Kyrgyzstan
Lakes and mountains of the Tien Shan: celestial hikes
Réf : AKIRLACX
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelIntermediate
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DestinationAsia / Kyrgyzstan
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AgeFrom 18 - 90 years
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CO₂-Emissions3641.78 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages🇫🇷French
In a few words
In the heart of Central Asia , this journey is an immersion into an authentic and contrasting Kyrgyzstan , a land of nomadic traditions and settled influences. On foot, we traverse the vast, unspoiled landscapes of this little-known country, from high-altitude pastures and rugged ridges to spectacular canyons , culminating at the turquoise shores of Lake Song-Kul , a sacred place for Kyrgyz shepherds. The trek takes us through the Tian Shan Mountains , revealing an incredible diversity of landscapes, from shimmering glaciers to verdant valleys , perfect for contemplation and hiking.
Each stage of the journey is punctuated by warm encounters : nights spent in traditional yurts or izbas , sharing typical meals, and discovering an ancestral way of life . The genuine welcome of the locals reveals the generosity and cultural richness of this still relatively undiscovered land. A few swims in high-altitude lakes complete this adventure, which is punctuated by accessible hikes that never compromise on the beauty of the landscapes.
An itinerary designed for those seeking escape , encounters , and a deep connection to nature , in a country still preserved from mass tourism.
The highlights
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3-day trek in the Celestial Mountains, breathtaking scenery
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Hiking to the Tach Rabat caravanserai, and to the Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul lakes
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Cozy nights spent with locals in authentic yurts and izbas
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Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
For those wishing to hike for 4 to 5 hours a day, covering an elevation gain of around 600m on trails. You hike occasionally and are in good physical condition.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 4h
- Average daily elevation gain: 334 m
- Average daily descent: 267 m
- Maximum altitude: 1650 m
Management
During this stay, a supervisor will be present to guide and assist you.
Languages spoken:
🇫🇷
French
Supervisor
Supervisor
Program
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Paris - Bishkek
- Transportation Plane - 09h35 - 6090km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Departure from Paris and overnight flight to Bishkek.Day 1 -
Bishkek (800 m)
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Early morning airport pick-up. Check-in and time to rest at our hotel, breakfast around 10:00 AM, then departure for the capital's main market, the Osh Bazaar, where merchants from all over the country gather. A vibrant and colorful spectacle. Lunch on your own in the city. The afternoon is dedicated to exploring the capital. Bishkek (meaning "churn" in English) is a rather airy and leafy city. We will visit its parks and attractions, many bearing the marks of the Soviet era. It is striking to see how the Kyrgyz people embrace this past, which is now part of their heritage. Dinner on your own in the city and overnight at the hotel.Day 2 -
Lake Issyk Kul - Karakol (1750 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 07h - 300km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We set off early in the morning towards Karakol ("black water"), located on the other side of Lake Issyk-Kul ("the hot lake"—indeed, due to geothermal activity, the lake never freezes). We drive along the Kazakh border before entering the impressive Boom Gorge, which takes us to an altitude of 1,600 meters, on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Around midday, we reach the northern shore of the lake, at Cholpon-Ata. We stroll along the edge of what is called a "sea" here and have lunch by the lake. A chance to discover the unusual Kyrgyz seaside resort! We then gain altitude to visit an open-air museum of petroglyphs dating back to the Bronze Age. On the other side of the lake, the central Tien Shan mountains rise to over 5,000 meters, with their peaks and glaciers. We arrive in Karakol at the end of the day. We settled into our homestay and enjoyed a Dungan dinner. The Dungan are a Muslim ethnic group of Chinese who sought refuge in eastern Kyrgyzstan in the 19th century. They have preserved Chinese culinary traditions, and their food is excellent. We savored this festive meal!Day 3 -
Karakol - Djety Oguz Gorges - Tamga (1750 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 87km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h30
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 200 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave our guesthouse after breakfast and begin with a stroll through the town center. We visit the very aesthetically pleasing Dungan mosque, resembling a pagoda (a nod to Chinese tradition!), as well as the Orthodox Christian church built entirely of wood. It's a chance to begin to grasp all the contrasts of this country. In the late morning, we set off on a hike near the stunning red sandstone gorges of Djeti Oguz. We then head to Tamga in the afternoon. Weather permitting, we might even take a dip in Lake Issyk-Kul! We then settle into a charming izba (traditional log house) with a local family. Unlike Chopon Ata and the northern shore, Tamga has retained a more authentic and wild feel. A walk along the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul is the perfect way to end the day. Dinner and overnight stay with the family, for a meal this time more in keeping with Slavic tradition.Day 4 -
Tossor - Trek in the Tien Shan (2800 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Maximum altitude 1650 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today we are driven to the starting point of our trek in the Jely-Su massif. We will be crossing the central Tien Shan Mountains from north to south! After loading the vehicle, we board a Russian army van which takes us to the foot of the Tossor Pass. We begin the day by crossing the Tossor Gorge (1650 m) to reach the beautiful alpine valley of Ak-Tierek. Here, the snow-capped peaks and spruce trees offer us a magnificent panorama... The hike begins at around 2000 meters altitude. We start our ascent towards the Tossor Pass and discover the sub-mass of the Celestial Mountains: the Tierskeye-Alatoo, whose peaks, reaching 4500 m, separate the seaside resort of Issyk-Kul from that of Naryn. When we arrive, the mess tent is set up and we are welcomed to the campsite for a nice snack, often including a refreshing watermelon. Note: This hike, due to its elevation gain, is close to a level 3 difficulty level. However, we have the whole day to complete this non-technical hike at a leisurely pace. And, if needed, a support truck follows at a distance for camp logistics and can transport us.Day 5 -
Trekking in the Tien Shan - Tossor Pass (3895 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 950 m
- Negative elevation 400 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
On the way to the Tossor Pass (3895 m). The ascent takes us through a landscape of an ancient glacial valley, offering extraordinary views of Lake Issyk-Kul and perhaps the Tungey-Alatoo Mountains that border the lake's north shore and form the border with Kazakhstan. We make a short stop at a yurt to visit a nomadic family and taste the famous koumiss (fermented mare's milk). We admire the herds of horses, sheep, and Dzo (a yak-cow hybrid). Later, glaciers and moraines accompany us as we cross the pass, where we discover the magnificent and wild high valley of Achoulou-Teubeu, a true high-mountain experience on non-technical terrain. From there, we enjoy a beautiful panorama of the surrounding snow-capped mountains and the summer pastures where the nomads live in extreme conditions. With a bit of luck, we spot marmots. Camp will be set up on the banks of the glacial river, at an altitude of over 3,000 meters, in a magnificent setting. Note: This hike, due to its elevation gain, is close to a level 3 difficulty level. However, we have the entire day to complete this non-technical hike at a leisurely pace. And, if needed, a support truck will follow at a distance for camp logistics and transport.Day 6 -
Trekking in the Tien Shan
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breaking camp, we set off on a flat, downhill stage through the beautiful Achoulou-Teubeu Valley. This stunning, wild valley stretches for over 60 km! Along the way, we'll encounter some Kachar people, where we might be invited to share tea or Koumis (fermented mare's milk) with the yak herders. As we meet them, the Tchabans (herders) supply us with butter, cream, and milk during these three days of trekking. We set up camp. The valley unfolds on the horizon, with the Molde Bachi mountain (Monk's Head) as a backdrop. The ground is covered in multicolored alpine flora and veritable carpets of edelweiss.Day 7 -
Djély-Sou - A Visit to the Eagle Shop - Naryn
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 1h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After a final dismantling of camp, we set off on a short, hour-long hike to stretch our legs. The magnificent landscapes of the valley unfold before us. Afterwards, we board the minibus and are taken to Naryn. On the way, we stop in the stunning Kitchi-Naryn Valley for a picnic lunch near beautiful spruce forests, in a much more rugged setting of rapids and cliffs. Before arriving in Naryn, we visit a young eagle hunter, practicing one of the oldest trades of the nomads. He invites us into his barn to show us his eagle before a demonstration. A truly authentic experience. In Naryn, we have dinner and spend the night in a guesthouse.Day 8 -
Livestock market of At Bachi - Tach Rabat (3000 m)
- Transportation 04h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we are driven to the Tach Rabat Valley, where semi-desert and verdant landscapes unfold. We pass through the village of At-Bachi with its small local market and livestock market, which we visit. Further along the road, we stop at the ruins of the fortress city of Kochoi Korgon, founded near China in the 13th century by the Karakhanid dynasty (of Turkic origin), allowing Silk Road caravans to stop before passing through the Jade Gate. This short journey follows one of the trade routes along the Naryn Valley, which, from the 10th to the 13th centuries, connected the Fergana Valley to China. Upon arrival in the beautiful Tach Rabat Valley, we settle into our yurt. We enjoy a pleasant shower-sauna (heated with cow dung) to wash up.Day 9 -
Caravanserai and hiking - Introduction to horseback riding (optional)
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 50km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 450 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Breakfast in the yurt, then departure for a visit to the Tach Rabat caravanserai (the "stone house"). Built in the 15th century, it served as a stopover for caravans traveling to Kashgar and China, just a few kilometers away. It is built on the site of a former Nestorian (Christian) temple dating back to the 10th century. We then set off on a hike towards the stunning Itchike Valley. The granite gives way to black schist, a striking contrast to the alpine meadows. We enjoy the beautiful panorama of the surrounding peaks that form the border with China. We arrive in the Itchike Valley for a picnic lunch. We are surrounded by impressive marl and limestone mountains with overturned strata. In the afternoon, our minibus picks us up. We return to the Tach Rabat yurt camp for some well-deserved free time. There is an opportunity to try horseback riding.Day 10 -
Tash Rabat - Song Koul (3000 m)
- Transportation 06h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early breakfast in the yurt and departure for the sacred lake of the Kyrgyz nomads, Song-Kul. We cross the beautiful At-Bachi Valley, surrounded by the Tien Shan mountains, which rise to nearly 5,000 meters. The road continues, and we arrive at the white desert (Ak Tal). The sedimentary valley, sculpted by erosion, has created a landscape reminiscent of Colorado. After climbing impressive switchbacks and a pass at 3,300 meters, we arrive in the afternoon at the lake's edge to settle into our yurt camp and explore the vast wilderness of this little paradise bathed in its unique light. Dinner and overnight stay in the yurt.Day 11 -
Lake Song Kul, nomadic life and hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 600 m
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We spend the day around the yurt camp, fully immersing ourselves in the life and activities of the nomads. Following the shepherds, we climb to the ridges to enjoy the morning light and discover a stunning view of the lake. We can also watch the mares being milked. After lunch at the yurt camp, we have free time to wander, delve deeper into these encounters, or try our hand at horseback riding. Before dinner, we watch traditional equestrian games (buzkashi, a kind of Kyrgyz polo!). Dinner and overnight stay in the yurt.Day 12 -
Lake Song Koul -Kochkor (1770 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We leave the sacred lake and set off on another hike in the morning. Our vehicle meets us along the way. We head towards Kochkor. We visit a felt workshop, a local specialty (yurts are made of felt). We arrive in the late afternoon to settle into our homestay, enjoy a traditional dinner with a storyteller of Manas (a legendary Kyrgyz hero), traditional music and songs, and a demonstration of local crafts.Day 13 -
Kochkor - Bishkek
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
Early breakfast and departure for Bishkek. Lunch en route. Stop to visit the Burana Tower and arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon. Dinner at your leisure.Day 14 -
Bishkek - Paris
- Transportation Plane - 09h35 - 6090km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Last moments in Bishkek before heading to Manas International Airport for the return flight to France. Arrival the same day.Day 15
Note
Walking and transport times are given as a guide and may vary depending on the groups, terrain conditions and roads.
Accommodation
During this stay, you will sleep in several different accommodations.
Access
Departure
Bishkek, Kirghizistan
Day 1
End of stay
Bishkek, Kirghizistan
Day 15
Go to the starting point
The nearest airport isBishkek
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Price details
The price includes
- International flights and airport taxes
- Supervision by a local French-speaking guide-tour leader
- Land transport
- The excursions detailed in the program
- The accommodations as indicated in the itinerary
- Full board except for meals listed as "free" in the daily itinerary
The price does not include
- The contribution to carbon neutrality: €10 per person
- Drinks and mineral water during the stay, including during meals (see section "Food").
- Meals listed as 'free' in the daily itinerary. Expect to pay around €3 to €8 per meal.
- Tips for local teams (see section "Tips").
Options
- Additional night in Bishkek in a single room : CHF66.50 / person
- Additional night in Bishkek in a double room : CHF47.50 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Decathlon Travel Partner
The Paulin team
4.4/5
(2842 reviews)
• 821 stays
For over 30 years, our local partner has been designing adventure walking trips around the world. Specializing in small-group treks, they cater to both casual hikers and seasoned trekkers seeking unspoiled natural environments and a return to the essentials. Their key strength? They own their own agencies in over 30 countries, guaranteeing complete trip creation from start to finish, without intermediaries. This direct, on-the-ground expertise ensures memorable active experiences and total freedom amidst breathtaking landscapes.
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