Kyrgyzstan – Wandering Welsh Girl

Tucked away in the heart of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a land of soaring peaks, glacial lakes, and sweeping valleys. With over 90% of its territory covered by mountains, this is a paradise for trekkers seeking off-the-beaten-path adventures. From alpine meadows to rugged passes, Kyrgyzstan offers a stunning variety of landscapes—and remarkably few crowds. Through my work as an overland tour leader, I've been lucky enough to visit Kyrgyzstan several times and enjoy multiple hikes with every visit. Here’s a detailed guide to the best hikes in Kyrgyzstan, with tips on routes, difficulty, access, and what makes each trek special. THE BEST HIKES IN KYRGYZSTAN 1. Ala-Kul Lake & Altyn Arashan Trek (Karakol) Duration: 3–5 days Distance: ~35–45 km Highest Point: Ala-Kul Pass (3,860 m) Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Highlights: Electric-blue alpine lake, panoramic pass, hot springs Best Time: Mid-June to mid-September Why Go: The Ala-Kul Lake Trek is perhaps the most iconic in Kyrgyzstan. Starting from Karakol, this trail takes you through verdant alpine valleys, past nomadic yurts, and up to the jewel-toned Ala-Kul Lake sitting at 3,560 meters. The high point is crossing the Ala-Kul Pass (3,860 m), offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. This is one of all-time favourite views - just amazing! Top Tip: Altyn Arashan, with its natural hot springs, offers a great place to stop and soak those aching muscles. Ala-Kul Lake - the incredible view from Ala-Kul Pass Route Summary Day 1: Karakol – Sirota Camp (~2,800 m) Hike through Karakol Valley and pine forests Overnight near wooden shelter or tents Day 2: Sirota Camp – Ala-Kul Lake – Ala-Kul Pass (~3,860 m) – Keldike Valley Steep ascent to Ala-Kul Lake, then up to the pass Epic panoramic views from the top Descent to Keldike Valley for camping Day 3: Keldike – Altyn Arashan (~2,400 m) Relaxing descent to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan Optional overnight in yurt or guesthouse Day 4 (optional): Altyn Arashan – Karakol Easy downhill walk or 4WD jeep pickup Logistics Permits: Not required Accommodation: Tents, basic shelters, yurts, or guesthouses Water: Available from rivers, but purification is advised Best for: Hikers who want a mix of scenery, challenge, and relaxation 2. Lenin Peak Base Camp Trek (South Pamirs) Duration: 2–4 days Distance: ~30 km round trip Highest Point: ~4,400 m (Base Camp or higher to Advanced Camp) Difficulty: Moderate (altitude) Highlights: Snowy peaks, yurt camps, glacier views Best Time: July to August Why Go: For a taste of the Pamir Mountains, the trek to Lenin Peak Base Camp (3,600 m) is breathtaking. While summiting the 7,134-meter giant is for mountaineers, hiking to its base is achievable for fit trekkers. The scenery is stark, vast, and unforgettable. Route Summary Day 1: Osh – Tulpar Kol Lake (~3,000 m) 6-7 hour drive from Osh to yurt camp at the lake Day 2: Tulpar Kol – Base Camp (~3,600 m) Easy acclimatization hike Stay in yurts or tents at base camp Day 3 (optional): Hike to Camp 2 (~4,400 m) Steep ascent, not technical but strenuous Offers amazing views of glaciers and Lenin Peak Day 4: Return to Tulpar KolDay 5: Drive back to Osh Logistics Permits: Border permit needed (must be arranged in advance) Accommodation: Yurts or tents at base camp Best for: Those who want a dramatic mountain experience without climbing 3. Jyrgalan to Boz-Uchuk Lakes Trek (Jyrgalan Valley) Duration: 3–4 days Distance: ~55 km Highest Point: 3,400 m Difficulty: Moderate Highlights: Remote alpine lakes, wild meadows, herder encounters Best Time: June to September Why Go: Jyrgalan is one of Kyrgyzstan’s emerging trekking hubs, offering less crowded trails and authentic community-based tourism. This loop includes several pristine alpine lakes with very few other trekkers. Route Summary Day 1: Jyrgalan – Terim Tor Valley (~2,700 m) Gentle ascent through meadows and forested valleys Overnight in tent or shepherd’s yurt Day 2: Terim Tor – Boz Uchuk Lakes (~3,400 m) Climb up to a chain of alpine lakes Cross a moderate pass (~3,350 m) Day 3: Descent to Jyrgalan Long but scenic walk down via open pastures Logistics Accommodation: Homestays, yurts, or tents Food: Homestay packages often include packed meals Highlights: Horse trekking also available, plus cultural immersion with Kyrgyz families 4. Tulpar-Kol to Sary-Mogol Pass (Alay Mountains) Duration: 3–5 days Distance: ~40–50 km Highest Point: Sary-Mogol Pass (4,300 m) Difficulty: Challenging (high altitude, remote) Highlights: Red rock canyons, sweeping Pamir views, yurt stays Best Time: July to September Why Go: This off-the-beaten-path trek offers raw wilderness and solitude. Combine it with the Lenin Base Camp trek for a longer adventure. The Alay Mountains Route Summary Day 1: Sary‑Mogol → Tulpar‑Kol Lake Drive or hike from Sary‑Mogol up Tuyuk Gorge to Tulpar‑Kol (3,500 m) Scenic lakeside yurt camp near Lenin Peak Base Camp Day 2: Tulpar‑Kol → Travellers’ Pass (4,100–4,140 m) → Return Early hike to Traveler’s Pass for panoramic views of Lenin Peak (7,134 m) Return to Tulpar‑Kol camp for the night Day 3: Tulpar‑Kol → Sary‑Mogol Village Descend along the valley road; gentle walk with nomadic scenery Optional taxi or walk to village Day 4: Sary‑Mogol → Sary‑Mogol Pass (4,303 m) → Yurt Camp (~3,300 m) Ascend steep scree trail to high pass, then descend into valley Overnight in a yurt near base of pass Day 5: Yurt Camp → Sary‑Mogol → Return to Osh Easy walk down to Sary‑Mogol village, through shepherd camps Drive back to Osh Logistics: Access: Shared taxis or minibuses from Osh to Sary‑Mogol (3–4 hrs); yurt camps accessible by foot, horseback, or jeep Accommodation: Yurt camps at Tulpar‑Kol, high‑altitude pass camps, plus homestays in Sary‑Mogol Seasonality: Passes open approximately late June–mid‑September Water & Supplies: Bring a filter; yurt camps offer meals Navigation: Trail is well-trodden but hiring a guide adds safety and local knowledge 5. Song-Kol Lake Trek (Naryn Region) Duration: 3–4 days Distance: ~60 km Highest Point: Kalmak Ashuu Pass (~3,450 m) Difficulty: Moderate (due to distance and altitude) Highlights: Rolling green jailoos (pastures), yurt camps, lake views Best Time: Mid-June to September Why Go: A classic trek into nomadic highlands, the Song‑Kol route explores rolling jailoos (summer pastures), pastoral yurt camps, and dramatic mountain passes. The centerpiece is the stunning alpine lake at 3,016 m, ringed by shepherd life and wild tranquility. It’s ideal for hikers and horse-trekkers seeking cultural immersion with some altitude challenge. Top tip: Stay with semi-nomadic herders and ride or hike across sweeping meadows at this high-altitude lake. Song Kol lake is a stunning location for relaxing or enjoying local horse games Route Summary: Day 1: Kyzart Pass → Kilemche Jailoo Start at Kyzart Pass (2,664 m), traverse through forested slopes past Chaar Archa Pass (~3,061 m) Descend into Kilemche pastures; overnight in yurt camp Day 2: Kilemche Jailoo → Zhalguz Karagai Pass → Song‑Kol Lake Climb to Zhalguz Karagai Pass (~3,325 m) with panoramic views Descend into the basin, passing through yurt camps to reach Song‑Kol (3,016 m) Camp lakeside in yurts, experiencing nomadic hospitality Day 3: Exploration Day at Song‑Kol Gentle hikes along the shore or horseback rides on the jailoos Visit local shepherd families, enjoy kumis, relax, and stargaze in pristine high-mountain silence Day 4: Return to Kyzart / Kochkor Option A: Hike back over pass to Kyzart Village (~1–2 days via Chaar Archa or Jalgyz-Karagai Passes) Option B: Arrange transport (4WD or shared taxi) back to Kochkor or Bishkek Water, yurt camp options, and horses available along route Logistics Accommodation: Community-based yurt camps Transport: Shared jeep or 4WD from Kochkor (< $20); hiking access via Kyzart Navigation & gear: GPS/guides recommended; water filtration required; night temps often below freezing Best Season: June–September, when yurt camps operate and passes are clear 6. Kol-Ukok Lake Trek (Kochkor) Duration: 2–3 days Distance: ~35 km Highest Point: ~3,200 m Difficulty: Moderate Highlights: Peaceful alpine lake, glacial cirques, yurt stay Best Time: June to September Why Go: Less known than Ala-Kul but equally beautiful, Kol-Ukok Lake is a tranquil alpine lake surrounded by snowcapped peaks. Starting from Kochkor, this is a great shorter trek for travellers who want a dose of adventure without intense altitude gains. You can book your yurt camp in advance or take the risk of just turning up and hoping there'll be space, which is what Nick and I did on our visit. Hiking around Kol-Ukok Yurt camp at Kol-Ukok Taking our lunch break at Kol-Tor Lake Route Summary Day 1: Kochkor – Kol-Ukok Valley (~2,800 m) Start from Isakeev village (taxi or hitch) Gentle ascent to yurt camp in the valley Day 2: Kol-Ukok Lake (~3,050 m) Short but steep climb to the lake Optional hike to Kol-Tor Lake (~3,500 m) Day 3: Return to Kochkor Logistics Accommodation: Yurt camps, with meals available Horse option: Many travelers do this trek on horseback Best for: First-time trekkers and those short on time 7. Terskey Alatau Traverse (Karakol to Jeti-Ögüz) Duration: 7–10 days Distance: ~100+ km Highest Point: Telety Pass 3,800m Difficulty: Strenuous Highlights: Glacier views, river crossings, unspoiled mountain passes Best Time: July to early September Why Go: A classic traverse across the northern slopes of the Terskey Alatau, this trek links Karakol’s alpine valleys with the famed Jeti-Ögüz gorge. Expect lush forests, wildflower meadows, glacial lakes, and multiple high passes. Along the way you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Karakol Peak (5,216 m), Oguz-Bashi (5,165 m), Ala-Kul Lake, and the Telety Gorge’s dramatic landscape The "7 Bulls" at Jeti-Ögüz Route Summary Day 1: Karakol → Djety‑Oguz Drive from Karakol to Djety-Oguz gorge Walk through spruce forest and cross wooden bridges into “Flower Meadow” Overnight in Jeti-Ögüz camp Day 2: Djety‑Oguz → Telety Basecamp (~3,050 m) Trek along Telety River through wooded gorge Gradual ascent to alpine meadows below Telety Pass Camp at tree line (~3,050 m) Day 3: Telety Pass (~3,800 m) → Karakol Valley (±2,500 m) Early pass crossing (non-technical, ~6–8 hrs) Descend into Karakol Gorge, camp near river (~2,500 m) Day 4: Karakol Gorge → Ala-Kul Lake (~3,600 m) Trek via Sirota shelter (~2,800 m), onward to glacial Ala-Kul Lake Long ascent (+1,100 m), camp by alpine lake Day 5: Ala-Kul Lake → Altyn Arashan (~2,400 m) Cross Ala-Kul Pass (3,860 m) for sweeping panorama Descend to hot springs in Altyn Arashan valley Day 6: Altyn Arashan → Jeti-Ögüz (via Karakol) Hike/jeep back to Karakol or directly to Jeti-Ögüz for closure Optionally dip in hot springs or explore valley landmarks 8. The Classic Route (Turkestan Range - Asian Patagonia) Duration: 8 days Highest Point: 4,300m (Ak-Tubek Pass) Distance: - 100km Difficulty: Challenging Highlights: Ak-Suu Peak, Karavshin Valley, Ak-Tubek Pass, White Rocks Best Time: July to early September Why go: This remote region in the Batken Province of southern Kyrgyzstan is perfect for serious trekkers. Known as “Asian Patagonia” for its rugged granite peaks, dramatic valleys, and wild remoteness, this is Kyrgyzstan’s most intense and visually stunning trekking circuit. The Standard Route takes hikers deep into the heart of the Turkestan Range, through alpine meadows, glacial passes, and iconic locations like Ak-Suu Peak, Karavshin Valley, and Pyramidalniy Peak. But be warned: this trek is not for beginners. With six high passes, nearly 8,000 meters of elevation gain, and plenty of off-trail navigation, it demands serious