Kyrgyzstan: Tian Shan Gorge Trek
Overview
Highlights
- Enjoy views of Lake Issyk-Kul and Aka-Kul
- Hike through six different gorges, including the famously beautiful Jety-Oguz Canyon
- Take the chance to bathe in the Altyn Arashan hot springs
- Discover Bishkek, Burana Tower and the Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs
- Enjoy panoramic views from the Telety Pass
- Learn how to make traditional lagman noodles in a family home in Karakol
- Walk to the foot of Karakol Peak, the highest in the Terskey Ala-Too Range
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Trip includes
- All accommodation
- All listed transport and activities
- Tour leader throughout
- Arrival and departure transfers (group flights only)
Itinerary
The tour starts in Bishkek. We have requested an early check-in for all clients, so the rooms should be ready when you arrive. Join at the start hotel no later than midday as we have a city tour in the afternoon. Bishkek is the modern capital city and industrial cent...
We take an excursion to Ala-Archa National Park, about 40-60 minutes (25mi/40km) north of Bishkek, and go for a gentle warm-up walk, usually to a waterfall. Accommodation: Hotel Resident (or similar)
We begin our journey towards the Tian Shan or, more specifically, the Terskey Ala-Too range. Our destination is Tosor on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. The drive is approximately 193mi (310km), which takes six to seven hours. We break up the journey with a visi...
We have a free morning to take in the scenery, perhaps swim in the lake or sunbathe on its shores. After lunch at the yurt camp, we drive for around 1hr 30min (45mi/70km) to Juuku Gorge and onwards into a smaller branch of the canyon – Juukuchak Gorge. Upon arrival, o...
We set off after breakfast, taking a trail from the foot of the mountains up and over Orto-Bulak Pass (8,335ft/2,540m) in the Kichi-Kyzyl-Suu Gorge. The scenery is pristine, which adds to the beauty. Accommodation: Full-service wild camping
This morning, we follow the trail to Chon Kyzyl-Suu Gorge, which is popular with Kyrgyz nomads as there are many green pastures and mountain rivers. We usually see several nomadic families along the way, together with their livestock and yurt settlements. We reach our...
We continue our hike to the Jety-Oguz Gorge, one of the most beautiful and famous canyons in Kyrgyzstan. To reach it, we must cross the river and the Kok-Jaiyk Pass (9,020ft/2,750m). It’s quite a climb but the view from the top gives us a new appreciation of these so-...
We meet our team of porters this morning, who carry our main luggage for the remainder of the trek. We follow a path along the bank of the West Telety River, through a very narrow wooded gorge (Bay Tor), and eventually emerge in alpine meadows. We usually stop for a p...
Today is a challenging day with a reasonable amount of ascent and descent and some tricky terrain. The route over Telety Pass follows a narrow path, which ascends gradually for the most part. There are, however, two steep slopes, which require considerable effort. Fro...
We go on a round-trip daywalk up and along the Uyun Tor River to the foot of Karakol Peak. We have a chance to see Tian Shan blue spruce forest, underwood (dog rose, honeysuckle, black barberries, mountain ash, blackcurrants etc) and wild mushrooms. In the summer, flo...
Although the distance today is not great, this is a tough walk due to the amount of ascent, especially if it is hot. We firstly descend along the gorge for about 0.6mi (1km), and then cross the river by bridge to follow the trail into a forest. A long ascent brings us...
As we ascend, we enjoy wonderful views of the lake. In the Kyrgyz language, Ala-Kul means colourful lake, and its water can appear in different colours depending on the light. As we get closer to the shores, we see the main Terskey Ala-Too range, including Aksu, Djigi...
This morning, we spend time admiring Altyn Arashan and the surrounding area, especially the fir forest, which contrasts with the snowy mountain backdrop. We then descend to Karakol town by military truck (approximately one hour). Depending on the route conditions, we ...
We drive back to Bishkek, stopping to visit the Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs along the north shore of Lake Issyk-Kul en route. The drive is approximately 155mi (250km) and takes five to six hours – we stop for lunch at a road cafe on the way. Close to Cholpon Ata are Scyt...
The tour ends in Bishkek after breakfast and we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay in the capital city.
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Dates & Availability
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The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.
Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.
Exodus Travels Reviews & Ratings
Vast landscapes and stunning scenery
A fantastic trip! When I told people that I had been hiking in Kyrgyzstan, nearly everyone immediately asked 'where?' It is a remarkable country, and a trip that h...
Other Exodus Travels Reviews
Patient and knowledgeable operative
Rick was really helpful and patient. He explained things clearly, was happy to answer questions. It is a long time since I last travelled solo but I felt confident t...
Very professional organisation
Very professional organisation, trip leaders and guides. Good cultural ethics and a genuine interest in sustainable tourism, hence Exodus values are aligned to my o...
India, the Tropical South
An excellent trip, we really enjoyed it and would highly recommend. Our guide Biju deserves a special thank you for being brilliant, he really adds to the experience...
Tour Operator
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Logistics
What's excluded
- Travel insurance
- Single accommodation (available on request)
- Visas or vaccinations
Accommodation
The cancellation policies of this trip when booked through Travelstride are determined by the stated policies of the tour operator - Exodus Travels.
If you or any other member of your party decides to cancel a confirmed booking you must notify Travelstride in writing. Your notice of cancellation will only take effect when it is received in writing by Travelstride and will be effective from the date on which we receive it.
