Current as of: April 23, 2024 - 22:16
Kyrgyzstan: Tian Shan Gorge Trek Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
- Destination: Kyrgyzstan
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
5 out of 7 - Challenging
- 15 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TXL
- Carbon Footprint: 14kg CO2e
Trip Overview
Journey into the wilds of Central Asia for an off-the-beaten-path trek in the Mountains of Heaven
Experience spectacular trekking through alpine meadows and wild pastures inhabited by Kyrgyz nomads, past gushing rivers and waterfalls, taking in panoramic views of Lake Issyk-Kul and the snow-capped Tian Shan range, meaning Mountains of Heaven. The first part of the walking route crosses a series of rugged, seldom-visited gorges, which only the most intrepid of outsiders have laid eyes on. The latter part crosses into Jety-Oguz Gorge, famed for its immense beauty. There’s also the chance to hike to the foot of Karakol Peak (the highest in the region) and there are all sorts of other delights besides the trek itself: rejuvenate in the thermal baths of Altyn Arashan, learn to make traditional lagman noodles in a family home, take a guided tour of Bishkek, and visit ancient sites including the Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs.
Aldo Kane Collection: A hand-selected range of adventures by our Brand Ambassador:
“Kyrgyzstan is a true hidden gem. I’ve spent a month travelling around there, and I’m keen to go back. With sweeping gorges, hot springs, wildflower meadows and ancient petroglyphs to discover en route, rest assured the remote Tian Shan range leaves a lasting impression. The trip also takes you to a local family’s home so you can master the traditional lagman noodle dish!”
At a Glance
- Eight days of point-to-point walking with full porterage
- Altitude maximum: 12,470ft (3,800m); average: 8,955ft (2,730m)
- Four nights in hotels, eight nights of full-service camping and two nights in a basic yurt camp (multi-share)
- All breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners included
- Optional single supplement (excludes yurt camps)
- Part of the Aldo Kane collection
Highlights
- Enjoy views of Lake Issyk-Kul and Aka-Kul
- Hike through six different gorges, including the famously beautiful Jety-Oguz Canyon
- Take the chance to bathe in the Altyn Arashan hot springs
- Discover Bishkek, Burana Tower and the Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Telety Pass
- Learn how to make traditional lagman noodles in a family home in Karakol
- Walk to the foot of Karakol Peak, the highest in the Terskey Ala-Too Range
Is This Trip for You?
This trek has been graded Activity Level 5 (Challenging). For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.
It involves eight days of point-to-point walking and eight nights of full-service camping. Expect to walk for between five and eight hours each day and cover a distance of approximately 10mi-11mi (16km-18km) each day. While you may be comfortable doing a daywalk of this nature, you should also consider the impact of doing this on consecutive days, which can take its toll. You should ideally have previous experience of multi-day point-to-point trekking.
The route involves numerous mountain passes as we cross from one gorge to the next. Two of the passes are at an altitude of 12,470ft (3,800m), which is the maximum altitude reached on this trek – 11,810ft (3,600m) is the highest sleeping altitude. Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further information. The trail is undulating with considerable ascent and descent on some days, particularly when we cross Telety Pass (2,460ft/750m ascent and 4,265ft/1,300m descent).
The Tian Shan terrain is rugged and the region is remote, both factors add to the challenge. For this reason, this trek is not recommended for novice walkers. If you are an experienced hiker with steady footwork and good fitness levels who loves wild landscapes, then this spectacular trek should appeal. There are rocky sections of trail, descents on scree slopes, some narrow paths (not suitable for vertigo sufferers) and trails with tree roots. Additionally, the possibility of snow cannot be entirely ruled out.
This is a fully supported camping trek with full porterage (4x4s and porters) throughout; you need only carry your backpack.
Walking distances and hours are given as approximates only and vary depending on the group’s pace.
Group
The group normally comprises four to 16 people, plus a tour leader and local staff. There is a Western leader for the tour duration, who is supported by a local guide, plus other staff where needed. There are camp staff, cooks, porters and drivers, and a local sightseeing guide for the tour of Bishkek. For groups of more than eight, there will be an additional local assistant trek guide.
Adult min age: 16
Min group size: 6
Max group size: 16
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Bishkek
- End City: Bishkek
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
The group flights depart London this afternoon.
