Join a group of 10 NOLS grads, friends and family for our first ever expedition in Kyrgyzstan! A trip for those ready for rugged adventure and who feel excited by a sense of the unknown! Come explore Kyrgyzstan’s inspiring Tian Shan mountains by trekking the Ak-Suu Traverse—a popular route surrounded by glaciers, sprawling high alpine valleys, and steeped in Kyrgyz nomadic culture. This 14 day trip is a blend of demanding backcountry hiking, horse porters for group gear, hot springs and cultural immersion. Previous backpacking experience is required.

Some of the many highlights include pristine glacial fed lakes, wild horses roaming through alpine meadows, and local yurt camps dotted around rivers. In August, the mountains are filled with a rainbow of alpine flowers and flocks of sheep often are led by nomadic Kyrgyz shepherds into the river valleys. While the Ak-Suu traverse is truly a stunning once in a lifetime adventure, it’s not for the faint of heart. This trek covers over 17,000 feet of elevation gain over 55 miles, and with 7 awe-inspiring and challenging mountain passes.

We will begin our journey in Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek. From there we will travel by “marshrutka”, or Soviet-style minibus, east to the Issyk Kul region before moving onto Karakol. We’ll spend time in this bustling regional center nestled in the foothills of the Tian Shan mountains. This area was influenced heavily by Russian and Dungan cultures—a Chinese ethnic minority group. We’ll barter in the local bazaar, immerse in local culture, check out some local shops and have a special dinner in a local Dungan home.

The following morning we will pack up the horses and start hiking! You can expect to travel through high steppe, fairy-tale-like conifer forests, and rocky alpine terrain.

Most mornings on trail will be spent sipping coffee, enjoying our surroundings before packing our bags and starting the days’ adventure.The hike will be demanding, covering numerous mountain passes. Most evenings we’ll set up camp and eat meals together, spending the night in tents under the stars.

Towards the middle of the hike we will treat ourselves to a much-needed rest in the Altyn Arashan valley where there are natural hot springs. Our guesthouse is tucked next to the scenic Arashan river where you may spend your time walking the valley, soaking in the spring, or enjoying the sunshine with some hot noodle dishes, beer, and tea. After Altyn-Arashan, we return to our tents and our route becomes more remote. All of our efforts will be rewarded when we reach the beautiful high-alpine Boz-Uchuk lakes where dinner and a yurt camp awaits us. We can celebrate our final evening in the Tian Shans as we eat on “tushuk” mats encircled by the ridgeline of granite peaks.

World Nomad Games

The excitement doesn’t end when we leave the mountains…this expedition presents a unique opportunity to be in Kyrgyzstan during Independence Day and the World Nomad Games! Crowds watch traditional competitions such as “Kok boru, ” a game played on horseback with the goal of putting a goat carcass in the opposing team’s goal. Archery, wrestling, and falconry are also popular. Traditional dances and local handicrafts are widely demonstrated. We are so excited to offer a full day after our trek to celebrate with locals and experience this memorable holiday.

Please note: This is an expedition for the physically fit and mentally resilient. The altitude is between 6,000 to 12,700ft, and although horses pack some gear, we will still be carrying packs with significant elevation gain each day (3000-4000 ft daily). Most of the passes have steep 3rd class terrain with loose rocks. Nearly every day there will be a mountain pass to ascend. Previous backpacking experience is required. Training is encouraged prior to the expedition so that you can fully enjoy everything Kyrgyzstan has to offer. Kyrgyzstan is a country that rewards the curious and spontaneous. 

Note: Considering we are living remotely and eating local food dishes without alternatives or food separation while cooking, this trip is not appropriate for people who have any severe food allergies, who are lactose or gluten-free or vegans or vegetarians.