Rivers of Tien Shan

Uncover the hidden gems of Kyrgyzstan's Tien Shan range with our exclusive winter tour

This program has been specially designed for nature lovers seeking adventure from autumn to spring. Hiking, discoveries, homestays, lakes, and mountains, a complete immersion in Kyrgyz life.

Discover Lake Issyk Kul in winter on skis or snowshoes

Ski, hike and snowshoe through untouched landscapes, soak in natural hot springs and immerse in the traditional culture of winter yak farmers, all while enjoying comfortable accommodations and authentic local cuisine around beautiful Lake Issyk Kul

11 DaysWinter toursKyrgyzstan

  • 1 people: $4,020

  • 2 people: $2,360

  • 3 people: $1,820

  • 4 people: $1,530

  • 5 people: $1,360

  • 6 people: $1,250

  • Starting from

    USD
    or customize it

    Program

      
                                Manas International Airport - Chong Kemin
    Meeting at Bishkek's airport, visit of the capital and Burana tower, then drive to Chong Kemin National park
    Manas International Airport - Chong Kemin
    Arrival by air in Bishkek. Meeting with your guide at Manas airport. Transfer to Bishkek. City tour in Bishkek, then transfer to Chong Kemin valley through the Burana tower. Night in homestay.
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    150 km
    02:00
    1000 m
      
                                Chong Kemin - Karakol
    Skiing or snowshoeing in Chong Kemin before heading to Karakol
    Chong Kemin - Karakol

    Short ski radial exit output in the morning on Kungey Ala Too, lunch at Chong Kemin, then transfer to Karakol by the North shore of the Issyk Kul lake.

    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    306 km
    04:00
    03:00
    03:00
    800 m
    800 m
      
                                Karakol - Altyn Arashan hot water springs
    Drive and walk to Altyn Arashan valley
    Karakol - Altyn Arashan hot water springs

    Half an hour transfer by vehicle to the alpine valley of Altyn Arashan. Then walk up to the hot springs where we will spend the night (4-5 hours walking, free time, swimming in the radon source) at 2600 m altitude. Overnight and meals in a shelter's home.

    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    19 km
    00:30
    04:00
    600 m
    50 m
      
                                Altyn Arashan hot water springs - Karakol
    Hiking down to Ak-Suu, then drive to Karakol
    Altyn Arashan hot water springs - Karakol
    Hiking down to Ak-Suu village, 4 hours, then transfer to Karakol. Night in guesthouse or hotel.
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    19 km
    00:20
    03:00
    50 m
    600 m
      
                                Karakol - Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station
    Drive to Chong Kyzyl-Suu valley including visit of Jeti Oguz rocks
    Karakol - Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station

    In the morning we take the road along the southern shore of Issyk Kul lake, then we assemble the Jeti Oguz valley, topped by the huge massif Oguz Bashi, which rises to over 5000 meters. Walk through the sanatorium park and around the red ocher cliffs. At noon we stop at the village of Kyzyl Suu to have our meals in a Kyrgyz family, who works at the geo-physical station of Chong Kyzyl Suu. The village of Kyzyl Suu was one of the last supply sites before attacking the long way through the Tien Shan to reach China. In the afternoon, we take the mountain road and we drive into the gorge of Chong Kyzyl Suu. As you wish, we spend free time swimming in the warm waters of Jeli Suu, or for walking at the foot of majestic mountains. Installation at the shelter, part of the geo-physical station of Chong Kyzyl Suu located at 2550 m. altitude. Meals and overnight at the shelter.

    Options: visit the Ethnographic Museum of Orgochor; visit the village of Pakrovka (bazaar, church, beaches); visits to archaeological sites dating from the 8th century BC; Horse ride.

    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    58 km
    04:00
    02:00
    700 m
    0 m
      
                                Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station - Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station
    Exploring the Kashkator canyon
    Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station - Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station
    After breakfast, hiking into the direction of the Archa Toer pass. 3860 m. alt. The track is easy on an ancient dirty road made by geologist. One the West side, many cliffs of the Shakiratma mount, on the East side, the relief is less rugged with high pastures. Night and dinner in the same place. (2500 m). During the summer, we can hike till the glacier's lake or into the Aïlama (Aylama, Ailama) gorge, on the foot of 4900 meters alt. peaks.
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    10 km
    05:00
    800 m
    800 m
      
                                Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station - Kochkor
    Visit of a falconer and transfer to Kochkor village
    Chong Kyzyl Suu meteo station - Kochkor

    Today we drive by the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul (warm lake). On the way, visit a fantastic place calling "Skazka". Picnic by the lake then we visit at Bokonbaeva village with a famous hunter eagle. He tells us about his interesting life. In the afternoon arrival in Kochkor. Dinner at homestay in Kochkor.