If You Cancel Your Holiday
You, or any member of your party, may cancel your travel arrangements at any time. Written notification from the lead name or your travel agent must be received at our offices.
Since we incur costs in canceling your travel arrangements, you will have to pay cancellation charges as follows (see also the exceptions below):
- More than 42 days - No cancellation fee. Deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original booking. Any remaining balance will be refundedThis excludes all non-refundable costs as set out in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 41 and 21 days (inclusive) - No cancellation fee. Balance and deposit can be transferred to a new booking departing within 2 years of date of travel of original bookingThis excludes all non-refundable costs as further explained in clause 4 above (for example international and domestic flights and local services).
- Between 20 and 15 days (inclusive) - 80% of the holiday cost
- 14 days or less; or failure to join the holiday (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Certain trips may involve different cancellation charges; you will be advised if this is applicable to your holiday during the booking process.For Polar holidays, the following cancellation charges will be made for all Polar holidays. Period before departure in which you notify us:
Cancelation charge
- More than 133 days - Deposit only
- 133 days or less (or failure to join the holiday) (inclusive) - 100% of the holiday cost
Notes (i) Your deposit is non-refundable, even if the cancellation charge calculated is lower than the deposit amount paid; (ii) If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges; (iii) certain travel arrangements may be subject to higher cancellation charges and could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements from the moment the booking is confirmed.
If You Change Your Booking
If, after our Booking Confirmation has been issued, you wish to change your travel arrangements in any way, for example your chosen departure date or accommodation, we will do our utmost to make these changes but it may not always be possible. Any request for changes to be made must be in writing from the lead name or your travel agent. You will be asked to pay an administration charge of $60, and any further cost we incur in making this alteration (including those charged by third party suppliers who provide the component parts of your booking). You should be aware that these costs could increase the closer to the departure date that changes are made and you should contact us as soon as possible. Note: Certain travel arrangements may not be changeable after a reservation has been made and any alteration request could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
You can transfer your booking to another person, who satisfies all the conditions that apply to this booking, by giving us notice in writing at least 7 days before departure provided that the new lead passenger accepts the transfer and these Terms and Conditions. Both you and the new traveler are responsible for paying all costs we incur in making the transfer. Please bear in mind that certain airlines and other transport providers treat changes as a cancellation and charge accordingly, up to 100% of the cost for that part of the arrangement. Where applicable these charges will be passed on to you.
If We Cancel Your Booking
Exodus reserves the right to cancel an itinerary before departure for any reason whatsoever, including too few participants ,logistical problems, a Force Majeure Event (as defined in Section 8), or any other circumstances that may make operation of the trip inadvisable. All trip payments received will be promptly refunded, and this refund will be the limit of Exodus’s liability without any further obligation on Exodus’s part. Exodus is not responsible for any expenses incurred by trip members in preparing for the trip, including non-refundable or penalty-carrying airline tickets, special clothing, visa or passport fees, or other trip-related expenses.
If We Change Your Booking
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Changes to the price. We can change your holiday price after you’ve booked, only in certain circumstances. Changes in the price of the carriage of passengers resulting from changes to the cost of fuel or other power sources, the level of taxes or fees imposed by third parties including tourist taxes, landing taxes or embarkation or disembarkation fees at ports and airports, or exchange rates mean that the price of your travel arrangements may change after you have booked.
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Changes other than the price. It is a term of your booking that we are able to make changes to any aspect of your booking. If the change is insignificant, we will ensure that you are notified about it. Examples of insignificant changes include alteration of your accommodation to another of the same or higher standard. If we are forced by circumstances beyond our control to alter significantly any of the main characteristics of the travel services that make up your package you will have the rights set out below.
2.1 - We will contact you and you will have the choice of accepting the change or having a refund of all monies paid. You can also accept an alternative holiday, where we offer one (we will refund any price difference if the alternative is of a lower value). We will tell you the procedure for making your choice. Please read any notification of changes carefully and respond promptly as if you do not respond to us within the timescale given your booking may be canceled.
2.2 - If you choose to accept a refund then that is the only liability we have and we will not be liable for any further sums, compensation or otherwise and you are advised to adequately insure yourselves against cancellation for any reason
Please note that insurance premiums and amendments charges are not refundable in any circumstances.
Once you have put down a deposit for a tour, you are unable to cancel and re-book within a promotional period and we reserve the right to amend the pricing on any new booking you make within that time. If you cancel a tour and book the same tour under a promotional code, we reserve the right to decline the booking.
Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended after they have been confirmed and any alteration or cancellation could incur a cancellation charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements in addition to the charge above.
If the reason for your cancellation is covered under the terms of your insurance policy, you may be able to reclaim these charges.
Where possible, we will deduct the cancellation charge(s) from any monies you have already paid to us.
For more additional details, see the booking conditions of TruTravels at the following web address: https://www.exodustravels.com/us/about-exodus/exodus-booking-conditions.
- Eight days of point-to-point walking with full porterage
- Altitude maximum: 12,470ft (3,800m); average: 8,955ft (2,730m)
- Four nights in hotels, eight nights of full-service camping and two nights in a basic yurt camp (multi-share)
- All breakfasts, 12 lunches and 12 dinners included
- Optional single supplement (excludes yurt camps)
- Part of the Aldo Kane collection
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