Kyrgyzstan is a hidden gem in Asia that most people don’t think of visiting, however, this is quickly changing. We want to grasp the opportunity to hike through this paradise before it makes it on every tourist’s bucket list. After all, the country has everything to offer from delicious food, ravishing mountains, electrifying passes, delightful people and an amazing culture; our diversely planned trip will ensure that you enjoy it all!
WHY TREK KYRGYZSTAN WITH GRASP THE ADVENTURE:
We've got countless reasons but here are some.
At Grasp The Adventure, our number 1 goal is to promote the spirit of adventure and the love of nature while forming bonds as strong as the mountains we hike on. We sincerely view all the hikers that joined our previous trips as friends and family, this is why we do our best to keep them safe and happy at all times. So besides going on awesome hikes to jaw-dropping sights, you’ll also be making new, like-minded friends.
IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
Remain calm and read on!
1) So you want to join but you’re also freaking out that you may not be experienced enough for this trek, well you really shouldn’t be. The great thing about the trails we’ll be taking is that they require absolutely no technical experience and are actually suitable for beginners with good fitness levels. The maximum altitude that we will be reaching is 3860 m which is a great achievement; however, we will be taking it slow and will allow enough time for our bodies to acclimatize. It is meant to be a challenge though, we want you to step way out of your comfort zone, and come out the other side feeling victorious!
2) If you are thinking 'well I do enjoy hiking but I don't want to go on an entire 1 week trip just to hike' then rest assured that this trip ain't all about hiking only! Scroll down to the itinerary and you'll see what we mean
3) We are committed to helping you expand your comfort zone, all you need to do is to keep a positive mental attitude thats why:
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Certified mountain guides will lead the hike while porters transport the group’s belongings, camping equipment, food, mess tent, etc.
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You will only be required to carry your day pack which will include whatever you may need during the hike, such as raincoat, snacks, camera and water
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Our chefs will be preparing your breakfasts, lunches and dinners
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Trek Guides are all professionally trained to handle any emergencies or evacuations under the unlikely circumstances should they occur
PRICE INCLUSIONS & EXCLUSIONS
Our price includes all the essentials from the moment you set foot in Kyrgyzstan to the moment you depart. We do not believe in hidden costs that surprise travelers, that is why we include things like guide/ porter/driver tips so that you don't need to worry about anything. Please refer to the table below for more detail:
INCLUSIONS
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Return Abu Dhabi-Bishkek flight
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Comfortable hotels & guest houses (double room basis)
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Guided treks
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Guided Horse-riding trek
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Guides, porters and chefs for the hike
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All transportation in Kyrgyzstan
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Two-man tents during hike
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Sleeping bags
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Tips for drivers, porters, guides and chefs
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3 meals per day, throughout trip
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Professional photography of the trip
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Access to hot springs
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Grasper merchandise surprise
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All the adventures mentioned in the itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
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Kyrgyzstan visa if required
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Travel insurance
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Altitude sickness tablets (Diamox)
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Personal expenses (souvenirs, snacks)
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Clothing (check packing list for details)
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Specialized/ Extra hiking gear
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Single Stay Supplement ($150 per person subject to availability of yurts)
RECOMMENDED HIKE PACKING LIST
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Original Passport
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Backpack or duffle for porters to carry
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Day Pack with rain cover
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Water Storage (bladder or canteen)
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Hiking boots
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2-3 wicking t-shirts
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1-2 hiking pants
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3-4 sets of undergarments
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3-4 sets of socks
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1 fleece jacket (temperatures can drop to 5 C at night)
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1 down jacket (temperatures can drop to 5 C at night)
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1 rain jacket
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Head torch
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Power bank
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Warm, winter hat
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Sun hat
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Sun glasses
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Waterproof plastic bags to put clothes in
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Sandals or slippers or sneakers
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Hiking poles
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Microfibre face towel
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Microfibre body towel
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Toiletries kit (soap, shampoo, conditioner, nail clippers, toothbrush, toothpaste, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, Fresh Buzz, toilet paper, hairbrush, feminine products)
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Personal First-Aid (Vitamins, hydration tablets, sleeping pills, altitude sickness pills)
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Lip balm
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Moisturizing cream
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Nose drops
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Sunscreen
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Insect repellent
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Pillow
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Sleeping bag liner
CARE FOR THE PORTERS
As usual, we try to do our best to benefit the country we are visiting by only dealing with high standard companies that ensure high living standards for their porters and guides.