Arrive Bishkek; afternoon city tour
The tour starts in Bishkek. We have requested an early check-in for all clients, so the rooms should be ready when you arrive. Join at the start hotel no later than midday as we have a city tour in the afternoon.
Bishkek is the modern capital city and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan; this afternoon, we have a guided tour to explore its wide avenues and Soviet heritage. We visit the Frunze Museum and Museum of Fine Arts (please note, the National History Museum is closed for maintenance at the time of writing) plus the main city sites (on foot and using transfers where necessary), taking in Manas Monument, the Lenin Statue, Ala-Too Square (where we witness the ceremonial changing of the guard), Kurmanzhan Datka Monument, and the government buildings. We end the tour at Victory Square.
Accommodation: Hotel Resident (or similar)
Full-day excursion and warm-up walk in Ala-Archa National Park
We take an excursion to Ala-Archa National Park, about 40-60 minutes (25mi/40km) north of Bishkek, and go for a gentle warm-up walk, usually to a waterfall.
Accommodation: Hotel Resident (or similar)
Drive via Burana Tower to Tosor village on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul; overnight in a yurt camp
We begin our journey towards the Tian Shan or, more specifically, the Terskey Ala-Too range. Our destination is Tosor on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The drive is approximately 193mi (310km), which takes six to seven hours. We break up the journey with a visit to the Unesco-listed Burana Tower. This 11th-century minaret was the first of its kind in Central Asia and an important point along the Great Silk Road.
Issyk-Kul is the second largest salt lake in the world, after the Caspian Sea (and fast becoming the largest as the Caspian Sea recedes). It measures 45mi by 110mi (70km by 180km) and is almost 2,295ft (700m) at its deepest point. The name means Hot Lake and was given as the waters never freeze, even in the depths of winter. The area around the lake is a mixture of forest and meadow with a backdrop of towering mountains.
Tonight, we usually sleep in a yurt camp but, as space is limited, occasionally we may have to stay in a guesthouse in Tamga village instead.
Accommodation: Tosor Yurt Camp (or similar)
Free morning by the lake; transfer to Juukuchak Gorge
We have a free morning to take in the scenery, perhaps swim in the lake or sunbathe on its shores. After lunch at the yurt camp, we drive for around 1hr 30min (45mi/70km) to Juuku Gorge and onwards into a smaller branch of the canyon – Juukuchak Gorge. Upon arrival, our tents are ready and waiting for us. We meet our trekking guides and camp staff and stretch our legs around the camp. There is a full trek briefing this evening.
Accommodation: Full-service wild camping
Trek over Orto-Bulak Pass to Kichi-Kyzyl-Suu Gorge
We set off after breakfast, taking a trail from the foot of the mountains up and over Orto-Bulak Pass (8,335ft/2,540m) in the Kichi-Kyzyl-Suu Gorge. The scenery is pristine, which adds to the beauty.
Accommodation: Full-service wild camping
Hike through nomad pastures to Djili-Suu; option to visit nearby hot springs by jeep
This morning, we follow the trail to Chon Kyzyl-Suu Gorge, which is popular with Kyrgyz nomads as there are many green pastures and mountain rivers. We usually see several nomadic families along the way, together with their livestock and yurt settlements. We reach our campsite at Djili-Suu in the early afternoon. After arrival, we can take our jeep to the nearby hot springs. There are several small pools with hot springs and the waters are believed to have good health properties.
Accommodation: Full-service wild camping
Trek to Jety-Oguz Canyon via Kok-Jaiyk Pass
We continue our hike to the Jety-Oguz Gorge, one of the most beautiful and famous canyons in Kyrgyzstan. To reach it, we must cross the river and the Kok-Jaiyk Pass (9,020ft/2,750m). It’s quite a climb but the view from the top gives us a new appreciation of these so-called Mountains of Heaven as we’re rewarded with an unforgettable panorama. During today’s walk, we also get magnificent views of Lake Issyk-Kul. At the end of the day, we reach the yurt camp – a chance to grab a shower.
