Central Asia Adventures: Kyrgystan

Osh - Batken - Turkestan Ridge and Bishkek - Issyk Kyl

1 - 14* (*or 18) August 2021

It's time to visit Kyrgyzstan! It has stunning nature, high mountains, clear lakes, a unique culture, mouthwatering fruit and its own version of pilaf. What else do we need? Oh yes, an interesting and difficult route for a hike. And there you have it - the greatest adventure of the summer!

In this trip you will:

  • Immerse yourself in the world of Central Asia

  • Visit the heart of the Pamir-Alai mountains, see the peaks that attract the most powerful climbers of our planet

  • Take an intense and beautiful hike

  • Try local specialties and famous Batken apricots

  • See the rainbow mountains of Sary-Too and the cave of Kan-i-Gut

  • See the beautiful Issyk Kyl lake and relax at it’s clear waters

  • Spend time in good company!

Day 1, August 1*

Arrive at Osh (before 9 am). No later than 9 am we shall set off for one of the most remote and inaccessible areas of Kyrgyzstan - Batken. This is an agricultural land, famous for its vegetables and fruits, especially apricots. Geographically, the Batken region is located between Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, and has three enclaves (two Uzbek and one Tajik). It also has the highest percentage of native Kyrgyz population (99%). The drive will take 8-10 hours (with a stop for lunch). Our destination for today is Uzgorush village, stretched along the Lyailak river. We spend the night in a guest house and get ready for the hike. Some belongings can be left for storage in Uzgurush.

* You can fly in a day earlier and spend more time in Osh. You can also fly to Bishkek and get to Osh on your own before the start of the tour, there’s a direct internal flight every day

Day 2, August 2

The first day of the trip will be long and difficult. We need to overcome the Bulzhuma pass (2894m, 1450m altitude gain) and get to the Ak-Tash* camp. We will follow a good rural trail. Night in tents, cooking on gas.

* All overnight camping spots may vary according to situation

Day 3, August 3

Crossing the Dzhalgychi pass (3774m) and descent into the gorge with the same name (+ 800/-700m). We will move along a talus slope. From the pass, the Turkestan ridge is clearly visible, as well as the main peak of the region - Pyramidal Peak (5509 m).

Day 4, August 4

A relatively short hike to Orto-Chashma gorge (3-4 hours, +500/-700m) and rest. Move on grassy and scree slopes.

Day 5, August 5

Today we must overcome two passes: Kosh-Moinok (3260m) and Kara-Suu (3760m). Move along a trail and talus slopes (+960/-960m). Night in the Kara-Suu gorge.

Day 6, August 6

If you are tired, then today you can relax. Otherwise, take a radial hike to the base of peaks Asan, Usen and Pyramidal (+300/-300m).

Day 7, August 7

Take the same way back to the Orto-Chashma gorge (+960/-960m).

Day 8, August 8

Approach of the Ak-Tyubek pass. The hike is relatively short, so we can leave time to relax before a busy day, or climb a bit closer to the pass.

Day 9, August 9

Crossing the Ak-Tyube pass (4400m) and descent to the Ak-Suu gorge (+1000/-1400m). We will spend this day surrounded by the highest peaks: Iskander (5120 m), Petrograd (5165 m), Admiralteets (5090 m), Aksu (5355 m), Blok’s (5229 m), Aktyubek (5125 m).

Day 10, August 10

Radial hike to the base of Ak-Suu peak, ascent on moraine and glacier (+600/-600m).

Day 11, August 11

Descent along the green Ak-Suu gorge back to the Uzgurush village (-1350m). Overnight in a guest house.

Day 12, August 12

Transfer to Batken. On the way we will stop to see the rainbow mountains of Sary-Too and the cave of Can-i-Gut. We will arrive in Batken in the evening. Overnight in a guest house.

Day 13, August 13

Transfer to Osh. On the way we’ll try to see the Abshir-Ata waterfall. Night in a hotel.

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* Starting from this moment, you can separate from the group, return home or continue exploring Central Asia by yourself.

Day 14, August 14

Moring flight to Bishkek and transfer to the southern (wild) shore on lake Issyk Kyl. Night in tents or yurts at an ethno-complex.

Day 15, August 15

Free time at the lake and relaxation. We can explore the local food, crafts and traditions. Night in tents or yurts.

Day 16, August 16

We can ride to the nearby Fairytale Canyon and Barskaun Gorge. Night in tents or yurts.

Day 17, August 17

Return to Bishkek. Night in a hotel.

Day 18, August 18

Departure home.

This trip is for you if:

  • You love backpacking and would like to discover new mountain ranges. Or you always wanted to try backpacking, but didn’t find the right company

  • You would like to visit a place that most people don’t even know exists. And when they see your photos, they are probably not going to believe it’s real

  • You would like to experience Central Asia in a non-tourist version, meet the ordinary people and see their way of life, try delicious local food

  • You would like to make new friends and connections

  • You are not afraid of physical challenges, heights, uneven terrain (scree), and are ready to spend two weeks without everyday comforts (sleeping in tents or under the stars, cooking on portable gas stove, and bathing in lakes).

Gear List

Weather in the mountains at this time of the year is usually dry and warm, but rain is also possible. Temperature during the day is + 15-25 ºС, at night - + 5-10 ºС, subzero night temperatures over 4,000m. Group gear (burners, boilers, first-aid kit) will be provided by the organizer. Participants will need a good sleeping bag, pad, tent. Make sure you have warm clothes (preferably several layers: thermal underwear, fleece, down, membrane), a comfortable backpack, trekking boots and poles, a headlamp, a small thermos, sunglasses and sun cream. A detailed gear list of is available here, and advice will be provided to everyone!

Entrance to Kyrgyzstan, registration for the border zone

Citizens of Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, EU do not need a visa to Kyrgyzstan and can enter by passport. Citizens of the United States and most other countries can get an electronic visa. All participants will be provided with information support and assistance in preparing visa documents (if necessary).

All participants need to obtain a pass to the border zone. This service is included in the price of the tour. We will need a copy of your passport no later than June 20 for CIS citizens and May 20 for foreign citizens (EU, US and others).

Cost of hiking trip (1 -14 of August) is $1650

Includes all costs for the hike as described above, except meals in chaikhonas, cafes and all other additional meals.

Cost of additional days in Uzbekistan is $450

Not included:

  • Flights

  • Additional pack animals (from 15$ per dat for 15kg)

  • Medical insurance with hiking coverage in Kyrgyzstan (about 30 USD)

  • Meals in cafes and all additional food (chaikhonas, pilaf, flatbread, fruits, beer, etc.)

  • Transfer from/to the airport

  • Visa to Kyrgyzstan (IF REQUIRED!)

  • All additional expenses and entertainment costs that are not indicated in the program. Any costs caused by an emergency, weather conditions, force majeure. Any medical and other personal expenses.

contact@waysofinspiration.com