Kyrgyzstan: Trekking the Tien Shan Trails
Spend 10 unforgettable days in Kyrgyzstan as you trek along the western Tien Shan Mountain Range, follow nomad’s trails, spend nights in traditional yurts and take in the views of snow-capped mountains and alpine lakes. Journey through forests, canyons, meadows and more as you learn about this Central Asian country with a local leading the way.
Activities
- Suttu Bulak Valley - Trek
- Jety Oguz Valley & Kyzyl Jar Canyon - Trek
- Irdyk Valley - Trek
- Irdyk Lakes - Trek
- Mokroe Valley - Trek
- Karakol - Dungan Mosque
- Karakol - Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral
- Trek through part of Kyrgyzstan’s mountain scenery – a trekking paradise with over 90% of the country covered by mountains. The Tien Shan Mountain range expands across China, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, is often considered the alternative to the famous Swiss Alps
- See stunning scenery every day – panoramas of alpine lakes, meadows, lush green pastures, fir tree forests and snowcapped mountains, with barely any tourists in sight.
- Follow the nomad's trail along the way, making encounters with them, learning about their nomadic life and if you are lucky, you'll see some wildlife that call this area home, including golden eagles, mountain goats, deer, foxes and more.
- Spend your nights away from modern civilisation listening to soothing crackling bonfires, staring into the Milky Way and tucking into peaceful camps in nature.
- Lead by a IFMGA certified local leader with the expertise of a support crew, your trekking is made hassle free. Take your day pack on the trek and everything else from setting up the tents, cooking meals and transporting your luggage to the next stop are taken care of by your local crew.
- Adventure and Active
- Hiking and Trekking
- Rail Tours
Day 1 Bishkek
Salam! Welcome to Bishkek. Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight. If you arrive early, why not explore the city’s tree-lined parks and gardens and wide streets perfect for strolling. Maybe head out in search of some samsa (pastry pockets filled with meat and vegetables) and visit the centre of the city – Ala-too Square, known as Lenin Square in Soviet times. You might like to visit Osh Market – it might be a little crowded, but it provides a peek into local life. After you meet your local leader and fellow travellers, maybe head out to dinner and get your first taste of Kyrgyz cuisine.
Day 2 Issyk-Kul Lake
As you get ready for your trekking adventure, drive through scenic landscapes to the Issyk Kol Lake – the second largest alpine lake in the world. On the way, stop at Kok Moinok canyons to stretch your legs and check out the red rock formations. Tonight, you’ll stay in a traditional hand-crafted Krygz yurt – a traditional nomad dwelling near the lake with a view of snow-capped mountains.
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Jety Oguz Valley
After breakfast, drive to Sutty Bulak to start your trek toward Svetlaya Polyana pass (2800 m). Take in the fascinating view of the highest peaks of Terskey Ala-Too as you trek down to Jety Oguz valley through the fir tree forest. You’ll make your way through rolling green hills, views of the mountain peaks, red rock formations, wildflowers, and a wooded canyon ending with the stunning peak of Oguz Bashi (5018 m) before arriving at your camp site for the night. Maiden Tears waterfall – or ‘Girls Braids’ waterfall – is a short walk from the site and will reward you with a 20 m high waterfall along the rocks.
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Kyzyl Jar Canyon
Wake up early today for a full day’s hike to Kyzyl Jar canyon. You’ll start gaining height right from the yurts and across the slops of Jety Oguz mountain, then cross the high pastures to the canyon. The canyon is not passable, but you’ll hike above its western edge. There will be many nomads' camps in site – stop by one to share a traditional lunch, learn about the area and take a much-needed break. After you rest up, hike down to Kyzyl Dzher canyon, also known as the ‘red cathedral’.
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Irdyk Valley
Refuel with breakfast then trek over the green pastures dotted with yurts of local nomads on your way to Irdyk Valley. Go from a red rock canyon through alpine meadows and forests to the peaceful valley with river and mountain views. This area has a unique array of flora and fauna, so keep your eyes out, especially for its varied species of birds, as your landscape shifts into forested slopes and the wide, serene valley framed by the snow-capped peaks. Tonight, camp among the forest on the bank of a crystal-clear mountain stream. Maybe enjoy a fire with your fellow travellers and recap the day’s adventure.
