpine-mountain lakes in the country, revered by many Kyrgyz nomads for its excellent summer pastures. Observe nomadic herders and their families tending to goats, sheep, and horses. On the way to Song Kul, consider visiting an eagle hunter to witness his hunting skills (available for 60 USD). Lunch in Kochkor village. At Song-Kul, sample fresh airan (yogurt) and kumis (the national drink of fermented mare’s milk). Stay in yurts set up along the lakeshore. Sleeping arrangements are multi-share, mixed-gender with mattresses on the floor. Evenings can be chilly, so a stove and plenty of blankets are provided. Expect outdoor toilets as there are no bathroom facilities inside the yurts. Those brave enough can take a morning dip in Son-Köl.

SONG KOL TO KAZARMAN

Moldo-Ashu Pass - Driving distance: 194 km
Drive south of the lake to reach Moldo Ashuu pass. Enjoy a scenic drive on switchbacks, taking in the beauty of colorful mountains en route to Kazarman city. Break for lunch along the way. Upon arrival in Kazarman, take a short walk in the city. Overnight and dinner in a homestay.

KAZARMAN TO OSH

Osh - Driving distance: 258 km
The highlight of the day is the Kaldama pass, where amazing mountain ranges unfold at the top. Descend the pass, driving through dense bushes covering the road and mountain slopes, delighting your senses. Lunch en route at a café. Arrive in Osh city and settle into a hotel. Enjoy afternoon walks in the city. Dinner at a restaurant.

DEPART OSH TO KOJOKELEN

TREK FROM KOJOKELEN VILLAGE OVER SARY BELL PASS TO KOSHMOINOK VALLEY

Alay Mountains - Trekking distance: 12km Ascent: 1013 m Descent: 412 m
After breakfast, bid farewell to your hosts and begin trekking by crossing the wooden bridge. Ascend uphill for 5 hours, enjoying spectacular views of the gorge and its giant red rock formations. The “Three Dragon Gorge” is one of the most beautiful spots in Kyrgyzstan. Views of the rugged Kichik Alay Mountains unfold at the top of the pass. Follow the path as it winds along the edge of the hills, offering views of the snow-covered Pamir landscapes in the distance, with various grades of high-, mid-, and low alpine landscapes along the way. The trail then descends through the evergreen juniper forest into the beautiful Kosh-Moinok valley (40 minutes). Time to rest. Enjoy a home-cooked meal and overnight in a yurt camp.

TREK TO BESHKOL CAMP VIA KYZYL SHORO VILLAGE

TO SARY-MOGOL VILLAGE OVER SARY MOGOL PASS 4303M

Sary Mogul - Trekking distance: 14 km Ascent: 925 m Descent: 1053 m
After breakfast, head to Sary Mogul Pass at 4,306 meters. Walk along the stream to the foot of the pass (1.5 hours). Ascend to the top of the pass on a barely visible trail in a zigzag formation on loose scree (1 hour). The ascent is steep and covered in loose scree. Upon reaching the pass, glaciated peaks and alpine lakes come into view. Celebrate your achievement at the top with its stunning and otherworldly views. While descending, some trail sections are challenging due to narrow paths and terrain composed mainly of scree and small pebbles. Break for lunch at the riverbank with glacier views all around. After lunch, head into a valley to follow the small stream to the trail’s endpoint (2-3 hours). Meet your driver and drive to Sarymogol village (20 minutes). Arrive at your homestay, take a shower, and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.

TREK TO TRAVELLER’S PASS (4100 meters)

Lake Tulpar-Kol - Trekking distance: 20 km Ascent: 760 m Descent: 760 m
Wake up early. After breakfast, drive for 50 minutes to reach Tulpar Kul lake. Upon arrival, head south from Tulpar Kol to the alpinist Peak Lenin Base Camp. After passing the Base Camp, begin the ascent to Traveller’s Pass. The trail ascends gradually except for the last 20 minutes, where it becomes a steep zigzag trail ending at Traveller’s Pass at 4,100 meters. Enjoy the magnificent views of glaciers cascading off the massive peak. Visit the viewpoint on the right of the pass for an even better view of Lenin Peak at 7,134 meters, the highest peak in the Pamir-Alay Mountains. Break for lunch there. Return to the yurt camp the same way you came. Overnight and dinner in a yurt camp.

BACK TO OSH CITY

Osh - Driving distance: 250 km
Breakfast. Drive back to Osh city. End of tour.

• Private transportation
• Crew for Ala Kul trek (guide, porters, tent, gas, etc)
• Border permits
• Meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
• Bottled water
• Crew for Alay Mountains trek (guide, luggage horses, horsemen, etc)

• Hotels and meals in Bishkek
• Alcoholic, soft, coffee, mineral drinks
• Tips
• Health/Travel insurance
• Sleeping bags, mat
• Guide during the driving days
• Entrance tickets to sightseeing up to $40
• City tours

Embark on an incredible 14-day journey with the “Best of Kyrgyzstan Trek,” leading you through Central Asia’s most stunning landscapes. This adventure is crafted to immerse participants in the unspoiled beauty of the Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay Mountains.

The “Best of Kyrgyzstan Trek” expertly combines three unique expeditions into one cohesive journey:

The captivating Alay Mountains trek, located in the heart of the Pamir-Alay range, provides access to high-altitude wonders and tranquil landscapes.
The Ala Kul Lake Trek, a passage through the magnificent Tian Shan Mountains, reveals crystal-clear waters framed by towering peaks.
Connecting these treks is a three-day overland journey to the alpine wonder of Lake Song Kol. This segment offers a peaceful interlude, with sweeping views of majestic alpine scenery that serve as a stunning link between the treks.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.