Home/ Tours/ Trekking/ The Taste of Tien-Shan

The Taste of Tien-Shan

After passing through the Terskey Ala-Too gorge, you will see the amazingly beautiful Ala-Kul Lake, cross passes at an altitude of 3800 meters, and at the end of the route, you can recharge your batteries by bathing in the hot mineral springs of Altyn-Arashan.

Description

This tour is a real immersion into the picturesque corners of the Tien-Shan and Kyrgyzstan. Beautiful gorges, passages through alpine meadows and mountain trails, acquaintance with the moraine-glacial lake Ala-Kol, as well as climbing passes with panoramic views await you.

On the way you will visit the unique orphanage “Sirota” with wooden sculptures, walk on forest paths and enjoy nature in its original form. The route ends with a rest in the famous hot mineral springs of the Altyn-Arashan resort, where you can relax after active days in the mountains.

The tour is suitable for those who want to combine active vacation with comfort and see the best natural beauties of Kyrgyzstan.

Program

Day 1. Manas airport – Bishkek city

Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, a guide and driver will meet you. You will then be transferred to Bishkek, where you can check-in into your hotel early and rest after your journey.

Your introduction to the city begins with a visit to the Osh Bazaar, one of the most colorful markets in Central Asia. There, you can stroll among stalls selling aromatic spices, fresh and dried fruits, and handmade crafts that reflect the region’s culture and traditions.

Next, you will take a walking tour of Bishkek’s city center. At Ala-Too Square, you will see the Manas Monument and the State Flag, where the Changing of the Guard Ceremony takes place. Nearby are the 2010 Revolution Monument and the White House building. Then, you will arrive at the old Ala-Too Square, which features a statue of Lenin and buildings from the Soviet era.

Next, you will walk through Oak Park, home to a unique open-air gallery and a monument to Kurmanzhan Datka, a legendary female military leader.

The tour will conclude at Victory Square, which is dedicated to those who died during the Great Patriotic War.

During the day, enjoy lunch and dinner at one of the cozy local cafés. Spend the night at a hotel in Bishkek.

Day 2. Karakol gorge – Jeti-Oguz gorge

In the morning departure from Bishkek to the picturesque Jeti-Oguz gorge. On the way we stop at the Burana tower, an ancient minaret from the 11th century near Tokmok. This was once the site of the city of Balasagun, the capital of the Karakhanid state. You will explore the tower and the nearby balbals, stone sculptures of ancient nomads.

After the tour, the journey continues through the Issyk-Kul region. On the way we will stop for lunch at a cafe serving local cuisine.

Upon arrival at the Jeti-Oguz gorge, you will see the majestic red rocks – “Broken Heart” and “Seven Bulls”, which have become the symbols of this place. The gorge is famous for its landscapes of Tien-Shan blue spruce forests, alpine meadows, and clean mountain air.

The route takes you deep into the gorge, along a winding road with wooden bridges, past picturesque valleys and forests. The final destination is the Kok-Dzhayik (“Flower Meadow”) area, where a yurt camp is located. Here you will have dinner and spend the night in authentic yurts, surrounded by mountain peaks and nature.

Day 3. Jety-Oguz gorge – Telety pass

After breakfast, we leave the yurt camp and start a trek along the riverbank, through the narrow, shady Bey-Tor gorge, which gradually leads us to alpine meadows. Here, among the flower carpets and mountain peaks, the air is especially clean and fresh, and the landscapes are mesmerizing.

After a short break, we continue our journey to the camp at the foot of the Telety Pass. Near the camp we cross a wide river over a bridge and after a few hundred meters we reach our destination. In the evening we will have dinner and spend the night in tents, surrounded by the silence of the mountains and majestic landscapes.

Important: In the morning you will need to pack your belongings into a special backpack provided by Ak-Sai Travel and give it to the porters. They will carry your luggage to the next camp where you will receive it at the end of the day’s trek. (Extra charge for weight over 12 kg per person)

Day 4. Telety pass – Karakol gorge

After breakfast, we leave the campsite and begin the ascent to the Telety Pass. The first few kilometers of the trail run through juniper thickets, then narrow and gradually gain altitude. From the top of the pass (3800 m), there is an impressive panorama of mountains and valleys.