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Irdyk Lakes
Wake up early this morning for another day of hiking. Today, you’ll hike to the upper grounds of Irdyk valley to see Irdyk lakes. The untouched nature surrounded by mountains and meadows is a sight to see. The area is famous for its unique atmosphere and clear water, which creates reflections of the surrounding landscapes and looks like a painting. Return to camp in the evening, maybe feeling both happy and tired after taking in such overwhelming panoramas.
(B, L, D)
Day 7 Mokroe Valley
Today, trek over Chulpek valley to Mokroe valley – an alpine gorge that starts through dense forests and gradually opens into lush meadows for a mix of wooded shade and big-sky views as you gain altitude toward a plateau. Take in the views of the mountains, forest and glacial lake then trek down Old Jeep Road – a major road through the mountains that forms a part of the historical Silk Road. Tonight, stop for camp in the forest for your final night in the mountains.
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Karakol
Pack up camp this morning and say goodbye to the local trekking crew. Trek down along the mountain river in the shade of centuries of old pines and fir trees and into the valley at the bottom. Give your legs a rest with a drive to Karakol where you’ll explore the city – once a Russian outpost on the edge of the empire. You’ll see the Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Cathedral and maybe visit a local market before a much-needed rest.
(B, L)
Day 9 Bishkek
Drive back to Bishkek today. When you arrive in the late afternoon, settle into your hotel and maybe head out for a stroll and wander around in downtown with your local leader. You’ll see a mix of Soviet-era architecture, Central Asian culture, modern cafes and tree-lined boulevards. Tonight, commemorate the end of the trek over dinner with your group.
(B)
Day 10 Bishkek
Your trip comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you’d like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
(B)
| Additional Offers |
ID: 9020186
|
ID: 9020258
|
ID: 9020281
|
ID: 9020185
|
ID: 9020236
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
ID: 9020186
|
ID: 9020258
|
ID: 9020281
|
ID: 9020185
|
ID: 9020236
|
A once-in-a-lifetime trip is out there waiting for you
Whether you’re craving a food-focused trip, are in search of your next summit, or are looking for an adventure for the whole family, we have a theme to suit everyone.
18 to 35s
Under 35 and looking to travel with a group your own age? We’ve created a range of trips exclusively for the next generation of socially conscious explorers. Ditch the big tour buses for authentic experiences in new places and cultures, connecting with your own small crew and making a difference in local communities along the way.
Multi-active
For some of us, it’s just not a holiday without some trekking, snorkeling or kayaking in the mix. Our Multi-Active range cranks the octane levels up a notch with a wide range of outdoor thrills in some of the world’s most beautiful places. Think mountain biking in Madagascar, canyoning in Costa Rica or whitewater rafting in the Amazon.
Camping
Ditch the packed footpaths for dusty roads and head out on your next big adventure: a camping trip in the great outdoors. Whether you’re excited to help set up camp or want to enjoy the creature comforts of premium accommodation in remote locations, our camping tours are for everyone from the first-timers to the tent enthusiasts (and everyone in between).
Cruises
Ditch the conga lines and cabaret of traditional big ship cruises for a more immersive cruising experience. Our range of small-ship adventure cruises are all about the destination – exploring local villages and markets, diving into the history of each destination, and stopping in at smaller ports that commercial liners just can’t reach.
Cycling
Whether you’re a Tour de France fanatic or just enjoy the wind in your face on two wheels, a cycling adventure can take you up the cols of the Alps or across the roof of the world in Tibet. You don’t have to be a Bradley or a Cadel – whatever your level of fitness and experience, we’ve got le tour for you.
.jpg?branch=prd&width=480&quality=75&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Expeditions
Our exclusive range of very special adventures: our expedition trips. They are limited departures that tackle the unexplored regions of the world untouched by tourism – everywhere from Burma’s Ice Mountains to the salt lakes of Djibouti.
