TIAN SHAN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE

The Roof of Central Asia

Tour Overview

A 7-day journey through the heart of the Tian Shan range, where glaciated peaks give way to rolling summer pastures and shepherds still move their herds between jailoo camps. The route opens with a day hike into Ala-Archa National Park, just outside Bishkek, then climbs to the alpine plateau of Song-Kul, one of Kyrgyzstan's highest lakes, before finishing among the valleys above Karakol on the shores of Issyk-Kul.

Nights alternate between a mountain guesthouse and traditional yurt camps run by herding families, with two full trekking days built in for those who want to walk deeper into the range. Horses are available throughout for those who'd rather ride than hike, and every stretch of the route is covered by an experienced mountain guide.

Ala-Archa Glacier Hike Song-Kul Jailoo Camp Horseback Riding Two Nights Under Yurt

3,016m

Elevation of Song-Kul, the Trip's Highest Camp

Your Journey

Tour Route

Bishkek → Ala-Archa → Song-Kul (2N) → Kochkor → Karakol (2N) → Bishkek

Bishkek

Ala-Archa

Song-Kul 2N

Kochkor

Karakol 2N

Departure

Ala-Archa National Park

Glacier Valley Day Hike

Song-Kul Lake

High Jailoo & Yurt Camp

Kochkor Felt Craft

Traditional Shyrdak Rug Making

Altyn Arashan Valley

Alpine Hike & Hot Springs

Day by Day

Your Itinerary

DAY 01

Arrival in Bishkek

01

Arrival at Manas International Airport & private transfer to your hotel
Afternoon orientation walk through Ala-Too Square and the State History Museum
Trip briefing with your mountain guide and welcome dinner

DAY 02

Ala-Archa National Park Hike

02

Early drive to Ala-Archa National Park, 30km from Bishkek at the foot of the Kyrgyz Range
Full-day hike toward Ak-Sai Waterfall with views of Corona Peak and the Ala-Archa glacier
Return to Bishkek for overnight

DAY 03

Onward to the Song-Kul Jailoo

03

Drive to Kochkor for a felt-making (shyrdak) demonstration with local artisans
Continue by 4x4 up the Moldo-Ashuu pass to the Song-Kul plateau at 3,016m
Check into a family-run yurt camp on the lakeshore, dinner & overnight in a yurt

DAY 04

Song-Kul: Horses & Highland Life

04

Full day at the lake with an optional horseback ride along the shoreline and among grazing herds
Visit a shepherd family to see how kymyz (fermented mare's milk) and dried curd are made
Second night at the yurt camp

DAY 05

Descend to Karakol

05

Morning descent from Song-Kul and drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul lake
Brief stop at Karakol's wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral and Dungan mosque
Check into a Karakol guesthouse, rest ahead of the following day's trek

DAY 06

Altyn Arashan Valley Trek

06

Trek (or 4x4 transfer) up the Altyn Arashan valley, framed by spruce forest and snow peaks
Soak in the valley's natural hot springs before the return trek
Overnight back in Karakol

DAY 07

Return to Bishkek & Departure

07

Breakfast before the scenic drive back to Bishkek along the northern Issyk-Kul shore (approx. 6 hours)
Free time for last-minute souvenirs at Osh Bazaar
Private transfer to Manas International Airport, marking the end of your Tian Shan adventure

Package Includes

All Transfers & Intercity Travel by Private 4x4
Guesthouse Stays in Bishkek & Karakol, Yurt Camp at Song-Kul
Daily Breakfast & Selected Meals
Entrance Fees to Ala-Archa National Park & Altyn Arashan
Experienced Mountain Guide for All Excursions

Package Excludes

International Flights
Travel Insurance
Lunches & Dinners Not Specified in the Itinerary
Horseback Riding Fees at Song-Kul
Tips & Personal Expenses
Optional Activities & Excursions

Good to Know

Payment & Cancellation Policy

Tour Cost

USD 1,240 total group price for 02 Adults (USD 620 per person), covering all transfers, guesthouse and yurt camp accommodation, daily breakfast and selected meals, entrance fees to Ala-Archa National Park and Altyn Arashan, and an experienced mountain guide throughout. The itinerary can be extended with a Tash Rabat or Jyrgalan valley add-on. Bank transfers may incur extra charges.

Travel insurance should be arranged separately. Song-Kul sits at roughly 3,000m and the Altyn Arashan trek reaches similar altitudes — a reasonable fitness level is recommended.

Cancellation Policy

45–30 days before departure25%
30–15 days before departure50%
15–7 days before departure75%
Less than 7 days / no-show100%

The Seagull Difference

Why Choose Seagull Global

Local Mountain Guides

Experienced guides who know the passes, trails and jailoo families along the Tian Shan route.

Private Comfort

A dedicated 4x4 and driver-guide for the entire high- mountain route.

24/7 Support

Round-the-clock assistance via phone, email and WhatsApp from our Negombo office.

Authentic Stays

Vetted yurt camps and guesthouses run by local herding families along the route.

Visual Journey

Tour Gallery

Herders and horses on the Song-Kul jailoo

Questions

Frequently Asked

Do I need previous trekking experience for this tour?

No technical climbing is involved. The Ala-Archa and Altyn Arashan hikes are full-day walks on clear trails, and horses are available on both if you'd rather ride than walk. A reasonable level of fitness is recommended given the altitude.

Is the altitude at Song-Kul a concern?

The lake sits at roughly 3,000 metres, so mild breathlessness is normal for the first day. Nights are cold even in summer — warm layers are essential for the yurt camp.

When is the best time to travel this route?

Late June through September, when Song-Kul's summer yurt camps are open and the passes are clear of snow. July and August are peak season for the highland pastures.

Can this be combined with Tash Rabat or the Issyk-Kul Lakeside Retreat?

Yes — this route connects naturally with our Tash Rabat itinerary or a few extra beach days at Issyk-Kul. Let us know and we'll build a combined itinerary with adjusted transfers.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations 45–30 days before departure incur 25% of the total cost, 30–15 days 50%, 15–7 days 75%, and less than 7 days or a no-show is charged at 100%. Bank transfers may carry additional charges.

How do I confirm my booking?

Fill out the booking form below or message us on WhatsApp. Our team will send a detailed quotation and confirm availability within hours.

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KyrgyzstanTIAN SHAN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE