Trekking in Konorchek Canyons - Trekking in Kyrgyzstan
Trekking in Konorchek Canyons

Trekking in Kyrgyzstan— 2027

Trekking in Konorchek Canyons
(Trekking in Kyrgyzstan)

Spring trekking in Kyrgyzstan.

There are places where nature seems to reveal its imagination in full power. The Konorchek Canyons are exactly such a place.

Red cliffs, labyrinths of narrow gorges, stone towers and “castles” shaped by wind and water over millions of years form one of the most unusual landscapes of the Tien Shan.

During this hike you walk on land that was once the bottom of an ancient sea.

Millions of years ago there was a sea here. Over time the floor of the ancient ocean rose, turning into a high plateau. Then water, wind and time continued the work of the great sculptor — nature — creating bizarre rock formations that resemble clay cities, figures of people and animals.

In spring this harsh landscape suddenly comes alive: flowers appear among the red clay and sandstone, streams flow through the canyons, and the clear mountain air fills with the sound of singing birds.

This is a rare moment when Konorchek reveals its full beauty — only for a few spring months before the canyons return to the quiet stillness of the hot summer.

Our route will take you through the most impressive corners of this natural labyrinth: from narrow canyons to high panoramic viewpoints, from the red cliffs of Boom Gorge to the green alpine meadows of Shamsi.

This journey combines the beauty of wild nature, active trekking and the atmosphere of a true hiking adventure.

Program highlights

  • Boom Gorge and the Aeolian Castles — fantastic red rock formations shaped by wind and time.
  • Canyon labyrinths — the Grand Canyon, Bobsleigh, Skyscrapers and other natural formations.
  • Ascent of Sagyzkhan-Choku (2925 m) — panoramic views of the canyons from above.
  • Mountain passes and alpine valleys — crossings of the Sulu-Terek and Kok-Jar passes.
  • Köl-Tor and Shamsi valleys — green valleys, coniferous forests and the awakening of spring nature.

The Konorchek Canyons are one of the most unusual landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. It’s a place you must see with your own eyes!

Available dates

  • 08.05 — 16.05.2027 | 6 places Book
  • 22.05 — 30.05.2027 | 6 places Book

Travel details

Intensity Level 3
Season spring
Begins Bishkek
Ends Bishkek
Airport in Аэропорт Манас (FRU)
Airport out Manas Airport (FRU)
Wildlife mountain goats, birds, predator birds, rodents, snakes, wolves

Price: $ 1,480

Great for Individuals Couples Families

Spring trekking in Kyrgyzstan. There are places where nature seems to reveal its imagination in full power. The Konorchek Canyons are exactly such a place. Red cliffs, labyrinths of narrow gorges, stone towers and “castles” shaped by wind and water over millions of years form one of the most unusual landscapes of the Tien Shan.

What is included:

  • Meeting and seeing off at the airport
  • Accommodation in 3* hotels according to the program (double, twin)
  • Trekking tents for accommodation
  • Dining and cooking tent
  • Full Board meals during whole program, including trekking days
  • Transport according to the program
  • Trekking guide and cook during trekking
  • Porters for carrying of camping equipment and client's staff. (Porter carries 7-8 kg of client's staff. If you have more luggage, please let us know in advance, so we could hire extra porters)
  • Entrance fees to all excursions according to the program

What is not included:

  • International airfare to and from Bishkek
  • Gear rental
  • SGL supplement
  • Cost of visa and consular services (for Russian citizens there is no need in international passport)
  • Personal expenses in hotels: bar, international calls, and etc.
  • Insurance
  • Any changes to the program
Day
1

Arrival in Bishkek. Meeting at Manas airport of Bishkek city. Transfer to a hotel (30 km, 40-50 min). After rest, city tour of Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. You will visit the Ala-Too Square, which provides a magnificent view of the snowy peaks of the Kyrgyz Range, green parks, open air art gallery, Historical Museum and other destinations.

