Here’s the complete guide to hiking in Kyrgyzstan with a list of the best and most popular hiking trips in Kyrgyzstan. Whether you want to join a trekking company in Kyrgyzstan or hike independently around the country, this guide covers everything you need to know about trekking in Kyrgyzstan including a list of the best hiking trails.
Very often people ask me about my favorite destination. The longer I travel and the more countries I visit, the harder it becomes to answer this question. One thing though is that I absolutely love the mountains and hiking on off-the-beaten-path trails. That’s why Kyrgyzstan became one of my favorite countries for its majestic and pristine mountain hikes.
I lived in Kyrgyzstan in 2017 for nearly a year and I keep returning ever since. Over the years I’ve done a lot of treks in the Kyrgyz mountains and it’s been an absolutely unforgettable experience! I often felt like I was all alone in the world while hiking through those remote and majestic landscapes.
Kyrgyzstan is one of the world’s best destinations for mountain treks since 90% of its territory is above 1,500 meters.
If you like trekking through remote and untouched mountains and camping on the shores of crystal-clear mountain lakes makes your heart beat faster, then Kyrgyzstan is definitely the right place for you!
The country is filled with thousands of alpine lakes, beautiful valleys covered with flowers in spring and some of the most gorgeous landscapes I have ever seen!
I wrote this comprehensive Kyrgyzstan hiking guide to help you plan your trekking adventure to this country.
It covers everything you need to know whether you want to organize a trek with a trekking company or hike independently around the country. It also includes a list of some of the most beautiful day hikes and multiple-day hiking trails that the Kyrgyz mountains have to offer!
Tip: See my Kyrgyzstan Travel Page for a complete overview of all my travel guides and blog posts about Kyrgyzstan!
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What you need to know before you go hiking in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is 90% covered in mountains, which means that there are endless trekking opportunities and trails that will be appropriate for your hiking experience and fitness level.
Regardless of your level as a hiker, there are a few things you should know before organizing a trek in Kyrgyzstan.
In this guide, I cover the equipment you need to bring with you on a trek to Kyrgyzstan and where you can rent it.
I also cover the costs of hiring a guide and the travel insurance you will need to hike in this part of Central Asia as well as various other tidbits of information that will be super useful on your trip to this country.
1. What do you need to pack for hiking in Kyrgyzstan
I’ve had the chance to go on a lot of hikes around Kyrgyzstan over the course of 6 years. During these alpine expeditions, I realized how crucial it is to always have the right equipment with me when I’m so far away from civilization.
If I forgot something, well, it wasn’t like there was a house or a shop where I could buy food, water or extra gear. And believe me, there is nothing worse than hiking and camping in the mountains when you’re soaking wet or freezing cold because you forgot to pack some waterproof and/or warm clothes!
When it comes to packing for a trek in Kyrgyzstan, it’s also important to keep it as light as possible.
Remember that you have to carry everything yourself and if you have ever done a 20 km hike that included climbing and ascending steep hills, you’ll know that there’s a big difference between hiking with 10kg and with 15kg on your back!
This packing list covers everything you need to stay warm, be rainproof and ready for the mountains!
2. Where to rent camping gear in Kyrgyzstan
You can only rent camping gear in the following cities in Kyrgyzstan:
Where to rent camping gear in Bishkek
The Trekking Union in Kyrgyzstan (TUK) is the only place where you can rent hiking and camping equipment in Bishkek (they also have gas canisters!). You can find an overview of what their equipment and prices here.
There are a few shops in Bishkek where you can buy outdoor and camping gear: Red Fox, Alex.kg and Gerger Sport. If you want to shop for warm clothes, you can check the clothing stores in one of the many shopping malls, second hand stores in the city or at Osh Bazaar, Central Asia’s biggest market.
Where to rent camping gear in Karakol
You can rent camping and trekking gear in Karakol with Destination Karakol and EcoTrek.
Where to rent camping gear in Osh
Visit Alay is the place to be to rent camping and trekking gear when you’re in Osh. You might also find some equipment for sale at one of the local bazaars in the city.
3. Travel Insurance for trekking in Kyrgyzstan
There are a lot of hazards to be aware of when going on a hike to the mountains of Kyrgyzstan.
Whether you’re new to hiking or a seasoned trekker, in the mountains anything can happen. You’ll sometimes have to deal with sheer cliff edges, very steep climbs, and dangerous drops.
Keeping all of this in mind, it is of paramount importance to have proper travel insurance before heading out to the mountains.
There are 3 great (and budget-friendly!) travel insurances I recommend for hiking in Kyrgyzstan: Safetywing, IATI Insurance and HeyMondo. Both cover almost anything that could happen to you in high mountain altitudes.
Need Travel Insurance for Central Asia? I use and highly recommend HeyMondo Travel Insurance. As a reader of Journal of Nomads, you get a 5% discount off your insurance plan!
4. Costs of hiking in Kyrgyzstan
Here’s an overview of how much it costs to hire a guide and/or a porter, buy hiking permits and rent equipment.
There are a few areas where you will need to buy a permit to visit ( a few mountain regions neighboring Kazakhstan, China and Tajikistan), and some National Parks require an entrance fee.
If you are not using the services of a guide or a porter and if you have your own camping gear, all you will end up paying for is food.
