Current as of: March 31, 2025 - 21:29
Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Guided Group
- Destination: Kyrgyzstan
- Programmes: Walking & Trekking
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 10 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 16+
- Trip Code: TKY
- Carbon Footprint: 29.4kg 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
- Accommodation: 5 Classic nights (4 hotel, 1 guesthouse), 4 Simple nights (3 yurt, 1 homestay)
- Six days with walking (one of these days is a series of short walks as we drive from one area to another)
- All breakfasts and six dinners included
- Optional single supplement (excludes yurt camp)
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
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.
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
Land Only
- Start City: Bishkek
- End City: Bishkek
Land Only Itinerary
Depart London
The group flights depart London this afternoon.
Arrive Bishkek; afternoon city tour
Our flights are scheduled to arrive into Bishkek in the morning; we will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel about an hour away. We have requested early check-in, 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)
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)
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)
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)
Konorchek Canyons and Cholpon-Ata; to Karakol
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)
Walk in the Jergalan Valley; drive to Djety Oguz
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
Walk in the gorges of the southern shore of Issyk Kul
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
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
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
Scenic drive back to Bishkek via mountain passes
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 (or similar)
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.
Fly to London
We’re driven to Bishkek airport for our flights back to London.
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 in the daily itinerary have been measured by our local partners or tour leaders, in many cases with satellite-based mapping software. However, 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 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:
Kemin guesthouse, Chon-Kemin:
Matsunoki Hotel, Karakol:
Kochkor homestays:
Son-Kul yurt camp:
Single supplement from CAD 465
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.
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.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/kyrgyz-republic
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/kyrgyzstan
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/kyrgyzstan/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Kyrgyzstan.html
Important note: You can be arrested if you are not carrying ID in Kyrgyzstan. You should carry your passport or a copy of it with you at all times.
Vaccinations and Health
Kyrgyzstan
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies, tuberculosis and typhoid. Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Ticks are known to be present in this region and can carry lyme disease, tick-borne encephalitis and other diseases. Please take care to protect yourself. You can read more about ticks here.
We are advised that there is no risk of malaria on this trip.
Local Time
Kyrgyzstan's time zone: Asia/Bishkek (UTC +06:00)
Electricity
Kyrgyzstan's electricity: Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 220V, 50Hz
Money
Kyrgyzstan's currency: Kyrgyzstani som (KGS)
ATM Availability
There are ATMs in Bishkek but some machines may not accept foreign cards. Cards are widely accepted at most restaurants and shops in major cities, but in villages only cash is accepted.
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.
SIM card availability:
- You have the option to purchase a SIM card for Kyrgyzstan either before your trip or upon arrival.
- If you prefer purchasing a SIM card upon arrival in Kyrgyzstan, you’ll find several options available, including at airports, convenience stores, and local network provider outlets
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.
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 though 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.
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 us 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.
Seatbelts
All vehicles used by us should be equipped with working seatbelts, except where approved by us based on the vehicle type or journey. Wherever seatbelts are available, we require our customers to use them for their own safety, even where it may not be a legal requirement.
How to Book
- Check availability: Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.
- Secure your place: You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between three and seven days.
- Complete your booking and payment
When you’re ready to book, go to our website for online bookings, book over the phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards, or you can pay be cheque.
After booking
You will receive your booking confirmation letter and invoice, which includes extra information and guidance about your travel arrangements.
Full joining instructions, including local emergency numbers and details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately two to three weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier, please contact our office or your travel agent.
Trip Note validity
These Trip Notes are valid from the “Current as” date on page one. They will occasionally be updated after booking and before departure; if there are any updates that significantly impact the inclusions or itinerary, customers will be written to separately. They will also receive a link to the most up-to-date Trip Notes with their Final Joining Instructions before travelling.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith. Where differences exist between the Trip Notes and our current brochure or website, the Trip Notes supersede the brochure and website. All holidays can be subject to unexpected changes; to enjoy them you should be prepared to be flexible where necessary. Occasionally, it may not be possible to follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons – climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will make the best-possible alternative arrangements that maintain the integrity of the original itinerary.
Licensing
Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number 2582, issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA – The Travel Association. This means you can book your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all money paid to us for your trip is fully protected.