Signature Expedition:
"The Great Grand Tour of Kyrgyzstan: From Tian Shan to the Pamirs"
"The Great Grand Tour of Kyrgyzstan: From Tian Shan to the Pamirs"
KYRGYZSTAN GRAND JEEP
TOUR
TOUR
Duration: 16 Days / 15 Nights
Dates: 27 July - 11 August 2027
PRICE: 3950 USD
Bookings will open soon.
Stay tuned for updates!
Stay tuned for updates!
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Tynchtyk MukhambetovA professional drone pilot & photographer -
Join me on this unforgettable tour as we explore my favorite destinations in Kyrgyzstan. We’ll experience the most breathtaking spots of both the south and north, perfect for capturing stunning photos and creating amazing content. Whether you’re a photographer, content creator, or jeep enthusiast, this adventure promises landscapes and experiences that I personally love and can’t wait to share with you.
Highlights:
- Ak-Say Canyon & Skazka Canyon
- Barskoon Waterfall & Jeti-Oguz Gorge
- Altyn-Arashan Valley & natural hot springs
- Ala-Kul Lake & Ala-Kul Pass (3,900 m)
- Turgen Gorge & Chon-Ashuu Pass
- Sary-Jaz Valley & Karkyra Valley
- Song-Kul Lake & authentic nomadic culture
- Kalmak-Ashuu & Teskey-Torpu Passes
- Kok-Kiya Valley & Kulja-Bashy Canyon
- Kel-Suu Lake
- Kyzyl-Zhar Canyon, Suusamyr Valley & Chychkan Gorge
- Sary-Chelek Lake
- Burana Canyon & Sulaiman-Too in Osh
- Alay Valley & Taldyk Pass
- Tulpar-Kol & panoramic views of the Pamir Mountains
PHOTOS AND DESTINATIONS OF THE TOUR
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15 days, 27 July - 11 August 2027
Max size of the group 11 pax
Start: Bishkek
Finish: Osh (with evening flight back to Bishkek)
Max size of the group 11 pax
Start: Bishkek
Finish: Osh (with evening flight back to Bishkek)
Program of the tour
Route: Bishkek → Boom Gorge → Northern Shore of Lake Issyk-Kul → Karkyra Valley
Day Description: Group meetup in Bishkek, introductions, and the launch of our grand journey. We travel east through the scenic Boom Gorge and along the northern shore of high-altitude Lake Issyk-Kul. By evening, we arrive in the Karkyra Valley—a realm of alpine meadows, pine forests, and crisp mountain air bordering Kazakhstan.
Photo Locations: Issyk-Kul vistas, golden hour light in the Karkyra Valley.
Accommodation: Comfortable yurt camp in Karkyra.
Day Description: Group meetup in Bishkek, introductions, and the launch of our grand journey. We travel east through the scenic Boom Gorge and along the northern shore of high-altitude Lake Issyk-Kul. By evening, we arrive in the Karkyra Valley—a realm of alpine meadows, pine forests, and crisp mountain air bordering Kazakhstan.
Photo Locations: Issyk-Kul vistas, golden hour light in the Karkyra Valley.
Accommodation: Comfortable yurt camp in Karkyra.
Route: Karkyra Valley → Sary-Jaz Border Zone → Karkyra Valley
Day Description: An expedition-style day trip into one of Kyrgyzstan's wild and rugged corners—the Sary-Jaz border valley. We set off from camp for a 2 to 3-hour drive each way through dramatic mountain terrain. Expect breathtaking panoramas of harsh river valleys and majestic 5,000-meter peaks of the Central Tian Shan (and, weather permitting, the iconic Khan Tengri Peak). After taking in these massive vistas and capturing incredible photos, we return to our camp by evening.
Photo Locations: Central Tian Shan panoramas, rugged landscapes of the Sary-Jaz Valley, snow-capped peaks, and massive glaciers.
Accommodation: Comfortable yurt camp in Karkyra.
Day Description: An expedition-style day trip into one of Kyrgyzstan's wild and rugged corners—the Sary-Jaz border valley. We set off from camp for a 2 to 3-hour drive each way through dramatic mountain terrain. Expect breathtaking panoramas of harsh river valleys and majestic 5,000-meter peaks of the Central Tian Shan (and, weather permitting, the iconic Khan Tengri Peak). After taking in these massive vistas and capturing incredible photos, we return to our camp by evening.
