Highland Trails

This 7-day trekking tour takes you through some of the most peaceful and beautiful places in the Kyrgyz mountains. You will walk from one valley to another, crossing high mountain passes, rivers, and wide green jailoos (summer pastures).

Each day, you will meet friendly shepherds, enjoy fresh mountain food, and sleep in cozy yurts or tents under the stars. Along the way, you can relax in a hot spring, picnic on mountain tops, and see how local people live in the highlands.

The trek begins in Bokonbaevo village, by the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, and finishes in Eki-Naryn valley. This is a good program for people who love nature, adventure, and want to discover the nomadic life of Kyrgyzstan.

Day 1 / Trekking from Bokonbaevo to Kokbulak.

Early morning transportation from Bokonbaevo village towards Tong mountain range: to the small village Tuura Suu where you will meet your guide team and start trekking to Kok Bulak Jailoo. Arriving, having lunch, continuing the trek. Dinner and accommodation in the first shepherd’s yurt. Transport Bokonbay – Tuura Suu 30 min. (Trekking time is around 3-4 hours.)

Day 2 / Trekking to Jyluusuu.

After breakfast, walk up along Kok-Bulak river to Tong Pass. Spend the morning summiting Tong Pass (4 016 m), over the Terskey Mountain range and into the Orto Syrt mountain valley (over the 3 000m). Picnic on the top of the pass and walk down to the old sanatorium place where you can have a hot spring bath. Dinner and overnight in a tent. (Trekking time is 6-7 hours )

Day 3 / Trekking to Ortosyrt.

Next morning, continue the trekking into the Jyluu Suu gorge to Orto Syrt valley. Reach Keruu Jailoo where you are welcomed by a local shepherd as an honorable guest in his yurt. Lunch/Dinner and B&B in the yurt camp. (Trekking time 3-4 hours)

Day 4 / From Ortosyrt to Kuzgun uya.

After a fresh breakfast from the Shepherd’s yurt, head to the West along the strong mountain river “Balgard” to the place ”Kuzgun Uya”. Overnight in a tent.  (Trekking time 5-6 hours)

Day 5 / From Kuzgun uya to Jakbolot pass.   

Next day starts in the southern part of the Orto Syrt valley, where the jailoos belong to the Naryn region. On the way, stop for lunch in a Naryn shepherd’s yurt. Walk up to Jakbolot pass to sleep at the foot of the pass in a tent.  (Trekking time 6-7 hours)

Day 6 / Trekking to next part of Jakbolot.

Cross the Jakbolot pass (3 841m) and reach Keng-Say Jailoo where you will stay in a shepherd’s yurt or tent. Picnic on the way, dinner and breakfast in the shepherd’s tent. (Trekking time 6-7 hours)

Day 7 / Trekking to Eki-Naryn.

After breakfast, walk down to the valley Eki-Naryn to the Jailoo “Chyrpykty” where you will stay overnight in a shepherd’s yurt. (Trekking time 6-7 hours)