Hiring a mountain guide to go trekking in Kyrgyzstan is not always necessary, however, some of the trails are very remote and can be quite dangerous. You’ll definitely have a lot more advantages of traveling and trekking with a guide (and it’s safer!).
These guides know the mountains like the back of their hands and they usually take the responsibility of setting up camp and cooking so it could be worth hiring one if you have no experience in doing such things.
The guides (and porters) are generally from the areas where the trekking route goes and therefore have extensive knowledge of that region.
The average price for renting a guide starts nowadays at US$80 – US$100 per day, including his meals and accommodation (if it’s a multi-day trek). This price doesn’t include your transport to the mountains, the rental cost of the equipment, and food you might need during the trek.
If you would like to organize a trek to the mountains with a local guide, you can always contact me and I’ll bring you in touch with them! You could also join one of my Adventure Tours to Kyrgyzstan next summer to go on some of the treks described further down this post with other travelers from all around the world!
Dreaming of hiking through wild mountain landscapes, horseback riding across alpine pastures, sleeping in yurts, and exploring remote valleys by 4×4 with a small group of adventurous travelers?
How much does it cost to hire a porter in Kyrgyzstan
Generally speaking, porters in Kyrgyzstan will carry around 8kg of your belongings on top of the trekking and camping gear necessary for the hike.
The porters hike a lot faster than most people even while carrying so much gear so you should give them only the things you won’t need till the end of the day when you reach the camp they have set up.
The cost of hiring a porter in Kyrgyzstan starts around $50 per day.
One of the porters during the trek to Ala Kul lake
How much do hiking permits in Kyrgyzstan cost, for which hikes do you need them and how to get them?
Hiking and trekking in the border areas near Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and China will require a border permit.
This means that climbing and trekking to Peak Lenin or Kel-Suu lake, for example, will require some paperwork.
The same goes for the area around Chatyr Lake and the eastern part of the Tien Shan mountain range.
Obtaining a permit for these areas can be done through the local CBT (Community Based Tourism) office and can take from a few days to a week.
It is possible to do this process by emailing the CBT or by going directly to the office of the region you would like to hike in.
If you want to go directly to their offices to get your border permit, have a look at their website to find a list of the different CBT offices around Kyrgyzstan and where they are located.
Permit fees will vary on where you go and depending on whether you need it urgently or not. The costs will also depend on if you do it directly through the CBT office or through a travel agency.
5. Organizations to contact for more information while hiking independently in Kyrgyzstan
The Community Based Tourism offices ( called the CBT offices) are responsible for promoting and developing a lot of outdoor activities and hiking trails around Kyrgyzstan. They help with marking and mapping new trails around the country.
They also rent out camping and outdoor equipment and organize different guided hikes to the mountains at affordable prices.
If you aren’t sure if a particular hike in the mountains will be snow-free or if you want to obtain more information about the difficulty level or condition of a trail, it’s a great idea to contact them first. They have offices all over the country and basically organize tours the same way different travel companies would but they give a part of the profits back to the local community.
One advantage of getting in touch with the CBT offices is that they provide local guides directly in the region you are visiting who will know the mountains very well.
Another advantage of booking the services of a mountain guide through a CBT office is that you won’t need to book ahead of time and it will be very easy to organize everything on the spot.
6. Which travel company should you contact for an organized hike in Kyrgyzstan?
Over the years spent in Kyrgyzstan, I had the chance to travel with several guides and companies that organize different treks around the country.
If you’re looking for a private and personally tailored trip, contact me to let me know which trek or destination(s) you like to visit and I can bring you in touch with the right person and/ or organization.
If you like to go on a trek with a small group of like-minded travelers, have a look at my Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours!
Are you looking for a customized guided tour in Kyrgyzstan or elsewhere in Central Asia? Or would you like help with planning your itinerary and organizing your trip with confidence?
👉 Explore my Central Asia tours and itinerary planning services!
7. Mountain safety tips for hiking and trekking in Kyrgyzstan
Hiking in the mountains is never 100% risk-free and the beautiful mountain treks of Kyrgyzstan are no exception.
You will be confronted with hazardous terrain, unpredictable weather and the possibility of suffering from altitude sickness depending on where you hike.
Hiking in high mountains comes with inherent risks so it’s important to be well prepared and follow some basic safety rules.
- Never go alone or let someone know where you are going
Since there’s barely any phone signal in the high mountains of Kyrgyzstan, it’s very important to let someone know where you will be hiking and for how long you will be gone. It’s always better to travel with a guide or someone who knows the terrain very well.
- Make sure you have the physical condition required for the trek
Some of the treks in Kyrgyzstan are very remote and can only be accessed on foot. Having the required level of strength and endurance for a hike won’t only make your trip a lot more fun but will also allow you to go farther while still having the energy to safely return home.
Before starting your hike, it’s good to talk with people who have hiked there before to see how difficult a trail could be.
- Be prepared for all types of weather conditions
The weather in the mountains is totally unpredictable. It can change very quickly and go from a beautiful sunny day to a wet blizzard in a matter of minutes.
I suggest bringing clothes that can be put on as a layer. Always bring a rain jacket and a warm hoodie to stay dry and warm. Watch this video to see what I mean.
- Don’t continue the trek when there’s poor visibility due to fog, snow or heavy rainfall
Even if you carry a GPS or a topographical map, I would recommend stopping as soon as you have low visibility. The risk of accidents increases drastically the moment you can’t follow the path properly.