Photo Locations: Central Tian Shan panoramas, rugged landscapes of the Sary-Jaz Valley, snow-capped peaks, and massive glaciers.
Accommodation: Comfortable yurt camp in Karkyra.
Route: Karkyra → Karakol → Altyn-Arashan Gorge
Day Description: We transfer to Ak-Suu village, the starting point for our climb into the fairytale Altyn-Arashan Gorge ("Golden Arashan"). We make the ascent aboard specialized off-road mountain vehicles (UAZ / military-grade truck) along a dynamic mountain road. The gorge is famous for its towering Tian Shan firs and open-air natural thermal hot springs, where we can relax in the evening.
Photo Locations: Arashan River, ancient fir trees, natural hot springs.
Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse or yurts in Altyn-Arashan.
Day Description: We transfer to Ak-Suu village, the starting point for our climb into the fairytale Altyn-Arashan Gorge ("Golden Arashan"). We make the ascent aboard specialized off-road mountain vehicles (UAZ / military-grade truck) along a dynamic mountain road. The gorge is famous for its towering Tian Shan firs and open-air natural thermal hot springs, where we can relax in the evening.
Photo Locations: Arashan River, ancient fir trees, natural hot springs.
Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse or yurts in Altyn-Arashan.
Route: Altyn-Arashan → Horseback ascent → Trekking assault on the pass → Ala-Kul Lake viewpoint → Altyn-Arashan
Day Description: The main, most exhilarating trekking day of the tour's first phase! We head out early. To conserve energy, we cover the main stretch to the base of the pass on horseback. We tackle the final steep 1-kilometer stretch up the pass on foot (about 1 hour of intense hiking). Every ounce of effort pays off: the summit reveals a jaw-dropping view of the "turquoise gem" of the Terskey Ala-Too range—high-altitude Lake Ala-Kul. After taking in the panorama and capturing top shots, we descend back to Altyn-Arashan for a well-deserved soak in the thermal hot springs.
Photo Locations: Panoramic view of Lake Ala-Kul from the pass, horseback trek through the gorge, alpine landscapes, and rugged mountain peaks.
Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse / yurts in Altyn-Arashan.
Day Description: The main, most exhilarating trekking day of the tour's first phase! We head out early. To conserve energy, we cover the main stretch to the base of the pass on horseback. We tackle the final steep 1-kilometer stretch up the pass on foot (about 1 hour of intense hiking). Every ounce of effort pays off: the summit reveals a jaw-dropping view of the "turquoise gem" of the Terskey Ala-Too range—high-altitude Lake Ala-Kul. After taking in the panorama and capturing top shots, we descend back to Altyn-Arashan for a well-deserved soak in the thermal hot springs.
Photo Locations: Panoramic view of Lake Ala-Kul from the pass, horseback trek through the gorge, alpine landscapes, and rugged mountain peaks.
Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse / yurts in Altyn-Arashan.
Route: Altyn-Arashan Gorge (UAZ descent) → Karakol → Jeti-Oguz Gorge
Day Description: In the morning, we descend from Altyn-Arashan on off-road vehicles (UAZ) before switching to our comfortable SUVs. We stop in Karakol for a delicious lunch and a short break, then head to the famous Jeti-Oguz Gorge to see the "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart" rock formations. This is a relaxed recovery day featuring an easy 1-hour walk through the valley offering views of the wall-like Oguz-Bashi Peak (5,168 m).
Photo Locations: "Seven Bulls" rocks, majestic Oguz-Bashi Peak.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Jeti-Oguz.
Day Description: In the morning, we descend from Altyn-Arashan on off-road vehicles (UAZ) before switching to our comfortable SUVs. We stop in Karakol for a delicious lunch and a short break, then head to the famous Jeti-Oguz Gorge to see the "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart" rock formations. This is a relaxed recovery day featuring an easy 1-hour walk through the valley offering views of the wall-like Oguz-Bashi Peak (5,168 m).
Photo Locations: "Seven Bulls" rocks, majestic Oguz-Bashi Peak.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Jeti-Oguz.
Route: Jeti-Oguz → Barskoon Gorge & Waterfall → Skazka Canyon → Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul → Bokonbayevo
Day Description: We travel along the scenic southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Our first stop is Barskoon Gorge, famous for its grand waterfalls and dense Tian Shan fir forests. Next, we explore the otherworldly Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, whose red clay and sandstone labyrinths resemble a Martian landscape. In the afternoon, we arrive in Bokonbayevo—the cultural heart of nomadic traditions—to meet a traditional eagle hunter (berkutchi) for a falconry demonstration.