Explorer
These trips are built for travelers who like to sample a bit of everything off the travel menu. They include a mix of activities and experiences so you can get a feel for the place through culture, history, adventure and food all rolled up into one easy package.
-720.jpg?branch=prd&width=480&quality=75&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
Family
There’s more to a family adventure than theme parks and resort kid’s clubs. Our carefully crafted itineraries allow you to create a memorable adventure together with your children. Experience authentic local culture with an English-speaking leader who will share their knowledge and passion for their country with you.
Festivals
For us, festivals are the smell of incense, the fizz of fireworks and the squelch of a fresh tomato. They arrive with the thunder of bespeckled dancers and wind down like a Munich beer hall hangover. They’re the lantern-lit, confetti-filled, mud-slinging reminder that life is there to be enjoyed to the max, and that there’s no such thing as too much fun in the name of pomp and ceremony.
Food
Food Adventures are about discovering new flavors while exploring the world. With a focus on street fare, local specialities, home cooking and urban food culture, these trips offer the authentic local experience that Intrepid is famous for, with an emphasis on cuisine.
Long trips
Spend anywhere from three to nine weeks circumnavigating continents, crossing borders and ticking off bucket list sites when you’re on a long tour. We think more time means more experiences - so that’s more phrases learned, people met, food tasted, pictures taken and so much more.
Polar
Cast adrift to the extremes of the earth and discover great white landscapes full of icy inlets and frozen coves. Experience the rush of setting foot on some of the world's most remote terrain, witness brilliant natural phenomena and come to terms with the sheer size and scale of our planet's polar regions.
Rail
Traveling by train isn't merely a means of getting from A to B – you'll share carriages with the locals and soak up the scenery before stepping off the platform into the heart of the action. Forget busy airports, traffic jams and lack of legroom and climb aboard for a slower-paced, lower-carbon adventure.
Sailing
There’s nothing more relaxing than exploring a destination via its waterways. No traffic jams, no delays – just endless horizons and golden sunsets. And with a range of sailing trips in Thailand, Burma, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Galapagos islands as well as Polar cruises, there's bound to be a water-based adventure that suits you.
Short breaks
Whether you’re short of time and looking for a mini-break with a difference, or want to unwind on a beach after a big backpacking adventure, these 2-5 day itineraries offer the same local, authentic experiences as our longer trips, but in a shorter amount of time.
Solo travel
Just because you don't have someone to travel with doesn't mean you have to sit at home dreaming of faraway destinations and epic adventures. Become a part of the Intrepid family by embarking on one of our leader-led group tours - visiting some amazing places, giving back to local communities, and making lifelong friends as you go.
Tailor-Made
Want to see the world on your terms? Then build your adventure, your way – create your own exclusive Intrepid trip, step-by-step with us. We plan, you relax. We design, you do.
Urban Adventures
So you’ve just arrived in a new city. You step outside your hotel, take a deep breath and…then what? Wouldn’t it be great to have a friendly local to show you all their favorite spots – the little bars, hipster cafes and cool underground galleries that tourists never find? Enter Urban Adventures.
Walking & trekking
Explore on foot and make the most of the outdoors on one of our group tours or on a self-guided itinerary. All accommodation is pre-booked and your luggage will be transferred from point to point. They combine the best bits of hiking without any of the hassles.
Wildlife
Explore on foot and make the most of the outdoors on one of our group tours or on a self-guided itinerary. All accommodation is pre-booked and your luggage will be transferred from point to point. They combine the best bits of hiking without any of the hassles.
Women's Expeditions
Women’s Expeditions are all about breaking down barriers and creating immersive experiences for women that differ from our regular group departures. The trips provide local women with employment while also supporting women-owned and operated businesses in our supply chain.
For travelers seeking adventure
Our trips are carefully designed to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. Our various trip styles mean no matter what kind of adventure you’re after, we’ve got one for you.
Basix
Our Basix trips are designed for travelers of any age on a budget, we use simple, clean and centrally located accommodation, local transport where we can and include plenty of free time. This means you can do the things that suit your budget and interests, rather than paying for inclusions you don’t want.
