Overview
Kyrgyzstan’s landscape of alpine peaks and lakes is a spectacular—yet seldom visited—paradise for hikers. With Hashmat Singh, Trip Leader extraordinaire, we’ve created an active hiking adventure that explores this mountain realm and its fascinating and vibrant cultures. Our day hikes bring us into the dramatic red-rock canyons of Jeti-Oguz, through the verdant meadows and to glacial lakes above Kyzyl Suu, and into the Chong Kemin Valley, which covers an incredible range of ecosystems and terrains. We traverse lush gorges, hike below the lofty peaks of the “Celestial Mountains” and to the shores of magnificent lakes—including massive Lake Issyk-Kul and stunning Lake Song Kol, one of the most idyllic settings on the planet.
We’ll also delve into culture throughout our journey, as we experience life on a jailoo, or summer pasture, spend a few nights in a traditional yurt, and visit the lively animal market at Karakol, where locals buy and sell horses, sheep and goats. Witness the amazingly athletic Kyrgyz horseback games up-close and meet eagle hunters to see this thrilling ancient art in action. This fascinating crossroads, once a vibrant link on the Silk Road, also offers a rich culinary tapestry, with traditions that reach both east and west, as well as back in time. At our meals with local families we’ll taste dishes that have been influenced by Russians, Turks, Chinese, Mongols, and Tartars. Join us for an exhilarating Silk Road adventure with beloved leader Hashmat Singh—he’s been captivated by the beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s terrain and the welcoming nature of her people, who are relaxed, open, and eager to share their world.
Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country and each area we visited was a unique experience. I enjoyed the added cultural and historical additions to our hiking days. The felt demonstration, yurt building, home visit, eagle hunters, and boat ride added much to our adventure.
— Lynn T., Portland, OR
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-2
Bishkek’s Bazaar / Ala Archa
After exploring Bishkek and the wealth of colors and scents in Osh Bazaar, we stretch our legs on a hike beneath the rugged peaks of Ala Archa Canyon.
Days 3-6
Lake Issyk-Kul / Horseback Games / Karakol Market
We hike along azure-blue Lake Issyk-Kul, encircled by mountains, visit a massive lakeside petroglyph site, and hike below the red-rock towers of Jeti-Oguz. We’ll be welcomed by a nomad family for a delightful lunch in their richly decorated yurt, and sip tea from a samovar at a local village as we watch Kyrgyz horsemen compete in a game of ulak-tartysh—a thrilling sight! Karakol is an ancient Silk Road crossroads, and at its famous market, we witness the lively bidding among traders of horses, sheep, and cattle. One evening, we dine with a Chinese-Dungan family—and join them to make delicious hand-pulled noodles.
Days 7-14
Yurt Camping / Eagle Hunters / Lake Song Köl
In the beautiful Kyzyl Suu Valley, our special tented camp at a crystal-clear stream gives us access to stunning hikes among summer jailoos (yurts) below dramatic peaks. Heading to our yurt camp above the wild southern shore of gorgeous Lake Issyk-Kul, we’ll savor a lunch of Kyrgyz dishes and meet an eagle hunter to learn about this fascinating tradition of training eagles—golden eagles are magnificent creatures! At remote Lake Song Köl, at nearly 10,000 feet, our hike brings us up to airy Jalgyz Karagai Pass (11,276') for panoramic views of the highest peaks in the Celestial Mountains. Depart on Day 14 from Bishkek.
Kyrgyzstan: Hiking in the Celestial Mountains