Stay dry and warm until the bad weather clears up again and then it will be much safer to continue.
- Always stick to the path
The mountains are treacherous terrain and it’s important to always stick to the path. Most of the accidents that happen during mountain hikes are due to unwary hikers wandering off the marked trail.
- Make sure you have enough food and water for the whole duration of the trek
Pack enough food and water for the duration of the trek and then pack some more just in case the trek takes longer than expected. Find out more tips to make you hike to the mountains a lot safer here.
8. Camping and staying with nomadic families in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has one of the most accessible nomadic cultures of central Asia. Very often you’ll come across families staying in yurts in alpine meadows on your hikes. These nomadic families spend part of the summer tending to their herds and very often welcome travelers in their yurts.
They charge an average of 2500 soms per day and this includes breakfast and dinner. It’s possible to stay with them a few nights and take part in their daily activities.
If you prefer to camp in your tent, you can camp nearly everywhere you like. Kyrgyzstan is a land of nomads after all! Just be conscious of your environment and leave no traces (ALWAYS take your garbage with you!).
9. When is the best time to hike in Kyrgyzstan?
Hiking in Kyrgyzstan in winter will be very hard and in some areas impossible as the trails and mountain passes become inaccessible due to snowfall.
The summer is usually the perfect time to hike in the mountains but even then you can get surprised by snowfalls and blizzards at high altitudes.
The weather in the mountains can change so quickly! It might be hot in the morning but it could suddenly become cold during the day and you could even be surprised by the occasional snowstorm in higher elevations.
Kyrgyzstan Trekking – the 14 Best Hikes in Kyrgyzstan
Here’s an overview of the top day hikes and multiple-day treks in Kyrgyzstan. As I keep returning to Kyrgyzstan yearly and explore more places, this list will continue to grow!
THe 5 most beautiful day hikes in Kyrgyzstan
1. Trek to Kel-Suu Lake
- Total trekking time: 5 to 6 hours
- Total trekking distance: 18 km
- Maximum elevation: 3525m
- Total gain/loss: 300m
- Difficulty: easy/moderate
- Accessibility: from mid-June until end of September
Kel-Suu lake was formed in the 1980’s and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and spectacular mountain lakes in the Kyrgyz Republic.
Kel-Suu lake is located in the Kok-Kiya valley at 3,520 meters of altitude and is very close to the border with China. The lake is 12 km long and 5 to 10 meters deep when at its fullest.
The day trek to Kel Suu lake starts at one of the yurt camps in the beautiful Kok-Kiya Valley. The small trail is usually clear (find the GPS coordinates here).
Follow the path on the right side of the river. After 30 minutes of walking, you’ll have to turn around the bend and you’ll see the valley opening up with the rock formations that surround the lake in the distance.
The first couple of hours are an easy hike through this beautiful valley. You might come across herds of grazing yaks, cows and horses.
The last part of the trek gets a bit harder as you have to hike up a steep path – and you’ll feel the altitude as you’re walking above 3000 meters.
The trail stops at Kel Suu Lake. The entire northern part is surrounded by high rocks so you can’t hike any further. If you like to explore this area of the lake, you’ll need to rent a boat which costs around 500 som per person.
To return to the yurt camp, you have to hike the same way back. You’ll see a different trail going toward the right side of the river but don’t take that one or you’ll have to cross the icy-cold river at some point…
It happened one year that Kel-Suu was almost empty as there hadn’t been much snow fall. It allowed me to hike further which was quite special!
Kel-Suu is one the places that requires a border permit to visit.
Obtaining a permit for this area can be done through the local CBT by emailing them. Getting the permit shouldn’t take more than a week.
Kel Suu lake and the Kok Kiya Valley are very remote. The only way to get there is by a 4×4 vehicle. As the road towards the valley is a hard one, most car rental companies don’t allow you to drive there yourself. You’ll have to arrange private transfer or join a tour.
The valley around the lake is quite spectacular and from there you can also do various hikes to the surrounding peaks where you will have a great views over the region.
A lot of shepherds in the valley also rent horses if you would prefer to explore the area on horseback.
The hike to Kel Suu is part of my Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours!
Discover the remote beauty of Kel Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular alpine lakes, on a short adventure with a small group of fellow travelers.
👉 Learn more about the Kel Suu Lake trip and how to join!
2. Hike to the Ak-Sai Waterfall in Ala Archa National Park
Ala Archa is an National Park in the Tian Shan mountains, about 40km south of Bishkek.
There are 3 marked hiking trails in the park and they all start at the Alpager Hotel, right near the entrance of the national park. While the other trails will take you one a multiple-day trek, the Ak-Sai Waterfall trail is a short hike and perfect to do as a day hike.
- Total trekking time: 5 hours
- Total trekking distance: 7,5 km
- Maximum elevation: 2813m
- Total gain/loss: 730m
- Difficulty: easy/moderate
- Accessibility: from mid-May until end of October/ beginning of November, depending on the snowfall
The path to the Ak Sai waterfall is well marked, just follow the sign at the Alpager Hotel to the left, towards the forest. You’ll have to ascend a steep slope at first but once you arrive in the open area above the valley, the hike becomes easier.