Photo Locations: Barskoon Waterfall, surreal red clay castles of Skazka Canyon, eagle hunter with hunting birds, southern Issyk-Kul shorelines.
Accommodation: Comfortable modern yurt camp on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Day Description: We travel along the scenic southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Our first stop is Barskoon Gorge, famous for its grand waterfalls and dense Tian Shan fir forests. Next, we explore the otherworldly Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, whose red clay and sandstone labyrinths resemble a Martian landscape. In the afternoon, we arrive in Bokonbayevo—the cultural heart of nomadic traditions—to meet a traditional eagle hunter (berkutchi) for a falconry demonstration.
Photo Locations: Barskoon Waterfall, surreal red clay castles of Skazka Canyon, eagle hunter with hunting birds, southern Issyk-Kul shorelines.
Accommodation: Comfortable modern yurt camp on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Route: Bokonbayevo → Ak-Say Canyons (hiking) → Transfer to Kochkor → Lunch → High-altitude Lake Kol-Ukok → Return to Kochkor
Day Description: In the morning, we head to the Ak-Say Canyons for an easy, photogenic 30-minute hike through clay labyrinths overlooking Lake Issyk-Kul. We then drive to Kochkor village for a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on an excursion up to Lake Kol-Ukok, hidden deep within the mountain ranges. After soaking in the pristine nature and tranquility, we descend back to Kochkor by evening.
Photo Locations: Martian terrain of Ak-Say Canyons, elevated views over Issyk-Kul, secluded Lake Kol-Ukok, mountain road vistas.
Accommodation: Cozy guesthouse in Kochkor.
Day Description: In the morning, we head to the Ak-Say Canyons for an easy, photogenic 30-minute hike through clay labyrinths overlooking Lake Issyk-Kul. We then drive to Kochkor village for a hearty lunch. In the afternoon, we embark on an excursion up to Lake Kol-Ukok, hidden deep within the mountain ranges. After soaking in the pristine nature and tranquility, we descend back to Kochkor by evening.
Photo Locations: Martian terrain of Ak-Say Canyons, elevated views over Issyk-Kul, secluded Lake Kol-Ukok, mountain road vistas.
Accommodation: Cozy guesthouse in Kochkor.
Route: Kochkor → Kalmak-Ashuu Pass → Lake Son-Kul (3,016 m)
Day Description: We ascend to the "Pearl of the Tian Shan"—high-altitude Lake Son-Kul. The lake sits on a vast plateau surrounded by mountain ranges where thousands of horses and sheep graze throughout the summer. Here, you can experience authentic nomadic culture and marvel at the endless, unpolluted night sky.
Photo Locations: Grazing herds against the lake backdrop, nomadic yurts, sunsets over the water, the Milky Way.
Accommodation: Authentic yurt camp on the shores of Son-Kul.
Day Description: We ascend to the "Pearl of the Tian Shan"—high-altitude Lake Son-Kul. The lake sits on a vast plateau surrounded by mountain ranges where thousands of horses and sheep graze throughout the summer. Here, you can experience authentic nomadic culture and marvel at the endless, unpolluted night sky.
Photo Locations: Grazing herds against the lake backdrop, nomadic yurts, sunsets over the water, the Milky Way.
Accommodation: Authentic yurt camp on the shores of Son-Kul.
Route: Lake Son-Kul → 33 Parrots Pass (Teskei Torpok) → Naryn → Eki-Naryn Valley
Day Description: A mesmerizing descent from Son-Kul down the famous "33 Parrots" hairpin switchbacks. We pass through Naryn town and head into the unique wilderness of Eki-Naryn, where the Small and Big Naryn rivers merge. This area is known for its dense pine forests and untouched nature.
Photo Locations: "33 Parrots" switchbacks, confluence of the Small and Big Naryn rivers, pine forest belts.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Eki-Naryn.
Day Description: A mesmerizing descent from Son-Kul down the famous "33 Parrots" hairpin switchbacks. We pass through Naryn town and head into the unique wilderness of Eki-Naryn, where the Small and Big Naryn rivers merge. This area is known for its dense pine forests and untouched nature.
Photo Locations: "33 Parrots" switchbacks, confluence of the Small and Big Naryn rivers, pine forest belts.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Eki-Naryn.
