Trekking Tours

Enjoy a guided trek in Jyrgalan Valley without the stress ... or carrying gear.

Reconnect with nature and yourself on a foot trek in the pristine, mountainous beauty of the Jyrgalan Valley. Our mountain trails and paths take you to valleys, lakes, rivers, and peaks that few have ever seen. That's part of the allure — unspoiled nature is accessible but not crowded. Let us guide you on an unforgettable experience.

Below you will find our most popular day and multi-day trekking tours around the Jyrgalan Valley. All of our trekking tours include a knowledgable local guide and cook, horse porters (up to 60kg for two trekkers), hearty food, and all the camping gear you need to feel comfortable and warm (tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, trekking poles). In other words, our trekking tours support you at every stage so that your only focus is on the remarkable beauty all around you.

It's always possible to organize a self-guided, DIY trek where you carry your own gear, navigate the mountains yourself, and cook all your own food. However, many outdoor lovers find that a fully supported and inclusive trekking tour allows them forget about the logistics, maps, and gear, and instead immerse themselves in the experience and landscapes. We also offer guided half- or full-day tours to any of the nearby sights and on any nearby trails outlined on our trekking page.

To arrange any of these trekking tours, get in touch with Destination Jyrgalan or ask for assistance at your guesthouse.

Note: Here is a full list of trekking gear for rent from Alakol-Jyrgalan Guesthouse. You can also find guiding and other trekking service costs.

Pricing charts below indicate the costs for groups of up to four people using two-person tents and one horse porter per two trekkers. For groups of one or two people, the trekking guide also serves as the cook. For groups of three or more trekkers, a separate cook is needed. Groups of five or more require an assistant guide and cook. These guidelines allow us to maintain a high level of quality and safety on every tour.

All Trekking Tours Include:


  • Local guide & cook
  • Porters (horse, up to 60 kg / 2 persons)
  • Camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, poles, etc.)
  • All food

What Others Say About Our Trekking Tours

"If you really want to go offbeat and have the mountains to yourself, consider the newly developed Jyrgalan (Jergalan) to Boz Uchuk Lakes Trek in eastern Kyrgyzstan. You'll share the peaks and alpine lakes with just a handful of shepherds and their animals grazing on the jailoo (high pastures). It's this sort of trademark experience that makes Kyrgyzstan an unusual trekking destination."

Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott

"Our experiences on the Keskenkija Loop trek were simply phenomenal."

Alesha & Jarryd

"This is the ultimate off-track trekking destination in Kyrgyzstan and with the new Keskenkija Loop Trail recently marked by yours truly, believe me, it’s an epic hike you won’t want to miss!"

Nick & Dariece

Highlights: 

  • Terim Tor Pass (3,467 m): Enjoy panoramic views from the top of the pass and across the layers of snow-covered mountains.
  • Turgen- Ak Suu Valley and River: The bright blue of this glacial river is unbelievable. The dilapidated bridge offers the perfect photo opportunity of the river, snow-covered peaks, and grazing horses.
  • Boz Uchuk Lakes: The final day begins with a walk out to a cluster of alpine lakes that once formed part of a massive glacier. In the early morning light, the lakes reflect surreal shades of turquoise and blue, and are filled with crisp reflections of the surrounding mountains.The views, light, and color will likely be the visual highlight of the trek — the grand finale.

Distance:

46 km

Duration:

2 nights/3 days

Season:

June - September

Max. Elevation:

3,471 m

Min. Elevation:

2,124 m

Difficulty:

Medium

Boz Uchuk Trek, Price per Person1 person2 persons3 persons4 persons
Total price per person (2 nights/3 days), including transfer on day 3617 USD707 USD1080 USD1195 USD

Highlights: 

  • Eki Chat Gorge: A picturesque place not far from Jyrgalan village where you'll have a chance to interact with local shepherds and enjoy the peacefulness of this alpine landscape.
  • Jyrgalan Pass (Ak Kiya) (3,332 m): Although this pass has a gradual incline and isn't very difficult to climb, you will be rewarded at the top with panoramic views of mountains in Jyrgalan Valley.
  • Tiup River: Depending on the time of year, this river can be challenging to cross. In June, due to the melting of snow, the river is too dangerous to cross by foot. From July to September, it is possible to cross by foot. As part of this tour, we ensure your safe passage across the river. If you are trekking independently, you should have an alpine rope with you (40m minimum) and be familiar with crossing a fast-moving and high-water river on foot.

