Trip Overview

As we explore the Tien Shan, we’ll hike to high lakes, meet a hunter with his trained golden eagles, mingle with shepherds, and witness one of the country’s wild horseback games—it’s a spectacle to behold. Overnights are in lodges as well as tent and yurt camps that give us access to remote regions. We also celebrate Kyrgyz culture through its cuisine, savoring wonderfully fresh, authentic meals, and enjoying warm welcomes in family homes.

Trip Highlights

• Hike trails below the towering peaks of the Tien Shan—the Celestial Mountains
• Watch the wild Kyrgyz horseback game of ulak-tartysh, a precursor to polo
• Meet a traditional eagle hunter, hike among shepherds and nomad families
• Visit family homes, watch felt-making, learn about the Kyrgyz art of yurt building
• Explore the Osh Bazaar, Bishkek's huge open-air market
• Experience the rich cultural heritage of Kyrgyzstan

Itinerary

Days 1-2: Bishkek's Bazaar / Ala-Archa

In Bishkek, the capital, we roam the open-air Osh Bazaar, with its wealth of colors and scents, and head out for a hike in Ala-Archa Canyon.

Days 3-4: Lake Issyk-Kul / Karakol

Driving along azure Lake Issyk-Kul, we visit the petroglyph site at Cholpon-Ata on our way to Karakol, an ancient Silk Road crossroads. One evening, we dine with a Chinese-Dungan family—and join them to make delicious hand-pulled noodles.

Days 5-8: Hiking and Tent Camping in the Tien Shan Mountains

In Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan (“Celestial Mountains”), one of our hikes brings us to red-rock towers where we can watch Kyrgyz horsemen compete in a game of ulak-tartysh—a thrilling sight! Our tent camping is comfortable, with walk-in tents with cots, a fully staffed kitchen, a dining tent, and even a delightful mobile sauna. Our camp will move between two beautifully remote mountain valleys, giving us access to truly stunning trails below dramatic peaks ringed with lush forests, alpine lakes, and herds of grazing horses.

Days 9-14: Yurt Camping / Eagle Hunters / Lake Song Kol

At our special yurt camp above the wild southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul, we’ll savor a lunch of Kyrgyz dishes and meet an eagle hunter to learn about the fascinating tradition of training eagles—these enormous birds are magnificent! From our next yurt camp at remote Lake Song Kol, at nearly 10,000 feet, one of our hikes brings us up to airy Jalgyz-Karagay Pass (11,276') for panoramic views of the highest peaks in the Celestial Mountains. Depart on Day 14 via Bishkek.