The Celestial Mountains

A week in the Tian Shan: yurt camps by an alpine lake, an eagle hunter's household, and a canyon the color of rust.

What's included

Guesthouse and yurt-camp accommodation throughout
All ground transport within Kyrgyzstan
Daily breakfast, most lunches and dinners
A Kyrgyz guide and driver with you the whole trip
Airport transfer from Bishkek

Who it's for: first-time Central Asia travelers who want mountains and nomadic culture without a fixed hotel-to-hotel itinerary.

Fully customizable, any date: no fixed departures, this trip runs whenever suits you, as a private group or joining other travelers, up to 10 guests total.

Apply for This Tour

Day by Day

Seven Days in the Tian Shan

The order can shift with weather and road conditions; the shape stays the same.

Days 1-2 · Bishkek & Song-Kul

Arrival and a night in Bishkek, then the long, beautiful drive up to Song-Kul lake and your first yurt camp.

Days 3-4 · The High Pastures

A full day around Song-Kul on horseback, then over the pass toward Karakol and an evening with an eagle-hunting family.

Days 5-6 · Karakol & Jeti-Oguz

The red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz canyon, a soak in a mountain hot spring, and a slow day along Issyk-Kul lake.

Day 7 · Departure

Drive back to Bishkek, with time to spare before your flight out.

Questions About This Tour

Before You Apply

Do I need horseback riding experience?

No. Rides are at a walking pace, led by local herders. You can opt out of any ride and travel by vehicle instead.

How cold does it get at Song-Kul?

Nights can drop close to freezing even in summer. Yurt camps provide heavy blankets; bring a warm layer regardless of season.

Is this trip physically demanding?

Moderate. Expect uneven ground, some altitude (Song-Kul sits around 3,000m), and long driving days on unpaved roads.

Do I need a visa?

No, for most nationalities. Kyrgyzstan allows visa-free entry for over 60 countries, including the US, UK, and EU, for stays up to 60 days.

Plan Your Trip

Guides From the Journal

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