Trek the Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Hike the most spectacular mountain range in Central Asia and sleep under the stars
What's Included?
Activities & Certified Guides
All itinerary activities with expert, local, English-speaking guidesAll accommodation
2 nights in a hotel, 2 nights in a guesthouse, 1 night in a yurt, 4 nights wild campingMeals
All breakfasts, lunches and dinnersTransfers
Your airport and local transfers, packhorses to carry overnight luggage, all permits and entry feesEquipment
Tents, sleeping mats, a group mess tent and cooking equipment are provided while you're campingSmall Like-minded Groups
Solo-friendly by design, join our small n’ sociable groups of up to 10 like-minded, active and outdoorsy people…
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What's it like?
Hike dramatic, red sandstone canyons and swim in the pristine water of the Issyk Kul high alpine lake
Experience the legendary hospitality of the Kyrgyz semi-nomadic shepherds and spend a night in their yurt
Cross the epic Jukku Pass (3800m) - a spectacular climb surrounded by glaciers and meet Aitbek, one of the last remaining Eagle Hunters in Kyrgyzstan
Key Information
Day 1
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan
Check into your hotel in Bishkek, the cultural hub of Kyrgyzstan, and meet your fellow adventurers. If you arrive early enough, join for lunch and then head into the city on foot with your guide to explore the huge Osh Bazaar before sitting down for a traditional Kyrgyz feast.
Day 2
Issyk Kul Lake
Hiking
Driving
Take a scenic road trip across the vast Kyrgyz plains to the city of Karakol at the foot of the Tian Shan Mountains. Along the way, hike through the red sandstone Konorchek Canyon, stopping for a picnic lunch with a seriously good view. Journey on to the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world. In Karakol, visit the unique Dungan Mosque and settle into your cosy guesthouse for the evening.
Day 3
The 7 Bulls
Hiking
Rise early for a visit to the wooden Orthodox church of Karakol, or just enjoy a lazy start to the day. Cross the pasturelands that lay above the lake and head to the valley of Jety Oguz, or ‘the seven bulls’ - 7 red stone cliffs from where you'll hit the trail. See your first yurts, home to Kyrgyz semi-nomadic farmers and shepherds and get your own taste of the local culture as you bed down in one for the night. Learn about the age-old traditions still employed, but expect an exchange - they are just as curious to know about your lives too.
Day 4
Jailoo Kyzyl Suu
Hiking
Cross the Jailoo Kyzyl Suu, and join the Jukkuchak Valley, a path previously used by explorers in the 1930s on their way to Chinese Turkestan. Either way you’ll be back in time for dinner at your first wild camping spot.
Day 5
The Jukku Valley
Hiking
Leave the foothills of the mountains behind and ascend the beautiful Jukku Valley, flanked on both sides by Tian Shan pine trees. As you hike the landscape will change fast as you journey deeper into the mountains, ending at 2600m above sea level. Keep your fingers crossed for clear skies as shooting star spotting is a must from your wild camping spot.
Day 6
Jukku Lake
Hiking
Venture further and higher into the Jukku Valley, which was once trafficked by caravans heading to China along the ancient Silk Road. Set up camp at around 3140m above sea level in a serene spot on the shores of the first Jukku Lake.
Day 7
The big one: The Jukku Pass (3640m)
Hiking
Climb to the top of the incredible Jukku Pass. It’s a long day with a lot of up and down, but the view from the top makes every step worthwhile. Once on the other side of the pass, it continues to rise gradually and you'll be glad to reach camp on the Arabel Syrt around lunchtime. Fuelled up on a hot meal, those who want can walk up to the plateau at 4000m for an unforgettable panorama of the surrounding snowy peaks before bunking down in your tent. Sleeping at 3680m, you’ll be sure to feel the cold tonight and will probably welcome the never-ending cups of tea that are passed around.
Day 8
The Arabel Syrt
Hiking
Cross the ‘syrt’ (elevated flatland) of Arabel - a unique ecosystem of highlands dotted with crystalline lakes. After a few kilometres, cross a bridge over the river to find the vehicle waiting to drive you back to Issyk Kul Lake. There may be time for a short hike to the Barskoon Waterfalls en route (if your legs still have the appetite for more) before ending the day at Tamga where tonight's guesthouse and a hot shower await.
