About this tour
This is an exploration tour of the little-known regions of Kyrgyzstan, designed for photographers and researchers visiting the Tien Shan for the first time.
In addition to well-known natural landmarks, the route includes remote and rarely visited places that do not appear on standard tourist maps.
The Tien Shan is famous for its iconic natural attractions — spectacular waterfalls, alpine lakes, deep gorges, and majestic mountains. These places are undeniably photogenic and visually striking. However, this journey deliberately goes beyond the classic tourist routes, offering access to the unknown — locations you will not find in guidebooks or on tourist maps.
The itinerary reveals monumental and outstanding landscapes, unique landforms, and surprising natural combinations shaped by a truly wild environment. These places offer a different perception of the Tien Shan — raw, untouched, and powerful.
This journey is created for active photographers and explorers who seek uncharted nature, visual discovery, and authentic experience. The route is rich in dramatic scenery, ethnographic encounters, and strong local character. You will reach unexpected locations that challenge conventional ideas about the landscapes of the Tien Shan.
The route crosses the entire territory of Kyrgyzstan.
Total distance: 2,900 km.
Off-road vehicles are provided in two formats:
– with a driver
– self-drive option
Program
Meet and greet at the airport.
Briefing and presentation of the tour program.
Hotel accommodation.
En route: Boom Gorge and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Arrival in the historic city of Karakol. City tour.
Accommodation in a 3★ hotel.
Travel along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Drive to the red canyons of the Jety-Oguz Valley.
Accommodation in a guesthouse in Tamga.
Most of today’s route passes through high-mountain terrain: Arabel Valley (4,000 m), Burkhan Pass, and descent into the Lesser Naryn Valley.
These are among the wildest regions of the Northern Tien Shan. Along the way — stunning landscapes, canyons, wide valleys, and snow-capped mountains.
Accommodation in a 3★ hotel in high-altitude Naryn (2,500 m).
Excursion to Kel-Suu Lake. Hidden deep within a canyon, the lake is especially photogenic in sunny weather.
Drive along the edge of the Kok-Kiya canyons, offering breathtaking views into a completely different world.
Arrival at Kel-Suu Lake. The scenery impresses even the most experienced travelers.
Overnight in a yurt camp.
Full-day drive crossing three valleys and two mountain ranges.
En route: the impressive Ak-Sai Valley, one of the highest alpine lakes — Chatyr-Kul, Borolu Pass, and descent into the Naryn River Valley.
Accommodation in a guesthouse.
One of the most memorable days of the tour.
You will see a wide variety of landscapes, spectacular views from mountain passes, and dramatic changes in nature along the route.
Accommodation in a 3★ hotel.
Journey toward the Pamirs. Part of the Pamir Highway is traveled along the Kurshab River instead of the classic route.
Arrival in Gulcha and continuation into the Alay Valley.
Accommodation in a guesthouse facing the legendary 7,000-meter Lenin Peak (7,134 m).
Excursion to the Kok-Suu Valley, one of the least visited and most remote valleys in the region.
The beauty of surrounding peaks and ridges is striking from the very first kilometers.
In places, the landscapes resemble “Asian Patagonia,” similar to the famous Karavshin area.
Panoramic views of the Pamirs open up here.
Overnight in Sary-Mogol (2,600 m).
Return journey along the Pamir Highway.
The views on the way back are completely different — a true open-air museum of landscapes.
Accommodation in a 4★ hotel in Osh.
Travel along the Fergana Valley, reaching a true savanna landscape and then the foothills of the nearby Chatkal Range.
Accommodation in a 3★ hotel.
A day filled with unforgettable impressions of natural diversity.
You will see one of the largest reservoirs in Central Asia, the spectacular Chychkan Gorge, the high-altitude Suusamyr Valley, and endless winding mountain roads.
Dinner at an ethno-restaurant.
Folklore show.
Transfer to the airport.
Price
1/2 DBL price
Price Upon Request
Included / Excluded
- 4WD transportation
- Guide / logistician
- Hotel accommodation
- Yurt accommodation
- Full board
- Entrance fees
- Master classes
- Folklore show
- International flights
- Insurance
- Visa
- Tips
