Holidays
Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

3 reviews

Holidays

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan

3 reviews

Available Departures: Jul, Aug, Sep

13 days from

US$3,305

without flights

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Walk & Trek

Guided Group

MODERATE

Explore the culture and natural wonders of Kyrgyzstan trekking into the Tian Shan "Mountains of Heaven".

Trip Code: KTS

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Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

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Our Holiday Grades Explained

To show the relative difficulty of our holidays, each trip is graded on a scale of 1 to 12, with 12 being the most challenging. Although we have tried to make our grading system as clear as possible, it cannot take into account your personal interests, abilities or experience. If you have any questions about the nature of a particular trip or its suitability for you, please read the 'Is this holiday for you?' section or contact us.

1 - 3 LEISURELY

Suitable for most people in good health, holidays at this grade include only limited amounts of activity.

For anyone who enjoys exploring on foot rather than always in a vehicle. A mixture of sightseeing and easier walking of around 2-5hrs a day. Walking paths could be around sites, through cities or on well marked trails and at lower altitudes (under 2500m). Regions are rarely flat so some ascent or descents could be expected but rarely above around 300 – 400m per day.

View leisurely holidays

4 - 6 MODERATE

Suitable for reasonably fit individuals, such as regular walkers and cyclists. There can be the occasional more difficult day.

Suitable for fit weekend walkers. Consecutive walking days, of around 4-8 hours on generally good paths. Ascents and descents will increase and could be 1000m+ but often less. Some walking may be at higher altitude (3000m – 4500m) with the occasional higher pass and you may have some walking on snow. There may be occasions where you have to carry overnight kit on one or two days.

View moderate holidays

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

Physically challenging holidays, where you need to be prepared before you go.

Previous trekking experience and a good level of fitness is required for these trips as there will be consecutive days of longer trekking in more remote areas with rougher paths. Days will be around 5-9 hours often with some steep ascents and descents. Some ice/snow trekking is possible with the use of crampons and/ice axe. You may be required to carry a heavier backpack with overnight essentials or equipment for some days and sleeping at higher altitudes (generally up to 5000m).

View challenging holidays

10 - 12 TOUGH

Our toughest holidays, involving many long days, often in isolated areas. A high level of fitness and previous wilderness and mountain experience is essential.

View Tough holidays

All Grade Information

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Section:

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

Name: Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan
Brand: KE Adventure Travel
Rating: 5 (3 reviews)

Highlights

Sleep under the stars at Kyrgyzstan's most beautiful mountain lake, Ala-Kul
Excite your senses exploring the traditional foods and spices of Osh Bazaar
Immerse yourself in the Kyrgyz culture staying in nomadic Yurt Camps
Trek through the covered Terskey Alatau Range with its Blue Spruce Forests and wildflower meadows
Discover the hot springs of Altyn Arashan Gorge

At a Glance

Group Size 4 to 12
7 days walking
Max altitude 3850m
Join In Bishkek

Accommodation & Meals

All meals included
6 nights Tented Camp
3 nights Yurt
3 nights Hotel

Overview

Explore the 'Land of the Celestial Mountains' with this stunning adventure holiday in Kyrgyzstan, which combines spectacular trekking through the Tian Shan 'Mountains of Heaven' with discovering the culture and hospitality of its eagle-hunting nomadic tribes. Stay in traditional yurts and meet local families to learn the ways of nomadic life as well as experiencing the vast steppe they inhabit. This holiday starts in the historic capital of Bishkek where we explore the bustling Osh Bazaar and Alatau Square. Travelling south we visit the 11th century minaret Burana Tower and its curious 'Balbal stones' before reaching Son Kul Lake, where we spend 2 nights in a yurt camp exploring the stunning scenery and sampling traditional cuisine.