Day 9
The Great Aitbek
After an early breakfast, drive back to Bishkek along the dry south shore of the high altitude Issyk Kul Lake. There’ll be time for a swim before visiting Skazka Canyon, with its many shades of red and yellow. Stop to meet Aitbek, one of the few remaining ‘berkutchy’ (Kyrgyz eagle hunters) and learn how he trains his golden eagle before returning to Bishkek and a final group dinner.
Day 10
Head for home
Wave goodbye to Kyrgyzstan and head back to the airport in time for your flight home.
The Area
Logistics
Starts
Bishkek - Manas International Airport (FRU)
11:00 on Day 1
Ends
Bishkek - Manas International Airport (FRU)
Depart anytime on Day 10
Transfers
Airport transfers are included for arrivals at any time on or before Day 1, and at any time on or after Day 10 (provided you have supplied your arrival and departure details in advance).
Please note there will be a welcome briefing at the hotel in Bishkek at 11:30am on Day 1 so please aim to arrive before then.
Travel options
There are regular flights to Kyrgyzstan from major airports across the UK and Europe, usually with a brief stopover.
Day 1
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 2
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 3
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 4 – Day 7
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 8
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 9
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Day 10
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
What is the food like?
Traditional Kyrgyz food revolves around bread, meat and various dairy products. The preparation techniques and major ingredients have been strongly influenced by the nation's ancient, nomadic way of life, so many of the cooking techniques are conducive to the long-term preservation of food. If you get the chance, be sure to join in with the cooking and learn more about the local specialities.
During the trek, breakfast will consist of porridge, eggs, soups and sausages. Lunch will likely be a packed lunch of a sandwich and various other local treats, such as dried fruits and nuts. Dinner will always be hot and usually a combination of stews, noodle dishes and soups.
As the local economy is traditionally based on animal rearing and breeding, vegetarianism is still largely unheard of, however, your host can arrange this if requested. For other dietary requirements (including vegan, mild gluten-free and lactose-free diets, which are difficult to cater for on this trip), please check with your host.
100% strictly Gluten-Free/Coeliac diets in particular are a challenge to cater for as many gluten-free alternatives, such as GF bread, are not yet available in Kyrgyzstan; and on this itinerary there are limited catering facilities whilst both camping and staying in yurts and guesthouses to avoid cross-contamination of foods.
What is the accommodation like?
Bishkek
In Bishkek you'll stay at the Navat Hotel, or a hotel of similar standard such as Hotel Evropa or Hotel Damas. You'll stay in twin-share rooms by default.
Guesthouses on trek
In Karakol and Tamga, you’ll stay in small family-run guesthouses in either twin or triple rooms. These are basic but clean with shared facilities.
Traditional Yurts
The yurt camp in Chong Kyzyl Suu valley is owned by a local family, with three yurts available for guests whilst the family sleep in an old Soviet-style wagon. You'll be sharing a yurt with up to six people. There is a wooden latrine and one banya (Russian-style bathroom/sauna). There is electricity, but no plugs. Meals are taken in the wagon with the family, or outside next to the river.
Wild Camp
On Days 4 to 7, you’ll camp in wild locations in twin-share tents. You'll need to put up and take down your own tent. There will also be a tent for group meals and a toilet tent for larger groups.
Upgrades
For solo travellers looking for their own space, an optional private room and tent can be booked for an extra charge, see Optional Extras for the price. Please request this at the time of booking, as this is subject to availability. This is available on all nights, except for the night in the yurt.
This trip has been rated as Challenging
This trip is suitable for trekkers comfortable walking with a daypack for up to 8 hours/22 km a day, although most days are 6-7 hours and up to 18 km. The terrain is largely undulating and you will be walking at a steady pace. The Jukku Pass (3640m) is the most challenging section and you will climb over 750m ascent, with plenty of time to stop and rest your legs. You will also have horses carrying your overnight kit so will only need to trek with a small rucksack of essentials.
The trekking season in the Tian Shan is short and we only schedule departures when the temperatures are at their mildest and all the mountain passes are in use. Kyrgyzstan gets surprisingly little rain and has over 300 days of sunshine a year.
In the summer, the mornings are usually clear, but the afternoons can be hazy. Even in summer, there can be occasional snowfalls above 3000m and the Arabel Syrt can be wet and marshy as a result of meltwater. At lower altitudes (around the tree line) summer temperatures usually range from 16-28°C and it can feel very hot during the day. In the highlands, the temperatures range from 8-12°C. Night times will feel cold and the higher camps temperatures may hover only a few degrees above freezing or even dip below zero.