Accommodation: Jety-Oguz Yurt Camp (or similar)
Ascend via a narrow, wooded river gorge to the base of Telety Pass
We meet our team of porters this morning, who carry our main luggage for the remainder of the trek. We follow a path along the bank of the West Telety River, through a very narrow wooded gorge (Bay Tor), and eventually emerge in alpine meadows. We usually stop for a picnic lunch in the meadows, which are awash with colour in spring as the wildflowers bloom. After a rest, we continue the trek to our tented camp (approximately 9,845ft/3,000m) at the foot of Telety Pass. After settling into our tents, we can take a 0.6mi (1km) walk to the nearby waterfall.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (fixed tented camp)
Cross Telety Pass; descend through alpine meadows to Karakol
Today is a challenging day with a reasonable amount of ascent and descent and some tricky terrain. The route over Telety Pass follows a narrow path, which ascends gradually for the most part. There are, however, two steep slopes, which require considerable effort. From the top of the pass (12,470ft/3,800m), the views are spectacular. The descent is along a wide slope covered with talus, which gives way to alpine meadows and then follows the East Telety River. One of the latter sections of the trail passes through woodland, where you need to concentrate on your footing to avoid the overgrown tree roots. Tonight’s camp is at about 8,200ft (2,500m) elevation.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (fixed tented camp)
Daywalk to the foot of Karakol Peak
We go on a round-trip daywalk up and along the Uyun Tor River to the foot of Karakol Peak. We have a chance to see Tian Shan blue spruce forest, underwood (dog rose, honeysuckle, black barberries, mountain ash, blackcurrants etc) and wild mushrooms. In the summer, flowers are in bloom in the meadows, such as snowdrops, tulips, primroses and edelweiss. We trek to a point where we can see Karakol Peak, the highest of the Terskey Ala-Too range.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (fixed tented camp)
Ascend through forest to a waterfall by Lake Ala-Kul
Although the distance today is not great, this is a tough walk due to the amount of ascent, especially if it is hot. We firstly descend along the gorge for about 0.6mi (1km), and then cross the river by bridge to follow the trail into a forest. A long ascent brings us to a grassy slope, from where the path snakes onwards, passing by a river overflow to finally arrive at a log hut, known locally as Sirota mountain hut. There’s a table, benches and fireplace inside – the perfect spot for a rest and snack. There are some wooden sculptures of animals and idols by the hut, like something from a fairytale. From here, the trail climbs higher and, leaving the forest, we hike along the river and reach a beautiful waterfall, flowing down from Ala-Kul Lake. Tonight’s camp is at approximately 11,810ft (3,600m) elevation.
Accommodation: Full-service camping (fixed tented camp)
Long descent with fine mountain views to Altyn Arashan; option to take a dip in the thermal baths
As we ascend, we enjoy wonderful views of the lake. In the Kyrgyz language, Ala-Kul means colourful lake, and its water can appear in different colours depending on the light. As we get closer to the shores, we see the main Terskey Ala-Too range, including Aksu, Djigit, Karakol and Oguz Bashi peaks. From the lake edge, it takes us another 1hr 30min to the pass. The initial descent from the pass is on a steep scree slope, and then through the picturesque Keldike Valley, where we encounter grazing cattle and sheep. Later, the trail brings us into a forest again and descends into Arashan Valley.
At the tent camp in Altyn Arashan, there’s the option to relax in the hot springs (there are thermal baths of up to 50C/122F).
Accommodation: Full-service camping (fixed tented camp)
Military truck to Karakol for sightseeing; traditional home-cooked ‘lagman’ noodle dinner
This morning, we spend time admiring Altyn Arashan and the surrounding area, especially the fir forest, which contrasts with the snowy mountain backdrop. We then descend to Karakol town by military truck (approximately one hour). Depending on the route conditions, we may walk along the river as far as the national park gates before continuing by truck.
We have a short sightseeing tour of the town, visiting Dungan Mosque, the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Prjevalskii Memorial Complex.
Tonight’s dinner is taken in a Dungan family home in Karakol town, where we can see traditional cooking methods and learn how to make lagman noodles, before sitting down to eat together.
Accommodation: Hotel Amir, Karakol (or similar)
Drive to Bishkek visiting Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs en route; optional Kyrgyz folklore show
We drive back to Bishkek, stopping to visit the Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs along the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul en route. The drive is approximately 155mi (250km) and takes five to six hours – we stop for lunch at a road cafe on the way.
Close to Cholpon Ata are Scythian burial mounds, as well as the ‘stone forest’ or petroglyphs which are between 1,400 and 4,000 years’ old. They lie at the foot of Kungei Alatau Ridge at a scenic spot overlooking the lake.