Continuing towards Issyk-Kul lake, the second largest mountain lake on the planet, we explore the fabled 'Fairytale Canyon' of Skazka. Its then time to head into the mountains proper as we embark on our 6-day trek through the Terskey Alatau Range. Crossing wildflower-carpeted alpine meadows and high passes we are treated to incredible vistas of the Tian Shan, as well as a special night at Kyrgyzstan's 'Colourful Lake' Ala-Kul. Descending the final valley to Alytn Arashan Gorge we can relax in the thermal pools with incredible views of the higher peaks. Boarding an off-road truck we descend through the verdant valley admiring the impressive Blue Spruce Forests before continuing our journey around Lake Issyk Kul. Our final stop is the town of Cholpon Ata where we visit the 'Stone Garden' petroglyphs for an insight to the ancient tribes who carved them, before returning to Bishkek where our adventure concludes.

Is this holiday for you?

This active holiday explores the best of Kyrgyzstan's culture and nature, culminating in 6 days trekking through the Terskey Alatau Mountains. The trek covers approximately 50km over 4 days, with an additional 20km of walks on the 2 remaining days. There is a total of around 3,000 metres of ascent and descent and you can expect to be walking for on average 6-7 hours a day.

The route includes two main pass crossings, the highest being 3,850 metres. Trekking conditions will be good and we will generally be following good paths through rocky mountain terrain; these routes have been used by the nomadic shepherds for generations. However, there is some sections of rocky uneven terrain and on the descent from the Ala-Kul pass there is a section of steep scree. The trek is fully supported and you will only need to carry a daypack during the walks. Trekking at altitudes above 3,000 metres makes greater demands on the body than walking at low elevations and can be challenging, so you should ensure that you are physically prepared for this trek.

Why KE?

Discover Kyrgyzstan in just 13 days on this epic exploration of Central Asia's stunning hidden gem. Packed with spectacular trekking, incredible landscapes, history and culture this adventure holiday is a great first trip to this part of the world for new or seasoned travellers alike.

With visa-free travel it is an excellent time to visit Kyrgyzstan.

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Itinerary

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Day 1

Arrive Bishkek early morning and check into hotel. Walking tour of the city.

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Arriving in Bishkek in the early morning, we transfer to the group hotel and check-in to our rooms for some rest and relaxation. After breakfast we head out with our guide to visit the famous Osh Bazaar, one of the largest and most vibrant bazaars in Central Asia, selling everything from household goods and traditional clothing to local food and spices. Exploring this market is a great introduction to Kyrgyz culture and daily life. We continue with a walking tour around the Ala-Too Square, taking in the legacy of the Soviet era and Kyrgyzstan's independence. After lunch at a local café we visit Victory Square, the city's Second World War memorial before returning to the hotel. In the evening the welcome dinner is a chance to get to know the rest of the group and the tour leader.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Time

45 mins - Transfer

Distance

30 KM

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Day 2

Bishkek to Son Kul Lake, via Burana Tower and Balbal Stones

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After breakfast we set off on the drive towards the picturesque Son Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan's second largest mountain lake. En route we stop at Burana Tower, one of the oldest surviving minarets in Central Asia, dating back to the 12th Century. We'll also see the nearby collection of Balbal stones - carved grave markers linked to nomadic burial traditions. We continue to the town of Tokmok, near the border with Kazakhstan, and stop off for some lunch. In the afternoon we continue to Son Kul Lake (3,100m) where we spend two nights at our yurt camp.

Accommodation

Yurt

Meals

B L D

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Day 3

Full day at Son Kul Lake,

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At 3,100m, Son Kul Lake is home to Kyrgyz families who still follow a nomadic lifestyle, living in traditional felt-covered yurts that can be dismantled quickly as they move between summer and winter pastures. Starting with a short acclimatisation walk, we spend the day here and have time to relax and learn more about the nomadic way of life, before spending a second night at the yurt camp.

Accommodation

Yurt

Meals

B L D

Ascent

200 M

Descent

200 M

Time

4 hrs walking

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Day 4

Son Kul Lake to Djety Oguz Gorge, via 'Fairy-tale Canyon'

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Today we leave the yurt camp and drive to Issyk-Kul Lake, Kyrgyzstan's largest mountain lake. Rounding its southern shore, we stop at Skazka Canyon, known as "Fairytale Canyon" for its red sandstone spires and unusual rock formations, shaped over centuries by wind, water and ice erosion. A local legend speaks of a dragon turning to red stone having flooded ancient cities now under the waters of Lake Issyk-Kul, all because the local beauty would not marry the dragon.

