Northern Tien Shan Lakes Trek — 9 Days
About this tour
This route crosses picturesque gorges of the Northern Tien Shan up to about 3,100 m: conifer forest alternating with alpine meadows, powerful rivers with many waterfalls and high lakes with water of an unusual colour.
Flora and fauna are rich — meeting a herd of wild ibex is not unusual — and the trek is a chance to share the life of nomadic herders. It ends with a full day of rest on Issyk-Kul.
Highlights
- Kok-Moinok lake (2,800 m)
- Ala-Kul, Kara-Kol and Jashyl lakes
- Herds of ibex and herders' summer camps
- Kok-Moinok canyon and a lakeside day on Issyk-Kul
- Ala-Archa National Park and the Burana Tower
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
Join a group: choose your date
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Arrival in Bishkek
Airport pick-up, check-in, History Museum and a trip to Ala-Archa National Park.
02
Day
Tuyuk Issyk-Ata gorge
Drive to the Tuyuk Issyk-Ata gorge; acclimatisation.
03
Day
Kok-Moinok lake
Through the Kok-Moinok gorge to the high lake of the same name (2,800 m).
04
Day
Three lakes
Walk to the Ala-Kul, Kara-Kol and Jashyl lakes.
05
Day
Tuyuk gorge
Over Kok-Moinok into the Tuyuk gorge (3,100 m) to a hunters' hut.
06
Day
Tusok gorge
Descent into the Tusok gorge to base camp. Night in tents.
07
Day
To Issyk-Kul
Drive to Issyk-Kul via the Kok-Moinok canyon. Night at a lakeside campsite.
08
Day
Issyk-Kul
A full day of rest by the lake.
09
Day
Issyk-Kul – Bishkek
Drive to Bishkek via the Burana Tower, former capital of the Karakhanid state.
10
Day
Departure
Transfer to Manas airport.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups)
English-speaking guide
4 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
5 nights camping: tents, camp kitchen and a cook
Breakfast and dinner every day
Picnic lunches on trekking, riding and walking days
Pack horses with a horseman for the luggage and camping gear
Entrance tickets and park fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $120 (4 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Lunch on travel days
Sleeping bag and mat (ask us if you need to rent one)
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide, driver and horsemen
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Hikers with good fitness — walking days last 5–7 hours
- Travellers who want wild mountain country and nights under the stars
Difficulty & safety
The highest point of the route is about 3,100 m. Walking days last 5–7 hours. Drink plenty of water, keep a steady pace on the first days and tell your guide about any headache or dizziness. Mountain weather changes quickly — always carry a warm layer and a rain jacket.
What to bring
Warm clothes — nights in the mountains are cold
Hiking boots
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Sleeping mat
Sleeping bag