Bishkek and the lowland areas around Lake Issyk-Kul will be hot in the day and mild in the evenings.
Fantastic adventure
This trip is a brilliant introduction to Kyrgyzstan with a good balance between hiking and cultural visits. The trek follows the beautiful Juuku valley, with plenty of horses, sheep, cattle and their shepherds along the route. Our guide, Stas, was super organised and made sure we were well looked after, with plenty of Stas-jokes to keep the mood high. We had a great group and loved every minute. Would highly recommend!
An increadible experience
It was my first Much Better adventures trip. I m planning to travel with them again. From the spontaneous "train ride" through the Oak Park to the mesmerising treks through valleys and gorges this was an incredible experience. The trip is organised in perfection (thank you Fabien/Stas). Our main guide Stas was reliable, knowledgeable and caring; tough on the outside but so sweet deep inside. The rest of the team including our horsemen and driver were kind and supportive. Aybek who was helping our guide is an inspiring force of life. I loved our chats and laughs. The whole team took good care of us. They ensured we were well fed and stayed warm during freezing nights. I was fortunate to be part of a group of interesting and kind co-travellers. Kyrgyzstan's nature is unreal. Everywhere we looked there was beauty; crystal waters, majestic mountains, crazy skies, running horses and welcoming locals. Book the trip! You will not regret.
An incredible journey
Just arrived home from a wonderful 10 days exploring Kyrgyz culture, and trekking through stunning mountains and valleys. Seeing hundreds of horses walking across the jailoos was out of this world. Our guides - Stas and Aibek - were amazing. The tour felt carefully planned, and they went out of their way to make the trip special and keep the energy high. The camp spots were insane, and it was the perfect amount of walking to feel invigorated but not exhausted. Highly recommend, and can't wait to go back to the region!
Amazing trip
This was an amazing trip from start to finish and still keep thinking about the stunning places that we hiked. Kyrgyzstan is absolutely beautiful and the hiking routes were arranged well and covered variety of landscapes. The group dynamic was amazing,it included all like-minded people, and our guides Stas, Aidai and Abdurrahman took care us well. Camping can be challenging at times if you are not used to it, and personally that was the toughest part for me. However, gorgeous sceneries help to get over that challenge easily! Highly recommend this trip you are ready for an adventure to explore this hidden gem in Central Asia.
Amazing trip!
Based on the reviews, my expectations were quite high.. and still it was better than I thought it could be! The scenery was amazing, the organization of the trip was really well and the group was great! We barely saw any tourists, which made it feel even more special. Massive thanks to Mirs and Dimitri, who took really good care of us (cooking, making sure we weren't (too) cold and introducing us to new hysterically funny games to name a few things) If you have a reasonable level of fitness, the trip will be good for you. If you go in September, do make sure you have a silk liner with you and loads of (merino wool) layers. I highly recommend renting a sleeping bag (because it will take up so much space in your backpack otherwise) and taking with you an air mattress (the ground can be colder than you think!) I really loved the trip! And now quickly book the trip before everybody discovers how beautiful this country is!! :-)
What an honour it was
What an honour it was - thank you Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬 Fantastic polite patient and knowledgeable guides - Mirs and Dimitri - thank you for your hospitality and sharing the beautiful mountains with us also for lovely food (so much food!). I urge everyone to visit :) I thoroughly enjoyed meeting the makers of the Yurts X Diolch yn Fawr Rahmat!
Spectacular landscape on a real adventure
The photos do not do justice to the breathtaking diversity of the landscape in Kyrgyzstan. From Swiss style mountains and lakes, to US style red canyons, to snowy mountain tops. All in a remote setting with nobody but Shepherds and their cattle for company.
The trip couldn't have been better organised and Mirs and Dimi were two of the best trip organisers I have come across. It felt like they were just 2 more members of the group, rather than us and them, but all the while keeping us safe, entertained and well-fed (as a vegetarian I ate far better than expected).
The final night did get cold, but it was manageable (and an experience). For regular hikers the hikes were enjoyable rather than excruciating. But a base level of fitness is definitely required.
If you want a trip to a relatively under discovered part of the world (it won't stay that way for long) and are happy going without some of the luxuries we take for granted along the way e.g. beds, flushing toilets, showers, phone signal etc then this trip is highly recommended!! An experience I won't forget.