After lunch we continue towards the Tien Shan, literally translated as "Mountains of Heaven". Following a steep gorge lined with Tien Shan Blue Spruce for around 25km the route takes us along a mountain river and into the Terskey Alatau Range. Finally the track opens onto the so called "Flower Meadow" (Kok-Jaiyk), before reaching the yurt camp at 2,250m - the starting point for our trek into the mountains.

Accommodation

Yurt

Meals

B L D

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Day 5

Start of the Tien Shan Trek - Djety Oguz Gorge to Telety Camp (3,000m).

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This monring we meet the porter team who will carry our main luggage (max 12kg) between camps for the rest of the trek. Our trek today follows the riverbank through a narrow, wooded gorge before opening onto an alpine meadow carpeted with wildflowers, with long views across the Tien Shan. After a rest, we continue to a tented camp (3,000m) at the foot of the Telety Pass, crossing a bridge over a fast-flowing river along the way. From camp there is an optional easy walk to a nearby waterfall.

Accommodation

Tented Camp

Meals

B L D

Ascent

785 M

Descent

45 M

Time

6 hours walking

Distance

14 KM

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Day 6

Trek over the Telety Pass (3,800m) to Karakol Gorge.

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After breakfast we begin the ascent of the Telety Pass (3,800m). The trail climbs gently through juniper bushes for the first kilometre before narrowing into a steady path leading to the pass, which marks the gateway to the central Terskey Alatau and offers wide views down the valley. On the far side, the descent down a scree slope brings us to alpine meadows filled with herbs and wildflowers found only in this region. We follow the East Telety River, crossing it at a shallow section as there is no bridge, and then descend through woodland to join an old dirt track for the final kilometre to our tented camp in the forest (2,500m).

Accommodation

Tented Camp

Meals

B L D

Ascent

800 M

Descent

1250 M

Time

7-8 hours walking

Distance

13 KM

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Day 7

Circuit trek to the foot of Karakol Peak

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Today we will complete an 'out-and-back' hike to the foot of Karakol Peak, the highest peak in the Terseky Alatau at 5,216m. The trail follows the Uyun-Tor River, through Blue Spruce Forest, where in the summer months the flowers are in bloom, including Snowdrops, Tulips, Primrose, White Anemone, Alpine Aster and Edelweiss). We climb out of the forest up to a rocky viewpoint below Karakol Peak, a good spot for lunch before returning to camp by the same route.

Accommodation

Tented Camp

Meals

B L D

Ascent

500 M

Descent

500 M

Time

6 hours walking

Distance

12 KM

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Day 8

Karakol Gorge to Ala Kul Lake (3,600m)

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After breakfast we descend the gorge for around 1km, cross the river over a bridge and enter the forest where a long ascent finishes with a steep, grass-covered switch-back path. We arrive at a 'Sirota', a simple wooden mountain hut at 2,975m with tables, benches, a fireplace, and carved wooden figures - it is a good place to sit and relax after the long climb. Leaving the forest behind, the trail continues along the river and to a beautiful waterfall fed by Ala-Kul Lake, then ascends a natural dam, for the first view of the lake. A final kilometre along the shore brings us to our highest camp of the trek at 3,600m.

Accommodation

Tented Camp

Meals

B L D

Ascent

1150 M

Descent

160 M

Time

7-8 hours walking

Distance

10 KM

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Day 9

Ala-Kul Lake to Altyn Arashan Gorge

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Ala-Kul, meaning "Colourful Lake", changes colour with the light — from turquoise to dark grey or black — and sits within a dramatic amphitheatre of peaks, making for a memorable spot to wake for breakfast. Following breakfast we start the ascent to Ala-Kul Pass (3,850m), the highest point of the trek, taking around ninety minutes from the lake shore, with views across the Terskey Alatau's main peaks, including Ak-Suu, Djigit, Karakol and Oguz Bashi. The descent begins with a short, steep section of scree before levelling out across the wide Keldike Valley, where herds of cattle and sheep graze. At our camp there is the option to relax in natural hot springs (up to 50°C) found across the valley.

