Although Central Asia is a region that many travelers aren’t familiar with, this trip will make it obvious that Central Asia is not the middle of nowhere but instead perhaps at the center of... everything. This region was at the heart of the Silk Road and many powerful empires for thousands of years and facilitated the exchange of goods, ideas, and culture between the East and the West. This trip will take you to see what the second most mountainous country in the world has to offer, from a UNESCO World Heritage Site to the most epic parts of the Pamir-Alay Mountain Range to experience the wild beauty of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains for six days, which includes four days of trekking and one day of horseback riding. 

This trip through the heart of Central Asia begins in Osh, one of the oldest cities on the continent that has been a hub for caravans and travelers for centuries. During the trek, the group will be immersed in Kyrgyz culture, which has traditionally been nomadic, by staying in yurt camps and a guesthouse along the way. Many people in Kyrgyzstan are still semi-nomadic today, moving livestock to higher pastures in the mountains in the summer and setting up yurts for the season. The families who run each yurt camp often welcome groups by playing music on traditional instruments like the komuz and teaching guests how to bake bread or make felt. You have to visit for yourself in order to feel the kind hospitality. The alpine views from the trek are of massive (some over 7,000m, almost 23,000 feet!) mountains with snow capped peaks, glaciers, green valleys, many towns, yaks, marmots, eagles, grazing cows, horses, and sheep. 

After returning to Osh for after the trek, where the group will celebrate together and reflect on the journey over a finale dinner in town. While Kyrgyzstan is blowing up on social media, this itinerary takes you beyond the well-worn trail and is truly a journey through time and tradition that will change your outlook on the world and have you heading to your next destination at the end of the trip having made a group of new friends who love to explore as much as you do. 

1. Note that your international flights to and from Osh and are not included. However, we have free information on how to find the best flights, and we work with travelers to help find available deals. 

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2. No visa is needed for Kyrgyzstan for travelers with US passports for stays of less than 60 days. To discuss potential visa requirements for travelers with other passports, please email jessica@travelwc.com.

3. There is a 3% fee for paying with a credit card. Alternatively, travelers can pay via bank transfer to avoid any processing fees.

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4. Note: The activity level of this trip is high, but you do not necessarily need prior trekking experience. There are 4 days of hiking, and there will be a lot of walking involved on most other days. Travelers can choose to skip the first of the hikes, and they can request a to ride a horse for potions of the other days for an additional fee. The terrain on the hiking days is strenuous and can be steep. It is recommended that those who join this trip have either hiked with TWC before, hiked on their own before, or have extensive travel experience, but information on how to best prepare to make the hikes as comfortable as possible will also be given. Prepared hikers are the happiest hikers. 

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5. All travelers should also be aware of the high altitudes of many of the destinations on this trip. Osh, the first stop of the trip, is at an elevation of 3,300ft/1,000m. From there, the group will be driven to 9,842ft/3,000m for the first night on the trekking route. The second night of the trek will be spent at 11,500ft/3500m, and the group will hike to a maximum of 13,615ft/4150m. The third night of the trek will be spent at 10,826ft/3300m, and the group will hike to a maximum of 14,127ft/4306m the next day. The fourth night of the trek will be spent at 11,811ft/3600m. The fifth night of the trek will be spent at 9,186ft/2800m. Optional excursions may be at higher altitudes. Everyone reacts to altitude differently, regardless of fitness and age, and high altitudes should be taken seriously. For details on how to best prepare in advance and what to do in the event you are affected during the trip, please consult your physician. 

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6. Each traveler will also have to purchase travel insurance of their choosing that fits specific requirements. This insurance starts at approximately 21 USD.