Trekking the Tien Shan Nomads Trail

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 6:00 P.M. to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into Manas International Airport (BSZ).

• Transfer · Manas International Airport (BSZ) → Hotel

  TrovaTrip will provide 3 arrival transfers from Manas International Airport (BSZ) to the hotel between 8:00 A.M. and 5:00 P.M. The exact transfer times within this window will be determined closer to your arrival based on provided Traveler flight information. Travelers arriving outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to meet the group at the hotel.

  30 min

Leave Bishkek early and transfer toward the dramatic red-rock formations of Konorchek Canyon, where you’ll stretch your legs on a scenic hike through landscapes shaped by wind and water erosion. Then continue your transfer making a stop for you to purchase lunch on your own along the way. Finally, arrive at Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, where you’ll spend the night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. In the evening, take a walk to the water to watch the sunset or enjoy an optional swim while taking in views of the surrounding snow-capped mountains. For the hike today, you’ll want to wear comfortable hiking clothes and boots, and bring a day pack with a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a light jacket.

• Konorchek Canyons Hike

  Stretch your legs and continue acclimatizing with a hike through the striking Konorchek Canyons. Formed by millions of years of wind and water erosion, the canyon is known for its unusual red-rock formations, with towering shapes that resemble ancient ruins, castles, and towers. Locally, these formations are often referred to as “Aeolian castles.” The trail offers a rewarding introduction to the landscapes you’ll encounter during the trek ahead. Please note that you may have multiple guides when hiking. Larger groups may be split into different hiking groups based on pace. Distance: 6.8 miles | Elevation Gain & Loss: +1,263 / -1263 ft | Duration: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

  10:00· 300 min· Konorchek valley
• Transfer to Konorchek Canyon

  Take a private transfer to Konorchek Canyon. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  120 min
• Transfer to Issyk Kul Lake

  Continue your transfer to your yurt camp at Issyk Kul Lake. Stops for lunch and bathrooms will be made along the way.

  90 min

After breakfast, drive to Suttu Bulak, where you’ll meet the support crew, have lunch, and begin your trek toward Jety Oguz Valley. The trail follows nomadic paths through fir forests and alpine landscapes before crossing the Suttu Bulak Pass. Along the way, enjoy views of the Terskey Ala-Too range, rolling green hills, wildflowers, and the area's distinctive red-rock formations. Your day ends at camp in Jety Oguz Valley, with Maiden Tears Waterfall a short walk from camp. For the hike today, you’ll want to wear comfortable hiking clothes and boots, and bring a day pack with a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket. The rest of your gear and personal luggage will be portered for you between campsites by a dedicated trek crew.

• Hike to Jety Oguz Valley

  After lunch, follow nomadic trails winding through fir forests toward the 9,203-foot Suttu Bulak Pass. From the high point, descend toward Jety Oguz Valley, taking in views of the towering Terskey Ala-Too peaks, green hills, wildflowers, and distinctive red-rock formations. The trail eventually enters a wooded canyon, with views toward Oguz Bashi, one of the area's prominent mountain peaks. Please note that you may have multiple guides when hiking. Larger groups may be split into different hiking groups based on pace. Distance: 8.1 miles | Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,756 ft / -2,041 ft | Duration: 6-7 hours | Difficulty: Hard

  09:00· 420 min· Jety Oguz valley
• Transfer to Suttu Bulak

  Take a private transfer to Suttu Bulak. Stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  180 min

Wake up early for a full day of trekking from Jety Oguz Valley toward Kyzyl Zhar Valley. Enjoy lunch half way and then continue toward the mouth of Irdyk Canyon, where you’ll spend the night at camp. For the hike today, you’ll want to wear comfortable hiking clothes and boots, and bring a day pack with a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket. The rest of your gear and personal luggage will be portered for you between campsites by a dedicated trek crew.

• Hike to Kyzyl Zhar Valley

  Trek from Jety Oguz Valley toward Kyzyl Zhar Valley, gaining elevation across the slopes of Jety Oguz Mountain before crossing open high pastures and alpine meadows. Along the way, pass nomadic camps and see local life up close as you make your way toward the valley. The trail continues toward the mouth of Irdyk Canyon, with forested landscapes and expansive mountain views throughout the day. Please note that you may have multiple guides when hiking. Larger groups may be split into different hiking groups based on pace. Distance: 8.7 miles | Elevation Gain & Loss: +2,264 ft / -2,490 ft | Duration: 7.5 hours | Difficulty: Very Hard

  08:00· 480 min· Kyzyl Zhar valley

Spend the day exploring the dramatic landscapes around Irdyk Canyon on a loop hike above the valley. The route takes you through fir forests and along the red-rock cliffs beneath Jety Oguz Mountain, with expansive views across the surrounding landscape. Keep an eye toward the skies, as the area is home to eagles and other birdlife. For the hike today, you’ll want to wear comfortable hiking clothes and boots, and bring a day pack with a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket. The rest of your gear and personal luggage will be portered for you between campsites by a dedicated trek crew.

