Kyrgyzstan is still one of the few truly untouched and adventurous travel spots on Earth. What makes it different from other lesser-known places is that it’s actually well-prepared for tourists. The country boasts guest houses, yurt stays, easy visa processes, and an efficient network of local transportation. Add to that its stunning lakes, towering mountains, fish-filled rivers, and incredibly hospitable people, and you’ve got a fantastic destination.
A big reason many people visit Kyrgyzstan is for the endless trekking and adventure opportunities available. Whether you’re into easy day hikes or multi-day excursions on foot, bike, or horseback, Kyrgyzstan is a paradise for adventure travelers.
We’ve been to Kyrgyzstan twice and even helped create a new trekking route for the country’s tourism board in 2017. In this post, I’ll share the top 5 treks in the country. Whether you’re a trekking enthusiast or someone who just loves being outdoors, this post is for you.
We were recently contacted by World Expeditions to help promote their adventure tours in the region. On our previous trips, we didn’t have the chance to take a multi-day tour, but we’ve researched sustainable tour operators and are pleased to recommend World Expeditions for a future trip.
When planning a trek in Kyrgyzstan, be sure you have the essential items in your pack. Optional items are for more serious trekkers but aren’t necessary for the treks listed here.
Deciding how you’ll travel, where you’ll stay, and whether to join a tour are important considerations. There are many tour operators in Kyrgyzstan that offer day and multi-day treks on foot and on horseback. World Expeditions is a well-known leader in trekking tours and offers excellent packages in Kyrgyzstan.
Besides trekking, World Expeditions also offers bike trips and a fascinating multi-country Silk Road tour. The cycling trips include heli-cycling adventures, and the Silk Road tour takes you from China to Kashgar along one of the most iconic trading routes in history. These tours are highly rated, well-organized, and guaranteed to provide an unforgettable experience.
If you have some time before or after a tour, or if you’re traveling independently, USAID has set up tourism offices in many trekking villages. Check out these offices for valuable information about your treks.
Companies like CBT and Shepard’s Life run great community-based tourism projects that support locals across the country.
We saw many cyclists during our travels through Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan and are keen to try it ourselves. Most cyclists bring their own gear due to the difficulty of finding rentals and repairs for bikes on the Silk Road.
World Expeditions offers a 13-day mountain bike trip through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. They provide rentals and basic repair tools, which is a great advantage. This trip features two days of heli-biking around the Karkara Base Camp, offering an adrenaline-pumping experience.
Cycling through Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan means passing through rural villages, wild horse herds, roaring rivers, deep canyons, and flower-filled pastures. This route allows you to experience the nomadic culture and natural beauty of Central Asia up close.
One of our favorite treks starts just outside Karakol, taking you over a 5,416-meter-high pass, past Ala-Kul Lake, and down a beautiful valley to Altyn-Arashan. World Expeditions offers an extended version of this trek that includes hiking over the Telety Pass and Karakol Peak before reaching Ala-Kul.
Although you can do this trek without a guide, we recommend hiring one as the trails can be tricky. The trek involves a challenging uphill climb, so being in good shape is important.
The Son-Kul trek is another favorite, which we did on horseback. This trek can also be booked through World Expeditions. The tour includes building yurts and hiking around Son-Kul Lake and its stunning surroundings.
The Keskenkija Loop, a trek we helped map in 2017, starts from Jyrgalan and takes you through meadows, past yurt camps, and over mountain passes. A guide, particularly one with a horse, is recommended due to the challenging terrain.
In Arslanbob, there are many great day hikes and treks. You can book these through CBT, which offers activities like fishing, cooking classes, and various day hikes. The charming village of Arslanbob is definitely worth a visit.
Kyrgyzstan is a trekker’s paradise, offering a variety of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences. Whether you’re into off-track hikes or high-altitude horseback rides, Kyrgyzstan has something for everyone. For more travel tips and guides, check out our Ultimate Guide to Kyrgyzstan Travel and our Kyrgyzstan videos.
For those interested in mountaineering, the trek to Peak Lenin, the second tallest mountain in the Pamir range, is an epic journey. This trek requires high fitness levels, some mountaineering skills, and previous high-altitude experience. World Expeditions offers guided tours, and Soren Kruse Ledet, a veteran mountain guide, often leads these expeditions.
If you’re looking for a unique and challenging experience, consider joining a World Expeditions tour to Peak Lenin.
This article was made possible by World Expeditions. They introduced us to many incredible trips we were unaware of in Central Asia. As always, all thoughts and opinions are our own.