Hiking in the land of the nomads

7 days of hiking

Mountain Nature Sport Adventure

Hiking in the land of the nomads - Main photo of the trip

Hiking in the land of the nomads - Photo 2 of the trip

Hiking in the land of the nomads - Photo 3 of the trip

Hiking in the land of the nomads - Photo 4 of the trip

Hiking in the land of the nomads - Photo 5 of the trip

This hike is a total immersion in an ancestral way of life and wild nature, ideal for travelers seeking a change of scenery, simplicity, and wide open spaces.

Trip Description

A unique adventure in the heart of the celestial mountains of Kyrgyzstan, a country where nomadic traditions are still alive and where nature reigns supreme. This itinerary takes you through vast alpine steppes, panoramic passes, and preserved valleys, at the tranquil pace of walking. Each day immerses you in Kyrgyz authenticity: nights in yurts, encounters with nomadic families, sharing milk tea, and observing herds on transhumance. Along the trails, you discover majestic landscapes: high-altitude lakes with turquoise waters, endless pastures, snow-capped peaks, and clear rivers.

Accomodation

Yurts; Tent; 3* Hotel

Stay program

day 1
Arrival in Bishkek
Welcome at the airport then transfer to your hotel. Day dedicated to discovering the Kyrgyz capital: History Museum, Ala-Too Square, Osh Bazaar market, etc. Lunch and dinner at the restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
day 2
Bishkek – Lake Son-Kol
(5 h drive / +2200 m) Route to the second largest lake in the country, Son-Kol. On the way, visit to the Burana Tower, dating from the 11th century. Lunch with a Dungan family. Arrival at the lake in the afternoon and installation in a yurt camp.
day 3
Lake Son-Kol – Naryn
(3 h drive / -1000 m) Free morning at the lake: possible horseback ride, relaxation and breathtaking scenery. Lunch at the camp, then drive to Naryn to enjoy comfortable accommodation before the 7 days of hiking. Dinner at the restaurant
day 4
Naryn – Ken-Saz
(2 h drive + 4 h hike / +450 m) Morning drive then start of the trek. The driver leaves with our belongings. Walk to the Ken-Saz pastures. Yurt installation. Dinner and night in a yurt.
day 5
Hiking
(6 h walk / +650 m / -250 m) Second day of trekking in a splendid alpine setting, between river, nomad herds, and traditional yurts. Night in a tent.
day 6
Hiking
(7 h of sustained walking / +700 m / -1000 m) Ascent of the Jak-Bolot pass (3850 m), then a long descent towards a river frequented by semi-wild horses. Night in a tent.
day 7
Hiking
(5 h walk / +250 m / -300 m) Crossing vast steppes and riding across a river on horseback to reach the Balgart valley. Night under tent.
day 8
Hiking
(5 to 6 h of walking / +550 m) Bypassing the Kara-Kaman range with superb panoramas of the mountains already crossed. Climbing up a narrow valley to a large plain where several rivers converge. Night in a tent.
day 9
Hiking
(6 to 7 h of walking / +600 m / -700 m) Route between streams and wetlands to reach a pass (3700 m), offering a breathtaking view of the Kara-Kaman glaciers. Descent towards the turquoise waters of Lake Teshik-Kol, then continue to the Jyluu-Suu valley, famous for its hot springs. Setting up camp and swimming in the thermal waters.
day 10
Jyluu-Suu – Bokonbaev
(4–5 h of hiking / +1000 m / -850 m, then -1300 m by vehicle) Ascent via the old road to the Ton pass (4023 m) to cross the impressive Teskey range, which borders the south of Lake Issyk-Kol. Reunion with the driver at the descent of the pass, then transfer to the village of Bokonbaev. Check-in at the guesthouse.
day 11
Bokonbaev – Bishkek
(4 h drive + 3 h walk / -1000 m) Exploration of the spectacular Ak-Say canyons, with a panoramic view of Lake Issyk-Kol. Second hike in the Boom gorge: about 2 h round trip to reach the Konorchek canyons. Arrival in Bishkek at the end of the day, check-in at a good hotel and dinner at the restaurant.
day 12
Departure
Transfer to Bishkek airport. Have a good trip and see you soon for a new adventure!