Follow the path above the river until you reach a creek. After crossing this creek, you’ll see that the path narrows. There you must stick to your left and follow the steep path until you reach the waterfall.
To return, you have to follow the same trail back and the views over Ala Archa remain spectacular!
Read here how to get from Bishkek to Ala Archa National Park.
3. Lenin Peak Base camp and Traveler’s Pass Day hike
- Trekking distance: 20km
- Trekking time: 5 hours
- Maximum elevation: 4150m
- Gain/loss: 760m/ 760m
- Difficulty: moderate
- Accessibility: from end of June until end of September
Peak Lenin is one of the tallest peaks in Central Asia. This 7134 meters tall mountain peak, straddling the border of Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan in the Pamir-Alay mountains, is on a clear day almost always visible from a distance.
When you go on this day hike to Traveller’s Pass, you’ll get a fantastic close view of Lenin Peak and its surrounding glaciers from this 4150m high ridge.
The hike starts at Tulpar Kol. This alpine lake, lying at an altitude of 3500m, is the largest of a string of 42 lakes.
The landscape is very colorful with the red surrounding hills, the green meadows, and the white snowcapped peaks of the Pamir mountains in the background.
On clear days, the view of Lenin Peak is reflected on the water’s surface.
The trail to Lenin Peak Basecamp and Traveler’s Pass is very clear (get the GPS coordinates) and starts right behind the yurt camp on the southern shore of Tulpar Kul.
You’ll have to cross a bridge 10 minutes into the hike and the trail continues until you reach Lenin Peak Basecamp.
You might meet some mountaineers who are preparing for the climb to Lenin Peak. It’s quite a popular climb as it’s known to be the “easiest” 7000-meter summit in the world.
Many people underestimate this climb tho! It’s not something you do in a day. Climbing Peak Lenin is a 3-week expedition and it’s a dangerous one.
Pass the base camp and continue following the trail. It goes gradually up and you might meet other hikers, mountaineers, and porters on horses coming back from one of the 3 altitude training camps near Lenin Peak.
The last 20 minutes to Traveler’s Pass are the hardest. The path becomes a steep zigzag trail but once you reach the top of the ridge and see the magnificent view of glaciers tumbling off the majestic Lenin Peak, you’ll know it was worth it!
This pass is named “Traveler’s Pass” as it’s the passage for trekkers, mountaineers, and porters to hike towards the higher camps before the final ascent to Lenin Peak. You have to take the same trail to return to Tulpar Kul (around 2 hours hiking).
You’ll find a detailed description of how to get to Tulpar Kul Lake from Osh in the following hiking guide:
The hike to Lenin Peak BAsecamp and Traveler’s Pass is part of my Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours!
4. Seven Lakes trek in Sary Chelek Nature reserve
- Trekking distance: 11 km
- Trekking time: 4 hours
- Maximum elevation: 2016 m
- Gain/loss: +352 m/ -321 m
- Difficulty: easy
- Accessbility: all year round (as long as the road to Sary Chelek is accessible)
While this trail is called ” Seven Lakes Hike”, it takes you to six out of the seven alpine lakes in Sary Chelek Nature Reserve.
Sary Chelek is located in the Jalal-Abad region in the west of Kyrgyzstan, tucked into the Western Tien Shan Mountains at the foot of the Chatkal Mountain Range.
This alpine lake is the highlight of a larger area called Sary Chelek Nature Reserve which has been declared as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1978.
The reserve has seven alpine lakes with Sary Chelek Lake being the largest one. Located at an altitude of 1887 meters and created by a landslide, the lake covers almost 500 hectares. The depth varies across the lake, with its deepest point at 245 meters.
The trailhead of the Seven Lakes Trek starts at the main viewpoint of Sary Chelek Lake. You have to walk a little bit back on the main road, passing the parking. You’ll see a small path going through a meadow on your left-hand side. This is the path you need.
You can double-check the trail on maps.me as it’s very clear on this app (download the map beforehand as there’s no reception in the nature reserve!).
This 10km long trail goes through the scenic mountain hills filled with wildflowers. The path is very clear so you can’t go wrong.
Along the way, you’ll first see from a distance Kyz Kul, the second largest lake in the nature reserve and you’ll be able to see the other lakes from up-close.
The endpoint of this hike is on the shores of Iri Kul,the third largest lake of Sary Chelek Nature Reserve.
To do this hike, you’ll have to arrange transport in advance with dropoff at Sary Chelek Lake and pick up at Iri Kul lake.
I share all the details how and where you can do this and how to get to Sary Chelek Reserve from another destination in Kyrgyzstan in:
5. Hike to Kol-Tor Lake, Chui region
- Trekking distance: 16 km
- Trekking time: 8 hours
- Maximum elevation: 2733 m
- Gain/loss: +1554 m/ -1554 m
- Difficulty: moderate
- Accessbility: from end of April until beginning of November (depending on snowfall)
Though it’s tempting to look for epic trips far away from the cities, the area around Kyrgyzstan’s capital city Bishkek also has a number of nice hikes for visitors looking for something a little quicker or a little easier.
In Kegeti valley, Kol-Tor Lake is one of the best – a few hours walk each way, and though somewhat steep the lake itself and long beautiful valley that stretches past it is an excellent one-day outing from the city.
