12-day “Asian Patagonia” trek in Kyrgyzstan, from Bishkek

This glorious and wild 12-day trek from Bishkek through the Kyrgyzstan countryside, also known as “Asian Patagonia", is one of the most unique, fascinating and breath-taking adventures one can imagine, and Misha, your KMGA-certified guide, will lead you through the best this country has to offer.

Group

Tian Shan

12 Days

Jul, Aug

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Trek through the mysterious and awe-inspiring terrain of Kyrgyzstan!
Explore villages where local people live a traditional, ancient lifestyle
Be amazed by the scenery - reminiscent of Patagonia
Scale the massive peak of Aksu Peak (4390m)

Description

The landscape, scenery and terrain of Kyrgyzstan is truly special and unforgettable, and I will guide you as we spend 12 sensational days trekking through the scenery known as “Asian Patagonia” from Bishkek, where we will encounter an insane number of mountains, lush green forests, vast valleys, huge glaciers and some of the most sumptuous and idyllic lakes imaginable.

Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by Kazakhstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and is best known for its highly mountainous terrain and its long, distinguished and ancient history and culture.

Our epic journey begins when we meet at the airport in Bishkek, from where we fly to Osh City, the oldest city in the country, for a day of sightseeing.

Day 2 is when we fully get going with the trekking, and the subsequent 2 days are spent winding through the Uzgurush Village, where the locals live a traditional way of life, and the absolutely stunning and beautiful deep blue Tortkul Reservoir.

Days 4-6 are dominated by our ascent to the peak of the magnificent and towering Aksu Peak (4390m), traversing past glaciers, valleys and big rivers along the way, with the sweeping panoramic views from the top exposing us to epic and awesome sights out over the other peaks and valleys of the countryside.

Days 7-10 involve trekking past and through numerous tricky passes, before navigating the mighty Ak Tash Valley.

The final few days entail exploring and staying in the Uzgurush Village, where we are able to sample the local traditional food and drink and discover just what life is like in this part of the world.

We finish our adventure with a flight back to Bishkek and a final day of sightseeing, happy and amazed at the exquisite and sublime scenery we have seen in this lovely country.

Explore this underrated and gorgeous country on a fun-filled trekking journey – book now to experience!

To explore a different side of Kyrgyzstan, check out our Kyrgyzstan alpine lakes 4-day guided hiking tour, here!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transport during the trip
Permit and entrance fees
Luggage transfer
Flight to the start

Price details

Price does not include: Insurance, alcohol and soft drinks, transfers and excursions outside of those described in the schedule, horse riding during the trek.

Itinerary

Day 1: Airport “Manas” (Bishkek city) – flight to Osh city (700 km)

Arrival in airport “Manas” (early morning arrival). Meeting
with guide in airport. Flight to Osh city altogether.
Accommodation in a Hotel, having rest. Evening city tour
around Osh in the oldest city of Kyrgyzstan with 3000 years’
history. Sightseeing tour.
Dinner in a local cafe.
Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 2: Osh city – Uzgurush village (360 km)

Start moving towards the South to Uzgurush village. Stop for
lunch in Batken. Passing by Tortkul reservoir. Get over
“killed pass”. Aksu Peak could be seen from this point if the
weather is ok. Arrive to the beginning of the trek to Uzgurush
village. Life here is tranquil. Here people are engaged in
agriculture, cattle breeding. They are growing tabacco.
Village surrounded with walnut-fruit forests. In the guest
house instead of shower there is Russian sauna (“banya”).
Dinner and overnight in a guest house.

Day 3: Uzgurush village – Aksu base camp (10km)

Start of the trek. Walk up along the narrow gorge surrounding
by picturesque rock walls, along Lyailyak river. Cross several
bridges. Reach Ak Suu and Kara Suu rivers confluence. Then
appears wide valley. View opens to Aksu Peak (5355m) from
this point. Pass juniper forest. Go along Ak Mechet river. Pass
two nomad’s settlements. Set up camp a bit higher on the green
plateau.
Base camp is at the right shore of Ak Suu river.
Dinner and overnight in tent camp.

Day 4: Radial hike to the foot of Aksu Peak (7 km one direction)

Crossing juniper forest. Hiking up moraine to the glacier at
the foot of Aksu Peak, passing several streams. Note: need to
start not later than 9.30 a.m. to pass one stream before it
become strong and full of “live stones”. Therefore descending
back a bit different route. Nice view opens to Peaks: Iskander,
Admiralteec, Petrogradec, Block. Lunch and having rest.
Returning to the camp.
Dinner and overnight in tents.

