Lupine Trailbound

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan, although relatively small compared with its Central Asian neighbours, Kyrgyzstan boasts a remarkable variety of mountain ranges, deep valleys and alpine lakes, making it an exciting destination to explore. Beginning in Bishkek, the country’s former Soviet capital, this tour takes you on a journey around Issyk-Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest saline lake. Along its southern shore, you’ll discover the region’s wilderness and nomadic culture, as well as the otherworldly landscapes of Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon. Further east, close to the Chinese border, you’ll embark on the challenging yet immensely rewarding three-day Ala-Kul Trek, which takes you through some of the most spectacular mountain scenery Kyrgyzstan has to offer. Finally, you’ll return to Bishkek via the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, bringing your journey through this remarkable country to a close.

Difficulty Rating

Hiking Level: 4 – Challenging

Our Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails is suitable for experienced hikers seeking a physically demanding experience. There are 2 consecutive hikes on this tour that involve full-day trekking in demanding terrain. In parts, paths are more technical, with some steps to negotiate and exposure to heights. Previous experience in hiking and/or trekking in mountainous environments is essential. Hiking in this tour takes place at high to very high altitudes (high: 1,500 – 3,500 metres above sea level and very high: 3,500+ metres above sea level) for extended periods, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,926m at Ala Kul Pass.

Average distance in a day hike: 10kms – 20kms (6mi – 13.5mi)Maximum distance in a day hike: 20kms (13.5mi)Average elevation gain in a day hike: 600m – 1,100m (1,970ft – 3,610ft)Maximum elevation gain in a day hike: 1,500m (4,920ft)

Adventure Level: C – Challenging

Our Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour includes four nights in shared yurts, with the yurts at Sirota Camp being particularly basic. Facilities throughout the yurt stays are rustic and shared. Transportation is generally in good condition, although some unpaved roads may be encountered. Weather conditions in Ala Kul National Park can be unpredictable, and the itinerary is highly dependent on them. The entire Ala Kul trek takes place at high to very high altitudes, starting from 2,000m and capping the trek at 3,926m at Ala Kul Pass.

Upcoming Tours in Kyrgyzstan

August 7-15, 2027
£1745

Kyrgyzstan: Eagles & Nomad Trails Asia 8 nights | 5+ places

Essential Travel Advice: For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information go here.

Do I need a visa for Kyrgyzstan?: Most nationalities have visa-free entry for 90 days to Kyrgyzstan. If you are in doubt whether this applies for you please get in touch so we can point you to the right information.

What is the accommodation like on the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: Accommodation throughout the tour is varied and includes comfortable hotels and three different yurt stays. The yurts on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake accommodate two people, while those used during the Ala Kul trek have between four and five beds.

The hotels are comfortable and offer the amenities you would typically expect from this standard of accommodation.

We will do our best to accommodate everyone in our group in the same yurts during the Ala Kul trek, although this is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed. Depending on the group configuration, mixed gender yurts may be necessary. Other travellers may also be staying in the same yurts as our group, although we will do our best to minimise this wherever possible.
Please note that the yurts used during the Ala Kul trek, particularly at Sirota Camp, are considerably more basic than those on the shores of Issyk Kul Lake. There are no showers or private toilets at any of the yurt stays, and most toilets during the Ala Kul trek are squat toilets.

Please also note that single room supplements are not available for yurt stays.

Is there camping on the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: There is no wild camping on this tour. The accommodation in the yurt camps is in more remote, natural settings and offers a more rustic experience, but provides considerably more comfort and facilities than traditional camping.

What is transport like on the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: Transport throughout the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour we will use a Sprinter-type van.

How difficult is the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: Our Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails is graded 4C - Hiking - Challenging / Adventure level - Challenging

Hiking Grade: C Challenging
Our Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails is suitable for experienced hikers seeking a physically demanding experience. There are 2 consecutive hikes on this tour that involve full-day trekking in demanding terrain. In parts, paths are more technical, with some steps to negotiate and exposure to heights. Previous experience in hiking and/or trekking in mountainous environments is essential. Hiking in this tour takes place at high to very high altitudes (high: 1,500 - 3,500 metres above sea level and very high: 3,500+ metres above sea level) for extended periods, reaching a maximum altitude of 3,926m at Ala Kul Pass.

Average distance in a day hike: 10kms - 20kms (6mi - 13.5mi)
Maximum distance in a day hike: 20kms (13.5mi)
Average elevation gain in a day hike: 600m - 1,100m (1,970ft - 3,610ft)
Maximum elevation gain in a day hike: 1,500m (4,920ft)

Adventure Grade: C Challenging
Our Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour includes four nights in shared yurts, with the yurts at Sirota Camp being particularly basic. Facilities throughout the yurt stays are rustic and shared. Transportation is generally in good condition, although some unpaved roads may be encountered. Weather conditions in Ala Kul National Park can be unpredictable, and the itinerary is highly dependent on them. The entire Ala Kul trek takes place at high to very high altitudes, starting from 2,000m and capping the trek at 3,926m at Ala Kul Pass.

