Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

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10 Days Excluding Flights From

11 Days from

~~CAD 3513~~ CAD 3175

CAD 3513

Incl. taxes Excl. flights

Walking & Trekking

Activity Level

Moderate

Comfort Level

Classic

Ways to Travel :

Guided Group

Activity :

Walking & Trekking

Group Size :

4 - 12

Ages :

16+

Trip Code :

TKY

Carbon Footprint :

29.4kg CO2e per person per day

Walk amid mountains and alpine lakes

Dominated by majestic mountain ranges, Kyrgyzstan has been nicknamed the Switzerland of Central Asia. Yet despite its seemingly endless natural beauty, it remains undiscovered by mass tourism, making it the ideal destination for culturally curious travellers. Come and explore this magnificent land on foot, the best way to truly appreciate the natural wonders.

Starting from the capital, Bishkek, we head into the wild and walk among marvels of nature, including the Tian Shan mountains, Ala-Archa Gorge, and alpine lakes, such as Issyk Kul and Son-Kul. We also experience the nomadic traditions of the country, staying in a lakeside yurt camp, before returning to Bishkek with a scenic drive over mountain passes.

Highlights

Hike the wilds of Kyrgyzstan: towering mountains, alpine lakes and age-old cultures
Experience the life of Kyrgyz nomads with a yurt stay by Son-Kul Lake
Walk to alpine waters in the Jergalan Valley and explore the southern shores of Issyk Kul
Enjoy true peace in the spruce forests of Ala-Archa National Park
Visit Burana Tower, one of the most famous minarets in Central Asia
Experience Kyrgyz village life in Chon Kemin

Key Information

Accommodation: 5 Classic nights (4 hotel, 1 guesthouse), 4 Simple nights (3 yurt, 1 homestay)
Six days walking (one featuring short walks)
Group normally 4 to 12, plus leader. Minimum age: 16

Countries visited: Kyrgyzstan

What's Included

All breakfasts and six dinners
All accommodation
All transport and listed activities
Tour leader throughout
Group arrival and departure transfers available

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Single accommodation (available on request, excludes yurt camp)
Visas or vaccinations

6 Days of Walking & Trekking

Terrain:

Medium altitude. Mostly below 9,845ft (3,000m); one walk reaches 11,480ft (3,500m) towards the end of the trip. Generally easy terrain underfoot.

Day 2

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 3

10 km / 6.2 miles

Day 4

8 km / 5 miles

Day 5

12 km / 7.5 miles

Day 6

5 km / 3.1 miles

Day 8

12 km / 7.5 miles

Sustainability and Impact

As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.

We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.

This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.

TRIP

TKY - Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

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Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

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Saturday Friday

23 May 2026 22 May 2026

Monday Monday

01 Jun 2026 01 Jun 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 3 spaces left!

Land Only Trip Price Usually CAD 3513Now CAD 3345Saving CAD 168 Usually CAD 3513Now Saving CAD 168 Book with CAD 836 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 485

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 3 spaces left. Do not delay your booking!

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Sunday Saturday

14 Jun 2026 13 Jun 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

23 Jun 2026 23 Jun 2026

Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 1 space left!

Land Only Trip Price CAD 3800 Book with CAD 950 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 485
Available upon Request

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead but there are only 1 space left. Do not delay your booking!

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Saturday Friday

11 Jul 2026 10 Jul 2026

Monday Monday

20 Jul 2026 20 Jul 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Limited) Only 4 spaces left!

Land Only Trip Price Usually CAD 3513Now CAD 3345Saving CAD 168 Usually CAD 3513Now Saving CAD 168 Book with CAD 836 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 485
Available upon Request

Availability

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.

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Sunday Saturday

16 Aug 2026 15 Aug 2026

Tuesday Tuesday

25 Aug 2026 25 Aug 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price Usually CAD 3513Now CAD 3175Saving CAD 338 Usually CAD 3513Now Saving CAD 338 Book with CAD 793 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 485

Availability

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Saturday Friday

05 Sep 2026 04 Sep 2026

Monday Monday

14 Sep 2026 14 Sep 2026

Availability Guaranteed (On Request) Only 5 spaces left!

Land Only Trip Price Usually CAD 3608Now CAD 3440Saving CAD 168 Usually CAD 3608Now Saving CAD 168 Book with CAD 860 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 485

Availability

This departure is guaranteed to go ahead and can be booked, although some components will need to be requested. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

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Friday Thursday

18 Sep 2026 17 Sep 2026

Sunday Sunday

27 Sep 2026 27 Sep 2026

Availability Guaranteed (Available)

Land Only Trip Price Usually CAD 3513Now CAD 3175Saving CAD 338 Usually CAD 3513Now Saving CAD 338 Book with CAD 793 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 485

Availability

View Trip Notes

Saturday Friday

22 May 2027 21 May 2027

Monday Monday

31 May 2027 31 May 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price CAD 3705 Book with CAD 926 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 504

Availability

This departure is available for new bookings, and will be guaranteed to go ahead once it reaches minimum numbers. Please click Continue to proceed with booking or contact our Sales team for assistance.