• Irdyk Canyon Hike

  Set out on a full-day loop hike above Irdyk Canyon, crossing between the western and eastern sides of the canyon. The trail winds through fir forests and along red-rock formations and cliffs, with Jety Oguz Mountain dominating the surrounding landscape. The combination of forest, canyon scenery, and mountain views makes this a varied day on the trail. The area is also known for its eagle population, so keep an eye out for birds of prey along the route. Please note that you may have multiple guides when hiking. Larger groups may be split into different hiking groups based on pace. Distance: 8.1 miles | Elevation Gain & Loss: +3,576 ft / -3,576 ft | Duration: 7-8 hours | Difficulty: Very Hard

  09:00· 480 min· Kyzyl Zhar valley

Refuel with breakfast before continuing through the mountains toward Irdyk Valley. Trek across green pastures dotted with traditional yurts and pass through alpine meadows and forests before reaching the peaceful valley. For the hike today, you’ll want to wear comfortable hiking clothes and boots, and bring a day pack with a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket. The rest of your gear and personal luggage will be portered for you between campsites by a dedicated trek crew.

• Irdyk Valley Hike

  Trek from Kyzyl Zhar Valley to Irdyk Valley, crossing green mountain pastures and alpine meadows dotted with yurts belonging to local nomadic families. The route continues through forested terrain before opening into the peaceful Irdyk Valley, framed by mountains and snow-capped peaks. The area's diverse landscapes provide opportunities to spot local flora and birdlife along the way. Please note that you may have multiple guides when hiking. Larger groups may be split into different hiking groups based on pace. Distance: 6.8 miles | Elevation Gain/Loss: +2,349 ft gain / -2,287 ft | Duration: 7-8 hours | Very Hard

  09:00· 480 min· IRDYK VALLEY

Wake early for another full day in the mountains as you hike into the upper reaches of Irdyk Valley to explore its alpine lakes. Depending on weather and group fitness, the route can include one to three lakes. Surrounded by mountains and open meadows, the lakes offer clear water and striking reflections of the surrounding landscape before you return to camp in the evening. For the hike today, you’ll want to wear comfortable hiking clothes and boots, and bring a day pack with a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket. The rest of your gear and personal luggage will be portered for you between campsites by a dedicated trek crew.

• Irdyk Lakes Hike

  Head into the upper grounds of Irdyk Valley on a day loop toward the area's alpine lakes. Depending on weather and group fitness, the hike may visit one to three lakes, with the total distance varying accordingly. The trail leads through untouched mountain landscapes, open meadows, and high alpine terrain before reaching the clear waters of the lakes, where the surrounding peaks and landscapes are reflected on the surface. Please note that you may have multiple guides when hiking. Larger groups may be split into different hiking groups based on pace. Distance: 7-12 miles depending on route | Elevation Gain & Loss: Up to +3,251 ft / -3,251 ft | Duration: 8.5 hours

  08:00· 540 min

Pack up camp and say goodbye to the local trekking crew before setting out across the Bel Bulak hills toward Karakol. Once you reach the end of the trail, transfer by vehicle to Karakol and give your legs a well-earned break. After lunch, explore the city, a former Russian outpost, with visits to the Holy Trinity Cathedral, Dungan Mosque, and Karakol Bazaar before settling in for the evening. For the hike today, you’ll want to wear comfortable hiking clothes and boots, and bring a day pack with a water bottle, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a jacket. The rest of your gear and personal luggage will be portered for you between campsite and hotel by a dedicated trek crew.

• Bel Bulak Hills to Karakol

  Complete the final trekking section by crossing the Bel Bulak hills toward Karakol. The route marks the end of the mountain trek, with a gradual transition from the remote mountain landscape toward the city. At the end of the trail, meet your vehicle for the short transfer into Karakol. Please note that you may have multiple guides when hiking. Larger groups may be split into different hiking groups based on pace. Distance: 5.6 miles | Elevation Gain & Loss: +738 ft / -2,398 ft loss | Duration: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Moderate

  09:00· 240 min· Karakol
• Karakol Sightseeing

  After lunch in Karakol, explore the city’s cultural highlights with visits to the 19th-century Holy Trinity Church, the striking Dungan Mosque, and the lively Karakol Bazaar, where you can browse local goods and experience the city’s vibrant atmosphere.

  14:30· 60 min· Karakol

After a good nights rest, you’ll enjoy breakfast then set out on your journey back to Bishkek. You’ll make a stop half way to enjoy lunch and observe an Eagle Hunting Demonstration, a Kyrgyz tradition. Continue to Bishkek, where you’ll settle in and enjoy one final meal together.

• Eagle Hunting Demonstration

  After lunch, you will continue to Bokonbai village where you will observe an eagle hunting demonstration. Eagle hunting is a centuries-old Kyrgyz tradition and a key cultural tradition.

  14:00· 60 min· Bokonbai village
• Transfer · Karakol → Bishkek

  Take a private transfer to Bishkek. About midday, you will stop at a rest stop with time to purchase lunch on your own. Other stops for bathrooms will be made along the way as needed.

  60 min

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then transfer to the airport. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying Manas International Airport (BSZ).

• Transfer · Bishkek → Manas International Airport (BSZ)

  TrovaTrip will provide 2 departure transfers from the hotel to Manas International Airport (BSZ) on the last day from 8:00am to 12:00pm. Exact transfer time within this window will be determined closer to your departure based on provided Traveler flight information. Travelers departing outside of the requested flight guidelines will need to make their own transfer arrangements to the airport.

  30 min