Current as of: March 29, 2024 - 11:32

Walking in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer Trip Notes

  • Ways to Travel: Guided Group, Private Group Adventures
  • Destination: Kyrgyzstan
  • Programmes: Walking & Trekking
  • Activity Level:

    3 out of 7 - Moderate

  • 10 Days: Land Only
  • Ages: 16+
  • Trip Code: TKY
  • Carbon Footprint: 15kg CO2e

Trip Overview

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.

At a Glance

  • Five days with walking (one of these days is a series of short walks as we drive from one area to another)
  • Five nights in hotels, one night in a guesthouse, one night in a homestay, two nights in a yurt camp (multi-share)
  • All breakfasts and five dinners included
  • Optional single supplement (excludes yurt camp)

Highlights

  • Hike to alpine lakes in the Jergalan Valley
  • Explore the southern shores of Issyk Kul on foot
  • Get a taste of nomadic life with a yurt stay at Son-Kul
  • Walk amid spruce forests in Ala-Archa National Park
  • Visit Burana Tower, a 12th-century minaret
  • Experience Kyrgyz village life in Chon Kemin

Is This Trip for You?

This trek has been graded Activity Level 3 (Moderate) with five days that include walking. For more on our trip gradings, visit our Activity Level Guidelines page.

The terrain is generally straightforward. You may find our Fitness Training Guide a useful reference.

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.

Walking distances and hours are given as approximates only and will vary depending on the pace of your group.

Group

The group generally comprises between four and 12 clients, plus a local tour leader.

Adult min age: 16

Min group size: 4

Max group size: 12

Itinerary

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Land Only

  • Start City: Bishkek
  • End City: Bishkek

Flight Inclusive

  • Start City: London
  • End City: London

Land Only Itinerary

Day 1
Start Bishkek; afternoon city tour

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 (or similar)

Day 2
Walk in Ala-Archa Gorge

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 (or similar)

Distance covered: 6mi (10km)

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 3
Burana Tower. Walk in Chon-Kemin National Park

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

Day 4
Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs. North shore of Issyk Kul to Karakol

Leaving Chon-Kemin, 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 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: Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 5
Walk in the Jergalan Valley

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. On the way back to Karakol, we stop at Ak-Suu village to enjoy the thermal baths there.

Accommodation: Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Distance covered: 7mi (12km)

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

Meals included: Breakfast

Day 6
Walk in the gorges of the southern shore of Issyk Kul

Today we’ll drive from Karakol via the undeveloped southern shore of Issyk Kul to Kochkor. The drive takes about six hours. We’ll make stops and have short walks along the way.

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

We continue to one of the most magnificent gorges at the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, Barskoon, known for having high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. The gorge is famous because it was visited by the cosmonaut Gagarin.

Next, we continue to Skazka Gorge, where we’ll see red sandstone formations and have an hour of walking.

We drive onwards to Kochkor, the main centre in Kyrgyzstan for the production of felt products. 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

Day 7
Drive to Son-Kul

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

Day 8
Walking at Son-Kul

We have the day at Son-Kul. We walk to the mountains for views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There is also time to meet the shepherds or participate in cooking traditional meals. 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

Day 9
Drive to Bishkek via mountain passes

We have a very scenic drive today, taking about six hours, back to Bishkek. Our journey takes us over the Kara-Keche (11,500ft/3,500m) and Tuya-Asuu (10,170ft/3,100m) passes and through remote villages.

The day ends with dinner and a folklore show. Artists will demonstrate national musical instruments and techniques of playing.

Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)

Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 10
End Bishkek

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

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, guesthouse, homestay and yurt

We spend three nights in a four-star hotel in Bishkek, one night in a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, two nights in a comfortable family-run hotel in Karakol, 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

Kemin guesthouse, Chon-Kemin:

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Matsunoki Hotel, Karakol:

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Kochkor homestays:

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Son-Kul yurt camp:

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Single supplement from USD 412

Food & Drink

All breakfasts and five 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.

Transport

Travel is by minibus.

Weather & Seasonality

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.

Joining Instructions

Key information

Start hotel: Hotel Bridges, 10 Kalyk Akiev St, Bishkek
Phone: +996 312 454 023
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 one hour’s 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

This is not an exhaustive list, but we recommend you include the following items. All walks are day walks only, so you just need to carry a daypack.

  • Three-season sleeping bag (optional – for use at Son-Kul, otherwise bedding is available)
  • 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
  • Daypack around 25-35 litres
  • Headtorch (flashlight) and batteries
  • Two/three large water bottles (you need to carry enough water for the whole day’s trek)
  • Sunhat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip salve with sun protection
  • Walking pole(s)
  • Dry bags or plastic bags to line daypack
  • Toilet paper
  • Hand washing gel
  • Biodegradable soap/shampoo
  • Travel towel

Small personal first-aid kit including rehydration salts, blister plasters, painkillers, antidiarrheal medicine and any medication you regularly take

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.

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

Kyrgyzstan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz

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 machines 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 money exchange desks at large hotels, and at some of the larger stores.

Extra Expenses & Spending Money

Lunches and dinners (where not included) cost in the region of 875-1,310 Kyrgyzstani soms (US$10-US$15). We suggest allowing around 21,850 soms (US$250) spending money for the two weeks.

Tipping

Tipping is customary in Kyrgyzstan in recognition of good service but is entirely at your own discretion. An appropriate amount is around 440 soms ($5) per day each for the leader and driver.

People, Places & Planet

We work hard to create trips that have a positive impact on the people and places we visit and look after the planet we explore. Learn more about our sustainable travel ethos and practice here and find out about the work of the Exodus Travels Foundation here.

Some sustainable travel highlights of this trip include:

People

How this trip helps improve life for local communities.

  • Local guides keep you well informed about local traditions and cultural-social sensitivities.
  • This trip brings income and opportunity to the destination community through the inclusion of locally owned hotels, restaurants, and other enterprises, and by championing locally produced food wherever possible. In Chon Kemin, Karakol and Kochkor, we stay in family-owned guesthouses and at Son-Kul we stay at a family-owned yurt camp. This provides great opportunities to learn about local cultures.
  • Staying in small villages and visiting them contributes to the local economies.
  • Read more about our other initiatives here.

Places

How this trip helps protect and conserve local landscapes and nature.

  • By travelling in a small group, we ‘tread lightly’ to minimise our impact on local resources and the environment.
  • We work with our partners on the ground to proactively reduce waste; this includes eliminating all single-use plastic water bottles by providing refills for reusable bottles.
  • The payment of entrance fees to natural reserves and archaeological sites generates income used for upkeep and development of these important sites.
  • We rewild 1,075sqft (100sqm) per passenger to compensate for all trip and flight emissions.
  • Read about our commitment to nature protection and restoration hereincluding our rewilding commitment for every customer who travels with us.

Planet

How we seek to keep the carbon footprint of this trip low.

  • Accommodation and restaurants in the itinerary use locally sourced food which has not been transported long distances.
  • Read about our climate action here, including our carbon reduction and compensation commitments.

Tips for sustainable travel on this trip

  • Leave no trace: We do all we can to ensure we leave no rubbish in the wild and beautiful places we visit; we ask that you do the same. If there are no recycling facilities in-country, consider bringing recyclable materials home with you.
  • Plastic waste reduction: Please bring a reusable water bottle on this trip, also consider avoiding single-use hotel toiletries, which generate a large amount of plastic waste.

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

  1. Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
  2. Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
  3. 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.