If you’ve got time, it’s also possible to keep going up the valley beyond the lake to a lovely mountain vista at the top and continue over a pass to the west to the western branch of Kegeti valley or to the east to Shamsy wildlife preserve. Read a detailed description of this hike here.
9 Best Multi-day Treks in Kyrgyzstan
1. Best of Alay Trek
- Total trekking distance: 90km
- Total trekking days: 7days /6 nights
- Altitude levels: minimum at 2186 m, maximum at 4306 m
- Maximum elevation gain/loss in a day: +1150m/ -1579m
- Difficulty: medium-hard
- Accessibility: from beginning of July until mid-September
The 7-day Best of Alay Trek is one of my favorite long distance treks I’ve done so far! Every day on this hike felt like a new adventure.
The Alai or Alay Mountains also referred to as the Alay Valley, are a stunning sub-range of the Pamir-Alay Mountain system in the southwest of Kyrgyzstan.
The landscapes of this mountain range are incredibly varied – from rugged mountain passes with panoramic views over snowcapped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes to lush river valleys and colorful gorges!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable trekking adventure in a remote and unique destination, the Best of the Alay Mountains Trek might be the one! It’s one of the best treks in Kyrgyzstan!
This 7-day trek will take you on an exquisite journey through the wild and remote Alay Mountains.
Some of the highlights are the otherworldly Sary Mogul Pass (4306m), the Three Dragons Gorge (3200m), Jiptick Pass (4185m), and – last but not least – Lenin Peak Basecamp (3500m) and Traveller’s Pass (4100m) that offers views over the snow- and glacier-covered Lenin Peak (7,134 m).
You also get the opportunity to meet and interact with the semi-nomadic shepherd families who live in yurt camps and tents in the alpine meadows of the Alay Valley during the summer months.
You need to be well-prepared for this trek!
Join the 12-day Best of Alay Mountains Trekking Adventure and do this trek with a guide and a small group of like-minded adventurers!
2. Trek to Ala Kul Lake
- Total trekking distance: 57 km
- Total trekking days: 4 days /3 nights
- Maximum altitude: 3850 m
- Maximum elevation gain/loss: +2310m/ -2310m
- Difficulty: medium-hard
- Accessibility: from beginning of July until mid-September
The 4-day trek to the glacier lake of Ala Kul, a turquoise lake located at an altitude of 3500 meters, is another top trek in Kyrgyzstan!
It’s a pretty intense hike and not just challenging on a physical level. I’ve done this trek already over 10 times (it’s part of some of my guided group tours in Kyrgyzstan) and often had to face the unpredictable nature of the weather in the mountains.
But in the end, it’s every time totally worth the effort whenever I reach the 3850-meter high Ala Kul pass and get treated to the most spectacular views!
This hike starts just outside of Karakol, at the entrance of the Ala-Kul nature reserve. It’s possible to take marshrutka 101 from the center of Karakol to the entrance of the park.
You can also take a taxi for 400 KGS that will stop between the entrance and a broken bridge farther along the trail saving at least 1 hour of walk.
The first day of the hike is pretty easy, being mostly flat and following the Karakol river along a good part of its length.
The challenging part of the trek begins on the second day as you hike up towards Ala-Kul lake (3500 meters). The pass to the lake is quite steep and very challenging.
You will be hiking along a steep path for hours and crossing sharp inclines and slippery rocks.
The beautiful view that you will have upon arriving at the lake of Ala-Kul at the end of the day will make all the effort and the struggle to get there worth it!
This lake is often referred to by the locals as the ‘pristine diamond of the Karakol Canyon’ for its surreal shades of blue and turquoise.
It’s ideal to set up camp on the banks of the lake at the end of the second day instead of continuing over the next mountain pass.
The third day of the hike brings you over the Ala-Kul pass (3,850 m). It’s a short but very steep climb up from the side of the lake to this pass but once you reach the summit, you will get treated to a panorama of the highest peaks of the Terskey Alatau mountain range.
The Karakol Peak, Djigit, and the Oguz Bachi Peaks will be in sight and believe me, it’s stunning!
After enjoying the beautiful view from this pass, the trail will head down into the Keldeke Gorge and the Altyn-Arashan valley (2,600 m).
Altyn Arashan is a valley famous for its sulfur springs that reach a temperature of 40-50°C. It’s a great place to rest and relax on the third day of the hike.
From the hot springs, the hike continues along the Arashan river toward the village of Ak-Suu, the endpoint of this trek.
Join a small group and experience one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular hikes! Let us take care of the logistics while you focus on enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Ala Kul Lake and Altyn Arashan.
Join the 10-day Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour, 14-day Highlights of Kyrgyzstan Adventure or the 4-day Ala Kul Trekking Adventure and do this trek with a guide and a small group of like-minded adventurers!
3. Hiking from Kyzart village to Song Kul Lake
- Total trekking distance: 34 km
- Total trekking days: 2 days /1 night
- Maximum altitude: 3325m
- Maximum elevation gain/loss: +1621m/ -1214m
- Difficulty: medium
- Accessibility: from end of May until end of September
Kyzart is a small village on the main road from Kochkor towards Jumgal Kyzart Tchayek. Most hiking treks and horseriding trips to Song-Kul and other mountain lakes start from there.
The first day of hiking takes you along a river and across beautiful alpine jailoos (summer pastures). You’ll see vast green meadows, high passes, and deep valleys.