Accommodation

Tented Camp

Meals

B L D

Ascent

450 M

Descent

1425 M

Time

7-8 hours walking

Distance

14 KM

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Day 10

Rest Day at Altyn Arashan. Optional hike to the Anyr-Tor Valley

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Altyn Arashan, a small resort founded in 1963, is known for its hot mineral springs. The resort comprises of several wooden huts located on a meadow beneath the fir-covered banks of the Arashan River, and the snow-capped mountains of the of the 'Ak-Suu Wall' (5,022m) beyond. Today is free to relax at the hot springs or take an optional day hike into the Anyr-Tor valley, returning to camp for our final night under canvas.

Accommodation

Tented Camp

Meals

B L D

Ascent

500 M

Descent

500 M

Time

4-5 hours walking

Distance

6 KM

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Day 11

Altyn Arashan to Cholpon Ata Town

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After breakfast a 4WD military support vehicle will collect our baggage while we will walk the first 7kms down the valley on a track (approx. 2 hours). We meet with the vehicle at a yurt camp to drive the remaining 9kms of track along the valley (approx. 1 hour), passing through a narrow section of gorge no more than 30 metres wide. We arrive at the village of Ak-Suu, named for its hot springs, and change vehicles for the drive on to Karakol where we stop for lunch at a local café in the town. We continue to Cholpon Ata, where we overnight in a hotel on the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

Time

2 hours walking

Distance

7 KM

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Day 12

Cholpon Ata to Bishkek, via the Stone Garden Petroglyphs

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In the morning, we transfer to Bishkek, stopping en-route at Cholpon Ata's Stone Garden. An open-air site with petroglyphs dating from the 2nd millennium BC it is thought to mark an ancient temple site. Carvings include stone circles, tombs, balbals, and depictions of animals including tame snow leopards used for hunting, the sun and racing chariots - an art that declined with the spread of Islam through Central Asia. Lying at the foot of the Kungei Alatau Range the area provides a beautiful final view over Lake Issyk Kul. After lunch we continue to Bishkek where we check in to our hotel before heading out to enjoy our final evening and group dinner together.

Accommodation

Hotel

Meals

B L D

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Day 13

Depart Bishkek

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Your holiday ends after breakfast with an early morning transfer to the airport.

Meals

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Reviews

5 out of 5 from 3 reviews

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan ★★★★★

Our guide Ilia could not have done more for us - always looking out for us and very professional. Shall never forget his cheerful and friendly presence… Great acclimatisation programme- really helped. And good to have a less strenuous day up to view point of Karakol with the chance to just wander and take it all in.

By Sue from Cumbria | 06 July 2025

And now for something completely different ★★★★★

A great trip combining the steppes and spruce- and glacier-clad mountains of central Asia with a few cultural highlights. Unlike other treks I have taken, camping was done in fixed camps comprise of spacious yurts or roomy tents. The fixed camps provided power for recharging electronic devices (2 hours per evening), excellent food and guitar-playing hosts. One camp had a sauna. Another had hot springs. It wasn't exactly glamping, but it was pretty comfortable. Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful ... country -- distinctly more mesic than neighboring Tajikistan. Personally, I was enthralled with the Tien Shan spruce forests, but then I have "thing" for trees that is probably extreme.

View all (20)

By Bruce from Victor, New York | 20 September 2024

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan ★★★★★

Kyrgyzstan is a hidden gem. It is beautiful, uncrowded, you can safely eat raw fruit and vegetables, and the people are friendly.

By Babs from Colorado | 07 July 2024

5 out of 5 from 3 reviews

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

By Sue from Cumbria | 06 July 2025

And now for something completely different

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

View all (20)

By Bruce from Victor, New York | 20 September 2024

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Kyrgyzstan is a hidden gem. It is beautiful, uncrowded, you can safely eat raw fruit and vegetables, and the people are friendly.

