Kyrgyzstan, Culture and Hikes
September 1st-11th 2025 I Book Now
Kyrgyzstan is a land of majestic mountains and a culture shaped by centuries of nomadic tradition. It offers a perfect blend of stunning landscapes and rich heritage. Our journey takes us on accessible day hikes through two remarkable national parks: Ala-Archa and the Tian Shan Mountains, also known as the "Mountains of Heaven." These breathtaking locations feature dramatic peaks, crystal-clear glacial lakes, and diverse flora and fauna, providing unforgettable views without the need for strenuous trekking.
As we explore, you may spot Siberian ibex, Himalayan marmots, and Himalayan vultures. Knowing the area is home to snow leopards adds a sense of wild adventure.
Between hikes, you'll immerse yourself in the vibrant Kyrgyz culture. Experience the renowned hospitality of the Kyrgyz people, enjoy traditional dishes, sample kumis (fermented mare's milk), and hear captivating performances of epic poetry and music played on the komuz, a treasured national instrument. This tour offers the best of Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty and cultural richness, all at a comfortable pace.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 1st: TOUR BISHEK
We will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel (if you arrive at a set time). Once settled in, for those that wish, we will visit the bustling markets, famous Ala-Too Square, and National State Historical Museum. You will get a sense of the Soviet-era national charm, the warm welcome of the Kyrgyz people and try their world famous cuisine.
DAY 2 - SEPTEMBER 2nd: TREK IN ALA-ARCHA NATIONAL PARK
Hike into the spectacular Ala-Archa Valley
TIME: 6 HOURS HIKING / DIFFICULTY: MODERATE / ACCOMMODATION: MOUNTAIN HOTEL
DAY 3 - SEPTEMBER 3rd: ONWARD TO KARAKOL
An early hike to ‘Broken Heart’ Rock formation, then minibus or 4x4 transfer to Karakol
DAY 4 - SEPTEMBER 4th: VALLEY OF THE SEVEN BULLS AND TOUR OF KARAKO
We set off from the Jety-Oguz valley. The ‘Seven Bulls’ are the rich red rock formations that Jety Oguz is most famous for. We will then get another chance to view the stunning ‘Broken Heart’ rock formation.
After a moderate hike, we will tour the sights of Karakol - The Przhevalsky Explorer Museum, the Dungan Chinese Mosque and the wooden Holy Trinity Orthodox Church.
DIFFICULTY: MODERATE / ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL
DAY 5 - SEPTEMBER 5th: TRANSFER KARAKOL TO JYRGALAN
Discover Jyrgalan’s stunning landscapes, rich mining heritage, and authentic Kyrgyz culture - from yurt stays to traditional horse games. This hidden gem offers adventure and history, and some fantastic hiking.
ACCOMMODATION: YURT
DAY 6 - SEPTEMBER 6th: TRANSFER TO ALTYN-ARASHAN
Take an exhilarating 4WD journey to Altyn-Arashan - part of the Tian Shan or ‘Mountains of god’ mountain range - with its stunning alpine scenery, natural springs and unspoiled wilderness. Enjoy a short hike and afterwards bathe in the hot springs.
ACCOMMODATION: MOUNTAIN HUT
DAY 9 - SEPTEMBER 9th: TRANSFER TO KARAKOL
Enjoy a half day hike in the Tian Shan mountains then transfer by 4WD to Karakol
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL
DAY 10 - SEPTEMBER 10th: TRANSFER TO BISHKEK
Visit Skazka canyon - also known as ‘Fairytail Canyon’ - on the transfer back to Bishkek
ACCOMMODATION: HOTEL
DAY 11 - SEPTEMBER 11th: FLY HOME
What Is included
Two treks in two national parks - two days in Ala-Archa / five days in Tian Shan
A guide-led sightseeing tour in Bishkek
Two nights in a friendly 3-star guest house in Karakol
Two dehydrated Firepot expedition meals on first trek
Chef with all meals on second trek
Porter to carry 15kg (this includes your food, fuel and tent) on both treks
Transfers to and from Karakol
A transfer to and from Bishkek airport (at set time only)
Cookers
Tents
Zoom training on how to train and required equipment / clothes to pack / risks / expedition teamwork / expedition nutrition / expedition fitness
Breakfasts at hotels / guest houses
Dinners at the guest houses / hotels (apart from dinner on day of arrival)
Park permits (but not visa to enter the country if you need one)
Two guides: Turn Wild and a local guide from Kyrgyzstan
What Is not included
Snowdonia training weekend - including tents, dehydrated meals, and professional guides - please see training weekend brochure for further details
Insurance
Alcoholic drinks
Any additional costs due to bad weather / emergency
Transfer to airports outside of the set time
Dinner on the first night
A chef on Trek 1 (you will cook on Trek 1 for expedition experience)
Costs to and from Bishkek from your location
Personal equipment
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Do I need to be experienced in Trekking/ expeditions?