The descent is not difficult: along a wide slope with scree, through alpine meadows covered with various grasses and flowers. The route runs along the east side of Telety River, which you will have to wade across at one point – sandals are recommended, as there is no bridge.

The trail then winds through the forest along a path intertwined with roots and descends into the Karakol gorge. The final kilometer follows an old dirt road leading to a tent camp, comfortably located in the shade of the forest.

In the evening – dinner and overnight stay in a tent camp.

Day 5. Radial hike to the foot of Karakol Peak (5216 m)

Today we will take a radial hike to the foot of Karakol Peak. The route begins along the Uyun-Tor River, following an old dirt road that ends at a small stream. After crossing it, the trail leads us into a forest of Tien-Shan blue spruce trees.

From May onwards, snowdrops, tulips, primroses, white anemones, alpine asters, and especially large edelweiss bloom in forest glades, creating a bright carpet of flowers.

When climbing the rocky hill, a magnificent panorama of the highest peak of Terskey Ala-Too, Karakol Peak, will open up. There is a convenient picnic area here with a view of the mountain peaks.

After resting, return to the tent camp, then dinner and overnight stay.

Day 6. Karakol gorge – Ala-Kul lake

After breakfast, we begin our descent down the gorge for about 1 km, then cross the river over a bridge and come out on a path that leads into the forest. The long ascent ends with a steep grassy slope where the path turns into a serpentine. It passes a river spillway and leads us to an unusual place – “Sirota”, a mountain log cabin. Inside there is a table, benches and a fireplace, and around it are wooden sculptures of animals and idols, creating the atmosphere of a fairy tale corner. It is a pleasant place to rest and have a snack.

The trail then climbs out of the forest and follows the river to a beautiful waterfall that flows from Ala-Kul lake. After passing the waterfall, we climb a natural dam from where we get our first view of the turquoise surface of the lake.

The last kilometer to the camp is along the shore of Ala-Kul. In the evening we will have dinner and spend the night in tents on the shore of the lake.

Day 7. Ala-Kul lake – Altyn-Arashan gorge

Lake Ala-Kul is a moraine lake 2.8 km long and about 500 m wide, with a depth of up to 70 m. Its name translates as “Colored Lake”: depending on the weather and lighting, the water changes shades from emerald green and turquoise to silvery gray and even almost black.

After breakfast we start our ascent to the Ala-Kul Pass. As we climb higher, the view of the lake becomes more and more impressive, and on the horizon, the main ridge of the Terskey Ala Too Mountains with peaks such as Ak-Suu, Dzhygit, Karakol, Oguz-Bashi, and others. It takes about an hour and a half to walk from the edge of the lake to the pass.

The descent is down a scree slope, then through the wide Keldike valley with its picturesque meadows where herds of cows and sheep graze.

After arriving at the camp, you can relax in the hot springs with water temperatures up to +50°C. Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 8. Altyn Arashan gorge – Karakol city – Bishkek city

In the morning, we will begin our journey from Altyn-Arashan back to Bishkek. Along the way, you will enjoy a picturesque descent from the mountains and continue along the shores of Issyk Kul lake. We will stop for lunch at a local café serving national cuisine.

In the evening, you will arrive in Bishkek and check into your hotel. In the evening, there will be a farewell dinner at one of the city’s cozy cafes, where you can reflect on your trip and enjoy the atmosphere of Kyrgyz hospitality.

Day 9. Bishkek city – Manas airport

Early in the morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight home. This concludes the tour program.