A farewell dinner is included in Bishkek and, if you wish, there is the option to arrange a Kyrgyz folklore show. The talented musicians and singers wear traditional Kyrgyz costumes and play a wide range of national musical instruments – including a komuz (a three-stringed wooden musical instrument) and a chopo choi (a wind instrument made of mountain reed).
Accommodation: Hotel Resident (or similar)
End Bishkek
The tour ends in Bishkek after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in the capital city.
Altitude Charts
Altitude warning
This trip includes one or more nights over 11,480ft (3,500m) above sea level, where there is a genuine risk of being affected by acute mountain sickness (AMS). If left untreated, AMS can be life-threatening. We expect most clients to experience some mild symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headaches, shortness of breath while walking or sleeplessness. Our leaders are trained to identify symptoms of severe AMS and if a client requires extra care, arrangements such as rapid descent, will be made immediately.
On some days, this trip climbs faster than commonly published ascent-rate recommendations. Based upon an assessment by our external safety and medical advisors and our risk-assessment process, we consider the ascent rate acceptable due to the additional safety measures in place for our customers. All our trips operating at high altitude meet our internal altitude-safety standards, which minimise the risk of serious incidents occurring while travelling at altitude.
Several medical conditions or medications can reduce your body’s ability to acclimatise. This may affect your performance and make you more susceptible to AMS. If you are worried about any pre-existing conditions, such as heart conditions, or your overall physical ability, you must seek medical advice prior to booking. The drug Diamox (also known as acetazolamide and normally only available on prescription) has been shown to aid acclimatisation in some individuals, and therefore may reduce the risk of AMS. Clients considering using Diamox should speak to their doctor about the drug, its side-effects and a prescription. While we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
Please note, while we endeavour to assist all our clients in achieving their goals, there may be times when your leader decides to delay or stop your ascent based on your overall condition or the onset of AMS.
If you are not taking out Exodus Travel Insurance, make sure your policy covers you up to the maximum altitude on this trip (if trekking in the Himalaya your policy should also cover the use of a helicopter for emergency medical evacuation).
Please note: It is possible the order of the itinerary listed above will be changed to ensure the best possible conditions for each activity during the trip. All listed activities and services will be included. Your leader will inform you of any changes locally after assessing conditions.
Ascents, descents and distances
All ascents, descents and distances listed above have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. Please note, different GPS measuring devices can give differing results, particularly on winding paths or in mountainous terrain. Measurements stated throughout these trips notes are given to help you understand the types of terrain and distances you will encounter. Timings stated will vary depending on the pace of your group.
Accommodation
Hotels, camping and yurts
We spend four nights in hotels, eight nights of full-service camping and two nights in yurt camps (multi-share).
The hotels usually used in Bishkek and Karakol have a three-star local rating. The hotels are chosen for their location and all bedrooms have private bathrooms.
Yurts are traditional housing of nomadic tribes across Central Asia – facilities are basic but they are generally quite cosy. The number of yurts is limited and you should come prepared to share with three to four people of the same sex per yurt. There are only a couple of toilets at the yurt camp.
The first three nights of the trek are the most remote and there are no fixed camps or facilities – these nights are wild camping. For the remaining five nights of camping, our local partner in Kyrgyzstan sets up fixed camps for the duration of the season. All eight nights camping are on a full-service basis, meaning the staff cook and do all the camp chores (in the wild camps they also put up and dismantle the tents). In the fixed camps, there are toilets, wash basins, and shower facilities plus a dining tent. When wild camping, the camp staff put up a dining tent and toilet tent and provide a bowl of warm water for washing with each day. Foam sleeping mats are provided but if you want extra comfort you may wish to bring your own ‘top-up’ mat. A generator is available in all camps (including the wild camps) for charging, lighting etc.
Additional accommodation
If you wish to extend your stay, it is possible to book extra nights in Bishkek before or after the tour through Exodus – please request this at the time of booking.
Optional single supplement
A limited number of single supplements are available on a ‘first-come, first-serve’ basis. This includes a single room in the hotels and while camping but it is not available for the two nights in the yurt camps (the yurts are three to four people to a yurt regardless).
Single supplement from CAD 627
Food & Drink
All breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners are included.
During the trek, breakfasts comprise porridge or an alternative dish. The alternative is usually one of the following: omelette with bacon/cheese, fried sausages, pancakes, scrambled eggs with sausage, boiled eggs.
