Trek Kyrgyzstan's Tian Shan and Pamir-Alay Mountains

Kyrgyzstan is a mountain-trekking paradise, with over 80% of its territory in mountains.  The country’s central steppe is ringed by the Tian Shan mountains to the east (along its border with China) and the Pamir-Alay mountains to the south (along its border with Tajikistan).   The range to the southeast of the country has even been termed ‘Asian Patagonia’!  A sampling of some of the best treks and hikes in the Kyrgyz mountains include:

• Ratsek Hut and Ak-Sai Glacier (3350m) in Ala-Archa National Park (staying in yurt camps along the way!) – not far from the capitol Bishkek
• The glacier lake Ala Kul, a turquoise lake located at 3500m in the eastern Tian Shan
• Crossing the Ak Suu from Jyrgalan to Jeti-Oguz in the far east Tian Shan, over eight passes and past five mountain lakes.
• The Altyn-Arashan valley (2,600 m) famous for its sulfur springs
• Song Kul Lake from Kyzart Village
• Kel-Suu lake - in the Kok-Kiya valley at 3,520m in the southern Tian Shan Mountains near the border with China.
• Sary Mogul Pass (4306m), the Three Dragons Gorge (3200m), Jiptick Pass (4185m) from the village of Sary Mogul in the Pamir-Alay Mountains
• Lenin Basecamp and Travelers Pass (4160m) from Tulpar Kul Lake, in the Pamir-Alay mountains 
• The “Seven Lakes hike and trek over the Talas Range to Sary Chelek Lake in Sary Chelek Nature Reserve, in the Western Tien Shan Mountains 

Kyrgyzstan also has a fascinating history spanning a variety of cultures and empires.  Despite its highly mountainous terrain, Kyrgyzstan has been at the crossroads of several great civilizations as part of the Silk Road as well as other trade routes.  Locations such as the Burana tower, Issyk-Kul lake, and Tash Rabat carry rich reminders of their centuries-old trade route legacy.  But it’s also a country of Kyrgyz nomads with very unique culture and customs (think Eagle Hunters, nomadic yurt camps, Mongolian horses, and fermented mare’s milk!), as well as a fascinating Silk Road history, and a long tradition of hospitality.   The presence and friendliness of the Kyrgyz nomads all around the country means that the Kyrgyzstan mountains are very accessible (it’s said that you can even get a warm meal above 3,000 meters, at the most unexpected times!)

Getting To Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is serviced by two main airports; Bishkek and Osh. The vast majority of international flights will land in Bishkek.  Bus and train service are available on a few routes but buses are very poorly maintained.  Many travelers choose to self-drive along the famed Pamir Highway and elsewhere around the country; however, many roads are poorly maintained; drivers are aggressive; and accidents are frequent.  If possible, use a professional driver who knows the local roads and can avoid problem areas.

 

Is Kyrgyzstan Safe for US Travelers?

As of July 2023, the US State Department rates most of Kyrgyzstan as Alert Level 1: Exercise Normal Precautions.  Far western portions of the Kyrgyz-Tajik border (Fergana Valley) continue to experience unrest and occasional terrorism, so this area is listed as Alert Level 3:  Reconsider Travel (the areas listed above are 12 hours or more away from this area of concern).  However, the risk of petty theft and even violent crime against tourists is real, especially in the cities.  As long as travelers move around in groups with a local guide, and avoid carrying cash and valuables, these risks can be managed but are never zero.

• Suitable Activities: Global Adventures, Backpacking, Day Hiking
• Seasons: Year-round, June, July, August, September
• Weather: View weather forecast

• Difficulty: Moderate, Very Strenuous, Strenuous

• Land Manager: Land Manager Varies
• Parking Permit Required: see Land Manager
• Recommended Party Size: 12
• Maximum Party Size: 12
• Maximum Route/Place Capacity: 12