Northern Tian Shan & Issyk-Kul

The northern Tian Shan between Almaty in Kazakhstan and Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan: Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai Lakes, Karakol and yurts at Song-Kul.

The northern Tian Shan is a high-mountain region shared by southeastern Kazakhstan and northern Kyrgyzstan. Centered on Issyk-Kul, the world's second-largest alpine lake, it is Central Asia's most popular nature route and is often called the "Switzerland of Central Asia". On the Kazakh side, Almaty is the gateway, with Big Almaty Lake, the Shymbulak ski resort, and farther east Charyn Canyon, the Kolsai Lakes and Lake Kaindy (the sunken forest). On the Kyrgyz side, you set out from the capital Bishkek to Ala Archa National Park; around Issyk-Kul's north and south shores are hot springs, beaches, Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon and red cliffs, and Karakol at the eastern end is a hiking base (Ala-Kul Lake, Altyn-Arashan hot springs). Deeper into the Tian Shan, Song-Kul sits at about 3,000 m, where you can stay in nomadic yurts and ride horses. The classic loop is Almaty–Charyn–Kolsai–(Karkara border crossing)–Karakol–Issyk-Kul south shore–Song-Kul–Bishkek in 8–12 days. Both countries offer visa-free arrangements for Chinese travelers, but confirm the seasonal opening times of the border crossing. In the mountains, a hired car or self-drive is best, and for hiking it is advisable to hire a local guide.

Destinations

• Almaty
• Kolsai Lakes & Charyn Canyon
• Issyk-Kul Lakeshore
• Karakol
• Song-Kul Lake
• Bishkek

Itineraries

• Almaty to Bishkek Tian Shan Border Crossing – Explore Charyn Canyon and Kolsai Lakes, cross the border via the Karkara checkpoint, and continue to Issyk-Kul and Song…
• Song-Kul Yurts & Ala-Kul Trek – Experience highland yurts, south shore canyons, and a three-day trek over the Ala-Kul Pass, covering the highlights of…
• Kyrgyzstan North-South Traverse – Travel from Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul over mountain passes to Arslanbob, Osh, and Lenin Peak, covering seven major regions.
• Classic Issyk-Kul Lake Loop – Loop Issyk-Kul Lake from the north shore to the south shore, taking in petroglyphs, wooden mosques, canyons, and eagle…
• Almaty Southeast Loop: Dunes, Canyons & Alpine Lakes – A classic road trip loop from Almaty to the Singing Dunes, Charyn Canyon, and the Kolsai Lakes.
• Grand Kazakhstan Tour: Four Major Regions – Connect the Tian Shan, Silk Road cities, Caspian wilderness, and the capital with domestic flights to experience four d…