Day 5: Ak Suu valley – Aktubek pass – Aktubek camp (10 km)

Crossing the juniper forest, turn to the left and start moving up
to Aktubek pass. It’s long ascent. Passing glacier on the way.
The highest point of the day is 4390m. From it opens beautiful
panoramic view. Descending down approximately 900m, set up
the camp.
Dinner and overnight in tent camp.

Day 6: Aktubek camp – Orto Chashma valley (7 km)

Start early in the morning. Descend down to Orto Chashma
valley, passing juniper bushes, traverse big river on horses, go
down along the river to the white rock. Set up camp.
Optionally it’s possible to go to the portative sauna.
Dinner and overnight in the tent camp.

Day 7: Orto Chashma camp – Radial hike to Kara Suu pass (10 km one direction)

Start moving from the same side of the valley down to the next
gorge. On the way passing several streams. Get over Kosh
Moinok pass then reach higher Kara Suu pass. It consists of two
parts. From the pass opens cool view to tremendous walls:
Kotina, 1000th anniversary of the baptism of Russia. Also view
to Karavshin valley from the back. Having lunch, returning
back to Orto Chashma camp.
Dinner and overnight in tent camp.

Day 8: Orto Chashma – Djalgychy (7 km)

Going down a bit, passing river Orto Chashma by the wooden
bridge. Crossing juniper and dog-roses bushes in Kashka Suu
valley. Hiking over Turo pass. On the way meeting nomad’s
settlements. Descending down to the Djalgychy valley. Set up
camp near the spring. Rest time. Dinner and overnight in tent camp.

Day 9: Djalgychy valley – Ak Tash valley (11 km)

Hike up to the Djalgychy pass. From here opens panoramic
view to Turkestan ridge. In case of good weather, it’s possible
to see Piramidalniy Peak covered with glacier. Going down
along the valley then turning to the left. Crossing Ak Tash river,
walking a bit along the river. Set up camp at the left side.
Dinner, overnight in tent camp.

Day 10: Ak Tash valley – Uzgurush village (15 km)

Long way to Uzgurush village. Going a bit down through the
narrow “Rock gates”. Get over Buljuma pass traversing long
down along Buljuma river. Crossing walnut-fruit forest full of
walnuts, apples, honeysuckles. Closer to Uzgurush village meet
pistachio, almond, apricot trees.
Dinner and overnight in the guest house.

Day 11: Uzgurush village – Osh city (360 km)

Drive towards Osh city. Lunch in local cafe in Batken city. It’s
possible to stop at the Batken market to buy local dry fruits,
Batken pistachios, almond. On the way can stop for fresh cheap
fruits.
Continue driving to Osh. Accommodation in a Hotel. Having
rest. Evening light walking along the city.
Dinner in a local café.
Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 12: Osh city – Bishkek city

Flight to Bishkek in the morning after breakfast. Driving from
airport Manas to the Hotel. Having rest. Excursion around the
city.
Evening farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Overnight in a Hotel.

Day 13: Bishkek - airport

Early breakfast. Driving to the airport. Flight home.

FAQs

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Asia Mountains Hotel Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

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Garden Hotel Bishkek Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

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Hyatt Regency Bishkek Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

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About the guide

Misha

5.0

(2)

Mountain Guide

Whether in Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, China or Tibet, my passion for travel and customer service will make all the difference on your trip. I lead my groups off-the-beaten-path and always strive to make sure that your experience goes far beyond ordinary tourism. An IFMGA-certified mountain guide, I will take you ski touring or climbing to some of the best spots in the area and will make sure you get a sense of our local culture, and leave with unforgettable memories and a burning desire to return.

Languages

Kyrgyz | English

Certificates

KMGA | IFMGA

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What people are saying about Misha

Emma

Our horseback riding trek in Kyrgyzstan was an unforgettable adventure! From start to finish, everything was perfectly organized. Misha picked us up at the airport, ensuring a smooth start to our journey. The views throughout the trek were absolutely insane, showcasing the stunning beauty of Kyrgyzstan's landscapes. The horses were well-trained and a pleasure to ride, making the trek even more enjoyable. Our guide was amazing, knowledgeable, and incredibly supportive, adding immense value to the entire experience. Overall, the combination of breathtaking scenery, excellent organization, and fantastic guidance made this trip just AMAZING! Highly recommended for anyone looking for an extraordinary horseback riding adventure.

Tom

I would recommend this trip to anyone. It was such an incredible experience and Misha was the best guide one could ask for. His knowledge is incredible and he answered every one of my million questions. On top of that he is a great guy to be around. The hike is diverse and the natural beauty is second to none. Don’t miss out on this experience!