Hiking in the Tien Shan is an unforgettable adventure among some of the highest and most beautiful mountains in the world. We will guide you through the northern part of the mountain region, which is located in Kyrgyzstan. Together we will pass several high passes (the highest is Alakel, 3800 m), we will swim in the amazing mountain lakes (including Issyk-Kul - the biggest and deepest lake of Kyrgyzstan), we will admire the peaks higher than 5000 m, we will walk tens of kilometers along the mountain trails. But the main thing that we take away from the campaign in Kyrgyzstan is impressions. Impressions in the memory and in photos. Impressions, which really will want to share with everybody. After all the Tian-Shan mountains are big dream for many people, and for you it is amazing reality.
We do not cancel or shift groups. If the manager approved the purchase of a ticket, you can surely buy it. The hike will not be canceled due to our fault.
Kuluar experienced teamleaders will accompany the group along the entire route, making your hiking as memorable and safe as possible! They have been to Tian Shan many times and know the country in details.
Teamleader will meet you at the airport and take you directly to the hotel. The guide will tell you and show you where to change money, buy souvenirs and equipment, what and where to eat.
The program of the trek was modified several times, we tried to make it as rich and comfortable as possible. That's why we have all the transfers on pre-booked buses.
The manager, who will advise you before the hike, will tell you in detail about all the details and features of the trekking!
More than 12,000 participants have already gone to the mountains with the Kuluar and 97,8% were satisfied.
The group meets in the morning at the airport in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. After the gathering and a brief acquaintance we will have a transfer to the starting point of the hiking in the Tien-Shan - Karakol city . The trip is long but not boring. One of the main impressions of the day is the world-known Lake Alakel. We spend the night in tents not far from the Teplokluchenka village .
If this is your first hike, there is no need to worry. Kuluar teamleader will tell you how to choose the best place for your tent, will give you the detailed plan of the hike and will answer all your questions. We go to sleep in anticipation of an unforgettable adventure.
An early breakfast, a gear check, and off we went! At last we are walking on our own feet, not by bus. Tomorrow the first pass awaits us, the altitude of 3,800 meters. We are going slowly, gradually gaining height. Today we have to approach the pass.
Distanse: 7 km, climb: 800 m.
One more spurt and we are on the saddle of the first pass in the Tien Shan trek! Obligatory photo session and a chocolate bar. From the saddle there are unique views in all directions. But there is one in particular, this is a view of the beautiful mountain lake Alakel, it is one of the highlights of the trek. We take a deep breath of the clear mountain air, admire the contrast of green forests and snowy peaks and go towards the Alakel lake. Here we have a rest stop, so that we can have a rest and bathe in the clear glacier water of the lake. After resting we continue our descent to Karakol gorge. We will spend the night in a glade among the forest, so there will be a chance to sit by the fire today!
Distanse: 5 km, climb: 550 m, drop 400 m
After waking up and having breakfast we will hike along the waterfall, along the canyon, go down to the old lodge and take a hike in the real Tien Shan forest. We will descend into one of the most beautiful valleys and come to the real alpine camp - mountain town with its own special flavor, where we will spend the night.
We will pass: 7 km, drop: 1000 m
Our trail lies in the valley of the Ontor River and passes through a fabulous emerald forest. Its highlight is the Tianshan spruce that grows only here. Soon the road ends and turns into a trail. Gaining altitude, we look at more and more new landscapes. Gently up the valley to the highest part of the Terskei Ridge.
Distanse: 8 km, climb: 600 m.
Today we hike without backpacks. We leave our things in our tents and go up the valley. Today we are going up without backpacks to the very Heart of this part of Tian-Shan. We will ascend to the tongue of the Ontor glacier, we will see the highest point of the region - Karakolsky Peak 5281, Elephant Peak and spiky Dzhigit Peak 5170. By evening we will go down to our camp by the route we already know.
Distanse: 15 km, climb: 500 m , drop: 1000 m
Yes, yes, yes. We'll spend this day however we want. The essence of the day is that there is no need to rush anywhere, get up early and pack up camp, and you can lie in a tent for an hour or two and enjoy your rest near the river Ontor.
Each day of the hike brings something new, pleases the eyes with extraordinary views, and fills the heart with impressions. So, today we are going to walk for a long time up to the Teleta Pass. We will ascend to the cozy high-altitude valley with the cleanest mountain spring.
Distanse: 8 km, climb: 900 m
Trekking the pass again. We did most of the climbing yesterday, so there's not much left for us to do.
From the pass we have great views of the highest peaks of Terek Alatau - Karakol peak (5281) and Jigit peak (5170), as well as the surrounding valleys. For the overnight stay we will go down to the river behind the pass.