Tour price per person

Based on twin/double occupancy	1300 USD
Based on single occupancy	+170 USD

Transportation at crossings:

For 3-9 people: 1 Mercedes Sprinter minibus (17 seats, with A/C)
For 10-14 people: 2 Mercedes Sprinter minibuses (17 seats, with A/C)

Accompaniment: English-speaking guide / trekking guide

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 tour price:

Accommodation in TWIN/DBL hotels and tents – 8 nights (4 people in one yurt in a yurt camp)
Meals – full board (B – 8, L – 8, D – 8), including chef services on trekking days
Transportation services from arrival to departure
Porter services (the weight of a packed backpack during the hike should not exceed 12 kg of personal belongings. If the weight exceeds 10 kg, the surcharge for 1 kg is 20 USD)
Bottled water (1 liter/day/person) during the trekking part – boiled water (please bring your own flasks/bottles)
Entrance and environmental fees during the entire tour
Special military vehicle for ascending/descending into/from the Karakol Gorge/Altyn-Arashan Gorge
Entrance fee to hot springs (Altyn-Arashan)

Not included in the tour price:

Single accommodation in tents
Meals not included in the program, alcoholic beverages
Insurance
Sleeping bags
All airfare rates
Fee for photography/video recording in museums
Personal expenses, tips, porterage at hotels
Visa fee and visa support fee (if applicable)

Dates for 2026

20 June 2026

available
$1300
Book
27 June 2026

available
$1300
Book
4 July 2026

available
$1300
Book
11 July 2026

available
$1300
Book
18 July 2026

available
$1300
Book
25 July 2026

available
$1300
Book
1 August 2026

available
$1300
Book
8 August 2026

available
$1300
Book
15 August 2026

available
$1300
Book
22 August 2026

available
$1300
Book

What You Need to Know Before Trekking

During the trek, you will sleep in tents with basic comforts – no internet access or air conditioning. You will usually share a tent with another participant.

The route may be changed due to weather conditions or safety concerns. You will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide who will help make your trip as comfortable and safe as possible.

Transfer times are approximate and depend on road conditions and weather. Day hikes last approximately 5-7 hours and cover a distance of 10 to 18 kilometers, depending on weather conditions and the physical fitness of the participants.

The maximum altitude reached during the trek is 3,800 meters above sea level.

For lunch during the trek, each participant will pack a lunch from ingredients provided by the camp staff.

It is recommended that you bring your own water bottle, as we provide boiled water along the way, which helps reduce the use of plastic bottles and protects the environment.

Tent Camps Along the Route

Since 2010, we have been setting up permanent tent camps along the entire route. Every year, we improve the infrastructure and increase comfort for tour participants.

If you book this route, you will have access to all the amenities of our camps throughout the tour.

What this gives you:

Ease and comfort on the road
You don’t have to carry food and camping equipment – everything is already organized.

Save on support staff
No need to hire porters and cooks – lower costs, more freedom

Safety
Each camp has communication facilities, and you will receive a detailed route map.

What is included in the equipment of each stationary tent camp

RED FOX tents can accommodate up to 4 people, but are designed for 2 people per tent.
TEAM FOX dining tent – capacity 10–20 people.
The tents are equipped with 5 cm mattresses and sleeping mats for a comfortable night’s sleep.
Electricity (from a generator) is available from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. for charging phones, tablets, and other devices.
There is a toilet tent and a shower tent. For showering, a small basin, a bucket, and warm water are provided (please note that in bad weather, it may be difficult to provide warm water).
Free tea, coffee, sweets, and cookies.
Bar with alcoholic beverages and drinks (vodka, wine, cognac, juices, etc.) – for an additional fee.
Kitchen utensils, tables, and chairs for the convenience of guests.