By Babs from Colorado | 07 July 2024

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Essential Information

We've compiled some of our Frequently Asked Questions to help you learn more about this amazing trip.

Holiday

General

Equipment

What's Included

A professional English-speaking Tour Leader
Single timed airport transfers on arrival and departure
All accommodation as described
When camping a full service including food with boiled drinking water and all equipment (excluding personal equipment)
Porter service on trek for up to 15kg luggage
Entrances and fees during the tour
All meals
All land transport required by the itinerary

What's not Included

Travel insurance
Tips
Miscellaneous personal expenditure - drinks and souvenirs etc
Hot Springs entry fee (altyn Arashan) - Optional activity on rest day
Photo/video fees at museums

Joining Arrangements & Transfers

The group will meet at the hotel in Bishkek.

A single group transfer is provided from/to Bishkek Airport.

Hotel contact details along with an emergency contact number will be provided with your booking confirmation.

Meal Plan

All meals are included in the holiday price, from breakfast on day 1 to breakfast on the last day of the land only itinerary.

Special Diets

Whilst we can cater for vegetarians, albeit sometimes with a more limited choice, we cannot always provide for special diets. Due to the nature of some of the trips that we operate and the countries in which we operate them, it can be very hard (and sometimes impossible) to cater for a wide range of dietary choices and you may have to supplement your meals with food/snacks from home. If you have specific dietary requirements please do speak to our sales team and they will be able to advise you whether or not we will be able to offer your specific choice. Please note that we are unable to provide separate menus and cannot accept liability for any problems arising from special dietary requirements or intolerances.

Food & Water

Drinking Water

It is not recommended to drink untreated water from the taps. If you are on a trekking or cycling holiday, water is supplied to fill up your individual bottles. This will be boiled, filtered or provided in large jerry cans or 5 litre bottles. Additionally you should take purification tablets or a filter bottle (such as a Water-To-Go bottle) to treat your water when in towns or where water is not supplied. We do not encourage the purchasing of single use plastic bottles.

On trek the food is a mixture of local and international dishes made using ingredients purchased locally and cooked by trained cooks. Breakfasts will consist of porridge, with another main dish such as eggs or pancakes, bread, tea and coffee. Lunches are usually a healthy packed lunch with a choice of foods we can pick for ourselves at breakfast time, options will include, bread, boiled eggs, tinned meats, cheese, sausage, tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh and dried fruit, as well as juice boxes and cookies/chocolate bars. Dinner is taken in the mess-tent and will consist of a soup starter, a hearty main course, and a dessert of fruit or cake. Please note that vegetarianism and veganism is still not widely understood in Central Asia and choices for vegetarians and vegans will be a little more limited. If you are vegetarian or vegan please remember to inform us before you travel so we can make sure that you are well catered for. You may also wish to bring along some snacks from home to use during the course of your walking days.

When in Bishkek, if you are looking to sample local cuisine you can expect to eat a lot of meat (mutton and horse are the most common) and dairy products. Beshbarmak, a dish consisting of boiled horse meat or mutton, is the national dish. The meat is boiled in a broth and served over noodles, it is colloquially referred to as ‘five fingers’ as it is usually eaten with the hands. Milk and dairy products are extremely popular in Kyrgyzstan, soured milk is a common ingredient and ‘Kymyz’ (fermented mare's milk) is a popular drink amongst the nomadic shepherds. The Kyrgyz make yogurts and cheeses in abundance, you should also look out for the famous fermented yoghurt balls called 'kourout'. Do not worry if this is not for you, international drinks and dishes will also be available at meal times!

Accommodation

We will spend 2 nights in a well-located hotel in Bishkek, 1 night in a hotel in Cholpon Ata / Issyk Kul, 2 nights in Son Kul Yurt Camp, 1 night in Djety-Oguz Yurt Camp and 6 nights camping while on trek.
If you are arriving early in the morning on Day 1 you will also have access to a room on arrival in Bishkek so that you can get some rest and freshen up before lunch and the afternoon sightseeing tour.

