Photo by wikicommons

On foot through the Tian-Shan mountains

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A trip to the Tian-Shan mountains in Kyrgyzstan is a special experience. Not only you will experience breathtaking views, you also have the opportunity to share the life of the Kyrgyz nomads and stay with them in a yurt. In summer many migrate with their herds into the mountains and live in yurts, on the outside gray tents but decorated inside with colorful mats and felted rugs. A hike through the rugged Tian-Shan mountain range is an unforgettable experience. The 3200-meter-high Son-Kul, surrounded by white peaks, hiking through snow fields and streams descending over three high passes. This trip you will remember for a long time.

Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia. It is bordered by Uzbekistan in the west, Kazakhstan in the north, China in the west and south and Tajikistan in the southwest. Half of the country lies above 3000 meters in the Tianshan Mountains. The capital is Bishkek in the north of the country. In the low valleys the continental climate is a lot warmer than in the mountains.

Best time to visit

The best travel time for Kyrgyzstan is from April to October, when you have pleasant temperatures and barely any rainfall. Most high altitude climbs take place in July or August. In early spring the melt water flows towards the lakes which is also a beautiful sight. 

This article was last updated on December 22, 2020.