Kyrgyzstan, High mountain TREK
August 10th-20th, September 1st-11th 2025 I Book Now
Kyrgyzstan is defined by its soaring peaks and culture, which are deeply rooted in the nomadic way of life, making it a true haven for high-mountain trekking enthusiasts. With its rugged terrain, vast glaciers, and pristine blue glacial lakes, the country offers some of the world's most breathtaking and rewarding treks. Our journey takes us into two extraordinary national parks: Ala-Archa and the majestic Tian Shan mountains, known as the "Mountains of Heaven." These towering peaks dominate Central Asia, captivating trekkers with their grandeur and abundant natural beauty.
As we traverse these high-altitude trails, you may encounter Siberian ibex, Himalayan marmots, Himalayan vultures, and red squirrels. Though elusive, we always hope to see a snow leopard, which adds to our trek's allure.
Beyond the trails, the Kyrgyz people will warmly welcome you with their rich traditions. Guests are often offered kumis (fermented mare's milk) and treated to stories and music, including performances on the komuz, a cherished three-stringed instrument. This journey blends the thrill of high-altitude trekking with the deep cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan.
Itinerary
DAY 1 - SEPTEMBER 1st: TOUR BISHKEK
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
Trek for two hours with porters to a stunning waterfall. We will then climb to the Ratzek hut, situated at 3200m.
TIME: 4-5 HOURS HIKING / ASCENT: 1300M / DISTANCE: 6.5KM / DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING / ACCOMMODATION: RATZEK HUT
DAY 3 - SEPTEMBER 3rd: ONWARD TO KARAKOL
Setting off early we will trek for two hours off the mountain and hopefully catch sightings of Siberian ibex. We will then transfer to Karakol via minibus. This eight-hour transfer will allow you to see the beauty and essence of Kyrgyzstan, see numerous monuments of the fearless Manas the Noble (a national hero), and gaze upon the mountains of Kurdistan. Stay in a lovely, friendly, 3-star guest house.
TIME: 2 HOURS HIKING / ACCOMMODATION: 3-STAR GUEST HOUSE
DAY 4/5/6/7 - SEPTEMBER 4th-7th: TREK JETY-OGUZ TO ALTYN-ARAHSAN
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 visit the nearby attraction of the stunning ‘Broken Heart’ rock formation. Then onto the breathtaking blue Ala-Kul lake (at 3400m) and then further to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. Three nights, four days and one night at Altyn-Arashan
ASCENT: 3000M / DESCENT: 2500M / DISTANCE: 50KM OVER FOUR DAYS, FOUR NIGHTS / DIFFICULTY: CHALLENGING / ACCOMMODATION: CAMPING
DAY 9 - SEPTEMBER 9th: TRANSFER TO KARAKOL
A hike in the stunning Altyn-Arashan - or a hot springs chill out day in the high mountains.
4WD transfer back to Karakol and another experience of its amazing cuisine.
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: FLIGHTS 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 - 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 £1,980 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.