Alpine Ascent

Cross remote valleys and passes up to 4,000 m, ride through the mountains of Son-Kul, camp alongside nomadic families and discover the landscapes and traditions of the Tien Shan.

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📅 16 Days

🥾 9 Trekking Days

🐎 2 Horseback Riding Days

🏔️ Up to 4,000 m

The circuit

From Issyk-Kul to the High Tien Shan

Alpine Ascent was born from a love for Kyrgyzstan’s wild mountains and nomadic way of life.

Over 16 days, this journey takes you across remote valleys, high mountain passes and alpine landscapes, combining trekking with horseback riding around Son-Kul.

Along the way, you’ll cross passes reaching 4,000 m, visit Teshik-Kul Lake, meet nomadic families, see herds of horses, yaks and sheep, and experience traditional Kyrgyz culture.

The route also includes an eagle-hunting demonstration, the shores of Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul Lake, mountain camps and nights in yurts and local family houses.

Route: Bishkek → Chon Kemin → Issyk-Kul → Bokonbaeva → Boz Salkyn → Tong Valley → Jiluu-Suu → Teshik-Kul → Kara-Kaman → Kizart → Son-Kul → Kizil-Oy → Kichi Aramza → Aramza Pass → Kichi Suusamyr → Bishkek

Map of Kyrgyzstan with the Alpine Ascent route

Trekking Tour

from €1,370
/ person · group 8 people

Duration

16 days

Trekking

9 days

Horseback riding

Maximum Altitude

4,000 m

Season

End of June – Beginning of September

Difficulty

Intermediate – Advanced

Airport Transfer

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Day by day

Detailed Program

1 Day. Arrival in Bishkek & Transfer to Chon Kemin

MANAS AIRPORT → BISHKEK → CHON KEMIN

Welcome at Manas International Airport and transfer to the center of the Kyrgyz capital. After breakfast and currency exchange, we continue to Chon Kemin National Park. Upon arrival, we check in at a guesthouse and have free time for a walk before dinner. Overnight and dinner at the guesthouse.

✈️ Airport Transfer · 🚗 150 km · 🏡 Guesthouse · 🌿 Chon Kemin National Park

2 Day. Konorchek Canyon & Issyk-Kul

CHON KEMIN → KONORCHEK CANYON → ISSYK-KUL

We transfer toward the south of Lake Issyk-Kul. During the day, we walk through Konorchek Canyon and return for lunch at the yurt maker’s place. In the afternoon, we continue to Ak Say Canyon and enjoy the beach before arriving at our yurt camp on the shore of Issyk-Kul. We stay here for two nights.

🚗 180 km · 🥾 Hiking · 🏜️ Konorchek Canyon · ⛺ Yurt Camp

3 Day. Trekking to the Panorama

BOKONBAEVA → PANORAMA → YURT CAMP

In the morning, we make a short transfer to Bokonbaeva. We meet a traditional hunter with a golden eagle before starting our hike toward the panorama. The trail crosses a beautiful dry landscape with views over Lake Issyk-Kul. We have a picnic on the beach and reach our yurt camp in the afternoon.

🥾 5h Hiking · 🦅 Eagle Hunter · 🏞️ Panorama · ⛺ Yurt Camp

4 Day. Trekking to Boz Salkyn Valley

PANORAMA → PASS 2,466 m → BOZ SALKYN VALLEY

In the morning, we make a short transfer to the starting point. We hike toward the pass at 2,466 m through a very dry landscape. Before the pass, we stop for a picnic with beautiful panoramic views of the lake. After crossing the pass, we continue toward our camping area in Boz Salkyn Valley.

🥾 6h Hiking · 🏔️ 2,466 m · 🏕️ Camping

5 Day. Trekking to the Foot of Tong Pass

BOZ SALKYN VALLEY → TONG PASS → TONG VALLEY

We begin an early climb toward the 3,300 m pass. After crossing it, we enjoy panoramic views of the villages, lake and snow-covered peaks. We continue toward Tong Valley and set up camp at 3,100 m.

🥾 Trekking · 🏔️ 3,300 m · 🏕️ Camping at 3,100 m

6 Day. Trekking to Jiluu-Suu Valley

TONG VALLEY → TONG PASS 4,000 m → JILUU-SUU

We hike up to the Tong Pass at 4,000 m, where we are rewarded with panoramic mountain views. After a picnic, we descend toward the riverside camp at 3,000 m. After dinner, there is an opportunity to enjoy the natural hot spring water.