stamina and experience—or a reliable guide and support team. Those who take it on are rewarded with scenery few will ever witness. Route Summary Day 1: Ozgorush – Buldzhuma Pass – Camp 1 (~2,700 m) Gradual ascent through walnut and pistachio forests Cross Buldzhuma Pass and descend into a shepherd-inhabited valley Day 2: Camp 1 – Dahalgytshy Pass – Scenic Campsite (~3,200 m) Hike through the dramatic Ak-Tash Gorge and the White Rocks Cross Dahalgytshy and a second unnamed pass to reach a wildflower-covered alpine campsite Day 3: Scenic Campsite – Kara-Suu Pass – Karavshin Valley (~2,800 m) Cross Kosh-Moinok and Kara-Suu Passes Descend into the vast Karavshin Valley surrounded by granite towers Day 4: Day hike to Asan & Usan Peaks (optional) Explore glacial cirques and view the Yellow Wall, Asan, and Usan Peaks Return to Karavshin camp Day 5: Karavshin – Kara-Suu Pass (return) – Orto-Chashma (~2,900 m) Retrace the route over Kara-Suu and Kosh-Moinok Camp at the base of Ak-Tubek Pass Day 6: Orto-Chashma – Ak-Tubek Pass – Ak-Suu Valley (~2,800 m) Cross the trek’s highest pass (4,300 m) with stunning views of Ak-Suu Peak Descend to a green riverside campsite Day 7: Day hike to Ak-Suu Peak (optional) Hike to the glacier base of Ak-Suu’s 2,000-meter rock face Return to Ak-Suu camp Day 8: Ak-Suu Valley – Ozgorush Long descent through juniper forests and alpine meadows End at guesthouse or village stay in Ozgorush Logistics Permits: Yes (border zone) Guides: Yes, highly recommended —this area is very remote and rarely visited by foreigners Camping: Fully self-supported unless using a tour Best for: Experienced hikers or those with support teams Planning Tips for Kyrgyzstan Hikes Do You Need a Guide? Most (not all) treks can be done self-guided if you have a GPS or map and experience, but hiring a local guide adds cultural insight and safety Local guides or pack horses can be arranged in most towns (Karakol, Jyrgalan, Kochkor) Consider booking through CBT Kyrgyzstan or local community tourism offices Accommodation on Treks Yurts: Common in summer; book through CBT or ask locals on the trail Camping: Free and widely allowed—bring your own gear Guesthouses: Available in trailhead towns (Karakol, Kochkor, Jyrgalan, etc.) Maps & Navigation Use Maps.me, Gaia GPS, or Komoot with offline GPX tracks Trails are often unmarked—GPS navigation is essential Permits No permits needed for most hikes Exceptions: Border areas (like Enilchek or near China/Tajikistan borders) may require permits—ask locally or check with CBT Packing Essentials Warm layers and rain gear—even in summer Water purification and/or a filtering water bottle (streams are everywhere) Tent, sleeping bag (rated to 0°C or lower), mat if camping Trekking poles (especially for descents and river crossings) Hiking food/snacks (few resupply points on trail) Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses Offline map + power bank For more detail about the hiking gear I recommend, take a look at this post. Why Kyrgyzstan for Hiking? Jaw-dropping scenery without the crowds of Nepal or the Alps Cultural immersion—stay in yurts and experience nomadic life Affordability—trekking and transport are budget-friendly Freedom—you can camp almost anywhere Untapped adventure—many trails are still wild and unspoiled Sample Trekking Hubs & Base Towns TownNearby HikesKarakolAla-Kul, Altyn Arashan, Terskey AlatauJyrgalanBoz-Uchuk Lakes, Turnali Kol LoopKochkorKol-Ukok, Song-Kol, Kilemche ValleySary-MogolLenin Peak, Alay Range treks Final Thoughts on Kyrgyzstan Treks Kyrgyzstan is one of the last frontiers for raw, untouched trekking. Whether you're hiking to turquoise lakes, sleeping in yurts under a sky full of stars, or tackling remote alpine passes, the country delivers unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for trails less traveled and landscapes that stir the soul, Kyrgyzstan should be high on your trekking bucket list.