    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    265 km
    05:00
    950 m
      
                                Kochkor - Kilemche Jailoo
    From Kochkor, transfer to Kilemche valley, and hiking to upper winter farms
    Kochkor - Kilemche Jailoo
    This morning, you leave the Kochkor village to the Kilemche gorge. The road goes through the Kyzart pass 2665 meters altitude, then till the village of Kyzart and the entrance of the Kilemche gorge. You will hike now till the high pastures of the valley, and till winter farms. Dinner and overnight in shepherd's house.
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    103 km
    03:00
    06:00
    400 m
    50 m
      
                                Kilemche Jailoo - Kilemche Jailoo
    Day hiking in the Kilemche valley
    Kilemche Jailoo - Kilemche Jailoo
    Today, we enjoy visiting this beautiful valley, walk back and forth towards Tolok pass which marks the summit of the valley. The walk is pleasant all year round, and the contrast is even more surprising in winter. Evening meal and night at the shepherd.
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    18 km
    06:00
    300 m
    300 m
      
                                Kilemche Jailoo - Bishkek
    Hiking down till the village of Kyzart, then drive to Bishkek
    Kilemche Jailoo - Bishkek
    In the morning, we take the road to the valley of Jumgal that we go down to the small village of Aral, from there the road goes up the canyon of Kekemeren, very colorful. Lunch with a Kyrgyz family in the village of Kyzyl Oï. In the afternoon, the road goes up to the Toe Ashuu Tunnel that connects the Suusamyr Valley to the Chuy Valley. Arrival in Bishkek, installation in hotel.
    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    303 km
    05:00
    05:00
    210 m
    710 m
      
                                Bishkek - Manas International Airport
    Transfer from Bishkek to Manas International Airport
    Bishkek - Manas International Airport

    Depending on your flight time, your guide will join you to the airport and help you check in for your flight.  If your flight is later in the day your guide will show you more places in Bishkek before your flight. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Kyrgyzstan and we hope you come back again to explore other counties in Central Asia with us. 

    Breakfast Lunch Dinner
    40 km
    00:40
    0 m
    100 m

    Experienced two ski and mountain trips with Nomad's Land, always with the same pleasure and friendliness. Highly recommended.

    Christian

    The white paradise of the powder skier! skis less than 100 on the skate do not! what a change of scenery in this immaculate universe. Thanks to the excellence of our Lyda and Stas Guides, the discovery of their sometimes tricky mountains, the immersion in their culture, happened naturally. I would have stayed there longer!

    Peter

    Info

    What is included

    • All transportation in a private vehicle

    • All airport transfers

    • Accommodation as described in the program

    • Meals (3 per day)

    • Bottled water (when possible) & tea

    • English-speaking trekking guide

    • Pack horses with saddle bags & horsemen

    • Camping & cooking equipment (tents, mats, gas, stove, etc)

    • All the activities listed in the program

    • Entry fees at national parks and/or border zones listed in the program

    • Entry fees at museums and historical sites listed in the program

    • Domestic flights mentioned in the program

    • A contribution to our sustainable development projects

    • Organisation of the trip & local taxes

    What is not included

    • International flights

    • International banking fees (PayPal, ...)

    • Travel & repatriation insurance

    • Visas / LOI (if applicable)

    • Alcoholic and soft drinks

    • Personal expenses

    • Personal equipment (sleeping bag, headlight, personal medication, etc)

    • Additional costs due to unexpected personal events (health, loss of luggage, ...)

    • Tips for guide & driver (always optional, always appreciated)

    Ready to go?
    Book your tour today.

    May we help you?

    Our trip designers are at your disposal for building your dream! Feel free to contact us.

    Postal address

    Nezhinsky lane 27


    Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
    Phone number

    Looking for a tailor-made experience? Check our trip planner.

    Ecotourism projects

    Through various ecotourism projects and initiatives, Nomad's Land aims to increase awareness of ecotourism and responsible travel, for a sustainable development of the tourism sector.
    29 November 2023 Eco Projects

    Trainings for tourist facilities of Zheti Oguz district 2023

    On November 25-26, 2023 trainings were held in Kyzyl Suu for our owners of homestays and yurt camp from whole district Jeti Oguz

    The main objective was to increase the potential of the district's tourist facilities in order to ensure the criteria of sustainable tourism and promotion of the region. 

    Ayana Zholdoshbek

    29 May 2023 Eco Projects

    Teskei Geopark in Issyk Kul region

    By working together, Nomad's Land and Geopark Teskei can create a synergistic relationship that promotes sustainable tourism, conserves natural and cultural heritage, and benefits both the local communities and visitors. This collaboration allows for a responsible and enriching tourism experience while supporting the long-term preservation of the Geopark's unique features.

    Author picture

    Samuel Maret

    3 March 2023 Eco Projects

    Destination Jeti Oguz

    The new Jeti Oguz District Tourism Association was created on 2nd of March 2023 with the support of Nomad's Land Ecotourism Development Company and the Mountain Cluster Association of Kyrgyzstan.

    Author picture

    Samuel Maret