Route: Eki-Naryn → Ak-Say Valley → Lake Kel-Suu (3,500 m)
Day Description: One of the main highlights of the tour. Our journey crosses the rugged Ak-Say alpine valley toward the Chinese border. Lake Kel-Suu is wedged inside a narrow canyon flanked by sheer, vertical cliffs hundreds of meters high, with water of a brilliant turquoise-emerald hue.
Photo Locations: Dramatic canyon of Lake Kel-Suu, boat ride between towering cliffs, wild Ak-Say Valley.
Accommodation: Yurt camp in the Kok-Kya Valley
Day Description: One of the main highlights of the tour. Our journey crosses the rugged Ak-Say alpine valley toward the Chinese border. Lake Kel-Suu is wedged inside a narrow canyon flanked by sheer, vertical cliffs hundreds of meters high, with water of a brilliant turquoise-emerald hue.
Photo Locations: Dramatic canyon of Lake Kel-Suu, boat ride between towering cliffs, wild Ak-Say Valley.
Accommodation: Yurt camp in the Kok-Kya Valley
Route: Lake Kel-Suu → Ak-Say Valley → Naryn → Kochkor
Day Description: We say goodbye to the wild borderlands and journey back toward Kochkor. A leisurely drive with stops at panoramic viewpoints for photos and rest.
Photo Locations: High-altitude vistas of the Naryn region, local rural scenery.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kochkor.
Day Description: We say goodbye to the wild borderlands and journey back toward Kochkor. A leisurely drive with stops at panoramic viewpoints for photos and rest.
Photo Locations: High-altitude vistas of the Naryn region, local rural scenery.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kochkor.
Route: Kochkor → Khansalyk Canyon → Kazarman → New Tunnel through the Fergana Range → Jalal-Abad
Day Description: An expedition road trip crossing from northern to southern Kyrgyzstan via an alternative mountain highway. We pass through the scenic Khansalyk Canyon to Kazarman village. The highlight of the day is driving through the brand-new high-altitude tunnel carved through the Fergana Range. Expect wild mountain massifs, winding switchbacks, and a sharp shift in landscape as we descend into the Jalal-Abad valley.
Photo Locations: Red rocks of Khansalyk Canyon, Fergana Range vistas from mountain switchbacks.
Accommodation: Hotel in Jalal-Abad.
Day Description: An expedition road trip crossing from northern to southern Kyrgyzstan via an alternative mountain highway. We pass through the scenic Khansalyk Canyon to Kazarman village. The highlight of the day is driving through the brand-new high-altitude tunnel carved through the Fergana Range. Expect wild mountain massifs, winding switchbacks, and a sharp shift in landscape as we descend into the Jalal-Abad valley.
Photo Locations: Red rocks of Khansalyk Canyon, Fergana Range vistas from mountain switchbacks.
Accommodation: Hotel in Jalal-Abad.
Route: Jalal-Abad → Osh → Murdash Gorge & Valley
Day Description: Immersion into southern Kyrgyzstan. Passing through ancient Osh, we travel to the lesser-known, pristine Murdash Gorge in the Alay region. Unique rock formations and untouched nature await us here.
Photo Locations: Rock towers of Murdash Gorge, green valleys of Alay, authentic rural village life.
Accommodation: Yurt camp in the Murdash Valley.
Day Description: Immersion into southern Kyrgyzstan. Passing through ancient Osh, we travel to the lesser-known, pristine Murdash Gorge in the Alay region. Unique rock formations and untouched nature await us here.
Photo Locations: Rock towers of Murdash Gorge, green valleys of Alay, authentic rural village life.
Accommodation: Yurt camp in the Murdash Valley.
Route: Murdash Valley → High-altitude Lake Kolduk → Taldyk Pass (3,615 m) → Alay Valley → Lake Tulpar-Kul
Day Description: We journey toward the base of the Great Pamirs! En route, we visit a hidden gem: high-altitude Lake Kolduk. This site features two connected lakes displaying vivid, contrasting colors ranging from deep turquoise to rich emerald green. We then navigate the switchbacks of the Taldyk Pass (3,615 m) into the Alay Valley, opening up to views of the Trans-Alay Range and Peak Lenin (7,134 m). We arrive at our camp by evening.
Photo Locations: Two-toned waters of Lake Kolduk, Taldyk Pass switchbacks, panoramic view of Peak Lenin, reflections of Pamir peaks in Lake Tulpar-Kul.
Accommodation: Yurt camp near Lake Tulpar-Kul.