🥾 5h Trekking · 🏔️ 4,000 m · ♨️ Natural Hot Spring · 🏕️ Camping

7 Day. Trekking to Teshik-Kul Lake

ILUU-SUU → TESHIK-KUL

We hike toward Teshik-Kul Lake. There are two beautiful lakes situated at around 3,500 m. We have a picnic near the lakes and then follow the northern side before setting up camp directly beside the lake. Free time at camp in the afternoon.

🥾 5h Trekking · 🏔️ 3,500 m · 🏞️ Teshik-Kul Lakes · 🏕️ Camping at 3,560 m

8 Day. Trekking to Kara-Kaman Valley

TESHIK-KUL → PASS 3,800 m → KARAKAMAN VALLEY

Early in the morning, we continue across the mountains and climb toward the 3,800 m pass. We then descend into Karakaman Valley. Along the way, we meet nomadic families and see herds of yaks and flocks of sheep. We reach our camp near the Bolgart road and spend the night at 2,800 m.

🥾 7–8h Trekking · 🏔️ 3,800 m · 🐂 Yaks · 🐑 Nomadic Herds · 🏕️ Camping

9 Day. Transfer to Kizart Village

KARAKAMAN → KOCHKOR → KIZART

In the morning, we drive toward Kizart village. We cross Jalpak Bel Pass at 3,300 m. On the way, we stop in Kochkor for lunch and visit a traditional felt handicraft center. We continue to Kizart, where we stay with a local family.

🚗 220 km · 🏔️ Jalpak Bel 3,300 m · 🧶 Felt Craft Center · 🏡 Local Family House

10 Day. Horseback Riding to Son-Kul

KIZART → KILEMCHE VALLEY → TUZ-ASHU PASS → SON-KUL

Early in the morning, we begin our horseback journey toward the northern shore of Son-Kul Lake. We have a picnic in the Kilemche Valley before climbing toward Tuz-Ashu Pass at 3,200 m. We then reach the northern shore of Son-Kul and settle into our yurt camp.

🐎 4–5h Horseback Riding · 🏔️ 3,200 m · 🏞️ Son-Kul · ⛺ Yurt Camp

11 Day. Horseback Riding to the South of Son-Kul

NORTH SON-KUL → SOUTH SON-KUL

We ride along the shores of Son-Kul, one of the jewels of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. During the journey, we explore the traditional way of life, flora and fauna of the Tien Shan mountains. We stop for a picnic before reaching our yurt camp on the southern shore.

🐎 5–6h Horseback Riding · 🏞️ Son-Kul Lake · 🏕️ Yurt Camp · ⛺🐎 Nomadic Life

12 Day. Transfer to Kizil-Oy

SON-KUL → KARA-KECHE PASS → KIZIL-OY

We drive toward Kizil-Oy through the Kara-Keche Pass at 3,325 m. After a picnic on the way, we arrive in Kizil-Oy in the afternoon. Kizil-Oy is a charming, authentic village surrounded by the mountains of the Tien Shan.

🚗 150 km · 🏔️ Kara-Keche 3,325 m · 🏘️ Kizil-Oy

13 Day. Trekking in the Kichi Aramza Valley

KIZIL-OY → KICHI ARAMZA VALLEY

After a good night’s sleep and a shower, we make a short transfer to the starting point. We meet the horses and load our luggage before beginning the trek. The trail climbs through alfalfa and corn fields and crosses an unnamed pass at 3,300 m. We then descend in search of nomadic neighbors. Overnight and dinner in a tent.

🥾 6–7h Trekking · 🏔️ 3,300 m · 🐎 Porter Horses · 🏕️ Camping

14 Day. Trekking to Aramza Pass

KICHI ARAMZA VALLEY → ARAMZA PASS → KICHI SUUSAMYR

We continue through the summer pastures. This is a hard and long trekking day with many uphill and downhill sections. There are many bushes along the route, so long trousers are recommended. At the end of the day, we reach our camp at 2,900 m, next to the tents of local nomads.

🥾 7–8h Trekking · 🏔️ Mountain Pass · 🐎 Nomadic Pastures · 🏕️ Camping

15 Day. Kichi Suusamyr Valley

KICHI SUUSAMYR VALLEY → ARAMZA PASS → CHON SUUSAMYR VALLEY

We leave early for Aramza Pass. After crossing the pass, we descend toward Kichi Suusamyr Valley. The route follows the river and passes through summer pastures where many nomadic families spend the season. We have a picnic on the way before continuing into Chon Suusamyr Valley. At the end of the day, we meet our driver and our belongings.