Accommodation
Simple, clean and centrally located accommodation with a 2-to-2.5-star average rating. Typical accommodation types include budget hotels, local guesthouses, camping or homestays.
Transport
Mostly uses local transport (tuk-tuk anyone?), which puts money back into the local economy and gives you a taste of local life. Use specialist overland and safari vehicles in some areas.
Inclusions
With plenty of free time and optional activities, so you can choose how to spend your time and money. Meals are generally not included, but your experienced local leader will have some great suggestions!
Original
Our Original trips are what we built our reputation on! They're the perfect choice for those after a great mix of included activities and insights from a local leader, as well as free time to explore a destination on their own. Original trips use centrally located, locally run accommodation and include some meals.
Accommodation
Local guesthouses and homestay experiences are featured on many itineraries and you may even camp from time to time. Expect 3-star accommodation on average.
Transport
Uses a mixture of private and local transport like tuk-tuks, camels, private safari vehicles, buses, trains, canoes – whatever is the best and most sustainable way to get around.
Inclusions
With a balance between free time and included activities, your experienced local leader will help you discover things you won’t find on your own. There are some meals included, but the rest are up to you!
Comfort
Our Comfort trips smooth away some of adventure travel’s rougher edges to craft a style of travel that has a few more pleasantries included. Enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel, inviting accommodation, more included activities and many meals along the way.
Accommodation
Comfortable hotels at a 3-to-4-star level, with private amenities and often plenty of local character. Some itineraries also feature homestays or unique accommodation.
Transport
Primarily uses private transport. Local transport is occasionally used when it adds to the experience, like hopping on the back of a camel in the Sahara.
Inclusions
We’ve taken the hassle out of traveling, by including many of the activities, meals and an arrival transfer from the airport. Your experienced local leader will also have plenty of tips for how best to fill your free time.
Premium
Our Premium trips have handpicked accommodation, exceptional included experiences, led by our most knowledgeable leaders, Premium trips are the sustainable choice for higher-end, locally led adventures.
Accommodation
Handpicked for location and quality at a 4-star level. All itineraries include a feature stay at an unforgettable and unique accommodation.
Transport
Primarily uses private transport. Use first-class trains where we can, or carbon-offset internal flights where necessary, as well as comfortable 4x4s in Africa.
Inclusions
More included activities and extras than any other Intrepid trip, including tipping and an arrival transfer. Breakfast is included every day, as well as many lunches and dinners. You’ll be led by our most experienced local leaders.
A once-in-a-lifetime trip is out there waiting for you
Whether you’re craving a food-focused trip, are in search of your next summit, or are looking for an adventure for the whole family, we have a theme to suit everyone.
18 to 35s
Under 35 and looking to travel with a group your own age? We’ve created a range of trips exclusively for the next generation of socially conscious explorers. Ditch the big tour buses for authentic experiences in new places and cultures, connecting with your own small crew and making a difference in local communities along the way.
Multi-active
For some of us, it’s just not a holiday without some trekking, snorkeling or kayaking in the mix. Our Multi-Active range cranks the octane levels up a notch with a wide range of outdoor thrills in some of the world’s most beautiful places. Think mountain biking in Madagascar, canyoning in Costa Rica or whitewater rafting in the Amazon.
Camping
Ditch the packed footpaths for dusty roads and head out on your next big adventure: a camping trip in the great outdoors. Whether you’re excited to help set up camp or want to enjoy the creature comforts of premium accommodation in remote locations, our camping tours are for everyone from the first-timers to the tent enthusiasts (and everyone in between).
Cruises
Ditch the conga lines and cabaret of traditional big ship cruises for a more immersive cruising experience. Our range of small-ship adventure cruises are all about the destination – exploring local villages and markets, diving into the history of each destination, and stopping in at smaller ports that commercial liners just can’t reach.