Day
2

Ala-Archa Nature Park. From Bishkek we will go to the Ala-Archa Nature Park (40 km, 1 hour) and hike there for acclimatization before the trekking. The Ala-Archa Gorge is a favorite recreation spot of citizens and visitors. Here is the highest point of the Kyrgyz Range - Semenov Tien-Shanskiy Peak (4,895 m). Return to Bishkek. Accommodation in the hotel.

Day
3

Transfer to the beginning of the trekking in the Boom Gorge (130 km, 1.5 - 2 hours). First, our path will run through a narrow rocky labyrinth with steep walls, at the exit of which we suddenly find ourselves in a wide hollow surrounded by intricate sandstone and clay castles, which were eroded for millions of years. These are the famous Eolian castles, where we take a short walk while the cook arranges small snack. Next, we will climb the Sulu-Terek Pass (2,320m), which provides a fascinating panorama of the Komorchek or large canyons. We need to hurry to the place of our camp at the confluence of the Konorchek and Kokzhar-Suu rivers (7-8 hours). Overnight in tents (1,790 m). 10-11 km

Day
4

Hiking loop to the beautiful canyon labyrinths: Grand Canyon, Bobsleigh, Skyscrapers and others. Even these names are already fascinating. In some canyons you have to lift your head high to estimate their true size, in others you have to squeeze sideways due to their exceptional narrowness, in the third sometimes you have to climb to see the most interesting things. Overnight in tents.

Day
5

Sagyzkhan-Choku Summit. This day we will climb Sagyzkhan-Choku Mountain (2,925m), from where a wonderful overview of the canyons opens up. This place was once the bottom of the shallow bay of the ancient sea. Here you can find the prints of petrified shells that lived millions of years ago. Those, who want to be alone, can take a walk through the surroundings or wander through the canyons again. Descent to the camp. Overnight in tents.

Day
6

Kyzyl-Suu Valley. Today we will hike to the Kyzyl-Suu Valley over the Kok-Dzhar Pass (2,367 m). We throw a farewell glance at the canyons, keeping the memory of them in your hearts. Along the way we will have to cross the Kok-Dzhar-Suu River ford several times. Overnight in tents (2,170 m). 13-14 km.

Day
7

The Kel-Tor Gorge. Trekking along the endless alpine meadows to the Kel-Tor Shamsinsky Gorge. Spring is just beginning here and the first timid sprouts of grass and flowers make their way through the soil. Camp setting. Overnight in tents (2170 m). 13 km

Day
8

Shamsi Gorge. On the last day of the trekking we will hike to the Shamsi Gorge. Our way will go through thickets of honeysuckle, barberry, black currant and other bushes on the bottom of a wide valley, then on the slopes covered with coniferous forest of majestic Tien Shan firs and larch. Then we will descend to the bottom of the once small lake and then to the Shamsi Gorge (2,110 m, 11 km). Meeting with the vehicle. Transfer to Bishkek (110 km). Accommodation in the hotel.

Day
9

End of program. Transfer to the airport. Return home.

Got questions?

We thought you might. We've prepared some answers to our most commomly asked questions about this trip.

What to pack?

Download this helpful list of suggestions and recommendations for gear for this trip.

Logistics

Get detailed information about how to get here, reservation policies, trip insurance and more.

Need more information? We promptly answer all Your questions!

Tour photo gallery

Need more information? We promptly answer all Your questions!

Blog

Read more

Gear Rental

Travelling to Kyrgyzstan, but short a few items on your gear list? We offer the «must have» items for rent at reasonable prices.

The best food

Our healthy, flavorful, filling, and nutritious Gourmet Backcountry Cuisine has won multiple awards!

Find your level

Are you ready for one of our amazing trips? Choose the adventure that is right for your activity level.

Follow us:
«Asia Mountains»
720021, Kyrgyzstan
Bishkek, Lineinaya str. 1a