The Tian Shan – the “Celestial Mountains” – run through the whole of Kyrgyzstan, and in the east of the country they rise above 7,000 m. For travellers this means real alpine scenery close to the cities: from Bishkek the glaciers of Ala-Archa National Park are about an hour away, and Karakol at the eastern end of Issyk-Kul is the gateway to some of the most beautiful trekking valleys in Central Asia.
Our mountain tours include day hikes with a guide, multi-day treks with tent or guesthouse nights, and winter trips to the ski slopes above Karakol. Every tour description states the difficulty, the altitude and what you need to bring, so you can choose a route that matches your experience.
The main hiking season is from late June to mid-September; lower trails in Ala-Archa are often accessible from May to October. Weather in the mountains changes quickly, so our guides may adjust a route on the day for safety reasons.
Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Kochkor and Son-Kul
Eight days around Issyk-Kul and up to the high-altitude lake Song-Kul – with nights in yurts, an eagle hunter show and genuine nomadic hospitality.
Ala-Archa National Park and the Karakol valleys (Ala-Kul, Altyn-Arashan)
A compact but demanding mountain trip: acclimatisation in Ala-Archa, then the classic trek over the Ala-Kul pass to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.
Kochkor district and Son-Kul lake, Naryn region
Ride from the village of Kyzart over a high pass to Son-Kul lake, sleep in yurts with herding families and return to Bishkek on day three.
Issyk-Kul region: Cholpon-Ata, Karakol, Jeti-Oguz and the south shore
A compact loop around Issyk-Kul: petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata, the wooden cathedral and Dungan mosque of Karakol, the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and Skazka canyon.
Karakol and the Karakol ski resort, eastern Issyk-Kul
Two days on the slopes of the Karakol ski resort, a soak in hot springs and the winter shores of Issyk-Kul – transport, guide and guesthouse included.
Almaty region, south-east Kazakhstan
Six days of the best nature in south-east Kazakhstan: Big Almaty Lake, Charyn Canyon, the sunken forest of Kaindy and the Kolsai lakes.
Astana, Turkistan, Shymkent and Almaty
From the futuristic capital Astana to the medieval caravan cities of the south – Turkistan, Otrar and Sauran – and on to Almaty.
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
Eight days through the three legendary oasis cities of the Silk Road, with the Afrosiyob high-speed train, a desert crossing and sunset over the walls of Khiva.
Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
The essential Silk Road in five days: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, linked comfortably by high-speed train.
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
Nine days from futuristic Tokyo past Mount Fuji and the hot springs of Hakone to the temples of Kyoto, the deer of Nara and the food stalls of Osaka – the perfect first trip to Japan.
Japanese Alps: Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa
Seven days through the mountainous heart of Japan: a samurai castle, alpine valleys, old merchant towns, a night in a thatched farmhouse and the gardens of Kanazawa.
Seoul, the DMZ, Gyeongju and Busan
Seven days across the peninsula: royal palaces and hanok alleys in Seoul, a visit to the DMZ, the temples of Gyeongju and the colourful seaside city of Busan – with a KTX high-speed train ride.
Central Mongolia: Terelj, Khustai, Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley
Six days through central Mongolia: granite peaks of Terelj, wild Przewalski's horses, the ancient capital Karakorum and a night with a nomadic family in the Orkhon Valley.
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