Great adventure
Epic adventure in Kyrgyzstan. Great days hiking and beautiful overnight camp sites. Fun touristic stops on the first and last days too. A good sized group with like-minded people. Amazing scenery. A great tour if you want to get off the beaten path.
A spectacular hiking trip along the Silk Road
Easily one of the best trip I've ever done: I deeply enjoyed every step of this 100km-long hiking journey along the Silk Road! Breathtaking landscapes, a fantastic group, outstanding guides (thank you Mirs and Dima!), challenging yet rewarding hiking, a perfect combination of nature, culture, physical activity with a bit of relax (at the end!) - all underpinned by deep respect for the local environment and communities. If you're hesitating, don't think twice and sign up!
A hidden gem 💎
Had an amazing adventure in beautiful Kyrgyzstan. This country has it all, mountains, lakes, rivers, glaciers and canyons. The scenery was breathtaking and incredibly picturesque. Our guides were amazing and ensured a smooth trip and we were very well looked after. The hikes are manageable with some steep ascents. The camping does add another layer of difficulty to this trip, be prepared for some very cold nights! Overall this was an amazing trip in a very unrated country.
Amazing scenery, fantastic guides, perfect trip
Fabulous time in the mountains, led by caring, attentive, knowledgable guides. Excellent communication from MBA. Scenery was absolutely spectacular, and a good mix of camping/various accommodation through the trip. Thanks!
Beautiful ❤️
If you are reading this review, I strongly recommend that you book this trip. Kyrgyzstan has become one of my favorite countries I have ever visited.
The landscape and scenery are breathtaking. We had an amazing group, which, of course, helped make this trip an incredible experience. Our guides, Stas, Aidie, and Abdulrahman, looked after us, making sure we had everything we needed.
If you enjoy long hikes and wild camping (note: it gets really cold at night) while disconnecting from the world (there’s no internet or phone access for 5–6 days), then this trip is for you!
Epic
One of the best trips ever! Everything was superb, from the group, the stunning landscapes, the food, animals, and of course our fantastic guides, Stas, Abdu, and Adai, alongside our driver and horsemen who all went above and beyond! Loved every minute.
BOOK!
I had the best time on this trek. Our guide, Victor, felt more like a friend than a guide. If you're thinking about booking this trip definitely do it. I'd recommend bringing an inflatable mattress to make it a little more comfortable while camping.
This was my second MBA
This was my second MBA hiking holiday and probably my favourite. The hiking itself is manageable for anyone with a bit of fitness - there are some steep climbs but also a fair amount of easier parts.
The landscape is stunning and expect to see herds of horses, cows, and sheep along your hike. You really feel like its an adventure as when you're camping as there's no one else around (and that also means no light pollution so the stars look stunning at night!)
Our guides were very friendly and helpful, and knowledgeable about Kyrgyz history and local folk tales. All in all it was a wonderful trip and would absolutely recommend it.
Some useful things to be aware of...do not pass on taking waterproofs! Most of our trip was sunny but there can be quite sudden downpours. Do not pass on taking warm clothes, we woke up on our last camping morning to snow!
We spent 10 epic days
We spent 10 epic days hiking the mountains of Kyrgyzstan with 12 cool humans, unplugging from the online world and re-connecting with nature. 100 km of trekking and camping in the wild, through an unreal changing landscape of mountains, lushy red valleys, rivers and emerald lakes. For a place of this beauty we were lucky to have the mountain all for ourselves, for except for a cross-country mountain bikers and locals we did not come across other guests throughout our journey, testament to how unspoiled by tourism this hidden gem of a country is. An unforgettable experience also thanks to our fearless guide, cook, entertainer and all-round cool leader Victor who made this a one-in-a lifetime adventure! Thank you for everything.
This trip was one of
This trip was one of a kind. The views were spectacular. Stas and Adyl were fantastic and experienced guides and kindly helped me practice my Russian. The traditional sauna experience was a particular highlight. Thank you very much. спасибо!