Cycling
Whether you’re a Tour de France fanatic or just enjoy the wind in your face on two wheels, a cycling adventure can take you up the cols of the Alps or across the roof of the world in Tibet. You don’t have to be a Bradley or a Cadel – whatever your level of fitness and experience, we’ve got le tour for you.
Expeditions
Our exclusive range of very special adventures: our expedition trips. They are limited departures that tackle the unexplored regions of the world untouched by tourism – everywhere from Burma’s Ice Mountains to the salt lakes of Djibouti.
Explorer
These trips are built for travelers who like to sample a bit of everything off the travel menu. They include a mix of activities and experiences so you can get a feel for the place through culture, history, adventure and food all rolled up into one easy package.
Family
There’s more to a family adventure than theme parks and resort kid’s clubs. Our carefully crafted itineraries allow you to create a memorable adventure together with your children. Experience authentic local culture with an English-speaking leader who will share their knowledge and passion for their country with you.
Festivals
For us, festivals are the smell of incense, the fizz of fireworks and the squelch of a fresh tomato. They arrive with the thunder of bespeckled dancers and wind down like a Munich beer hall hangover. They’re the lantern-lit, confetti-filled, mud-slinging reminder that life is there to be enjoyed to the max, and that there’s no such thing as too much fun in the name of pomp and ceremony.
Food
Food Adventures are about discovering new flavors while exploring the world. With a focus on street fare, local specialities, home cooking and urban food culture, these trips offer the authentic local experience that Intrepid is famous for, with an emphasis on cuisine.
Long trips
Spend anywhere from three to nine weeks circumnavigating continents, crossing borders and ticking off bucket list sites when you’re on a long tour. We think more time means more experiences - so that’s more phrases learned, people met, food tasted, pictures taken and so much more.
Polar
Cast adrift to the extremes of the earth and discover great white landscapes full of icy inlets and frozen coves. Experience the rush of setting foot on some of the world's most remote terrain, witness brilliant natural phenomena and come to terms with the sheer size and scale of our planet's polar regions.
Rail
Traveling by train isn't merely a means of getting from A to B – you'll share carriages with the locals and soak up the scenery before stepping off the platform into the heart of the action. Forget busy airports, traffic jams and lack of legroom and climb aboard for a slower-paced, lower-carbon adventure.
Sailing
There’s nothing more relaxing than exploring a destination via its waterways. No traffic jams, no delays – just endless horizons and golden sunsets. And with a range of sailing trips in Thailand, Burma, the Mediterranean, Caribbean, Galapagos islands as well as Polar cruises, there's bound to be a water-based adventure that suits you.
Short breaks
Whether you’re short of time and looking for a mini-break with a difference, or want to unwind on a beach after a big backpacking adventure, these 2-5 day itineraries offer the same local, authentic experiences as our longer trips, but in a shorter amount of time.
Solo travel
Just because you don't have someone to travel with doesn't mean you have to sit at home dreaming of faraway destinations and epic adventures. Become a part of the Intrepid family by embarking on one of our leader-led group tours - visiting some amazing places, giving back to local communities, and making lifelong friends as you go.
Tailor-Made
Want to see the world on your terms? Then build your adventure, your way – create your own exclusive Intrepid trip, step-by-step with us. We plan, you relax. We design, you do.
Urban Adventures
So you’ve just arrived in a new city. You step outside your hotel, take a deep breath and…then what? Wouldn’t it be great to have a friendly local to show you all their favorite spots – the little bars, hipster cafes and cool underground galleries that tourists never find? Enter Urban Adventures.
Walking & trekking
Explore on foot and make the most of the outdoors on one of our group tours or on a self-guided itinerary. All accommodation is pre-booked and your luggage will be transferred from point to point. They combine the best bits of hiking without any of the hassles.
Wildlife
Explore on foot and make the most of the outdoors on one of our group tours or on a self-guided itinerary. All accommodation is pre-booked and your luggage will be transferred from point to point. They combine the best bits of hiking without any of the hassles.
Women's Expeditions
Women’s Expeditions are all about breaking down barriers and creating immersive experiences for women that differ from our regular group departures. The trips provide local women with employment while also supporting women-owned and operated businesses in our supply chain.