Must Have During the Hike

Waterproof trekking boots with ankle support
Waterproof jacket or raincoat
Hat or cap with earflaps and neck flap
Backpack with a capacity of 30 to 40 liters with a rain cover
Warm hat
Sleeping bag (comfortable temperature -5°C, please check the temperature)
Trekking poles (highly recommended when crossing streams, steep ascents, and descents)
Basic first aid kit, including: antiseptic and antihistamine cream, throat lozenges, diarrhea medication (Imodium), painkillers, bandages and corn plasters, insect repellent, and rehydration salts.
Sunscreen (including full coverage for ears, nose, etc.)
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Good quality sunglasses
Warm gloves
Trekking pants
1-liter water bottles (x2) (we recommend refilling bottles rather than using disposable plastic ones)
Water purification tablets
Several dry bags (to keep the contents of your hiking bag, laptops, and phones dry during your hike)
Hygienic lipstick
Headlamp and spare batteries
Thermal underwear

Optional Items to Bring on the Hike

Shoes for walking around town
Sandals for crossing rivers
Socks (1 pair for every 2–3 days of hiking)
Waterproof pants
A scarf or head covering (when visiting mosques and churches)
Shorts and/or swimsuit (for relaxing by lakes, hot springs, or rivers)
Buff or scarf for protection against dust and cold
Wash bag with toiletries
Antibacterial hand sanitizer
A small, quick-drying towel
Thermarest sleeping mat or similar (on classic Ak-Sai Travel hikes, 5 cm thick mats with thin underlays are provided)
Penknife (please pack sharp objects in your carry-on baggage)
Repair kit (needle, thread, adhesive tape)
Earplugs (for noise protection)

Porter Services

Your luggage will be carried by porters throughout the entire trek.
Baggage allowance: 12 kg per person.
For each additional kilogram: surcharge of USD 20 for the entire tour.

Tipping in Kyrgyzstan: Rules and Recommendations

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.

Tour map

the taste of tian shan trekking map

Reviews

No reviews yet.

The Taste of Tien-Shan

Trekking

July–August

Difficulty level

9 days, 8 nights

from $1,300

In local currency: 113 685 KGS

Write your question to us

We are available from 09:00 to 18:00 (GMT+6)
We respond in turn, thank you for your patience!

View all tours

Upcoming dates all dates

20 June 2026

available

$1300

20 June, Sat — 28 June, Sun

Booking deadline: 12 June 2026 Book

27 June 2026

available

$1300

27 June, Sat — 5 July, Sun

Booking deadline: 19 June 2026 Book

4 July 2026

available

$1300

4 July, Sat — 12 July, Sun

Booking deadline: 26 June 2026 Book

11 July 2026

available

$1300

11 July, Sat — 19 July, Sun

Booking deadline: 3 July 2026 Book

Similar tours

8 days, 7 nights

Pamir Adventure Available

Route: Osh – Kozho-Kelen – Dzhiptyk – Alay Valley – Achyk-Tash – Petrovsky Peak – Traveler's Pass – Camp 1 – Yukhin Peak – Camp 1 – Achyk-Tash – Osh

More details

from $800

69 960 KGS

14 days, 13 nights

Asian Patagonia Available

Route: Osh – Uzgurush – Ak-Tash – Dzhalgychy – Orto-Chashma – Kara-Suu – Orto-Chashma – Ak-Tyubek – Ak-Suu – Uzgurush – Osh

More details

from $2,200

192 390 KGS

3 days, 2 nights

Helicopter Tour to Khan-Tengri Peak Available

Route: Bishkek – Karkyra – Bishkek

More details

from $850

74 333 KGS

11 days, 10 nights

Climbing Uchitel Peak and Yukhin Peak Available

Route: Bishkek – Uchitel Peak – Osh – Achyk-Tash – Yukhin Peak – Achyk-Tash – Osh

More details

7 days, 6 nights

Climbing Yukhin Peak Available

Route: Osh – Achyk-Tash – Camp 1 – Yukhin Peak – Camp 1 – Achyk-Tash – Osh

More details

from $600

52 470 KGS

13 days, 12 nights

To The Heart of Tien-Shan Available

Route: Bishkek – Karkyra – Iva Base Camp – Glina Camp – Camp near Merzbacher Glade – Komsomolsky Camp – Dikii Camp – South Engilchek – Karkyra – Issyk-Kul – Bishkek

More details

from $3,000

262 350 KGS