Although this trek is an amber expedition deemed challenging, it is ideal for beginners and experienced people as long as you have the correct training. Using porters will lessen the challenge from demanding to challenging, and the weekend training will prepare you for expedition skills, what to pack, and moving on the exposed ground and scree slopes. You will speak to one of your guides before booking your place so you have a plan to be best prepared. This will allow you to have the most enjoyable experience in this challenging high mountain environment.
Do I have to use a porter?
No, you do not if you can prove to us that you are physically capable of safely and enjoyably carrying your own equipment and food allowance. We will give you a Turn Wild future discount voucher for not using a porter. However, please bear in mind by using porters, you are helping the local economy.
What equipment do I need?
You will be sent a specific packing list and have a live Zoom training session to make your choices as stress-free and effective as possible. A Turn Wild guide will also run a "shopping session" in West London where they will be to give advice.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be able to carry the weight you intend on your back (not what you intend to give the porters!) up the Watkins path on multiple days. Running 10km, hiking regularly for 6 hours with 1000m of ascent, and cycling for 3-4 hours at a steady pace will prepare you. The training in Snowdonia in June will allow you to be assessed and still give you enough time to prepare.
What will the weather be like?
In September, you will need sunblock during the day. Temperatures will sit around 15°C daily and drop to zero, possibly down to minus 5. Expect sun, freezing rain, sleet and maybe even a little snow at the higher altitudes.
Can I be single ocruparq/ hire equipment?
Yes, we can set up this if you book early enough. There will be a single-room supplemental charge, including a single tent hire of £180. We have some sleeping bags/ liners and dry bags for hire.
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The total cost is £1,850 per person. All bookings start with a one on one call with one of our qualified guides. This call is to make sure all your questions are answered so that all team members know about the expedition challenges and the commitment that must be made in preparation. You may also ask any further questions you may have around the expedition. After this call, a deposit of 30% will be sent to you to secure your place. The balance is due 50 days before the start of the expedition. For cancellations made within 30-40 days of the trip commencement date, Turn Wild reserves the right to retain 50% of the balance payment. For cancellations within 30 days of the departure date, Turn Wild will retain 100% of the total fee. For any further questions or to secure a place, please contact us via the details below. Thank you, and let your adventure begin!
Contact Ian on 07901 916 169 or Ian@turnwild.com. Find more about Turn Wild’s terms and conditions here.
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Vaccinations:
There are no vaccinations required for either expedition. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. Please contact your doctor or travel clinic to confirm. Ticks in this region can carry Lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis, Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever. We will give you a seminar on Lyme disease and tick bite prevention. It should be noted that ticks are much less active in SeptemberLocal money:
The local currency of Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani Som (KGS). It is easy to exchange euros / dollars in Bishkek and the ATM’s will give you local currency. The local guides and porters will happily take dollars as a tip.Weather:
It is 18-24°C in low altitude areas. During the trek, it will normally be 15°C during the day (but be prepared for lower) to below freezing at night in the mountains. The weather pattern is generally stable in the mountains, but occasionally you can have winter days in the mountains at this time.Food allergies or dietary requirements:
If you have any food allergies, you must let us know in advance so we can cater to your needs. You must also bring your epipen / medication and give it to your travel guide beforehand. If you have any specific dietary requirements, you will need to bring this from home as we will not be able to accommodate specific items while on the trek.SIM card:
Local SIM cards are available as soon as you get through passport control and they offer fantastic service and data bundles. New government laws mean your phone has to be registered, so have your model, IMEI number and serial number to hand. We will try to help register your phone but success cannot always be guaranteed.