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Note: Tips for the entire crew are included in the total cost of the trip and will be handled by Grasp The Adventure team, so you don’t need to worry about it. Tip amounts are calculated based on guidelines provided by the local company. If you want to go the extra mile, you can donate any of your hiking gear to the guides and porters AFTER the hike is over; they will really appreciate it.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arriving in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Our local team will await us at the airport to transport us to the hotel. If time permits after checking-in and quick recovery from the flight, we will visit the Ala Archa National Park for a two hour hike to the Ala Archa waterfall. After a picnic lunch at the waterfall, we will return back to our hotels to shower and rest. In the evening we will visit one of Bishkek's traditional restaurants to have our welcome dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel
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Day 2: Bishkek - Cholpon Ata - Semenov & Grigoryev gorges - Karakol
After having breakfast at our hotel, we will set out of Bishkek to head to Karakol taking the scenic route. Our first stop is the Cholpon Ata Resort where we will enjoy fields of Petroglyphs and lunch by a beautiful lake. Afterwards, we continue onwards to the Semenov and Grigoryev gorges. Finally, we arrive in Karakol in time for dinner and to prepare for the awesome adventure to come.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
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Day 3: Karakol – Karakol Gorge – Sirota Camp
Maximum altitude: 2953 m/ Hiking distance: 8 km/ Maximum slope: 35%/ Hiking time: 5-6 hrs
Early in the morning, our guide will meet us at the guest house after breakfast for the hike briefing, this is where the fun begins! First, we will be taken deep into the Karakol Gorge to the starting point of the hike, at an altitude of 2300 meters above sea level. We will spend around 5 to 6 hours hiking through the Karakol gorge with multiple rest stops and of course, lunch with a fantastic view. Finally, we reach Sirota Camp at an altitude of 2900 meters for dinner. We will spend the night sharing experiences, laughing and stargazing before retiring to our tents (two person tents).
Accommodation: Tents (male & female toilets available)
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Day 4: Sirota Camp – Alakol Gorge
Maximum altitude: 3860 m/ Hiking distance: 3 km/ Maximum slope: 50%/ Hiking time: 3 hrs
This is the most exciting day! After breakfast, we will set off on a long ascent to Alakol Lake, located at an altitude of 3,500 m. A well-deserved lunch meal will be waiting for us by the lake. After eating, we will continue hiking along the left bank of Alakol, up to the pass at our maximum altitude of 3860 m. The push will be challenging but we are always there to support you physically and mentally. Remember, the most important thing when hiking is a positive mental attitude. At the pass, we will sit back and enjoy a heavenly panoramic view of the Tien Shan Mountains, icy peaks and the lake; take it all in, let that rewarding sensation sink in, you’ve earned it. The descent is rather steep, but short. We will get to the Keldyke Gorge which leads us to the Altyn Arashan valley. Here, we'll relax in the hot springs and marvel over the day we had. You'll also enjoy a very well earned sleep.
Accommodation: Tents (male & female toilets available)
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Day 5: Alakol Gorge – Keldyke Gorge – Altyn Arashan Gorge
Maximum altitude: 3860 m/ Hiking distance: 4 km/ Maximum slope: 50%/ Hiking time: 3 hrs
This is the most exciting day! After breakfast, we will set off on a long ascent to Alakol Lake, located at an altitude of 3,500 m. A well-deserved lunch meal will be waiting for us by the lake. After eating, we will continue hiking along the left bank of Alakol, up to the pass at our maximum altitude of 3860 m. The push will be challenging but we are always there to support you physically and mentally. Remember, the most important thing when hiking is a positive mental attitude. At the pass, we will sit back and enjoy a heavenly panoramic view of the Tien Shan Mountains, icy peaks and the lake; take it all in, let that rewarding sensation sink in, you’ve earned it. The descent is rather steep, but short. We will get to the Keldyke Gorge which leads us to the Altyn Arashan valley. Here, we'll relax in the hot springs and marvel over the day we had. You'll also enjoy a very well earned sleep.
Accommodation: Yurt Camp
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Day 6: Altyn Arashan Gorge – Ak Suu – Karakol
After an early breakfast prepared by our mountain chefs, we will go on a horse ride through the picturesque valley of Altyn Arashan. After lunch, we will continue our descent into the Ak Suu gorge where we'll be met with old Soviet Union cars to take us back to the city of Karakol. Exhausted from the trek, we'll have the rest of the day to relax in Karakol and check out some of the souvenirs the city has to offer.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
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Day 7: Karakol – Djety Oguz – Barskoon – Ton
Today is a day of waterfalls! On the way from Karakol to Barskoon, we will go on a short hike to the Devichy Kosy waterfall and visit the Jeti Oguz gorge and Kozh Zhaiyk Valley. When we arrive at the Barkoon Gorge, we will go on another short hike to the 'Manas Bowl' waterfall and the famous 'Tears of the Leopard' waterfall. Finally we'll finish our day in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt camp.
Accommodation: Yurt camp
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Day 8: Ton – Chon Kemin
A trip to Kyrgyzstan is not complete without a horseback trek... but first our Covid PCR tests. We will depart the yurt camp early in the morning to stop at Balykchy town for our PCR tests and breakfast. Next, we will continue to the Chon Kemin valley for a horseback trek through breathtaking, panoramic views. You will definitely feel like you're starring in a Western, but without a million ways to die.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
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Day 9: Chon Kemin – Bishkek
We will bid our loyal steeds goodbye after breakfast and head back to Bishkek for our final day on this great adventure. In the capital, we will visit the Osh Bazaar to brush the dust off our haggling skills and stock up on souvenirs. This is also a great place to get a sense of the Kyrgyz bazaar atmosphere. Afterwards, we will head to a traditional restaurant for our farewell lunch where we'll share bread, stories, laughter and maybe even tears. Finally, we will be transported back to the airport for our return flight. It may be the end of the trip but I guarantee you the bonds formed this week will never be forgotten for they are stronger than the mountains we hiked on. Merely 8 days ago some of us were strangers, but now we're one big Grasper Family!