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

13 Jun 2027 12 Jun 2027

Tuesday Tuesday

22 Jun 2027 22 Jun 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price CAD 3705 Book with CAD 926 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 504

Availability

View Trip Notes

Saturday Friday

10 Jul 2027 09 Jul 2027

Monday Monday

19 Jul 2027 19 Jul 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price CAD 3705 Book with CAD 926 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 504

Availability

View Trip Notes

Sunday Saturday

15 Aug 2027 14 Aug 2027

Tuesday Tuesday

24 Aug 2027 24 Aug 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price CAD 3705 Book with CAD 926 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 504

Availability

View Trip Notes

Saturday Friday

04 Sep 2027 03 Sep 2027

Monday Monday

13 Sep 2027 13 Sep 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price CAD 3705 Book with CAD 926 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 504

Availability

View Trip Notes

Friday Thursday

17 Sep 2027 16 Sep 2027

Sunday Sunday

26 Sep 2027 26 Sep 2027

Availability Available

Land Only Trip Price CAD 3705 Book with CAD 926 deposit Book with CAD 500 deposit

Optional Single Supplement +CAD 504

Availability

View Trip Notes

Itinerary

Bishkek Bishkek

The tour starts in Bishkek. You should be at the start hotel no later than midday as we have a city tour in the afternoon. We have requested an early check-in for all clients, so the rooms should be ready for when you arrive.

Bishkek is the modern capital city and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan; this afternoon, we have a walking tour to explore its wide avenues and Soviet heritage. We visit the most important square in the country, Ala-Too Square, which is home to several monuments and is the setting for state celebrations. We also visit an open-air picture gallery, Oak Park (one of the oldest parks in Bishkek), and see marble government buildings, theatres and Victory Square.

Accommodation: Hotel Bridges/Silk Road Lodge (or similar)

Today we visit Ala-Archa National Park. The reserve is a small valley inside the gorge, where ridges are covered with eternal ice, and the slopes with spruce forests. The streams are fed by glacial meltwater, which leads into the Ala-Archa River. Though hard to see, the reserve is home to snow leopards and a rare blue bird the Kyrgyz call the bird of happiness. Here we take a full-day hike to Ak-Sai waterfall, reaching a maximum altitude of 9,200ft (2,800m). After, we return to Bishkek.

Accommodation: Hotel Bridges/Silk Road Lodge (or similar)

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 2,133ft (650m); Activity hours: 3-4

Meals included: Breakfast

We leave Bishkek this morning and drive to Burana Tower, a 12th-century Karakhanid minaret. We’ll visit the museum complex, including the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, balbals (gravestones used by nomadic Turkic peoples) and petroglyphs. We then continue to Chon Kemin, a quiet valley of small villages and agricultural land with mountains and fir forests beyond. There is approximately three hours of driving in total today.

On arrival in Chon Kemin, we walk up to a ridge for an excellent view over the valley, reaching an altitude of just over 6,500ft (2,000m).

Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

Ascent: 1,148ft (350m); Activity hours: 3-4

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Leaving Chon-Kemin, we head to the Konorchek Canyons. We walk along a rocky dried-up riverbed to enter the canyons. Rocky columns of red sandstone stretch for many kilometres. Following our walk, we drive through the Boom Gorge to Issyk Kul. This impressive lake is 110mi (180km) long and 37mi (60km) wide, reaching depths of 2,300ft (700m). It sits in a hollow at 5,250ft (1,600m), surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau mountain ranges. More than 100 streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flow out.

We then reach the resort town of Cholpon-Ata and visit nearby petroglyphs, a large open-air collection of rock carvings sometimes referred to as a Stone Garden, which covers some 104 acres (42ha) and contains a number of prehistoric stone structures. We also visit the Cholpon‐Alta Museum of History, which contains a large collection of national embroidery.

We continue our drive to Karakol. We’ll be driving for about 4hr 30min today.

Accommodation: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 5mi (8km)

Ascent: 1,148ft (350m); Activity hours: 2-3

Meals included: Breakfast

Today we drive to the Jergalan Valley, about 37mi (60km) from Karakol, along a partially paved road. The valley is surrounded by seven peaks and is a region of turquoise alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls and coniferous forests. We walk to Turnaluu-Kol lake at an altitude of 8,530ft (2,600m), giving us fantastic views along the way. Following the walk, we drive to Djety Oguz with a stop at Ak-Suu village to enjoy the thermal baths there (payable locally).