Excellent adventure
Stunning scenery, off the beaten path, really remote, well-organised, fun group, and we really appreciated the efforts from Stas, Adyl and the rest of the crew. Special shout-out to Fabien in the local office for sorting out a minor problem quickly at the beginning. One strong piece of advice is to prepare for the cold: we had snow on our final camping evening. We also got caught in a hailstorm and so be sure to bring water-proofs. Hiking has some altitude and the hikes are up to 20km/day but it was not especially steep or challenging, meaning good acclimatisation as we reached 4000m. Food was hearty and plentiful, but you’re camping in Kyrgyzstan and so don’t go in with high expectations. Overall, a fantastic experience
Amazing trip with a wonderful
Amazing trip with a wonderful group - our guide Victor was fantastic and multi-talented, including being able to cook great food for 17 people! The wild camping was really special as we were so remote it felt like we were the only people there to enjoy these magnificent landscapes. Would highly recommend this trip if you want to go off the beaten track and experience being completely off the grid!
Complete reset in magical Kyrgyzstan
Over 100km and virtually no tourists, hiking through lush green valleys full of semi-wild horses, cows and sheep. Staying in tents without any link to the outside world was an amazing soul- and mind reset, and our group was fabulous! So many interesting coversations, so many laughs and a trip I will never forget. Kyrgyzstan is a stunning country, and Tian Shan mountains are one of the most beautiful places I've been to.
Epic hiking and scenery
Great trip, brilliant group, scenery was glorious, highly recommended trip.
Fantastic trip. Beautiful scenery and
Fantastic trip. Beautiful scenery and a nice amount of walking each day.
Superb Trip in the Tian Shan
Had a magical time in Kyrgyzstan. The guides (big thanks to Stas , Adyl, and Aidai), horsemen, driver, and all the hosts were incredible and made our journey seamless, fun, and informative. Beautiful nature, lots of laughs, good food, and a great itinerary that was true to the area and well isolated from any crowded areas. A true adventure.
Amazing Mountain views in to
Amazing Mountain views in to the remote mountains!
Stunning Kyrgyzstan 🇰🇬
Kyrgyzstan was an unforgettable adventure, filled with incredible views, picturesque campsites, varied landscapes, and wonderful people. Kyrgyzstan is truly a unique place and a must visit for all.
Absolutely incredible adventure!!
This was an amazing trek through the beautiful Kyrgyzstan! The scenery and landscapes were incredible and the hiking was very manageable. Weather was wild as we’d often have hot and sunny, rain, and hail all on the same day (we even had snow on our last day!!). Stas and Aibek were fantastic guides and enhanced the whole experience. Can’t recommend this adventure enough!!
Excellent trip, well organised with
Excellent trip, well organised with great leaders. The hiking was excellent with spectacular views and the cultural activities at either end of the trip well thought out. Also no hidden costs.
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Just the BEST!
I would like to leave a review To tell and encourage you, To go on a trip just like this Which really was absolute bliss. I trekked the mountains in Kyrgyzstan With like minded people and a sound plan.
The hike was tough, but not too much The food was fabulous, stews and such. The people were a team of gems Led by guides who were soon our friends
The balance of culture, hikes and rest This trip really was the very best!
It was the best trip I've ever been on!
If you love mountains and don't like crowds, this is the best choice which you can make for your holidays! Stunning views, untouched nature, lovely people and delicious food. Our guides (Mirs, Ady and Abdu) were amazing, so knowledgeable, friendly and always helpful. They went above and beyond to make this trip unforgettable (singing national anthems, whipping with branches in the sauna, and testing fermented drinks was so funny!). Our group was very diverse, with people from different parts of the World, which made it it even more interesting. We got along very well and we spent many long evenings full of jokes and laughter. If I could, I would go back there even tomorrow!
Itinerary Activities
- Optional guided tour of Osh Bazaar
- Guided hike through Konorchek Canyon
- Visit Dungan Mosque
- Visit the Orthodox church of Karakol
- Guided hike through the valley of Jety Oguz
- Guided hike crossing Jailoo Kyzyl
- 3 days of guided hiking in the Jukku Valley
- Guided crossing of the 'syrt' of Arabel
- Optional hike to the Barskoon Waterfalls
- Swim in the Issyk Kul Lake
- Meet Aitbek, one of the few remaining Kyrgyz eagle hunter
Guides
- Expert, local, English-speaking guides
Accommodation
- 2 nights in a hotel
- 2 nights in a guesthouse
- 1 night in a yurt
- 4 nights wild camping
Meals
All your meals are provided for the duration of the trip. This includes:
- 9 breakfasts
- 9 lunches including picnics
- 9 dinners including traditional Kyrgyz feasts
Transfers
- Group arrival transfers from Manas International Airport on Day 1
- Departure transfers to Manas International Airport any time on Day 10
- Transfers during the trip
Porterage
- Pack horses to carry your overnight luggage
Equipment
- All camping equipment
Permits
- All permits and entry fees
Our trips are hassle-free by design. We include all the activities and equipment, as well as many of the meals, so you can simply rock up with your rucksack and share the adventure with your new pals.