For travelers seeking adventure
Our trips are carefully designed to make sure you have an unforgettable experience. Our various trip styles mean no matter what kind of adventure you’re after, we’ve got one for you.
Basix
Our Basix trips are designed for travelers of any age on a budget, we use simple, clean and centrally located accommodation, local transport where we can and include plenty of free time. This means you can do the things that suit your budget and interests, rather than paying for inclusions you don’t want.
Accommodation
Simple, clean and centrally located accommodation with a 2-to-2.5-star average rating. Typical accommodation types include budget hotels, local guesthouses, camping or homestays.
Transport
Mostly uses local transport (tuk-tuk anyone?), which puts money back into the local economy and gives you a taste of local life. Use specialist overland and safari vehicles in some areas.
Inclusions
With plenty of free time and optional activities, so you can choose how to spend your time and money. Meals are generally not included, but your experienced local leader will have some great suggestions!
Original
Our Original trips are what we built our reputation on! They're the perfect choice for those after a great mix of included activities and insights from a local leader, as well as free time to explore a destination on their own. Original trips use centrally located, locally run accommodation and include some meals.
Accommodation
Local guesthouses and homestay experiences are featured on many itineraries and you may even camp from time to time. Expect 3-star accommodation on average.
Transport
Uses a mixture of private and local transport like tuk-tuks, camels, private safari vehicles, buses, trains, canoes – whatever is the best and most sustainable way to get around.
Inclusions
With a balance between free time and included activities, your experienced local leader will help you discover things you won’t find on your own. There are some meals included, but the rest are up to you!
Comfort
Our Comfort trips smooth away some of adventure travel’s rougher edges to craft a style of travel that has a few more pleasantries included. Enjoy a more relaxed pace of travel, inviting accommodation, more included activities and many meals along the way.
Accommodation
Comfortable hotels at a 3-to-4-star level, with private amenities and often plenty of local character. Some itineraries also feature homestays or unique accommodation.
Transport
Primarily uses private transport. Local transport is occasionally used when it adds to the experience, like hopping on the back of a camel in the Sahara.
Inclusions
We’ve taken the hassle out of traveling, by including many of the activities, meals and an arrival transfer from the airport. Your experienced local leader will also have plenty of tips for how best to fill your free time.
Premium
Our Premium trips have handpicked accommodation, exceptional included experiences, led by our most knowledgeable leaders, Premium trips are the sustainable choice for higher-end, locally led adventures.
Accommodation
Handpicked for location and quality at a 4-star level. All itineraries include a feature stay at an unforgettable and unique accommodation.
Transport
Primarily uses private transport. Use first-class trains where we can, or carbon-offset internal flights where necessary, as well as comfortable 4x4s in Africa.
Inclusions
More included activities and extras than any other Intrepid trip, including tipping and an arrival transfer. Breakfast is included every day, as well as many lunches and dinners. You’ll be led by our most experienced local leaders.
About Intrepid Travel
We've been taking travellers around the globe and connecting people from all walks of life since 1989.
That's over 30 years of adventures, visiting new places and old friends, and countless, unforgettable moments. More than 30 years of changing the way people see the world on small group trips with like-minded explorers and a local leader to show you around.
But to us, it's about more than just seeing the world, it's about experiencing it. It's about feeling its pulse and the shared rhythms of Intrepid people all over the world. To be Intrepid is far more than a lust for travel, we're an antidote to loneliness. We connect people to the heartbeat of adventure and the soul of the planet.
About Intrepid Travel
We've been taking travellers around the globe and connecting people from all walks of life since 1989.
That's over 30 years of adventures, visiting new places and old friends, and countless, unforgettable moments. More than 30 years of changing the way people see the world on small group trips with like-minded explorers and a local leader to show you around.
But to us, it's about more than just seeing the world, it's about experiencing it. It's about feeling its pulse and the shared rhythms of Intrepid people all over the world. To be Intrepid is far more than a lust for travel, we're an antidote to loneliness. We connect people to the heartbeat of adventure and the soul of the planet.
