Adventure helicopter tour to Base Camp below Khan-Tengri Peak, flying over Engilchek Glacier and Merzbacher Lake.
Embark on an exciting adventure in the heart of the Tien Shan! A helicopter flight over Kyrgyzstan’s largest glacier and the famous Merzbacher Lake offers unforgettable views.
Khan Tengri Peak will reveal its full majestic beauty.
Experience the atmosphere of an alpine Base Camp at over 2500 meters, with comfortable tents, tasty meals, and a glimpse into the daily life of mountain expeditions. This trip is perfect for those seeking memorable experiences and inspiration among the towering peaks.
Day 1. Bishkek city – Karkyra yurt camp
Your adventure begins early in the morning in Bishkek. We will travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
The journey takes about 8 hours (470 km), with a stop for lunch at a cozy café along the way.
By evening, you will arrive at Karkyra yurt camp at the foot of the mountains, where you will stay in comfortable double tents and enjoy a delicious buffet dinner.
Day 2. Helicopter flight to South Engilchek Base Camp
After breakfast, an impressive helicopter flight over the heart of the Tien-Shan awaits. Beneath the helicopter, you will see green valleys, alpine meadows, and snow-capped ridges. You will fly over the Tien-Shan’s largest glacier, Engilchek, as well as the mysterious Merzbacher Lake, which appears and disappears depending on the season.
The helicopter will land at the South Engilchek Base Camp, offering incredible views of Victory Peak (7439 m) and the legendary Khan-Tengri Peak (7010 m).
Dinner and overnight stay at the Base Camp.
Day 3. South Engilchek Base Camp – Karkyra yurt camp – Bishkek city
In the morning, enjoy breakfast followed by a helicopter flight back to Karkyra yurt camp.
Afterward, a transfer to Bishkek awaits. The tour ends here, but the memories of majestic peaks, glaciers, and the fresh mountain air will stay with you for a long time.
| Based on twin/double occupancy | 850 USD |
| Based on single occupancy | +30 USD |
Transportation at crossings:
Visa and visa support: Citizens of the European Union do not require a visa or visa support to enter Kyrgyzstan. Free visa regime for up to 60 days.
Meals: Full board
INCLUDED in the price:
Accommodation in TWIN/DBL tents – 2 nights
Meals – full board (B – 2, L – 0, D – 2)
Helicopter flight from Karkyra to South Engilchek Base Camp and back
Transfer from Bishkek to Karkyra and back
Entrance and environmental fees during the entire tour
Border permit for visiting specially protected or border areas
NOT INCLUDED in the price:
Single occupancy supplement in tents
Drinks and meals not included in the program
Insurance
All airfare costs
Personal expenses and tips
Visa fee and visa support fee (if required)
Altitude: Base camps are located above 2500 m above sea level. Mild acclimatization is possible – being in good physical condition is recommended.
Weather: Mountain weather changes quickly. Days can be warm, but nights are cool.
Accommodation: Overnight stays are in double tents.
Meals: Full board is included (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
Communication: Mobile coverage and internet are limited in the mountains.
Physical activity: Daily walks along the route take up to 4 hours. No special mountaineering skills are required.
Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
Waterproof jacket or rain poncho
Hat or cap with ear and neck protection
Warm beanie
Basic first aid kit including: antiseptic and antihistamine cream, throat lozenges, anti-diarrheal medicine (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, insect repellent, and rehydration salts
Sunscreen (including full coverage for ears, nose, etc.)
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
High-quality sunglasses
Warm gloves
Trekking pants
1-liter water bottles (x2) – refillable recommended instead of disposable plastic bottles
Lip balm
Headlamp with spare batteries
Thermal underwear
Sandals for river crossings
Socks (1 pair for every 2-3 days of trekking)
Waterproof pants
Shorts and/or swimsuit
Buff or scarf for dust and cold protection
Wash bag with toiletries
Hand sanitizer
Small quick-drying towel
Sleeping pad (Therm-a-Rest or similar; Ak-Sai Travel provides 5 cm thick pads with a thin mat)
Earplugs (for noise protection)
In Kyrgyzstan, tips are not mandatory, but are always appreciated by service staff. Tips are not usually included in the price of services.
In cafes and restaurants, you may see an additional charge of 10-15% on your bill, but this is not a tip – it is part of the staff’s salary.
It would also be nice to tip the guide, driver, and porters. This is a great way to express your gratitude for their work and attention.
As a guideline, the average tip is approximately USD 7-10 per person per day, which is distributed among all staff members – drivers, guides, porters.
However, the amount of the tip is always at your discretion and depends on the quality of service and your means.
Sophie
Flying over the mountains was thrilling, and the whole experience felt magical 😍 I loved the sense of freedom and the beauty of the high-altitude landscapes of Kyrgyzstan!
Adventure helicopter tour to Base Camp below Khan-Tengri Peak, flying over Engilchek Glacier and Merzbacher Lake.
Active tours
July–August
Difficulty level
We are available from 09:00 to 18:00 (GMT+6)
We respond in turn, thank you for your patience!
17 July 2026
available
$85024 July 2026
available
$85031 July 2026
available
$8507 August 2026
available
$850
Route: Osh – Kozho-Kelen – Dzhiptyk – Alay Valley – Achyk-Tash – Petrovsky Peak – Traveler's Pass – Camp 1 – Yukhin Peak – Camp 1 – Achyk-Tash – Osh
69 960 KGS
Route: Osh – Achyk-Tash – Camp 1 – Yukhin Peak – Camp 1 – Achyk-Tash – Osh
52 470 KGS
Route: Bishkek – Karkyra – Iva Base Camp – Glina Camp – Camp near Merzbacher Glade – Komsomolsky Camp – Dikii Camp – South Engilchek – Karkyra – Issyk-Kul – Bishkek
262 350 KGS
