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Trekking in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan: Where to Start

Updated 2026-09-24 · 6 min read

Central Asia is having a moment. Kyrgyzstan topped Much Better Adventures' 2026 ranking of the best countries for solo adventure travel, thanks to its huge mountain landscapes, low costs and welcoming yurt camps. Kazakhstan's Almaty, meanwhile, sits right under a 4,000 m mountain range.

Kyrgyzstan

Ala-Kul Trek is the country's most popular trek: three or four days from the Karakol valley up to a turquoise glacial lake, over a 3,860 m pass and down to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan. It's the one trek in Kyrgyzstan where you might meet crowds.

Ala Archa National Park is just outside Bishkek. A steep climb leads to the Ratsek hut under the Ak-Sai glacier, a good acclimatisation hike before bigger trips.

Song-Kul is a high lake at 3,016 m where herders bring their animals and yurts every summer. You can walk or ride there over the high pastures.

Kazakhstan

Big Almaty Lake is an easy day from the city, a turquoise lake under snowy peaks.

Kolsai Lakes are a chain of three mountain lakes in forest, with the sunken forest of Kaindy nearby. The third lake is in the border zone and needs a permit.

Charyn Canyon is a red-rock canyon often compared to a small Grand Canyon, a long day trip from Almaty.

Where to book and find guides

  • Community Based Tourism Kyrgyzstan: homestays, drivers and guides run by local communities.
  • Border-zone permits for areas near China (such as Inylchek) are arranged through local agencies. Allow at least two weeks.

Practical tips

  • Season: July to September for high treks. Snow is possible on high passes in any month.
  • Altitude: Many treks go above 3,000 m. Spend a few days in the mountains before crossing high passes.
  • Money: Carry cash in local currency. Cards rarely work in the mountains.
  • Transport: Shared taxis and marshrutkas (minibuses) link towns; trailheads often need a taxi.
  • Guides: Not required for Ala-Kul, but a local guide or horse support is easy and cheap to arrange.

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