November 9, 2019

Hiking Adventure in Kyrgyzstan

Asia Cultural Hiking & Trekking Traveler Stories

What it’s like hiking the remote Tienshan Mountains in Kyrgyzstan.

From the red rock mountains to the warm culture of its people, Kyrgyzstan is one of the most exciting off-the-beaten-path hiking destinations in the world. Our Trip Leader Hashmat Singh recently came back with a field report from our first expedition. Take a look at what the group experienced on our Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains trip.

A rugged, brown mountain range with snow-capped peaks in the background, grassy plains in the foreground, and scattered hay bales with a few buildings and people make for an adventurous scene in Kyrgyzstan, perfect for those who love hiking.

Kyrgyzstan is the most beautiful place you’ve never heard of and everywhere in the country is off the beaten path! Big mountains of the world have always attracted me so it was just a matter of time before I made it to this fascinating country at the base of the Tienshan Mountains.

Red rock cliffs in the background with scattered green vegetation and trees in the foreground, along with a wooden fence and a small shed. Sunny weather with a clear blue sky and scattered clouds create an ideal setting for an adventure.

Geographically fascinating, the several valleys south of the Issyk Kul Lake are lush green with red cliffs and snow-covered mountains. We explore many of them.

Hikers embark on an adventure along a narrow dirt trail through a hilly landscape in Kyrgyzstan, covered with colorful autumn foliage.

We have the trails all to ourselves—when they exist at all!

A group of hikers embark on an adventure, walking on a path towards a large, red sandstone rock formation under a partly cloudy blue sky in the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan is 80 percent mountainous and is a great place for hiking, and it has yet to receive a lot of tourists.

Two adventurous hikers walk along a trail surrounded by red rock formations and greenery in the mountainous terrain of Kyrgyzstan.

The Jeti Ogyuz rocks, or the “Seven Bulls,” is a well recognized and dramatic geographical attraction, yet we were the only ones on the hike leading up to the rocks.

A row of blue and grey tents set up on a grassy plain in Kyrgyzstan, with snowy mountains and evergreen trees in the background under a clear blue sky, offers the perfect base for hiking and adventure.

We set up a deluxe camp for two nights in the Kuzl Su valley with stand-up tents with cots and even a “Banya,” a Russian-style tented sauna!

Two people embark on an adventurous hike along a rocky stream in the mountainous landscape of Kyrgyzstan, surrounded by evergreen trees and cloudy skies.

It was difficult to choose the hikes as there were far too many beautiful trails.

A person stands outdoors next to large rocks in Kyrgyzstan and points to ancient carvings on one of the stones, with mountains and a cloudy sky in the background—an adventure that merges history with hiking.

The petroglyphs in the Cholpon Ata area date from the 2nd millennium BCE to the 4th century AD.

Kyrgyzstan has more to offer than several countries combined. Besides its huge mountains, the country is home to many lakes, is a melting pot of cultures, and the food is delightful! Yurts are everywhere—we even learned how to make yurts on our adventure!