The camps we use whilst trekking are fixed for the season, with comfortable sleeping mats provided. There will be a mess tent and toilet tent with hand washing facilities at each of the campsites.

All accommodation is twin sharing, with the exception of the Djety-Oguz yurt camp, where the large yurts are shared by 4 people.

If you are travelling by yourself, you will be paired up with another single client of the same sex. Single rooms and/or single tents are available for a supplementary cost (the single supplement is not avaiable for the nights in the yurt camp). If you are planning on extending your holiday additional nights at the group hotel are available on request.

Group Leader & Support Staff

The group will be led by a professional and qualified tour leader.

Whilst on trek the group will be supported by a local trek crew including cooks, camp assistants and porters.

Altitude

This holiday involves going to high altitude. During the course of your trip you will reach altitudes in excess of 3500 metres. This is not something that you should worry about; the human body is quite capable of adapting to a very wide range of altitudes, but it is important that we follow some simple rules in order to acclimatise successfully. Before coming on this holiday you should read the advice on trekking at high altitude. You can also talk to one of our trekking experts if you have any concerns about altitude. On this trip we carry a portable altitude chamber (PAC-bag) and/or bottled oxygen for use in emergencies.

Spending Money

Approximately £100 per person (or equivalent in US dollars or Euros) should be allowed for tips, soft drinks, snacks, and miscellaneous expenses. Alcoholic drinks, souvenirs are additional so you may wish to budget for these. The bazaars in Bishkek are great places for souvenir buying! We recommend you take your money in dollars or euros as these are the easiest to exchange. There will be the opportunity to change money into local currency on arrival at the airport and your local leader will be able to advise other places to change money. Credit cards are useful for emergencies, however Kyrgyzstan is still a cash-based society and you won’t be able to use your card outside of Bishkek.

Guidance on Tipping

In Kyrgyzstan it is usual to tip staff, including your camp crew and driver, if you are happy with the services provided. We suggest you coordinate these tips as a group and as a rough guide we recommend that £50 to £75 (depending on group size), will cover this aspect of your trip expenditure . The exact amount should be determined by the group and the tour leader will give advice on the appropriate levels to tip the crew.

Baggage Allowance

For this holiday you should take one piece of luggage, which should be a soft and sturdy duffel bag, and a day pack. Our ground agent does have 'duffel bags' available for you to use on the trek if you do not have one but they are not particularly strong. Your bag on trek will be carried by porters or pack animals and should not weigh more than 12kg. It is possible to leave extra baggage at the hotel in Bishkek. For international flights please check your baggage allowance with your airline.

Group Size & Holiday Status

For each holiday there is a minimum number of participants required to enable it to go ahead. Once the minimum number is reached, the trip status will change from 'Available' to 'Guaranteed to run'. You can check the trip status for each departure in the ‘Dates and Prices’ table. Other than in exceptional circumstances, we will not cancel a trip once it has achieved this guaranteed to run status so you are free to proceed with your international flight booking and other travel arrangements.

Passport & Visas

The information that we provide is for UK passport holders.

A passport with 6 months remaining validity at the end of your stay is generally required, and you should have at least 2 blank pages for each country that you visit.

For other nationalities, please refer to your own Government website for the latest information.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates (see Health & Vaccinations below), and visas for your holiday. Please ensure that you check the FCDO for the latest advice for each country visited before travel.

UK and USA passport holders do not currently require a visa for Kyrgyzstan for stays of up to 60 days.

Health & Vaccinations

Vaccinations:

You should be up to date with the routine vaccinations recommended in the UK for overseas travel.

You must also contact your doctor or travel clinic to check if there are specific vaccinations or other preventive measures that you need for the area you are visiting, in good time before you are due to depart.

On holidays to more remote areas you should also have a dental check-up.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have the correct travel documents including vaccinations and health certificates.

Please check the FCDO and Travel Health Pro. For all of your intended destinations for up-to-date advice.

Severe Allergies:

If you have a severe allergy please inform the KE office before you travel. We will do all we can to help, but we cannot guarantee an allergy free environment on KE trips.

