DAY 1 – Arrive in Bishkek:

Take a tour of the ‘White City’ which was named after the government buildings in Soviet times were built from the beautiful locally mined white marble… until they ran out of marble! Learn about the history of the country with our local tour guide and have dinner in one of the most well-known tea houses in the city with traditional live music and dancing

Note: Lunch and dinner is included, overnight stay at the hotel.

DAY 2 – Drive to Karakol:

The drive encompasses Issyk-Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America. It is heated from thermal activity and never freezes even in the depths of winter: In the summer the water temperature reaches 25-28 degrees centigrade. You can swim as you gaze at the snowy peaks of the surrounding Tian Shan Mountains. Pass by the ancient minaret Burana Tower, built by the Karakhanids at the end of the 9th Century where you can climb to the top of this once important marker of the Great Silk Road. In Karakol you will stay at a friendly local homestay.

Note: Breakfast, Lunch and dinner included. Joy ride and overnight stay at a homestay.

Day 3 – Drive from Karakol to the Jurgalan valley:

Drive for two hours to a traditional Kyrgyz village from where you will embark on the first hike to the campsite. This is alongside the Jurgalan River which swells to an impressive size in the summer from snowmelt and the glacier located further up the valley. Head off the beaten track, as it is very unlikely you will see any tourists in this area.

Note: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included, hiking  and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 4 – Crossing Jurgalan pass:

After a delicious camp breakfast head up to the 3700m Jurgalan pass. This area is perfect for horse riding and welcomes beginners to have a go as the horses are well trained and a handler can assist you where is necessary. The Tyrgon Valley is a vast, grassy expanse so more experience riders can canter and gallop to their heart’s content until we cross the Tyrgon River by bridge. From here you can see the snow-capped mountains on the horizon with herds or horses left to roam free whilst their shepherds camp in traditional yurts

Note: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included, hiking  and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 5 – Crossing Tyrgon pass, walking to the bottom of Bosuchuk pass:

Explore the depths of this wild mountain region; it is very unlikely to see any people and you will be independent with the trusty team of guides, horsemen and pack animals. The views from the Tyrgon Pass are simply breath taking! At night the stars come out in their full splendour as there is no light pollution. Sit around the campfire potentially sharing a few warming schnapps until the day’s exertions drive back.

Note: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included, hiking  and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 6 – Crossing Bosuchuk Pass:

From the top of Bosuchuk Pass a completely new set of mountains in the majestic Tian Shan range open up to us. From this high point walk down to the bottom of Ailanysh Pass where you will make a sheltered camp. One of the best things about this adventure is the complete immersion into nature and the silence of the mountains – you will really be getting into a stride by this point and becoming more accustomed to the nomad way of life.

Note: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included, hiking  and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 7:  Walk to the Ailanysh Lake:

Hike and/or ride up to the beautiful remote freshwater lake where you can stop for lunch depending on the timing. The water is so fresh it is possible to drink it. After no-doubt a few picturesque moments you will continue on up to cross the Ailanysh Pass at 3671m to take in more stunning views, before descending to the bottom of Ortok pass where you will set up camp.

Note: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included, hiking  and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 8: Hike to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan Valley:

Cross the final pass (Ortok) with views of a glacier, and descend into the well-known Altyn-Arashan Valley [‘Golden Spring’ in Kyrgyz]. Here you will stay in a traditional nomad’s yurt. Bathe in the natural hot springs and enjoy a beer to celebrate your journey through the Wilds of Kyrgyzstan! It is fun to get back into the mountain community – especially knowing that you will have been somewhere very few people (even locals!) have set foot.

Note: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included, hiking  and overnight stay at the camp.

Day 9 – Drive to Karakol then Bishkek:

You will be escorted from the valley in Ex-Soviet 4X4 transportation and driven back to Karakol town via a beautiful valley and rough mountain track alongside a raging torrent of a mountain river. After picking up any gear you may have left behind in Karakol town, you will be sped back to the capital for dinner and drinks for your final celebratory night in the capital exploring a bar or two.

Note: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner is included, a joy-ride and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 10 – Fly out of Bishkek:

After breakfast, you will be escorted to the airport for your departure back home.

Note: Breakfast is included.