There is no need to carry camping gear with you if you hike there between June and September as there will be many yurt camps along the way.
The first night of the hike can be spent at a yurt camp in Kelimche valley or in any of the yurt camps in the mountain pastures nearby. These yurts are very comfortable and quite cozy.
Yurt Camp in Kilemche Valley
If you’re going in high season (July and August), be aware that some of these yurt camps won’t have available spaces left but you could always pitch your tent not too far away from the yurt camp.
The second day of this hike brings you to the Zhalguz Karagai Pass located 2 hours above Kelimche valley.
Once you reach the top you can enjoy a well-deserved rest and admire the valley underneath you. From there, getting to the lake takes about one hour.
Upon reaching the lake you will see various yurt camps on the shore. You can arrange your stay in these yurt camps ahead of time or directly with the yurt owners upon arriving there.
If you would be interested in doing this trek on horseback with a group of travelers from all over the world, join one of my Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tours!
4. Hiking to the Ratsek Hut and Ak-Sai Glacier in Ala Archa National Park
- Total trekking distance: 32 km
- Total trekking days: 2 days /1 night
- Maximum altitude: 3350m
- Maximum elevation gain/loss: +1850m/ -1850m
- Difficulty: medium
- Accessibility: from end of May until end of September
The hike to the Ak-Sai Glacies, located at 3350 meters altitude, is a 9-hour round-trip and even though it’s only 16 km to the glacier, the trail involves more than 1500 meters in elevation gain.
It’s a physically demanding hike across slippery and steep terrain and if you want to do it in one day – which I absolutely don’t recommend- you should start early!
This hike might be better if you take 2 days for it. There’s a free camping ground near the Ratsek Hut where you can pitch your tent for the night.
The beginning of the trail is at the Alpager Hut (the same one for the Ak-Sai waterfall as mentioned in the day hikes above) but once you crossed the creek, you have to take the narrow path to your right.
From there it’s a steep 3-hour climb over stones and gravel until you reach the Ratsek Hut, a wooden cabin named after the Soviet Alpinist Razek Vladimir.
Many alpinists use this area as a base camp before they climb the various peaks in the park.
Ratsek Hut and Base Camp
The Ak-Sai Glacier becomes visible as soon as you reach the plateau before the Ratsek Hut but the best view of the glacier is from the ridge above the cabin. To return, you have to follow the same trail back.
5. Trek to Holy Lake in Arlsanbob
- Total trekking distance: 46 km
- Total trekking days: 4 days /3 nights
- Maximum altitude: 3670m
- Maximum elevation gain/loss: +3129m/ -3390m
- Difficulty: medium – demanding
- Accessibility: from end of June until mid-September
There are a number of beautiful hikes and horse riding treks that you can do in Arslanbob and the surrounding Babash Ata mountains. My favorite one is the trek to Holy Lake.
Holy Lake, also known as Kolkupan Lake, was for a long time an important pilgrim’s site in the sacred Baba Atash Mountains.
You can reach Holy Lake only on foot, on horseback, or by donkey as you have to cross the Babash Ata mountains and while it’s not an easy trek, it’s a very beautiful one !
During this 4-day trek, you make a loop from Arslanbob Village across Dostuk Pass, also known as Friendship Pass (3676m), reaching Holy Lake (3000 m) on the second day.
On the third day, the trail takes you along a smaller alpine lake (Aina-Kol) towards the steep Tash Gorgon Gorge and over the Ontomo (3400m) and the Chakmak Tash (3262m) passes and you’ll arrive back in Arslanbob on the fourth day.
Every day will be different on this trek as you’ll hike through very diverse landscapes.
I don’t recommend doing this trek without a guide as the trail isn’t always very clear. I met two travelers who undertook this hike by themselves and they lost their way by taking a wrong turn. In the end, they found their way back to Arslanbob but without reaching Holy Lake.
There are no yurt camps on this trail, only a few shepherd settlements here and there, so you’ll have to bring camping gear.
6. Scenic Aktor Pass Trek
- Total trekking distance: 40 km
- Total trekking days: 3 days /2 nights
- Maximum altitude: 3557m
- Maximum elevation gain/loss: +2372m/ -2315m
- Difficulty: medium
- Accessibility: from mid-June until end of September
This 3-day trek to the Ak Tor Pass takes you into the lower Alay Mountains, just a couple of hours away from Osh.
Along the trail, you’ll see many varied stunning landscapes – from rolling hills and lush valleys filled with grazing animals to impressive panoramas over rugged mountain peaks.
You’ll also meet many nomadic shepherds who very likely will invite you in their yurt for some bread and tea. This offers a great opportunity to gain some insight into the Kyrgyz nomadic life.
The highlight of this trek is crossing the Ak Tor Pass (3557m) where you get incredibly scenic views over the Alay mountain range (hence the name “Scenic” Ak Tor Pass Trek).
Join the 12-day Best of Alay Mountains Trekking Adventure and do this trek with a guide and a small group of like-minded adventurers!
7. Trek from Sary Chelek to Kara Suu
- Total trekking distance: 53 km
- Total trekking days: 3 days /2 nights
- Maximum altitude: 2446m
- Maximum elevation gain/loss: +1352m/ -2321m
- Difficulty: medium
- Accessibility: from end of May until end of September
On this 3-day trek, you really get to experience the stunning beauty of Sary Chelek Nature Reserve and the Chatkal Mountains!