Currency

The unit of currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani Som.

Preparing for your Holiday

Getting some additional exercise before coming on an active holiday makes a lot of sense. The fitter you are, after all, the more enjoyable you will find the experience. You should be aerobically fit and comfortable with walking 6 - 7 hours for consecutive days. Hill walking, with a good amount of ascent and descent, is the best training, and we would suggest that you try to fit in a number of long weekend walks before you depart. Running, cycling and swimming are also good for developing cardio vascular fitness and stamina. There is little you can do to prepare for trekking at altitude but if you have an excellent level of fitness this can help.

Climate

In Bishkek the temperatures in July and August will be hot, with daytime temperatures of 30 to 35 degrees Centigrade. Once we get up into the mountains, it will be cooler, with average daytime temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees Centigrade and night-time temperatures at our highest camps falling to freezing - 0 degrees Centigrade. The weather is generally excellent throughout the summer, with clear skies and little rain or snow. However, mountain weather can be unpredictable and changeable, and you should be prepared for all eventualites.

Travel Aware

As a reputable tour operator, KE supports the British Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's ‘Travel Aware’ campaign to enable British citizens to prepare for their journeys overseas. The 'Travel Aware' website provides a single, authoritative source of advice for all kinds of travellers and we recommend that before travel, all KE clients visit the official UK Government website at travelaware.campaign.gov.uk and read the FCDO Travel Advice for their chosen destination. North Americans can also check out the U.S. Department of State website: www.travel.state.gov for essential travel advice and tips.

KE treat the safety and security of all clients as the most important aspect of any trip we organise. We would not run any trip that we did not consider reasonably safe. Should the FCDO advise against travel for any reason, we will contact everyone booked to travel to discuss the situation. We receive regular updates directly from the FCDO and are in constant touch with our contacts on the ground. If you have any questions about government travel advice, please call our office.

Single Use Plastic

KE do not encourage the use of single use plastic items. We are ensuring that our agents all over the world are working together to reduce the problem and educate those around them. We are leading by example in our KE office by reducing our plastic use.

Travel Insurance

It is an essential condition of joining a holiday with KE Adventure Travel that you have a valid travel insurance policy to cover the cost of medical treatment and to protect the value of your holiday in the event of cancellation. When taking out insurance please ensure the policy you choose covers you for the activities and altitude included in your itinerary.

For appropriate insurance cover we recommend Campbell Irvine Direct. Please go to our Travel Insurance page for further information and to get a quote.

Equipment List

Please try to keep the weight of your baggage to a minimum. See the ‘baggage allowance’ section for further details.

YOU SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

Hiking boots
Trainers / sandals for river crossings
Socks
Underwear
Trekking trousers
Waterproof over-trousers
Waterproof jacket
Thermal underwear
Thermal base-layer shirts (2 short sleeve, 2 long sleeve)
T-shirts
Shorts and/or swimwear
Fleece jacket or warm jumper
Warm jacket (down)
Sunhat
Warm hat
Sunglasses
Warm gloves
Buff/scarf (to protect against dust)
Small padlock (to lock your luggage)
Selection of dry bags (to keep kit bag contents dry)
Daypack 30 to 40 litres
Headtorch and spare batteries
Sun protection (including total bloc for lips, nose etc.)
Water bottles 1 litre (x2) (we encourage re-filling water bottles rather than single use plastic)
Water purification tablets
Washbag and toiletries
Antibacterial handwash
Small towel
Sleeping bag (comfort rated -5°C)
Basic First Aid Kit including: antiseptic and antihistamine cream, throat lozenges, diarrhoea treatment (Imodium), painkillers, plasters and blister treatment, Insect repellent, and re-hydration salts (Dioralite).

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL:

Trekking poles (optional, but highly recommended)
Thermarest or similar sleeping mat (please note good size sleeping mats are provided at the camps)
Filter water bottle (i.e Water-to-go bottle) (highly recommended)
Pen-knife (remember to pack sharp objects in hold baggage)
Repair kit – (eg. needle, thread, duct tape)
Camera
Travel clothes
Reusable cloth bag for shopping (to avoid plastic bags)

NOTES:

Equipment cannot be hired through KE for this trip.

