Aeolian Castles: Konorchek Canyons to Kol-Tor — 13 Days
About this tour
On this trek you explore the incredible Grand Canyons of Kyrgyzstan, carved millions of years ago from Tertiary clays. This mysterious land of intensely red sandstone contrasts sharply with green barberry and blackcurrant.
You start through a narrow stone labyrinth that suddenly opens onto wind-carved 'Aeolian castles'. After exploring the canyons, the route heads west to the Kok-Jar-Suu valley with its river and meadows of flowers, past Kol-Tor lake and the unusual Sugar Peak (4,253 m) with its hanging glacier, and ends at the Burana Tower.
Highlights
- Konorchek canyons: 'Big Canyon', 'Bobsleigh', 'Skyscrapers'
- Stone labyrinth opening onto the Aeolian castles
- Kok-Jar-Suu valley meadows of flowers
- Kol-Tor lake and Sugar Peak (4,253 m)
- A reserve day built in for bad weather
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
Check-in, rest and a city tour.
02
Day
Ala-Archa National Park
Walk up to the Ak-Sai waterfall and return to Bishkek.
03
Day
Boom gorge – Konorchek
Drive to the Boom gorge and walk through the stone labyrinth into the Konorchek canyon. Night in tents.
04
Day
Korgon-Terek pass
Over the Korgon-Terek pass into the Kok-Jar-Suu valley. Night in tents.
05
Day
Konorchek canyons
Exploring the canyons: the 'Big Canyon' and 'Bobsleigh'. Night in tents.
06
Day
Konorchek canyons
More canyon exploring: the 'Skyscrapers'. Night in tents.
07
Day
Kok-Jar pass – Kyzyl-Suu
Through the Kok-Jar-Suu valley, over the Kok-Jar pass (2,110 m) into the Kyzyl-Suu valley. Night in tents.
08
Day
Bel-Bulak pass – Shamshy
Down the Kyzyl-Suu valley and over the Bel-Bulak pass into the Shamshy valley. Night in tents.
09
Day
Rest day
A day of rest — kept as a reserve day in case of bad weather.
10
Day
Shamshy – Eastern Tuyuk
Through the Shamshy gorge into the Eastern Tuyuk gorge. Night in tents.
11
Day
Eastern Tuyuk pass – Kol-Tor
Over the Eastern Tuyuk pass to Kol-Tor lake. Night in tents.
12
Day
Kol-Tor – Kegeti – Bishkek
Down the Kol-Tor gorge to the Kegeti gorge and drive to Bishkek via the Burana Tower. Night in a hotel.
13
Day
Bishkek
Bazaar for souvenirs and gifts; rest.
14
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)
9 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
- Photographers and geology lovers
Difficulty & safety
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