Will there be long drives on the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: Yes, there will be some medium length drives along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, with a maximum driving time of five hours per day. However, the return journey from Karakol to Bishkek via the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake can take up to nine to ten hours, including toilet breaks and a lunch stop, under normal traffic conditions.

What is the weather like on the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: As we will travel through a wide variety of landscapes and ecosystems, the weather can vary considerably throughout the tour.

In Bishkek, you can expect warm summer weather, with daytime temperatures commonly reaching around 30°C and night time temperatures dropping to approximately 20°C. Weather conditions here tend to be relatively stable. In Karakol and around Issyk Kul Lake, temperatures are generally milder, ranging from 20°C to 25°C during the day and dropping to around 15°C at night.

Along the Ala Kul trek, temperatures can fluctuate significantly. On sunny, calm days, temperatures may reach 20°C, while nighttime temperatures at Sirota Camp can drop to between 0°C and minus 5°C. The trek passes through high mountainous terrain, where you may encounter snow, rain or sunshine at any time of year. Please make sure you pack appropriate layers and waterproof clothing and equipment, as outlined in the packing guide.

You will be travelling through a mountainous environment where weather conditions can change rapidly. Although the tour is scheduled outside the main rainy season, weather patterns are difficult to predict far in advance. We therefore recommend being prepared for both wet and dry conditions throughout the trip.

Why should I trek in Kyrgyzstan instead of elsewhere?: Kyrgyzstan is home to some of the wildest and most pristine natural landscapes in the world. The Kyrgyz people have a deep connection with their natural surroundings, and the remote gorges and high mountain passes you will explore during the Ala Kul trek offer some of the most unspoilt scenery you could hope to experience.
You will also experience first hand the country's centuries old nomadic culture, particularly along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, one of the country's most traditional areas. Yurts, wild horses and a slower pace of life are all part of everyday life here, offering a glimpse into the traditions and way of life that continue to shape Kyrgyz culture.

Will I be able to ride horses on the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: Although horse trekking is not included in the planned itinerary, it may be possible to hire a horse to help you cover part of the route if you find the trek too challenging. This would incur an additional cost and is not included in the tour price.

Please keep in mind that even if you choose to hire a horse, you will still need to be able to hike from the Karakol campsite to Sirota Camp on the first day, and then cross the Ala Kul high pass on the second day before descending to the first campsite beyond the pass.

How can high altitude affect me?: While we are not medical professionals, we strongly recommend speaking to your GP or a specialist travel health clinic before travelling, particularly if you have any existing medical conditions or concerns about travelling at high altitude.

We favour natural acclimatisation, and the itinerary has been carefully designed to allow your body time to gradually adjust to increasingly high altitudes. For this reason, we generally recommend against taking medication to prevent altitude sickness unless it has been specifically recommended or prescribed by a medical professional.

Please be aware that people living with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes or heart conditions may be at greater risk of serious effects from high altitude. If you have any of these conditions, we recommend consulting your GP or a travel health professional well in advance of the tour for personalised medical advice and to discuss whether travelling to high altitude is suitable for you.

During the tour, our guides will also monitor the group and provide guidance on acclimatisation. However, any symptoms or concerns should always be discussed with a qualified medical professional.

Can I join the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour as a solo traveller?: Absolutely! Many solo travellers join our tours.

If you are travelling solo and do not wish to pay a single room supplement, we will pair you with another same-sex traveller. Please note that for the nights at the yurt stays, we will try to accommodate same-sex accommodation but it will be dependent on the configuration of the group.

What is the average age of travellers on your Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: There can be a wide range of ages in our tours. We welcome experienced hikers from their 20s through to fit people in retirement age. Each departure has a different mix of ages and backgrounds.

Can I extend my stay in Kyrgyzstan before or after the tour?: Yes, we are happy to arrange additional hotel nights before or after the tour. Airport transfers will still be included if you extend your stay and book your extra accommodation through us.

Requests for additional accommodation should be confirmed at least 12 weeks before the tour, as we cannot guarantee availability after this point.

Do I require travel insurance for the Kyrgyzstan: Eagles and Nomad Trails tour?: Health insurance is obligatory for anyone booking a tour with us. If you are in doubt, please contact us for a list of providers who cover our destinations. We strongly advise you to take out a comprehensive policy that will also fully cover you for cancellations due to illness, lost luggage, etc. You should take out your insurance policy as soon as you book the trip with us.

We also recommend purchasing travel insurance that includes emergency medical evacuation and rescue cover. Many of Tibet's hiking trails are in remote areas where emergency services are limited.

In the event of an accident during a trek, your local guide and tour leader will be the first to respond. However, there are no mountain rescue helicopters, and civil protection teams may take considerable time to reach the location. For this reason, all of our tour leaders are trained in outdoor first aid and carry appropriate first aid equipment.

When will I receive my tour information pack?: The information pack will follow approximately 4 weeks prior to departure.

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