Distance:

53 km

Duration:

3 nights/4 days

Season:

June - September

Max. Elevation:

3,375 m

Min. Elevation:

2,239 m

Difficulty:

Medium

Keskenkiya Loop Trek, Price per Person1 person2 persons3 persons4 persons
Total price per person (3 nights/4 days)740 USD862 USD1295 USD1450 USD

See Goats on the Road Experience on the Kesenkiya Loop Trek Tour

Highlights: 

  • Eki Chat: A picturesque jailoo not far from Jyrgalan village that sits at the
    crossroads of several valleys and serves as a preferred summer pasture for shepherds and their grazing horses, cows and other animals. Meet resident shepherd Danik and his family and perhaps opt to take in lunch, rest for tea, or just enjoy stunning views up Jyrgalan and Terim Tor valleys.
  • Ailampa Lake (2,600 m): This alpine lake is a perfect spot for camping and to make side trips to other alpine lakes in the area.

Distance:

41 km

Duration:

2 nights/3 days

Season:

June - September

Max. Elevation:

3,530 m

Min. Elevation:

2,251 m

Difficulty:

Medium

Ailampa Glacier Loop Trek, Price per Person1 person2 persons3 persons4 persons
Total price per person (2 nights/3 days)568 USD660 USD985 USD1102 USD

Bulak-Ashuu Lakes


Highlights:

  • Baluk-Ashuu Lakes: Two lakes sitting below steep rocky peaks and glacier ice. Bright turquoise from above, but creating a mirror-effect level. Perfect for photographers.
  • Unnamed Pass: Ford the Termin-Tor river and cross a rugged unnamed pass from to Cholok-Tor valley. Return to Jyrgalan via Eki-Chat jailoo camp.
  • Ailampa Lakes: This trek can be extended by one day to include a visit to Ailampa lakes following descent of the unnamed pass.

Distance:

44 km

Duration:

2 nights/3 days

Season:

June - September

Max. Elevation:

3,528 m

Min. Elevation:

2,258 m

Difficulty:

Medium

Bulak-Ashuu Lakes Trek, Price per Person1 person2 persons3 persons4 persons
Total price per person (2 nights/3 days)568 USD660 USD985 USD1102 USD

Keskenkija Super Loop

Highlights:

  • Keskenija Loop: This trek features all the highlights of the classic Keskenkija loop, Jyrgalan’s iconic multi-day trek. In addition you will cross two extra high passes, visit three valleys and get within 4 km of the Kazakhstan border.
  • Chong Jylanach Valley: Ford the Chong Jylanach river or ask a local to take you over on a horse. Enjoy walking down the vibrant valley filled with yurts and friendly shepherds.
  • Ashuu-Tor Pass: This rugged high mountain pass at 3649 m provides views of snow-capped peaks to the West. Descend to a large jailoo where it is possible to camp and see traditional Kyrgyz nomadic life.

Distance:

92 km

Duration:

6 nights/7 days

Season:

June - September

Max. Elevation:

3,719 m

Min. Elevation:

2,247 m

Difficulty:

Medium

Keskenkija Super Loop Trek, Price per Person1 person2 persons3 persons4 persons
Total price per person (6 nights/7 days)1137 USD1465 USD2226 USD2494 USD

Highlights: 

  • Kok Bel Waterfall: The waterfall has a height of 2,600m, and feeds directly into the Kok-Bel River. The Kok-Bel is vital as a watering source for various herds in/around the Jyrgalan valley.
  • Meet local shepherds at work: See how local shepherds take their animals up to the jailoo (high pasture) in the summer months.
  • Panorama views over Jyrgalan: While en route to waterfall, spectacular views await over Jyrgalan Valley, and the village as a whole.

Distance:

12.3 km

Duration:

1 day

Season:

June - September

Max. Elevation:

2,570 m

Min. Elevation:

2,265 m

Difficulty:

Easy

Kok Bel Waterfall Hike, Price per Person1 person2 persons3 persons4 persons
Total price per person, including guide, lunch and trekking poles55 USD65 USD74 USD82 USD

Highlights: 

  • Turnaluu-Kol Lake: A natural, scenic lake hosting several resident cranes and ducks during summer months. Enjoy a break here to soak in the scenery!
  • Chaar-Jon Mountain: So called ‘Kyrgyz Fujiyama Peak’ by locals of Jyrgalan due to its solitary nature as the lone mountain resting against the Kazakh border, great panoramic views await at the top of the ridge (3,011m).

Distance:

20 km

Duration:

1 day

Season:

June - September

Max. Elevation:

3,023 m

Min. Elevation:

2,260 m

Difficulty:

Medium

Turnaluu Kol Lake – Char Jon Peak Hike, Price per Person1 person2 persons3 persons4 persons
Total price per person, including guide, lunch and trekking poles55 USD65 USD74 USD82 USD

BOOK YOUR TREK!