Distanses: 6 km, climb: 400 m, drop: 800 m
Are you tired of all the endless climbing? Then you're sure to enjoy today, because it's relatively easy. There won't be any big drops in elevation, the trail mostly runs downhill. We do not rush and quietly enjoy the surrounding beauties. Closer to lunch time we will leave Teleta gorge and go by the Jety Oguz valley, where we will stay for the night.
Distanse: 15 km, drop: 1500 m
Great news, folks! Now the road only leads downhill. No more grueling climbs, they are behind us and we can relax a little bit. Today we are waiting for an amazing natural phenomenon - red rocks, which are located near a small village. A small ridge of red rocks forms the rocks "7 bulls" and "broken heart". It is from here that we board the bus and drive to the extraordinary Lake Issyk-Kul. The hiking part of the trek in Kyrgyzstan is over - only rest next!
Friends, we deserved it! A full day of rest on the beautiful Issyk-Kul lake . This lake is so huge that it looks more like a sea. In addition, the water in it is a little salty. The depth of the lake reaches 668 meters, and it is an honorable 6th place among the deepest lakes in the world. The area of the lake is 6,238 km² - that's a lot, believe me. We will enjoy the gentle waters of the unique lake by swimming, sunbathing and eating fruit. In the middle of the day we will be transferred to Karakol, where we will visit Przewalski museum.
We return to Bishkek, devoting the rest of the day to sightseeing. You can fly home tonight or tomorrow morning. Thank you all for the great company and see you all again!
The manager will advise you about equipment, help you find the best air tickets, share information on hotels and excursions. You make your own payments and purchases. If you want the manager to buy the ticket for you, it is possible, but for extra money, because it is a big responsibility. More in the article: additional services and service fee
Depending on the weather conditions, condition and general wishes of the group, the teamleader has the right to make changes to the route.
You must have a valid passport, visas are not required.
You must have no illnesses from this list in order to participate in the hike.
After hiking in Tian Shan, we recommend the following routes:
Often when you buy tickets a few months before your departure date, the cost will be much lower. The later you buy the tickets, the more expensive they will be. From Ukraine there are no direct flights to Almaty. A convenient way to get to Almaty is to change flights in Istanbul (Turkish Airlines).
Our recommendations for airline ticketing services can be found in this article.
To participate in the program, you need good insurance that is valid up to 5,000 m, covers mountain hiking, and includes helicopter evacuation. Please do not neglect this point. It has saved some participants thousands of dollars. ou can find our recommendations for taking out insurance here: "Insurance for Kuluar hikers"
There will be no civilization and no mobile communication on the active part of the route. It would be a good decision to solve all your questions before you go out on the route.
Surely you are wondering what we will eat on a hike? Let's just say that you don't have to worry. Many participants say they eat better on the hike than they do at home. The basis of the menu is a simple meal of cereals and soups. You should not count on gourmet delicacies (although they can be).
If you do not eat any products, be sure to inform the manager so that the guide can slightly adjust the menu for you. We also recommend taking some yummies with you - nuts or sweets. Appetite on a hike is much better than at home.
Please note that the menu shown is indicative only. Team leaders usually have their signature dishes that they love to pamper participants with.
Features of nutrition for vegetarians - if you do not eat meat, be sure to read. We tell here how we will feed you and at the same time we give you a 5% discount to the hiking.
You should have about 12-13 kg of packed backpack before the trekiing.
In the hike you will be given a public weight of about 5-7 kg for men and 4-5 kg for women.
Yes, you can, but it will be hard and you must be mentally and physically prepared for it.
If you can comfortably run 10 km, ride a bicycle more than 30 km at a time or are active in other sports - you will be able to handle this trek as well.
For extra expenses you will need about $100. From them 50$ for accommodation in hostels before and after the end of the route, the rest - for the transfer by four-wheel drive car to Altyn-Arashan (if you want the whole group to spend first night on the hot springs and spend there more time), bath during the daytime, self-catering after the trek on the Issyk-Kul lake. We also recommend that you take another $100 for gifts, souvenirs and other pleasant expenses.
*Please note: It is not the manager's task to choose a separate flight for each participant. The manager gives general recommendations from his experience and shares flights of other participants, so you can fly together. It's up to the participant to select and purchase his own convenient airfare. If you want the manager to buy you a ticket, book a hotel or an additional excursion, read the terms and conditions on the page: additional services.
We are limiting the number of participants in the group. In order to reserve a place for you need to make an advance payment of $ 50.
Friends, we ask very much that you pick up dollar bills from 2003 and newer. Dollars from the 90's are not accepted in many countries and we sometimes have problems when paying local partners. Thank you for your understanding and new dollars to all:)