Lunch on trek will be a box lunch. There is a buffet selection for you to fill your lunch box from each day. The type of foods available are: bread, cakes, various types of sausage and cheese, pâté, canned fish, boiled eggs, vegetables, fruits, dried fruits, cookies and chocolate, plus a soft drink.
Dinners during the trek consist of salad, soup, a main dish and a dessert. Salads: funchoza (starch noodles), rice with crab sticks, eggs with fish, cabbage with carrot, Greek salad, beans with onion. Soups: minestrone, kesme (egg noodle), lentil, rice soup, pumpkin soup, fish soup or soup with dumplings. Main dish: kuurdak (meat stew), pilaf (rice cooked in broth), stew with spaghetti and cheese, dymlyama (potato and meat stew), stuffed pepper, lagman (noodles), beef stroganoff with rice. For dessert, a selection of sweets and biscuits are available.
Transport
For the main road journeys, we use air-conditioned minibuses, which seat eight to nine clients each. For larger groups, we use two vehicles. From the trek end point, we travel by military truck to Karakol: there are no seatbelts in the military truck but with their high ground clearance, they are well-suited for the terrain (the journey is approximately one hour). Jeeps are used to transport camping equipment for the first few days of the trek.
Weather & Seasonality
Although Kyrgyzstan’s overall climate is continental, there can be huge variations in temperature between seasons, different geographical locations and elevations. Summer can extend from May to September, but some mountain passes can remain blocked by snow until June. Snow persists in the high mountains year-round. For this reason, the trekking season in the Tian Shan is short – we only schedule departures in July and August when the temperatures are at their mildest. Kyrgyzstan gets surprisingly little rain and has more than 300 days of sunshine a year.
In summer, mornings are characteristically clear, but afternoons can sometimes be hazy with occasional rain. Even in summer, there can be occasional snowfalls above 9,845ft (3,000m). At lower altitudes (around the tree line), temperatures are usually 16C-28C (61F-80F) in July/August and it can feel very hot during the day. In the highlands, the temperatures in July/August are 8C-12C (46F-54F). Nights feel cold and at the higher camps temperatures may hover just above freezing point.
Bishkek and the lowland areas around Lake Issyk-Kul are hot in the day and mild in the evenings.
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Resident, 102/4 Yunusaliev Ave, Bishkek 720031
Phone: +996 700 098 098
Recommended arrival time: By midday at the start hotel to catch afternoon city tour
Airport: Bishkek Airport (FRU)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 55 minutes’ drive from the airport. Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to the airport for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Bishkek
Location end: Bishkek
What To Take
Essential Equipment
The porterage weight limit on trek is 26lb (12kg) per person. Jeeps transport your luggage and the camping equipment for the first few days of the trek but, when we reach the fixed camps, we meet our porters who carry your main luggage for the remainder of the trek.
A soft kitbag is provided locally on a loan basis for the duration of the trek – the capacity of the bag is 50 litres. Your porters each carry two of these inside a backpack. We ask that you use the bag provided locally as larger bags or Exodus kitbags may not fit inside their backpacks. Anything you do not want to take with you on trek can be stored free of charge in Bishkek – your leader will assist with this.
The following is not an exhaustive list but includes the essential items for the trek:
- Four-season sleeping bag (liner optional)
- Walking boots (waterproof, with ankle support, and worn in)
- Several pairs of walking socks
- Waterproof jacket and trousers (pants)
- Fleece jacket or similar
- T-shirts, shirts, thin base layers
- Warm hat and gloves
- Three-/four-season down jacket
- Trainers (sneakers)/sandals for the evening (and any river crossings)
- Backpack of around 25-35 litres
- Headtorch (head lamp) and batteries
- Two/three water bottles (to carry roughly 3 litres/100 floz)
- Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
- Walking pole(s) – highly recommended
- Dry bags or plastic bags (bin liners) to line backpack and kitbag
- Toilet paper
- Hand-washing gel
- Biodegradable soap/shampoo
- Travel towel
- Small personal first-aid kit including rehydration salts, blister protection, painkillers, anti-diarrhoeal medicine and any medication you regularly take
A polyurethane sleeping mat is provided locally so you do not need to bring one.
Environmental considerations
We believe in reducing our negative environmental impact wherever possible, even when nature calls. If no facilities are available, you may need to go behind a tree, bush or rock. To avoid leaving toilet paper behind, we recommend taking biodegradable bags with you. Once you have done your business, put the used paper in the bag and dispose when appropriate facilities are available.