Travel to and from the trip
Our trips do not include flights, trains or other travel to the start point and back from the end point.
Tips
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the following as a guideline per person:
- Horsemen, driver and assistant: 70-200 KGS ($1-3 USD) per day.
- Guide: 200-350 ($3-5 USD) per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory for all of our adventures and you are required to provide your policy information before departing. Your insurance should include adequate protection for overseas medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and equipment and the specific activities involved on your adventure. We also strongly recommend it includes cancellation and curtailment insurance, should you be unable to join your trip for specific reasons such as illness. Our recommended travel insurance provider is Campbell Irvine, as their insurance offers all of the above.
Visas
Visa requirements often change, and you are responsible for obtaining any required visas for this trip. Please check with your nearest embassy or consulate for up-to-date advice.
Personal Expenses
You know your own spending habits best, so please budget an appropriate amount for things like optional meals and drinks, shopping, optional activities, and laundry.
Enjoy 12.5% Off Outdoor Gear
In need of a few more items? All bookings receive a 12.5% discount to use at Cotswold Outdoor, Snow + Rock and Runner's Need.
What do I need to bring?
Bags
- Soft (ideally waterproof) overnight duffel bag or rucksack for the horses to carry (60-80 litres)
- Daypack (25-30 litres litres) with rain cover (or bring drybags)
- Waterproof liner or drybags for main duffel bag/rucksack
Clothes
- Mid-weight down jacket
- Waterproof and windproof jacket with hood
- Waterproof and windproof trousers / overtrousers
- Breathable wicking layers
- Fleece jacket or similar
- Thermals (wool/merino is best)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Buff or neck scarf
- Lightweight trousers/shorts/skirts T-shirts
- Underwear & socks
- Swimwear
- Suitable UV-blocking sunglasses
- Sunhat
- Something to sleep in
- Waterproof hiking boots (worn-in)
- Gaiters (optional - for early June and late Sept/Oct trips only)
- Sandals / Crocs
Sleeping
- Cotton or silk sleeping bag liner
- Sleeping bag (3/4 season, down to -5°C Comfort Rating): available to rent also (see Optional Extras)
- Travel pillow or pillowcase
- Thermarest-style sleeping mat (Highly recommended - basic foam mats are provided but you may want to bring your own sleeping mat for additional comfort)
Other
- Trekking poles (optional but recommended)
- Universal travel plug adapter
- Power bank or solar charger
- Passports (and visas)
- Travel insurance documents
- Ear plugs
- High SPF suncream and lipbalm (SPF 50+ recommended)
- Personal first-aid kit (inc. blister treatment)
- Personal items (biodegradable toiletries, sanitary wear etc)
- Toilet kit (toilet paper, biodegradable bags)
- Quick-dry towel
- Alcohol hand-gel
- Headtorch or torch
- Reusable water bottle x 1-litre and/or hydration bladder/pouch
- Water purification tablets or treatment system
- Quickdry travel towel
- Biodegradable wet-wipes
- Energy bars and snacks (optional, local snacks provided)
Sleeping bag rental
Payable Before Departure
Sleeping bag rental
…
Double or Twin Room in Bishkek (per room)
Payable Before Departure
Double or Twin Room in Bishkek (per room)
…
Single Room in Bishkek (per room)
Payable Before Departure
Single Room in Bishkek (per room)
…
Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade
Payable Before Departure
Optional Private Room and Tent Upgrade
…
We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity.
What's the number?
It works out on average at 386kg of CO2 emissions per person, including all local transport, accommodation, food, activities, guides, staff and office operations.
The only thing it doesn’t include right now is flights and travel to the destination. We do make an overall estimate across all our customers separately, but as we don’t book flights, have customers from all corners of the world, and no way of reliably knowing their travel plans, we simply can’t include an individual number in the figure on display here. We’ve got a goal to fix that, so that when you book, there is a way to measure and mitigate the carbon emitted by your flight too.
But what does the number mean?
Yep, hard to picture eh? To give you an idea:
- Driving 1000miles/1609km would be approx. 281kg of CO2 in an average car (or 140.5kg per person if there was 2 of you in it).
