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15 Daysfrom
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CAD 6,648CAD 6,005CAD 9,023
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Walking & Trekking
Ways to Travel :
Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
Activity :
Walking & Trekking
Activity Level :
5out of7 - Challenging You have a good level of fitness and are looking for a physically challenging holiday. Previous experience is essential for activity based trips.
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!”
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
Key Information
Eight days of point-to-point walking with full porterage
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
Countries visited: Kyrgyzstan
What's Included
All accommodation
All listed transport and activities
Tour leader throughout
Arrival and departure transfers (group flights only)
What's Not Included
Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request)
Visas or vaccinations
8Days of Walking & Trekking
Terrain:
Medium altitude; rugged mountainous terrain, some steep ascents; descents and two passes over 11,485ft (3,500m)
Day 2
7 km / 4.3 miles
Day 5
9 km / 5.6 miles
Day 6
8 km / 5 miles
Day 7
15 km / 9.3 miles
Day 8
12 km / 7.5 miles
Day 9
14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 10
14 km / 8.7 miles
Day 11
9 km / 5.6 miles
Day 12
18 km / 11.2 miles
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…
Itinerary
Bishkek
Bishkek
Depart London
The group flights depart London this afternoon.
Day
1
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)
Day
2
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)
Distance covered: 5mi (8km)
Activity hours: 4-5
Meals included: Breakfast
Day
3
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)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
4
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
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
5
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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).
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)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
14
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)
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day
15
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.
Meals included: Breakfast
Essential Info
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.
Following a review of all our trips we have categorised this trip as generally not suitable for persons of reduced mobility. However if you are a regular traveller on such trips, please contact customer services to discuss the trip and your personal condition.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Weather
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.
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).
This is a great trip with an excellent balance of activities! The trek was absolutely stunning with amazing scenery and big horizons in wild mountains! It starts in more gentle pastoral sandstone lands, with lots of nomadic herders and yurts, and progresses to gorgeous high mountains, turbulent rivers, and wild mountains, passes and lakes. The warm up walk in Ala Archa National Park south of Bishkek was a good way to start the trip and the stay in the yurt camp on Lake Issyk Kul pre-trek, was a delight (as was the Jety Oguz yurt camp!) The opportunities for swimming/dipping (Lake Issyk Kul, Ala Kul, rivers if you find a sheltered bend!) were great, as well as the 2 hot springs visits, and the cultural visits around Bishkek, Karakol, Burana Tower and Cholpon Ata petroglyphs gave the trip a good variety of activities.
Most Inspirational Moment
Lots of beautiful scenery moments, but the 2 that really made me gasp were (1) when stunning Karakol Peak first came into view and (2) seeing gorgeous turquoise Lake Ala Kul for the first time.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Our western leader Valerie is absolutely brilliant! She's great company, deals seamlessly & efficiently with all logistics and any problems, and is a fantastic storyteller! Dan, our local guide, is super-knowledgeable, also good company and has a great sense of humour, as does Ali, our second local guide.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Logistics worked really well - the standard of tents, comfort (the karrimats and foam mattresses provided mean you don't need to take your own sleep mat) and quality and quantity of cuisine were all excellent. The trip notes are being updated, but there are no showers or wash basins at the fixed camps (though you can request a bucket of hot water or bathe in the rivers). Handwashing facilities though are mostly available. With the rivers, hot springs, and sauna at Karakol camp, I think it was the cleanest I have ever been on trek! We had a couple of really wet, cold days, so I'd recommend a pair of waterproof gloves, and highly recommend walking poles for the steep sections both up and down, and river crossings.
james flatt
Reviewed July 2023
Disappointing trek
Having done this trip I was sent a survey form which I completed and pressed ‘continue’ thinking there were more sections rather than final submission so it was submitted before I had read through and checked it. I assumed you received it. If not …… There are a few things I want to bring to your attention; the survey form for Ak Sai camps was given at the end of the tour, I was unimpressed with some aspects of some camps but not others as I couldn’t remember which camps were where by the end of the trip some could have received unfounded criticism which is not deserved while others that do may escape, may I suggest in future a form is given as visitors leave each camp so they are able to give a fair assessment of that particular camp, rather than a general one for all? I understand the camps are owned by Ak Sai but tendered for and run independantlyr For my part I found the camps OK, some of the terrain was uneven but this is camping, not glamping so there are no adverse comments there. The food in some camps was unappetising and there often wasn’t enough. Breakfast was left at one end of the able and sometimes never reached the other end, apparently one day French toast was available. I never had and knew nothing about it until it was discussed at lunchtime. On the subject of lunch it was laid out on a table for everybody to make their own picnic, unless I was at or near the front I missed out on the items which were non regular and sometimes regularly offered, I shouldn’t have to elbow my way to the front of the queue to ensure I had a share of what was available. Having paid so much money for a trek I expected better, I regularly woke up in the early hours hungry, this impacted on my sleep and ability to walk and enjoy the trek. I don’t think the camps are accustomed to such large groups, we were fed in a mess tent which was sometimes very cramped, especially in inclement weather, some leaked in the rain. , Valerie asked for more cheese one day and said there were raised eyebrows when they gave her some I had the impression that the main focus was to make money often by penny pinching on the food with consideration for those paying it being a low priority, perhaps that is a reflection on the parent company of Exodus which seems to ahve little or no other connection to the travel industry and its requirements. I was very critical of the guide who in my opinion failed in his task, unless that task