Every night camping you are usually beside a river, where it is possible to wash yourself and your clothes providing you bring natural or eco-friendly biodegradable soap.

The Route

Airport

Point

Transfer

Trek

Private Departure?

Gather a few friends, family or club and take over your own departure.

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2026

Sun 23 Aug Fri 4 Sep

US$3,305 per Adult per Adult

US$475

Limited. 1 place left!

Book Now

More Information

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: KTS /04/26/
This trip departs the UK on Sat 22 Aug returning to the UK on Fri 4 Sep

This trip begins on Sun 23 Aug and ends on Fri 4 Sep
This departure is available and departs within 21 days. Secure your place today with full payment
Single Supplement Price: US$360 -
Includes hotel nights only
Single Tent Upgrade: US$235
Download Trip Notes

2027

Sun 4 Jul Fri 16 Jul

US$3,380 per Adult per Adult

US$475

Guaranteed

Book Now

More Information

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: KTS /01/27/
This trip departs the UK on Sat 3 Jul returning to the UK on Fri 16 Jul

This trip begins on Sun 4 Jul and ends on Fri 16 Jul
This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$475
Single Supplement Price: US$215 -
Includes hotel nights only
Single Tent Upgrade: US$235
Download Trip Notes

Sun 25 Jul Fri 6 Aug

US$3,380 per Adult per Adult

US$475

Available

Book Now

More Information

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: KTS /02/27/
This trip departs the UK on Sat 24 Jul returning to the UK on Fri 6 Aug

This trip begins on Sun 25 Jul and ends on Fri 6 Aug
This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$475
Single Supplement Price: US$215 -
Includes hotel nights only
Single Tent Upgrade: US$235
Download Trip Notes

Sun 8 Aug Fri 20 Aug

US$3,380 per Adult per Adult

US$475

Guaranteed

Book Now

More Information

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: KTS /03/27/
This trip departs the UK on Sat 7 Aug returning to the UK on Fri 20 Aug

This trip begins on Sun 8 Aug and ends on Fri 20 Aug
This departure is guaranteed. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$475
Single Supplement Price: US$215 -
Includes hotel nights only
Single Tent Upgrade: US$235
Download Trip Notes

Sun 29 Aug Fri 10 Sep

US$3,380 per Adult per Adult

US$475

2 more to guarantee

Book Now

More Information

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan
With Flights

Without Flights
Departure Reference: KTS /04/27/
This trip departs the UK on Sat 28 Aug returning to the UK on Fri 10 Sep

This trip begins on Sun 29 Aug and ends on Fri 10 Sep
This departure is available to book. Secure your place today with a deposit of US$475
Single Supplement Price: US$215 -
Includes hotel nights only
Single Tent Upgrade: US$235
Download Trip Notes

Land Only Information

The LAND ONLY dates and prices are for the itinerary, joining in Bishkek. Single timed airport transfers are included.

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

The price of our holidays can change depending on a variety of factors but unlike some other tour operators, KE have undertaken to guarantee the Land Only price of your holiday will not change after you have booked. The price when you book is the price you will pay, whether you are booking for this year or the next. Book early to avoid any tour price increases, get the best flight prices and take advantage of our 'No Surcharge Guarantee'.

KE Adventure is a fully bonded tour operator. We hold an ATOL license (No: 2808) and are bonded with ABTA (Membership No: W4341)

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

Holiday Grades

Our Holiday Grades Explained

1 - 3 LEISURELY

4 - 6 MODERATE

7 - 9 CHALLENGING

10 - 12 TOUGH

Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

Highlights

At a Glance

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Overview

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Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

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Mountains and Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

Essential Information

YOU SHOULD BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS:

THE FOLLOWING ITEMS ARE OPTIONAL:

NOTES:

The Route

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DATES & PRICES

2026

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2027

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Land Only Information

Flight Inclusive Information

BOOK WITH KE CONFIDENCE - No surcharge guarantee

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