On the first day, you start hiking from Arkit village all the way to Iri Kul Lake where you can camp on the shores of the lake. This day includes the Seven Lakes Hike (see Best Day Hikes above).
On the second day, you have to follow the dirt road along the shores of Iri Kul lake. The road will soon change into a small path leading towards the surrounding mountain ridges.
The trail goes up gradually in the beginning and becomes steep towards the end (total elevation gain is around 600m). The views on top of the Kotorma Pass are stunning (as usual)!
You’ll see on one side the Sary Chelek Valley and on the other side the towering peaks of the Chatkal Mountains.
Continue the trek by following the windy path down through the lush valley. At some point, the path turns and you’ll see Kara Suu lake appearing in the distance.
Continue the trail all the way down to Kara Suu Lake, also known as Kara Kamuush Lake. This is where today’s hike ends.
You’re allowed to camp for free on the shores of the lake or you can also stay in one of the nearby yurt camps. The price for a yurt stay is changeable but count on 1200 som per person (breakfast and dinner included).
The hike on the third day is very straightforward. There’s only one road that goes from Kara Suu to Kyzyl Kol Village.
You first have to hike up a rocky pass (1800m). Then the track descents all the way into Kyzyl Kol while following the Kara Suu River. Along the way, you’ll pass a beautiful small waterfall and hike through the Kara Suu Gorge.
Enter Kyzyl Kol Village by crossing the wooden bridges. There are a few homestays in the village where you can spend the night.
Join the 10-day Feel Like a Nomad Horse Riding Tour and do this trek on horse back and a small group of like-minded adventurers!
8. Three Lakes Trek
- Total trekking distance: 45 km
- Total trekking days: 3 days /2 nights
- Maximum elevation gain/loss: +2146m/ -2007m
- Difficulty: easy
- Accessibility: from end of May until end of September
The Three Lakes Trek in Jumgal, Naryn is easy to access and with its easy and clear trail makes a good option for inexperienced trekkers.
Photo by Stephen Lioy – Photography and Travel Media
You’ll hike along a series of three beautiful alpine lakes (including one beside the first night’s campsite!) set amidst popular jailoos which makes it a rewarding experience for any trekker!
Much of the access to and from Jumgal area follows old dirt roads, so those looking for an absolute nature immersion experience may want to arrange a car to the first lake and from the last.
Getting there: Start in Jumgal region’s Bash-Kaingdy village, 14km east of regional center Chaek, and head towards the mountains on any of the rough dirt roads that all eventually lead to the obvious valley mouth.
The 18km road is passable all the way to the first lake, and I’d recommend arranging transportation at least until the first bridge some 5km up from the village.
9. Ak-Suu Transverse
- Total trekking distance: 115 km
- Total trekking days: 7 days /6 nights
- Maximum altitude: 3907m
- Maximum elevation gain/loss: +7349m/ -7731m
- Difficulty: hard
- Accessibility: from beginning of July until mid- September
Last but not least, another fantastic long-distance trek in Kyrgyzstan!
I’ve only done a part of it but my friend Stephen did the whole 7 days and it’s his favorite one in the whole of Kyrgyzstan.
The Ak Suu Transverse trek is the peak hiking experience in Kyrgyzstan’s Ak-Suu region, starting from the small ecotourism village of Jyrgalan and crossing the whole of Ak-Suu to end at Jeti-Oguz, crossing eight passes, seven days, five mountain lakes.
Ala-Kul is not off the beaten path and you’ll likely meet more hikers on that stretch than any other trail listed here, but in the days before you should have the mountains to just you and the shepherds, and by the time you’ve seen the lake you’ll be so excited that you’ll want somebody to tell about it!
Photo by Stephen Lioy – Photography and Travel Media
You can read a detailed day-to-day hiking itinerary in Stephen’s Ak Suu Transverse Trekking Guide.
I hope this guide was useful and that you’ll enjoy hiking and trekking in the pristine mountains of Kyrgyzstan as much as I did!
I always love to hear from you so if you have any questions concerning hiking in Kyrgyzstan or if you think there’s another hike I should add to this list, get in touch with me or let me know in the comments below!
You’ll also be interested in:
Naryn Travel Guide: 12 Best Hikes & top things to do in Naryn Kyrgyzstan
Hiking in Kyrgyzstan: The 21 best Jyrgalan and Karakol Trekking Trails
How to visit Kel Suu Lake Kyrgyzstan – The Complete Travel Guide
Ala Kul Trek Kyrgyzstan (2026): Everything you need to know From Someone Who Hiked It 10+ Times
8 Best Day Trips from Bishkek
7 Best Hikes in Osh and the Alay Mountains – Hiking Guide
More Kyrgyzstan Travel Resources
- The Complete Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan
- The 14 best hikes in Kyrgyzstan
- The 25 most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan
- 8 beautiful lakes in Kyrgyzstan
- The 9 best horse riding destinations in Kyrgyzstan
- 15 useful safety tips for Kyrgyzstan
- The complete packing list for Kyrgyzstan
- 28 Things to do in Kyrgyzstan
- 13 Top Things to do in Bishkek – City Guide
- How to visit the Osh Bazaar in Bishkek
- 14 Top Things to do in Osh – City Guide
- 15 Best Things to do in Karakol – City Guide
- The 21 best hikes in Karakol and Jyrgalan
- Tash Rabat Travel Guide
- The complete travel guide to Kel Suu Lake
- The complete travel guide to Arslanbob
- How to visit Sary Chelek Lake and Nature Reserve
- Top things to do around Issyk Kul Lake, a one week itinerary
- Facts and legends of the Burana Tower
- Everything you need to know about horse riding to Song Kul lake
- A comprehensive guide to skiing in Kyrgyzstan
- 6 reasons why you should visit Kyrgyzstan in winter
- Visit Kyrgyzstan in winter by using this 10-day Kyrgyzstan winter itinerary
- Here are the 7 best hikes in the Alay Mountains near Osh
- Use this day-by-day itinerary to hike independently to Ala Kul lake
- Hike independently to Son Kul lake by using these 2 itineraries
- 8 great day trips and hikes near Bishkek
- Ready steady goat! An insight into Kok Boru, Kyrgyzstan’s unusual national sport
- Meet the Golden Eagle Hunters of Kyrgyzstan
Hi Cynthia, thank you for sharing with us your experience and all the details!