was to split the group and stay with the front group. This became apparent early on when I was struggling in the heat, he would stop for a rest to wait for the remainder to catch up, after a while he would just say ‘lets go’ and go, no 2 minute warning and obviously no visual check on others because I was often getting something out of my pack as they were going. I will admit that this really annoyed me so after a few occasions I made no attempt to pack up or keep up with him, this resulted in the first group leaving long before others were ready and continuing with the group spread over a half mile . often without there being any visible contact with those in front or behind (I was told there was once a gap of about 2km) Often the worst place to be was in the middle, out of sight of the front and back therefore being unsure which track to take if there was a choice, that meant waiting for the assistant guide at the rear to catch up and tell us. Towards the end we had gone over a high pass of loose scree, rocks and wet mud and through snow to reach a path at the bottom, I had injured my knee on the descent and stopped with the rest of the group at the bottom. I took off my pack and found a knee support; my boot had to be removed to fit the support. At that point the ‘let’s go’ could be heard and he was off, I was only a few metres from him and he must have seen me or as I suspected (and told Valerie) I was invisible to him. There was no consideration for me to get ready to stick with the group so as usual; I went at my own pace with Ali behind me. I had little faith in his abilities to guide after the last day on trek. Each evening he would brief us on what to expect the following day, this was the only information I received from him as I was always behind and out of earshot during the walks. He would tell us if water shoes were needed for river crossings, one occasion he told us they were but in fact were not needed but towards the end he made no mention of them. When we reached the river there was no bridge and the previous days’ rain had probably increased the volume of it. So my questions would be, did he know there was a river there? If so did he know there was no bridge and had he taken the rainfall into account when deciding if water shoes would be needed? For my part it did not pose a problem but some needed physical support to cross it, I am sure it would have been easier if shoes were worn. I took such shoes but with no apparent need to wear them they were left in my main pack. The guide waded across the river in his walking boots, not the best plan in my opinion. He isn’t the worst guide I have had on a trek, the really bad one is in a league of his own so that statement is not cause for relief. Having been to Kyrgyzstan before I had an idea what to expect but this trip failed to live up to my expectations which I now think may have been too high but taking into account the cost of the trip I found it disappointing and poor value for money. The last couple of days of the trek should have been the best, the scenery had the potential to be spectacular but wet dull weather spoilt that as did catching a cold, these are unavoidable but the poor guide, food and value are avoidable, or should be.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good, more than can be said about the local 'guide'
Advice for Potential Travellers
Avoid disappointment, choose something else
Suggestions
Its all in the summary
Lucy Romyn
Reviewed July 2023
Fantastic, off the beaten path trekking
Brilliant trip exploring a spectacular mountain range. Wide variety of scenery and weather! Great campsites with few other westerners.
Most Inspirational Moment
Camping just below the high pass at Lake Ala-kul
Thoughts on Group Leader
Valerie was amazing. Full of stories of past treks and expeditions. Friendly and professional, she kept everything running smoothly with her great organisation skills and sense of humour.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take waterproof gloves and warm ones for at camp! There are washing opportunities at most campsites (in rivers) so you can go light on clothes.
Michelle Elliot
Reviewed September 2019
Vast landscapes and stunning scenery
A fantastic trip! When I told people that I had been hiking in Kyrgyzstan, nearly everyone immediately asked ‘where?’ It is a remarkable country, and a trip that has been planned to ensure absolutely stunning days of walking in the Tien Shen mountains. The cities have their own charm and fascinating history and they bookend the trip.
Most Inspirational Moment
Opening the tent every morning to see sunshine and blue sky with a backdrop of hills or peaks was quite special. Walking for several days and seeing only our crew, nomadic farmers and their animals was wonderful. This is not yet, but likely will become, far more popular as a walking destination so it was a privilege to be able to see the natural rhythms of summer life in the mountains. The food and hospitality in some of the more remote camps was surprising, delightful and gratefully appreciated. A particular highlight was watching and taking part in the 'first' Highland Games in Kyrgyzstan - a brilliant opportunity for the group and the porters to compete together!
Thoughts on Group Leader
This inaugural trip had a few different leaders, each playing important roles. Overseeing everything was veteran trip leader Suzy who has a deep knowledge and love for the country and its mountains. The local city guides had great English and brought the local history to life. Ilya and Asa are tremendous guides, bringing confidence, competence and laughter to each day (all day). It was a really good group!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Some of the details within the trip notes were not accurate, though it was the first time this trip had been offered so the growing pains and unforeseen issues were to be expected. Not all the walks were as long as noted, but there are so many opportunities to continue to explore around the camps. Or relax and read. Or bathe in the icy rivers, swim in Issyk Kul Lake, or soak in the thermal pools. The porters are hardworking - get to know them if you can - athletic competitions do not require a shared spoken language. The camps and equipment are of very good quality and very comfortable - you do not need to bring a sleeping mat. The food is plentiful and tasty, and there are hot drinks and snacks awaiting the group upon arrival at camp every day!
Suggestions
I require a gluten free diet and therefore the advanced planning and discussions about the ability of local operators and their teams to accommodate such a dietary need is important. The Exodus staff were brilliant in asking the questions prior to booking. The local city guides were helpful and responsive, particularly in Karakol. The camp cooks did remarkably well in their remote settings. The lead guide Ilya even carried packages of rice cakes for me. I never went hungry but it was important that I also brought food along with me. It is also important to continue to ask questions and seek clarification along the way.
This departure is available for new bookings and has reached the minimum number of passengers required to go ahead. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.
*Please note any date & price adjustments will be displayed on the next step of booking. You will be able to revert back to booking without flights if the options aren't suitable for you.
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