2026
TREKKING PHOTO TOUR
Duration: 10 Days
Dates: 11-21 August 2026
PRICE from: ??? USD
Dates: 11-21 August 2026
PRICE from: ??? USD
PLEASE NOTe, Required reading
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Tynchtyk MukhambetovA professional drone pilot & photographer -
Tour Activity Level & Requirements
These trekking photo tours suit travelers with moderate hiking experience who can handle long distances, uneven terrain, and elevation changes. Good overall fitness is essential.
Participants should be able to:
- Hike 5–15 km per day in varied terrain 2500-3900m above sea level
- Carry their own daypack and equipment
- Handle changing weather and altitude
- Maintain a steady walking pace with the group
These tours are not suitable for beginners, casual walkers, or travelers with limited mobility. Proper trekking skills and fitness are essential to ensure safety, comfort, and a positive experience for all participants.
MAIN DESTINATIONS OF THE TRIP
Program of the Trekking
Photo tour
Photo tour
Guaranteed from 5 pax
Max size of the group 11 pax
Max size of the group 11 pax
Meet at 9 am and depart from Bishkek and begin your journey toward the southern shores of the beautiful Issyk-Kul Lake. The drive offers scenic views of mountains, open valleys, and traditional Kyrgyz villages. Along the way, you will make short stops for photos. Among them are wonderful Ak Sai Canyons. This region is known for its rich nomadic traditions and warm local hospitality. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner prepared by your hosts.
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Begin your day with a traditional eagle-hunting demonstration, where a local berkutchi (eagle hunter) will show how golden eagles are trained and used for hunting in the mountains - a unique experience deeply rooted in nomadic culture.Continue the journey along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul and visit the famous Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon). Continue driving toward Karakol, one of the cultural and historical centers of the region. Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy free time to get ready for the trekking.
Accommodation: Hotel in Karakol
Accommodation: Hotel in Karakol
Drive to Turgen gorge. The valley is surrounded by high mountain peaks on all sides and provides access to the mountain pastures of the country and to the famous peaks of Victory and Khan Tengri. Beginning of our 6 days trekking tour. We ascend to the Boz Uchuk-Ashuu Pass. The Boz Uchuk Pass is 3460m high, and one of the easy passes in our route. On the way there are a lot of photography opportunities. Arrive at the camp, rest and we go to see the lakes. We can watch the sunset over the valley from a nearby viewpoint. Overnight in yurts (Elevation: 3220m).
Distance: 12km / 6-7h
Altitude change: +924m, -412m
Accommodation: twin tents
Distance: 12km / 6-7h
Altitude change: +924m, -412m
Accommodation: twin tents
This day's route starts by crossing the small ridge immediately. We will follow the trail uphill as it parallels the river for around 2km before crossing and heading more steeply uphill to the obvious pass in the distance at 3524m. From the top, the Jergez valley spreads out below and an excellent view of Tashtanbek Tor Bashi peak dominates the southern horizon. Descend down to the camp and lunch. After lunch we hike to the waterfall and back (optional).
Trekking distance: 7 km+ 6km 13km to waterfall and back / 5-6h
Altitude change: +842m, -867m
Accommodation: Yurts
Trekking distance: 7 km+ 6km 13km to waterfall and back / 5-6h
Altitude change: +842m, -867m
Accommodation: Yurts
Today starts by crossing the small river immediately, ascending to the Ailanysh lakes. Photo break at the lake Ailanysh. The climb steepens past the second lake, up to the Ailanysh Pass at 3676m. About 5km into this final descent of the day, as the trail curves to just above the main branch of the Ak-Suu river, we can see unbelievable views down towards an unnamed 3855m peak and the blinding snowy whiteness of the Ak-Suu Wall's glaciated slopes.
Trekking distance: 13 km / 5-6h
Altitude change: +555m, -938m
Accommodation: Yurts or tents (Elevation: 2800m)
Trekking distance: 13 km / 5-6h
Altitude change: +555m, -938m
Accommodation: Yurts or tents (Elevation: 2800m)
Today's a relatively easy day, distance-wise, but it begins with an 800m+ climb Ortok pass (3650 m). The trail continues along the East side of the river to the main Ak-Suu Arashan valley. After lunch small walking to the wild hot springs and taking a dip in the hot springs. Rest up tonight, because tomorrow is a long but rewarding uphill day.
Trekking distance: 14 km / 5-6h
Altitude change: +963m, -1243
Accommodation: Yurts or tents (Elevation: 2500m).
Trekking distance: 14 km / 5-6h
Altitude change: +963m, -1243
Accommodation: Yurts or tents (Elevation: 2500m).
The first half of the day horse riding till the Keldike valley, then we go to cross another pass which called Ala-Kul pass 3906 m. The views from the top of the pass are something sublime, though, taking in an incredible panorama of 5000m+ peaks and the breadth of Ala-Kol lake. The best spot for the magnificent photos. This day we will camp next to the Ala-Kul lake.
Trekking distance: 15 km / 7-8h
Altitude change: +1503m, -439m
Accommodation: Yurts or tents (Elevation: 2500m).
Trekking distance: 15 km / 7-8h
Altitude change: +1503m, -439m
Accommodation: Yurts or tents (Elevation: 2500m).
From the camp, we will continue to the west. Today it is mostly downhill and hike up to the top of the Karakol gorge, where there is an amazing view to the famous Karakol Peak. Camp stay to catch the sunset and sunrise colors on the Karakol Peak, the final reward of the trek.
Trekking distance: 17 km / 5-6h
Altitude change: +216m, -1244m
Accommodation: tents
Trekking distance: 17 km / 5-6h
Altitude change: +216m, -1244m
Accommodation: tents
After the sunrise shooting, hike down to the alp camp where the $WD vehicles wait to transfer to Karakol town, on the way, spot the beauty of the gorge. Arrive Karakol and check in to comfortable hotel to rest.
Trekking distance: 7 km / 2-3h
Accommodation: Hotel
Trekking distance: 7 km / 2-3h
Accommodation: Hotel
Today is a transfer day to Bishkek and the last day of the tour.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
- Accommodations as indicated
- Transport during the trip
- Horses for luggage -20 kg per pax (duffle bag)
- Entrance fees to sites listed
- Full-board Meal (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- English speaking trekking guides
- Tynchtyk MR's guidance
- Ecological fee
- Mineral water or boiled water during the trekking
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 service in the hotels
- Tips to the drivers
- Travel Insurance
- Health insurance
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