- A return economy class flight London - New York would be approx. 1,619kg (1.66 tonnes) per person.
- 10 trees in a temperate forest are estimated to remove approx. 250kg of CO2 from the air in a period of 5-10 years.
What are we doing about it?
Our trips are relatively low-carbon by design, and we're working with all our hosts to develop long term carbon reduction plans. We partner with the World Land Trust to ensure this trip achieves Net-Zero emissions. We also support their Buy an Acre programme, helping local communities to buy and protect natural habitats in perpetuity, ensuring the protection of the reserve and its wildlife.
Want to know more?
Amazingly, no international travel company has ever publicly published their carbon measurements before, as far as we know. We believe that must change, quickly. So we’re openly sharing the method we used in the hope that other companies will be able to more easily follow suit and build on what we've done so far. You'll find it all here.
Your host will provide you with boiled water while trekking, but we advise that you also pack a filtration system of your own (e.g. Saywer or Steripen) or water purification tablets (e.g Aqua Tabs or Micropur) to ensure that the water is fully treated.
Tips are not included in the trip cost. These are entirely at your discretion but there is an expectation to tip for good service. Your guide will help with advice, however, we suggest the following as a guideline per person:
- Horsemen, driver and assistant: 70-200 KGS ($1-3 USD) per day.
- Guide: 200-350 ($3-5 USD) per day
Of course, you are free to tip more or less and the amount should be reflective of your perception of service and quality - a tip is not compulsory and should only be given when you receive excellent service.
Absolutely. Your host can look after any luggage you don't need while trekking.
Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover to the maximum altitude visited on this trip (4000m).
This trip visits locations at or above 2500m. At this altitude some people may experience symptoms associated with Altitude Sickness, also known as Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). Previous experience at high altitude is not necessarily an indicator of future performance. Your guide(s) are trained to mitigate the risks associated with altitude, by carefully managing the rate of ascent and the intensity of the activity, and to provide the appropriate support response should someone feel ill during the trip. Should you experience health issues during your trip you should inform your guide immediately so the proper care can be provided. Owing to the nature of this trip, it is essential that your personal travel insurance policy provides cover up to the maximum altitude visited on this trip as well as emergency medical evacuation by helicopter.
Sure can! Over 70% of our travellers travel solo, it’s a great way to meet like-minded people.
Our team of Adventure Hunters co-create exclusive adventures which are run by highly vetted, specialist hosts. The trip is run by our trusted host partner in the destination. We only work with independent, local, in-destination experts who know the very best places to explore and how to stay safe. Read more information about the local teams we partner with. You’ll be introduced to the host straight after making a booking via the Much Better Adventures platform.
Much Better Adventures refer to the UK Government’s official travel advice when designing trips and monitoring trip operations. We recommend that all customers are familiar with the practical information provided on the Government’s FCDO website, where current travel advice can be found by searching for the applicable destination(s).
For customers joining this trip from other international destinations – please also read the official travel advice applicable to your country of residence/origin, as this may differ.
We recommend checking out the country-specific information and also talking to a travel nurse.
We automatically convert prices from the local currency that a host receives to your chosen currency. We update our exchange rates on a daily basis so this does mean that prices displayed on the site are subject to currency fluctuations, which is why you may see them change over time.
If you wish to change the currency you pay in, head to the bottom of the page.
All of our group adventures are specially designed for adults to enjoy (18+) as we want these adventures to bring together outdoorsy people who are truly like-minded. Children can be accommodated on some private departures.
You're always in good company on one of our adventures.
Our trips are typically made up of a mixture of solo travellers and small groups of 2 or 3 friends, with most in their 30s-50s.
Our sociable adventures are solo-friendly by design and naturally attract outdoorsy people with a shared mindset; a love for adventure, a desire to push themselves and meet awesome, like-minded people along the way.
It’s this camaraderie that has so often turned a great adventure into a life-changing one.
Don't just take our word for it:
- 95% of people rate the group dynamics on our trips 5/5
- 90% of people recommend joining a trip to make new friends
- 75% of people have met people on our trips that they would now consider friends
See here for more info about the Much Better Adventures tribe.
Interested in a more exclusive experience? Opt for a 'Private Group' through the dates and prices tab to book this adventure for just you and your chosen companions.
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You'll be invited to join a WhatsApp group to get to know each other before your big adventure together. Full details