Day Description: We journey toward the base of the Great Pamirs! En route, we visit a hidden gem: high-altitude Lake Kolduk. This site features two connected lakes displaying vivid, contrasting colors ranging from deep turquoise to rich emerald green. We then navigate the switchbacks of the Taldyk Pass (3,615 m) into the Alay Valley, opening up to views of the Trans-Alay Range and Peak Lenin (7,134 m). We arrive at our camp by evening.
Photo Locations: Two-toned waters of Lake Kolduk, Taldyk Pass switchbacks, panoramic view of Peak Lenin, reflections of Pamir peaks in Lake Tulpar-Kul.
Accommodation: Yurt camp near Lake Tulpar-Kul.
Route: Tulpar-Kul Yurt Camp → Horseback trek toward Peak Lenin / Onion Meadow → Lunch → Hike to Tulpar-Kul viewpoint → Yurt Camp
Day Description: A full day dedicated to the Pamir Mountains! In the morning, we take a horseback trek toward the base of Peak Lenin, reaching the famous Onion Meadow (Lukovaya Polyana) at the foot of the mountaineers' base camp. After lunch and rest back at camp, we take an easy hike up a nearby ridge for the best panoramic view over Lake Tulpar-Kul and its surrounding lake system backed by the Trans-Alay Range. We finish with a farewell dinner in our yurt camp under the starry Pamir sky.
Photo Locations: Horseback ride with Peak Lenin (7,134 m) in the background, picturesque Onion Meadow, panoramic views of the Tulpar-Kul lake network, Pamir sunset.
Accommodation: Yurt camp near Lake Tulpar-Kul.
Day Description: A full day dedicated to the Pamir Mountains! In the morning, we take a horseback trek toward the base of Peak Lenin, reaching the famous Onion Meadow (Lukovaya Polyana) at the foot of the mountaineers' base camp. After lunch and rest back at camp, we take an easy hike up a nearby ridge for the best panoramic view over Lake Tulpar-Kul and its surrounding lake system backed by the Trans-Alay Range. We finish with a farewell dinner in our yurt camp under the starry Pamir sky.
Photo Locations: Horseback ride with Peak Lenin (7,134 m) in the background, picturesque Onion Meadow, panoramic views of the Tulpar-Kul lake network, Pamir sunset.
Accommodation: Yurt camp near Lake Tulpar-Kul.
Route: Tulpar-Kul → Alay Valley → Taldyk Pass → Osh → Evening flight to Bishkek
Day Description: A final morning view of the Pamir giants before heading to the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan—Osh. Upon arrival in Osh, we visit the sacred Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the vibrant local bazaar for souvenirs and local sweets. After a celebratory lunch/dinner, we transfer to Osh International Airport for an evening flight back to Bishkek.
Photo Locations: Sacred Sulaiman-Too Mountain, vibrant colors and spices of the Osh Bazaar, oriental city life.
Program Conclusion: Evening flight from Osh to Bishkek, followed by homebound flights or hotel transfers in Bishkek.
Day Description: A final morning view of the Pamir giants before heading to the southern capital of Kyrgyzstan—Osh. Upon arrival in Osh, we visit the sacred Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain (a UNESCO World Heritage site) and the vibrant local bazaar for souvenirs and local sweets. After a celebratory lunch/dinner, we transfer to Osh International Airport for an evening flight back to Bishkek.
Photo Locations: Sacred Sulaiman-Too Mountain, vibrant colors and spices of the Osh Bazaar, oriental city life.
Program Conclusion: Evening flight from Osh to Bishkek, followed by homebound flights or hotel transfers in Bishkek.
Download the packing list for this trip below.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Accommodation as indicated
- Transport during the trip (2 pax - 1 jeep, 3-5 pax - 2 jeeps, 6-8 - 3 jeeps, 9-11 4 jeeps, 4WD jeep car)
- English Speaking Drivers
- Full Board Meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All entrance fees
- Eagle hunting show
- Horse riding to Ala-Kol lake and back
- Horse riding in Kel-Suu lake
- Horse riding to Peak Lenin
- Boat in Kel-Suu lake
- Special russian car UAZ in Altyn Arashan
- Domestic flight from Osh to Bishkek
- Border Permits
- Hot Springs
- Tycnhtyk MR's guidance
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:
- International Air tickets
- Transfer from/to airport (in case you will leave at the same day when the tour will finish we can organize you a transfer to the airport)
- Extra services in the hotels
- Tips for the guides and drivers
- Health insurance
- Travel insurance