Kyrgyzstan is an unexplored and unspoilt place, lost in the depths of central Asia. For thousands of years, its location was a booming reason for the Silk Road era as merchant caravans from the Far East passed through the region. The country, which until recently was beyond the reach of most travellers, has a unique natural wealth with over 40 peaks of over 6,000 metres and countless glacial lakes, such as Ala Kul and Boz Uchuk, towering at altitudes of 3-4,000 metres. Finally, the local minorities with their unchanged traditions offer an authentic travel experience of the nomadic way of life.
Our trip will focus on the country's natural "attractions" in the Karakol region, with multi-day treks along the AK Suu trail, among the top 100 treks in the world for National Geographic. Wild peaks, lush green valleys, lunar landscapes, glacial lakes and alpine forests, all in remote but beautiful locations, make up a unique setting that requires several days of trekking to experience, staying overnight in the countryside in traditional yurts and tents as the country lacks tourist infrastructure.
With the 60 km hiking program at altitudes of 1500 - 3,900 meters that we follow, we attempt an in-depth acquaintance and contact with the natural environment of the country, choosing to camp in remote places of unparalleled beauty, thus dedicating all the available time to the embrace of nature. Finally, the trekking trip offers a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the life of the nomadic tribes who, having explored these areas for centuries, are the best guides, offering the possibility of exploration in a remote area.
This programme is addressed to people "young at heart" who love nature, with a willingness to explore and a good physical condition (daily hikes of 10 km with altitude differences + 500 - 1000 meters) and with familiarity with staying in the open air in a tent.
Meeting at Eleftherios Venizelos Airport at 12:00.
Flight at 14:05 with Air Arabia to the capital of the country, Bishkek, with a stopover in the UAE.
Early morning arrival at 03:20 in Bishkek. Built on an 800-metre plateau at the foot of the Ala-Too mountain range, the city was an important stopping point for the caravans crossing the silk road from the Far East to Europe and as a result a melting pot of various cultures and religions that left their mark on the region.
Then transfer to the hotel for rest.
Later, after breakfast, we depart for Ala Archa National Park for an acclimatization hike to Ak Sai waterfall through beautiful route with lush vegetation. At noon we will return to town for an optional walk and lunch.
Accommodation at 3* My Hotel Bishkek, in double rooms with private bathroom and breakfast.
Driving : 107 km, 2 ½ hours
Hiking: 8 km, 4 hours.
Altitude Difference +700 meters. Maximum altitude 2,700 meters
Today we begin our trek inland and to Issyk Kul Lake, at the foot of the Tian Shan mountain range.
On the way to the lake, we will stop at the ancient Burana Tower, which is the only remnant of the city of Balasagun.
Later we will head to the photogenic area of the Ak Say red gorges known as the "Valley of Forgotten Rivers" due to the many dried up rivers.
Here we will stay overnight in traditional double or triple nomadic yurts with bathing at Jaichy Agro Yurt camp .
Breakfast and dinner are included.
Driving : 280 km, 5 hours.
Our day starts with a spectacular 1 hour Eagle Hunting Show.
Then we visit the unique landscapes along the Issyk Kul Lake. Starting with Mars Canyon, due to its red colors reminiscent of the planet Mars, we will explore and photograph the untouched landscape. A little further east, we'll find ourselves in the magical Fairytale Canyon. A "sea" of sandy and colorful canyons and valleys created by the influence and changes in weather patterns. Next stop, Jeti-Oguz with its characteristic 7 cliffs of great geological interest.
Arrival in Karakol and overnight at Oimo Hotel in double rooms with private bathroom and breakfast.
Breakfast and dinner included.
Driving : 190 km, 4 hours.
Hiking : 2 - 3 hours.
We depart by road to the Turgen Valley where we will start the multi-day Ak Suu trek in the Tien Shan mountain range. From here we will ascend a rocky field to Boz Uchuk Pass at 3,363m and the alpine lakes of the same name where we will camp.
Accommodation in the countryside in double tents. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner are included.
Driving : 1 ½ hours
Hiking : 11 km, 7-8 hours.
Altitude Difference +1020 m, - 300 m.
Maximum altitude 3,370 meters
Optional circular route up to the highest of the lakes, from where we have a panoramic view of the surrounding peaks.
Returning to the camp we will have breakfast and then continue crossing the Ak Suu trail with a trek to Jergez Pass at an altitude of 3,516 meters.
From there we will descend to the lush green Ailanysh valley where we will spend the night.
Accommodation in the countryside in double tents. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner are included.
Hiking : 11 km, 5 hours.
Altitude Difference +650 meters, - 600 meters.
Maximum altitude 3,460 meters
Today our route will take us up to an altitude of 3,620m. at the Ailanysh pass and from there we will descend to the Almaluu valley where we will spend the night.
Accommodation in the countryside in double tents. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner are included.
Hiking : 9 km, 5-7 hours.
Altitude Difference + 225 meters, - 900 meters.
Maximum altitude 3,620 meters
We start our day with an uphill walk up to the Ortok Pass at an altitude of 3609 m. From the pass there is the possibility for an optional walk to a peak with an altitude of 3729 m.
We continue the hike downhill to the idyllic Altyn Arashan valley which in Sanskrit means "Golden Hot Springs" because of the hot springs in the area.
Here we can enjoy spas at an altitude of 2,500 - 3,000 metres on the natural pedestals formed by the river of the same name.
Accommodation in Ala Kul yurt in double rooms with shared bathroom and hot spring bath. Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner are included.
Hiking : 13 km, 7 hours.