🥾 7h Trekking · 🏔️ Aramza Pass · 🌿 Summer Pastures · 🏕️ Camping

16 Day. Transfer to Bishkek

CHON SUUSAMYR VALLEY → BISHKEK

n the morning, we drive back to Bishkek. The journey takes approximately 3 hours / 140 km. After lunch in a local restaurant, we check in at the guesthouse. There is free time to walk around Bishkek and visit Osh Bazaar. Dinner at a restaurant and overnight at the guesthouse. This marks the end of the service.

🚗 140 km · 🍽️ Lunch in Bishkek · 🛍️ Osh Bazaar · 🏨 Guesthouse

2026-2027 prices

Price depends on group size

€2,870/person

2 travellers

€2,210/person

3 travellers

€1,870/person

4 travellers

€1,670/person

5 travellers

€1,535/person

6 travellers

€1,440/person

7 travellers

€1,370/person

8 travellers

What’s included

Bishkek airport transfers
English-speaking guide
Meals
Accommodation per itinerary
Porter horses
Horseback riding
Camping equipment
Eagle hunting experience

Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Alcohol and mineral water
Single-room supplement
Last dinner / disco / bar / karaoke / SPA
Services not mentioned in the program

Frequently Asked Questions

How difficult is the tour and what are the requirements?

Tour Type: Trekking. There will be steep climbs and long walking days. Each day you will walk 5–7 hours. You should be in good physical shape. The tour goes through high mountain areas, up to 3284m. The age limit is 18 to 70 years old.

What should I know about safety and medical requirements?

During the trek, there will be local people around who can help evacuate if someone gets seriously hurt. The guide will have a satellite phone with them during the trek. Our guides carry a simple first-aid kit. If you’re sensitive to altitude, please talk to your doctor before the trek. Bring any personal medicine you need.

What meals and dietary options are available?

We serve traditional Kyrgyz meals — meat, rice, noodles, and vegetables. All meals are Halal. Breakfast: Tea or coffee, jam, bread, butter, eggs (fried or boiled), vegetables, and fruits. Lunch: Salad, sandwich, bread, dried fruits, and vegetables. Dinner: Hot meal, dried fruits, jam, butter, bread, and tea. Vegetarian meals are available, but in the mountains it’s better to bring your own special food if you have strict dietary needs. Gluten-free food is available in big cities. Water is not included.

What should I pack for the weather and trekking?

Temperatures change depending on location and altitude. Check the route weather using Google Weather before your trip. Wear layers: base layer, warm layer, waterproof jacket. Bring gloves, a warm hat, extra socks and underwear. For shoes, bring trekking boots with ankle support and something to wear at the campsite (slippers — we highly recommend Crocs). Also bring a headlamp, sunscreen, and sunglasses.

What gear is provided and what do I need to bring?

KAGAN provides a tent and kitchen staff. You should bring a sleeping bag, filter bottle, and mattress, as well as a small backpack (40–50 liters) for your personal items. A trekking stick is optional. You will carry your own backpack during the trek. There will be porter horses for luggage.

Is a visa required?

Citizens of the EU, Canada, Japan, Singapore, and some other countries can enter without a visa for up to 60 days. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date. If you are from another nationality, please check https://evisa.e-gov.kg for your country.

What are the booking and payment conditions?

A €300 deposit is needed to confirm your booking. Pay the rest in cash when you arrive in Bishkek. Bank transfer is also possible (bank fees not included). You can pay by credit card. The deposit is non-refundable but can be used for a future trip.

Golden Book / Reviews

      EXCELLENT  
   Based on 21 reviews 
    
 
 
 
   
 
 