Water included
Plastic bottles are a big issue in many countries where recycling isn’t yet widely available; they often end up in landfill or get burned. Both processes are harmful to the environment and we would like to reduce our impact here. For your trip, we provide an alternative to single-use plastic bottles to reduce the plastic used. This means that safe drinking water will be available throughout; all you need to do is bring a bottle to refill along the way. Please add this to your packing list.
Practical Information
Visa
Kyrgyzstan
Travellers from the UK, US and EU (except Cyprus, Bulgaria and Romania) normally do not need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/kyrgyz-republic
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/kyrgyzstan
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kyrgyzstan/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kyrgyzstan.html
Important note: You can be arrested if you are not carrying ID in Kyrgyzstan. You should carry your passport or a copy of it with you at all times.
Vaccinations and Health
Kyrgyzstan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.
Local Time
Kyrgyzstan's time zone: Asia/Bishkek (UTC +06:00)
Electricity
A generator will be available in all camps on the trek, which you may use to charge cameras and other devices.
Money
Kyrgyzstan's currency: Kyrgyzstani som (KGS). There are money exchange facilities in the main cities, including Bishkek and Osh. Bring US dollars or euros in cash as these are easy to change; pounds can be exchanged in a few places but most will not accept them. Please bring new notes as most money exchangers will not accept old notes. Larger denominations (US$50 or US$100 notes or €50 or €100 notes) attract a marginally better exchange rate, but bring a mixture of denominations so you can change a small amount at a time. In Kyrgyzstan, smaller denominations of som are useful.
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in Bishkek but some may not accept foreign cards. Credit cards are rarely accepted so it is wise to take most of your money in cash. You may be able to use your credit card in the gift shops and exchange desks at large hotels and at some of the larger stores.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
On trek, there is not a lot to spend money on but you should take enough with you for tipping your trekking crew, the hot springs in Djili-Suu and Altyn Arashan, for any extras in the yurt camps, and spending money for Karakol and the travelling day back to Bishkek. It is also possible to buy drinks and snacks in the fixed camps on trek – payment is accepted in som or US dollars cash (beer: approximately 200 som/US$3, soft drinks: approximately 140 som/US$2).
We would suggest allowing in the region of US$80-US$120 spending money for the two weeks.
Bishkek:
Folklore show: US$150 per group (optional)
Tipping
Tipping is customary in Kyrgyzstan in recognition of good service but is entirely at your own discretion.
Tipping can often be an awkward affair, especially when in an unfamiliar country where you are not sure when or how much to tip. As such, your tour leader usually offers to arrange and look after a group tipping kitty, which will be used to tip hotel porters, local sightseeing guides, trekking guides, porters, and the drivers. Your leader will suggest how much to contribute, depending on group size, but this is usually between US$70-US$90 per person. Tips for the trekking crew are usually given on the last night of the trek or the final morning of the trek. Please try to tip local staff in local currency.
Tipping of the leader is also at your discretion. If you would like to give a tip, we suggest you send an envelope around the group at the end of the trip so each person can put in whatever they see fit. A nominated spokesperson from the group may then like to present it to the leader on the last evening. As a guideline, we suggest somewhere in the region of US$4-US$5 per person per day (US$60-US$75 in total per person).
People, Places & Planet
At Exodus we believe in the power of Responsible Travel.
Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…
Important Information
Water safety
This trip includes time by a lake, river or sea, where there may be opportunities to swim. You should always seek local advice before deciding whether to swim. Open-water or wild swim spots should be treated with extreme caution. Information on how to keep yourself safe while swimming is shown here.
Important Information
Your safe participation
When booking this trip, you should be confident in your ability to participate in all activities described in these Trip Notes. If you have any doubt about your suitability, please call the Exodus office and ask to speak to one of the experts on this itinerary.
Although our leaders are well trained to deal with different capabilities, if they have any concerns about someone’s ability to safely take part in an activity, or their impact on other people’s enjoyment, we authorise them to take necessary action which, in some circumstances, may involve asking someone to miss that activity.
By booking this trip you agree to our Booking Conditions which clearly state that our leaders have the authority to do this. In these rare instances we will ensure anyone sitting out is safely provided for and offered alternative options where possible. Refunds will not be provided for activities missed and customers may be liable for additional costs incurred.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.