I would like your help to compare 2 multi-day hikes – The Best of Alay Trek and the Ak-Suu Transverse, specially regarding the landscapes and kind of experience . Can you give me more details comparig these two options?
Hi Silvia, the Ak Suu Transverse takes around a week in the Tian Shan Mountains and includes Ala Kul lake. This trek is more alpine. The Best of Alay is in the south of Kyrgyzstan, in the Alay Mountains, and offers daily different sceneries.
Hi there, thanks for this awesome guide to trekking in Kyrgyzstan! I’m a web developer working remotely and am definitely considering a trip in the future.
One question regarding internet access – could you give some insight into which of these hikes offer the possibility of full-time or even half-time internet connectivity? Reliable internet would be helpful for checking in with work occasionally.
Hi Mehedi, I’m afraid that all the hikes are in remote regions with very limited to no internet connection. Best is to find a good base, like Karakol, where you have proper internet connectivity. For multi-day hikes, you have to take a few days away from the internet…
Hi I will be going to Kyrgyzstan solo for 3 weeks in March. This guide is very helpful thank you. Was wondering where I can go to see the eagle hunters and get a chance to hold an eagle myself?
Hi Joshy, you can go to Bakanbaevo and organize a meeting with the eagle hunters at the CBT there.
Hello there! I am inspired to come to Kyrgyzstan and hike the Ak Suu transverse after reading your blog. As I am travelling solo, would like to ask if it is necessary to book trekking tours in advance if i’m coming in August? Or will it be much cheaper to book once I’m already in Jyrgalan.
Thank you.
Hi Li, you could arrange a guide and a trekking tour once you’re already in Jyrgalan or you could also check ahead of time for tour prices and guides with the CBT near Jyrgalan, Destination Jyrgalan Valley (online) or Tuk.kg (online, based in Bishkek). I don’t think it will be much of a price difference whether you book ahead of time or on the spot.
Warm wishes!
Great blog. Thanks for sharing this wonderful blog with us.
Thanks Tony, glad to hear you enjoy reading our blog!!
Hi, I’m thinking about doing some hiking in Kyrgyzstan this summer. I will be travelling solo and on a budget. What would you reccomend for 3 weeks? I don’t drive so should I base myself in Bishkek?
Thank you! Ania
Hi Ania, there are a lot of beautiful hikes very close to Bishkek so basing yourself there can be a great idea. I recommend hiking in Ala-Archa national park or going up to Kol-Tor lake. We explain how to visit these places in our guide to day trips and hikes from Bishkek.Another place that can be a good base for fantastic hikes is a village called Jyrgalan. The hikes there will leave you speechless. They are absolutely gorgeous!
hello, this is very helpful, thanks. from your experience, where would be best in mid may for 2-3 days? thanks
Hi Thomas,
A great 3-day hike for mid-May could be in Ala Archa National Park, around Song Kul lake or in the Jyrgalan Valley. Be aware that there probably still be quite some snow in the mountains so definitely prepare yourself well! Enjoy!!
Hi Thomas, for 2-3 days I would recommend hiking in Ala-Archa national park. It’s not too far from Bishkek and the landscape will be wonderful at that time of the year.
excellent – thanks, i will do some more research into ala-archa. thanks again
Super info! we’ll probably go to kyrgyztan this summer and this list it’s what I was looking for! It’s kind of difficult to choose 2-3 treks among this mountain paradise. Useful info, thanks!!
We’re very happy to hear that this list was so useful to you! Yes, it is very difficult to make a choice between all the beautiful hikes! You could spend a lifetime trekking around Kyrgyzstan 😀 Enjoy your trip and who knows, we might cross paths in the mountains 😉
Great list here! Although we’ve done a few treks in Kyrgyzstan, there are quite a few on your list that we haven’t done and now I’m getting that wanderlust feeling here 🙂 And, great to see the Heights of Alay here! Thanks! The Alay region and southern Kyrgyzstan are really special and the mountains are just stunning.
We’re glad you liked the article guys! The south of Kyrgyzstan is indeed quite special! Hopefully, we can do a few more hikes in that region of the country next summer 🙂
Such an amazing blog. Thanks for sharing..
Thank you! Glad to hear you enjoy it!!