       Posted on Google  
   
   Jérémy Mertens 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Si vous cherchez une agence de voyage pour des tours organisés au Kirghizistan n'hésitez pas et choisissez KAGAN ! L'organisation est parfaite, les lieux visités incroyables et le contact avec la population Kyrgyz est rendue très facile par le guide qui accompagne le groupe, un gros point positif pour Aimara la meilleure guide francophone 😁. Certainement l'un des meilleurs rapports qualité/prix au Kirghizistan !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Karine Malouin 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous recherchions une agence pouvant nous fournir un guide francophone, mais aussi une expérience immersive selon nos goûts, nos besoins et en très petit groupe. Ils ont répondu à toutes nos attentes, et même au delà, avec ouverture et flexibilité. Nous avons créé quelque chose de magique avec notre guide et notre chauffeur et avons vécu l'un des plus beau voyage de notre vie.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Alicia Verlinden 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous sommes partis au Kirghizistan ce mois de juin 2026 avec Kagan et leur guide Nurtilek (Rick pour les intimes). Tout était vraiment parfait! Le voyage était bien organisé, les logements de bonne qualité, le programme correspondait à nos attentes et les activités étaient supers. Étant donné notre manque de connaissance en russe, c’était pratique d’avoir un guide avec nous!
L’équipe de Kagan était à l’écoute et nous avons vraiment eu un voyage super, je recommande ☺️
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Valentin Goncalves 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous venons de réaliser un voyage de 12 jours au Kirghizstan entre amis.
Tout a été parfait du début à la fin.
L’agence est organisée, et à l’écoute. Aimira est très réactive.
Notre guide Azamat, par sa gentillesse, sa disponibilité, son professionnalisme et sa connaissance du pays, a largement contribué à rendre notre expérience inoubliable. Notre chauffeur Akil a également été irréprochable tout au long du voyage.

Nous recommandons cette agence les yeux fermés à tous ceux qui souhaitent ce magnifique pays!
Merci encore.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nicolas Brunaut 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons fait 15 jours de voyage au Kirghizistan via Kagan en auto-tour, l'un des premiers qu'ils proposaient.

Nous avons apprécié le fait d'être en autonomie pour découvrir le pays, tout en n'ayant pas à se préoccuper du planning et des activités et des commodités ennuyantes (aller-retour à l'aéroport).

Nous avons été accueilli dans cette agence à taille humaine, qui nous a présenté notre tour, puis avons eu les clefs de notre 4X4, et c'était parti pour 15 jours en autonomie, avec des check réguliers a distance avec nos guides (anglophone puis francophone).

Pour une des premières proposées par l'agence, rien à redire, tout s'est bien passé, chaque stop avait son intérêt, chaque lieu valait la peine d'être vue afin de bien profiter du Kirghizistan.

Nous avons pu également adapter le séjour initial proposé puisque nous restions quelques jours en plus.

Lors de notre séjour, un voyant moteur s'est allumé sur la voiture, l'agence Kagan a su réagir et nous trouver un mécanicien à notre étape, qui a réparé la panne (injecteur mort), sans le moindre frais pour nous, et sans la moindre contrainte car le mécanicien s'est déplacé jusqu'à notre logement.

Il ne manque qu'un petit livret à recevoir au départ pour être encore plus autonome, et tout serait parfait !

Pour info, ils sont en partenariat pour ce trajet avec My Kirghiz Friends, qui aura le même commentaire.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Nathan Fellous 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons effectué un roadtrip de 12 jours organisé par KAGAN.
Tous les membres de l'agence était courtois, professionnels et disponibles.
Ce tour était inoubliable !
Je recommande fortement de voyagzr avec KAGAN !
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Grace Foster 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Azamat guided a small group of us women through the backcountry on horseback with a team of two other Kyrgyz guides. We were able to have all of our needs met throughout the trip between weather preparedness, a flexible schedule and accommodations. We will miss our time with them in the mountains deeply.
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Anne Madies 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons passé 3 semaines au Kirghizstan cet été. Nous voulions voir la diversité du pays et faire des treks. Kagan a parfaitement répondu à nos attentes. Nous avons fait un voyage extraordinaire, très varié et avons pu avoir un aperçu de la vie quotidienne du pays. Les treks étaient splendides et Kagan a su très bien gérer les imprévus du voyage. Notre guide francophone Sergey a aussi contribué à sa réussite en sachant adapter le programme à nos souhaits.  En résumé, Je vous recommande cette petite agence locale!
  
 
      Posted on Google  
   
   Julien Altacima 
 
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Nous avons fait un voyage de 11 jours en juin 2025 avec un groupe de 10 personnes. L'équipe locale était très professionnelle et attentive à nos souhaits (guide francophone et chauffeur/mécanicien). Les 4x4 que nous avons loués étaient en parfaits états et adaptés au parcours. Nous remercions Aydana et Azamat pour leur organisation sans faille et leur disponibilité avant, pendant et après le voyage. Un grand merci à KAGAN.

Our customers regularly share their experiences, whether on our Google page or our Facebook page. The feedback is varied – some highlight our hospitality in the guesthouse, our availability or the quality of our services when traveling in Kyrgyzstan, others help us to improve. And it’s precisely thanks to this feedback that KAGAN evolves every day.

Thank you to all those who put their trust in us!

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