Altitude Difference + 850 meters, - 1100 meters.
We leave behind us the valley of the Arashan River and climb uphill towards the Ala Kul Pass, where we will camp at an altitude of 3600 m.
Accommodation in the open air in double tents.
Breakfast, picnic lunch and dinner included.
Hiking : 12 km, 7 hours.
Altitude Difference +850 m, - 1100 m
Maximum altitude 3,600 meters
In the morning we will climb Ala Kul pass at 3,910 meters with a breathtaking view of the alpine lake of the same name and the surrounding mountains.
The glacial lake Ala Kul with its crystal clear waters is one of the most beautiful lakes in the country.
We continue downhill until the end of the route, at the Sirota bridge.
From there, we will board vehicles to return to Karakol for an overnight stay at the Oimo Hotel in double rooms with bathroom and breakfast.
Breakfast and picnic lunch included
Hiking : 14 km, 7 hours.
Altitude Difference +380 meters, - 1420 meters.
Maximum altitude 3910 meters
Driving : 20 km,
Today we will return to the capital Bishkek via Lake Issyk Kul. Accommodation at 3* My Hotel Bishkek in double rooms with private bathroom and breakfast.
Breakfast is included.
Driving : 400 km, 7 hours
Very early in the morning we transfer to the airport for our flight back to Greece with departure time 04:20 and arrival in Athens 13:15.
Click here to see the table explaining the difficulty levels.
In case of cancellation of participation, the following cancellation fees apply
To reserve a seat you will need to book and pay a deposit of 500€ via our website in the "Book Now!" section.
Payment for the trip must be completed by 09 July.
Payment should be sent to the account below:
ALPHA BANK
Name : OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE
IBAN:GR1001407960796002002013550
REVOLUT
Name : OUTDOORS TRAINING IKE
IBAN:LT723250095571452419
SWIFT CODE: REVOLT21
When transferring or depositing money, please write your full name and the name of the trip in the REASON field
Departure
Saturday 9 August
Athens ATH - SHJ Sharjah
14:05 - 19:50
SHJ Sharjah - FRU Bishkek
21:30 - 03:20
Return
Wednesday 20 August
Bishkek FRU - SHJ Sharjah
04:20 - 06:25
SHJ Sharjah - ATH Athens
09:15 - 13:15
Travel Documents
A passport with an expiry date at least 6 months after the date of exit is required to enter the country. You will need to send us a copy of your passport.
Health & Safety
Although there are no mandatory vaccinations for entry into the country, before you travel, please contact the EODY Travel Medicine Office for guidance on the destination country.
However, travel insurance is not included, which if you wish you will need to arrange yourself.
At the link below you can view the benefits of the available plans and contact our insurance advisor to answer any questions you may have about the coverages Travel Insurance from Trekking Hellas
Climate
The trip is organised at the best time of year so that we can trek and explore the country when the country is in bloom. The climate of the country at the time of implementation is dry, with temperatures ranging between 10 - 20o C during the day and 0o C - 5o C in the evening. Warm clothing (fleece or vest jacket, long trousers, windbreaker) will be required as we will be moving at altitudes of 2,500 - 4,000 metres.
Currency Exchange & Communications
The Euro is accepted at all currency exchanges in the capital and ATMs are available to make withdrawals. Throughout the trip a sum of €200 is sufficient for personal expenses and food where not included however allow more for tips and personal purchases. For communication within and outside the country during the trip, we can buy a local sim card. However in several places during the trek there will be no coverage.
Transfers
Local transportation is by private vehicle.
During the trekking luggage is carried by porters and each participant can check in 5 kg of equipment for transportation.
If a participant wants to deliver more kilos, they can have a personal porter carrying up to 15 kilos at an indicative cost of 300€.
The local support team also carries all accommodation, cooking equipment etc.
Accommodation
Accommodation in Bishkek and Karakol will be in 3* hotels in double rooms with private bathroom and breakfast.In Ala Kul, we will stay 1 night in a hostel in double rooms with shared bathrooms and in Issyk Kul in a nomadic yurt in double and triple rooms.During the trekking, for 4 nights the accommodation is in double tents in secluded places and altitudes of 2,500 - 3,500 meters, often without signal.In each tent there is a simple gym mattress and sleeping bag. It is recommended that you bring a self-inflating sleeping pad and inflatable pillow.
Food
Breakfast is included daily, and dinner on the 2nd day.During the trek, the diet includes 3 meals per day prepared by the support team. Breakfast includes eggs, rice or oat porridge, tea , coffee.Lunch is prepared before departure with food brought in each morning (nuts, dried fruit, chocolates, fruit,). You can bring energy snacks with you.
Dinner includes a hot meal with soup, salad, rice, potatoes.
Water
The support team does not carry bottled water during the trekking.In the camp, the support team boils water, making it potable, either for tea, drinks etc.To make the necessary replenishment of fluids.
During trekking, we fill our canteens from crystal clear mountain springs, which however requires flora purification with filter or pillows.
Bring a 1 litre canteen with you, ideally with a filter. Alternatively, water purification tablets
Stream
During the trek, there is no possibility of charging.It is recommended to bring a power bank or portable solar panels.
Tip
Tipping is an optional movement which is usually skipped even by happy travelers. However, such a gesture is an essential reward to the local support team which implements the trip under difficult circumstances by providing all the amenities of accommodation and food.
Change of programme
Our office and local escorts have the discretion to modify the program if weather or other local conditions (strikes, political unrest, etc.) require it, with the main criterion being the smooth progress of the program and the safety of the participants. Any costs arising from such changes will be covered by the participants.