Accommodation: Golden Yurt Camp

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 1,969ft (600m); Activity hours: 4-5

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we drive (six hours) along the undeveloped southern shore of Issyk Kul to Kochkor. We make stops and have short walks along the way.

First, we explore Djety Oguz Gorge where we can see the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rock formations. Next is Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named for a Kyrgyz national hero).

We drive onwards to Kochkor, the main centre in Kyrgyzstan for the production of felt goods. We visit a workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of traditional rugs.

Accommodation: Homestay

Distance covered: 3mi (5km)

Ascent: 820ft (250m); Activity hours: 2hr 30min

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

We drive to Son-Kul, the largest body of freshwater in the country, via the 10,800ft (3,330m) Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. The route is only partially paved. It is surrounded by summer pastures dotted with yurts, grazing cattle and mountains beyond. These lands are used by shepherds of neighbouring regions as summer pastures for their flocks. They drive the livestock up in the mountains and set up a yurt camp where they live during summer. We’ll learn about the traditional lifestyle of Kyrgyz nomads.

Accommodation: Yurt camp

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

We have the day at Son-Kul. We walk to the mountains for views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Our walk takes us to an altitude of about 11,485ft (3,500m).

Accommodation: Yurt camp

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

Ascent: 1,640ft (500m); Activity hours: 3-4

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s journey is a breathtaking six-hour drive back to Bishkek. We traverse the Teskey Torpok Pass, also known as the 33 Parrots Pass (10,827ft/3,300m). Along the way, we pass through remote villages, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of local farmers.

In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner followed by a folklore show, where talented artists showcase national musical instruments and their unique playing techniques.

Accommodation: Hotel Bridges/Silk Road Lodge (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our adventure ends today in Bishkek. If you’d like a bit longer to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

Meals included: Breakfast

Essential Info

Is this trip for you?

This trek is graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate) with six days that include walking. Some walks are quite short, and this trip does have some long drives to help us see as much of the country as possible. For more information on our trip gradings, visit the Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip, please contact us.

Walking profile: The terrain is generally straightforward. Walking distances and hours are given as approximates only and will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Altitude: The highest part of this trip is around Son-Kul. We’ll sleep at an altitude of 9,895ft (3,016m) and walk up to about 11,480ft (3,500m). Please refer to the Altitude Warning within the Trip Notes for further information.

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 Bridges, 10 Kalyk Akiev St, Bishkek (+996 312 454 023) or Silk Road Lodge, 229 Abdumomunov St, Bishkek (+996 312 324 889)
Recommended arrival time: Before midday at the start hotel to catch the walking tour
Airport: Manas International Airport (FRU)

Getting to the start hotel

The start hotel is approximately 45-60 minutes’ drive from the airport. We provide one group transfer from the airport to the hotel, which you can join at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the 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 one group transfer to the airport, which you can join at no extra cost. Please speak to your sales representative for the time of the transfer. If the group transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative.

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.

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.

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and six dinners are included.

On days 2 and 5, the leader will assist in purchasing food for lunches. Lunches can be arranged at Son-Kul. On other days, there are places to eat lunch during the journeys.

Common dishes include shish-kebabs and plov (rice usually with mutton, onions, carrots, spices, raisins and peas). The kebabs can be from different meats, including lamb and beef, while plov is a rice-based dish.

Please note, vegetarian food choices are limited. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring such specialised dietary items from home.

Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from – please bring a reusable bottle with you.

Weather

Although the overall climate in Kyrgyzstan 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. 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 9,840ft (3,000m). At lower altitudes (around the tree line), temperatures usually range from 16C to 28C (61F to 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). Temperatures may get below freezing at night at Son-Kul, especially from mid-September onwards.

Bishkek and the lowland areas around Lake Issyk-Kul will be hot in the day and mild in the evenings.

TRIP

TKY - Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Departure Date

Number Of Passengers*

Message*

To enquire about an existing booking click here

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Phone *

Keep me up to date with news and offers from Exodus by email.

Thank you for contacting Exodus Travels.

Find out more about how we use your data

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Hotels, guesthouse, homestay and yurts

We spend three nights in a four-star hotel in Bishkek, one night in a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, one night in a family-run hotel in Karakol, one night in a yurt camp at Djety-Oguz, one night in a homestay in Kochkor and two nights in a yurt camp at Son-Kol.

Rooms at Chon-Kemin and Kochkor have shared bathrooms.

The yurt camp at Son-Kol is based on four people sharing each yurt (single supplement does not apply at the yurt camp). The yurts are decorated in traditional style with many rugs. Shared toilets, sinks and shower are outside. There is electricity provided by generators. Drinking water is taken from a well. Temperatures can get below freezing at night at Son-Kol. During cold nights, the yurts are heated by wood or dung stoves. We recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth in the yurts.

Hotel Garden, Bishkek:

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer