Trekking to Lake Son-Kol and climbing Yukhin Peak in Kyrgyzstan
In summary
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Sports
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Duration15 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationAsia / Kyrgyzstan
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AgeFrom 18 - 75 years
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CO₂-Emissions291.36 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Immerse yourself in the heart of Central Asia with this exclusive itinerary that blends wild peaks and cultural heritage. Your adventure begins with an acclimatization trek to the crystal-clear shores of Lake Son-Kol . This gradual stage across the Kyrgyz highlands offers a complete immersion in nomadic life , amidst verdant pastures and traditional yurts.
The journey then intensifies as you head south into the Pamir Mountains. You'll take on the challenge of altitude with the ascent of Yukhin Peak , reaching 5,130 meters . This technically accessible summit offers exceptional views of the sparkling glaciers and the legendary Lenin Peak .
To conclude this epic journey in style, a land transfer via Osh opens the doors to Uzbekistan . This seamless extension naturally connects the landscapes of Kyrgyzstan with the jewels of the Silk Road . An ideal combination for travelers seeking wide-open spaces and spectacular panoramas .
The highlights
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Exceptional view of Lenin Peak and its glaciers
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From Lake Son-Köl to the Pamir glaciers, magnificent landscapes
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Ascent of Yukhin Peak (5,130 m), an accessible high-altitude summit
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trip requires a very good level of physical fitness.
In figures
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 1 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 418 m
- Average daily descent: 458 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
This is a perfectly fluent French-speaking guide (or English-speaking for non-French-speaking travelers).
You will be accompanied by a local French-speaking guide (or English-speaking guide for non-French-speaking travelers) throughout the trip, as well as a team of grooms who care for the pack horses during the treks. An additional mountain guide will be provided for the ascent of Yukhin Peak.
Program
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Arrival in Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 43km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You will be met at the airport by your local team and transferred to your hotel. After a few hours of rest, you will depart for your first exploration of the city. Visit Ala-Too Square, the central hub of the country's cultural and political events, followed by a stroll through Osh Bazaar and the discovery of other iconic Bishkek landmarks.
Lunch and dinner at a local restaurant.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Route to Kochkor
- Transportation Minibus - 03h30 - 200km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Distance 7 km
- Positive elevation gain 98 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from Bishkek around 9 a.m. towards Kochkor. En route, visit to the Burana Tower (11th century), a vestige of an ancient Silk Road city.
Lunch at a Dungan family's home, a Muslim community of Chinese origin established in Kyrgyzstan since the 19th century, to discover their traditional cuisine.
In the afternoon, a walk (approximately 2 hours round trip) in the spectacular Konorchek canyons, located in the Boom gorge.
Arrival in Kochkor, check-in at a guesthouse.
Dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 -
Hike to the Kilemche alpine pasture
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 80km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 200 m
- Negative elevation 100 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Approximately 1 hour drive to the Kyzart Pass, starting point of our 4-day trek to Lake Son-Kol.
The hike begins with packhorses to carry the luggage. We cross the Chaar-Archa valley and pass over the pass of the same name before reaching the Kilemche pastures.
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.
Day 3 -
Lake Son-Kol
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h30
- Positive elevation gain 800 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, continue the hike towards Lake Son-Kol. Gradual ascent to the Jalgyz-Karagay pass (3,300 m), offering superb panoramas over the vast high-altitude pastures.
A gentle descent to the lake, with lunch in a yurt. Then, continue to the Tuz Ashu area, on the lake shore.
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.
Day 4 -
Hiking along the lake
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 3h30
- Positive elevation gain 80 m
- Negative elevation 80 m
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A peaceful day at the shores of Lake Son-Kol. An easy hike along the banks, through yurt camps and herds of horses and sheep.
Free time in the afternoon to enjoy the surroundings, meet the nomads or relax.
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt
Approximately 3.5 hours of walking
Day 5 -
End of the trek. Transfer to Kyzyl-Oi
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 95km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 4h30
- Positive elevation gain 300 m
- Negative elevation 1300 m
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Last day of trekking. Descent towards the village of Kyzart by crossing a pass, with beautiful views of the surrounding valleys.
Lunch at a local's home, then transfer by vehicle to Kyzyl-Oi along the Kökömeren river.
Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.
Day 6 -
Heading south of the country
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 490km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A very long day's drive to reach the city of Jalal-Abad. Along the way, stops near the Toktogul and Kurpsai dams, key elements in the country's electricity production.
Tired from the journey, we checked into a hotel. Dinner at a restaurant.
Day 7 -
Visit to the country's second largest city - Osh
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 100km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for Osh. On the way, visit the historical monuments of Ozgon, including the mausoleums and the tower dating from the Karakhanid period (11th century).
Upon arrival in Osh, discover the sacred mountain Sulaiman-Too, a World Heritage Site.
Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 8 -
Transfer to Tulpar-Kol, the starting point for the trek
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 250km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Positive elevation gain 150 m
- Negative elevation 149 m
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departing from Osh towards Tulpar-Kol, nestled at the foot of the majestic Lenin Peak (7,134 m), one of the iconic summits of the Pamir range. The road crosses the spectacular landscapes of the Alay Valley, between vast pastures, isolated villages and magnificent panoramas.
Upon arrival, you will be settled in a yurt camp, facing the snow-capped peaks.
In the afternoon, a short acclimatization hike (approximately 2 hours) around the lake, ideal for a first immersion in altitude.
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt.
Day 9 -
Petrovsky Ridge
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A day dedicated to acclimatization with the gradual ascent of the Petrovsky ridge. This hike offers exceptional panoramas of Lenin Peak, the Lenin Glacier and the immense Alay Valley.
A moderate pace walk with regular breaks to allow for gradual acclimatization to the altitude and equipment checks. Opportunity to observe local pastoral life with herds of yaks and horses roaming freely.
Return to camp at the end of the day.
Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp
Day 10 -
Hike to Camp 1
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Positive elevation gain 900 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Camping
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure for a more challenging day towards the advanced base camp of Lenin Peak, located in the Achik-Tash region.
Crossing high-altitude landscapes combining alpine meadows, moraines, and glacial rivers. Passing through the famous "Travelers Pass," offering spectacular views of the Lenin Glacier, then progressing across glacial terrain to Camp 1.
Setting up a tent in a high mountain environment.
Night at Camp 1.
Day 11 -
Ascent of Yukhin Peak – return to Camp 1
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 9h
- Positive elevation gain 749 m
- Negative elevation 750 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Early departure for the ascent of Yukhin Peak (approximately 5,130 m), an accessible summit offering a high-altitude mountaineering experience.
Progression over varied terrain (trails, snow and ice). From the summit, spectacular panorama of Lenin Peak, Lenin Glacier and the entire Pamir mountain range.
Descent to Camp 1 in the afternoon.
Day 12 -
Back to Tulpar-Kol
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Negative elevation 900 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A gradual descent towards Tulpar-Kol via the same route. The landscapes gradually change, giving way to verdant alpine pastures contrasting with the snow-capped peaks in the background.
Free time at the end of the day to relax or enjoy the lakeside area.
Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp.
Day 13 -
Back to Osh/Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 04h30 - 250km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Departure from Tulpar-Kol towards Osh using the same road.
Upon arrival in Osh, check into a comfortable hotel for the night before departing for Uzbekistan the next day OR transfer to the airport and flight to Bishkek (domestic flight of approximately 45 minutes).
Airport pick-up and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner at a restaurant.
Overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 14 -
Transfer to the airport
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 35km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Bishkek airport according to your flight schedule (or to the border with Uzbekistan for those continuing their journey to Uzbekistan).
Day 15
Accommodation
Access
Go to the starting point
Airport to hotel return transfers are included.
Price details
The price includes
- The accommodations included in the program
- The stay will be supervised by a French-speaking Kyrgyz guide.
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 15
- Transfers during the stay
- The services of stable hands during treks
- Renting packhorses
- The Osh-Bishkek flight
The price does not include
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Camping equipment: sleeping bag, tent, mattress, etc.
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Tents are provided for multi-day horseback or hiking trips when travelers do not wish to bring their own equipment.
Equipment to bring
- Small, lightweight sleeping bag (blankets are available in the yurts)
- Flashlight (or headlamp)
- Knife (remember to leave it in your checked luggage on the plane!)
- Toiletries, swimsuit and bath towel
- Wipes can be very useful
- A small sewing kit
- Sunglasses (lenses with high filtering power)
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Telescopic umbrella or poncho
- An alarm clock (a mobile phone serves as one)
- Small basic first aid kit (there is no communal first aid kit)
- If you wear glasses, a spare pair
- Photocopies of the first two pages of the passport were placed at the bottom of the bag.
- The fewest pieces of jewelry and valuables possible!
Clothing to bring
This route offers varying weather conditions depending on the altitude. Pack simple, comfortable clothing, including warm layers for nights at higher elevations where temperatures can drop close to 0°C. Examples include: lightweight cotton clothing, a sweater or fleece, a waterproof windbreaker, a scarf, comfortable walking shoes with ankle support, and flip-flops or casual shoes.
The Ilichbek team
Our local expert is the ideal partner for authentic, tailor-made adventures in Kyrgyzstan. Combining expertise and passion, he designs immersive experiences, from horseback riding and trekking to cultural encounters. With his professional team of French-speaking guides, he ensures seamless logistics and optimal safety. Each tour is carefully optimized to guarantee comfort and satisfaction, offering travelers a reliable and memorable stay.
