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Kyrgyzstan

Trailrunning on Nomads' Trails

Run wild through the land of nomads.

Next departure: 30.08.2026

Duration: 13 days
Group size: 6 – 10
From: CHF 2000.-

Meeting point: Bishkek

About this trip

The trip in brief.

Trail running at elevations between 2,000 and 3,800m, guided by two experienced trail running guides and supported by jeep assistance, cook, and camp guard. Enjoy a sponsored social run in the countryside, sharing the joy of running with local communities. Designed for adventurous spirits eager to explore nomad lands, this journey is simple yet rewarding — with a touch of comfort, including a 1-hour sports massage.

What makes this trip

Good reasons to join.

Run Through Vast Mountain Landscapes

Experience high-altitude trails surrounded by endless horizons and dramatic Kyrgyz scenery.

Unforgettable Adventure Running

A unique blend of endurance, exploration, and pure freedom on remote mountain routes.

Authentic Encounters with Local Life

Share moments with nomads and villagers, discovering Kyrgyz culture through genuine connection. Our trip also includes a social run among local running enthousiasts.

Guest profile

Is this trip for you?

This trip is for you if...

This is perfect for adventurous people who love trail running or fast hiking in new areas. With distances of up to 25 km, it’s more of an endurance trail than an ultra race, as you’ll be back at it again the next morning. We mostly sleep in our tents. Physical requirements: run 20 km for three consecutive days.

This trip is probably not for you if...

If you’re looking for a race or competition, this trip is not for you. This trip is all about adventure, sharing your passion and having fun! It’s not suitable for people who are new to trail running.

Your guides

Who is taking you there.

Trail (running) guide
Belgium
Day by day

The itinerary.

Day 1 – Flight to Bishkek

International flight to Bishkek.

Day 2 – Arrival & Transfer to Jaichy Yurt Camp

Early morning arrival at Bishkek Airport.
We transfer (approx. 4 hours) with scenic stops along the way to our favorite yurt camp, Jaichy.
A perfect place to recover from your flight — or stretch your legs with a short run or hike in the surrounding fields.
Accommodation: Shared yurt with shared bathroom.

Day 3 – Acclimatisation day
Today we’ll go for a hike/run in the wonderfull valley behind the yurtcamp. The valley is also the beginning of the Baiboosun Nature Reserve. A reserve protecting wildlife, and it’s wonderfull snow leopard.
Accomodation: same yurts, with shared bathroom.

Days 4–7 – Trail Running: Jaichy Camp to Tamga (91 km total, ±2,900 m elevation gain)

Experience the heart of Kyrgyz mountain life as we run from Jaichy to Tamga, moving between 2,000 and 3,600 m above sea level.

Our jeep team provides full assistance — so you can take a rest day whenever needed.
Trails vary from gravel jeep tracks to wild, open terrain and narrow mountain paths, with a few river crossings along the way.

The final stage descends toward Tamga — a beautiful downhill stretch on loose gravel, so take care on the footing!

We camp close to rivers, allowing for daily washing and plenty of fresh water.
All meals are freshly prepared by our cooking crew — including soups, salads, fresh fruit, lemonades, and of course, chocolate.

Guides: Dilara and local mountain expert Kasidin.
Support: Cook and driver team with jeep assistance.
Accommodation: 4 nights in tents.
Extra runs or peak loops are possible for those who want to explore further (and maybe grab a few drone-free “drone shots”).

Daily running overview:

Day 1: 10–15 km / +400 m

Day 2: 17 km / +1,000 m

Day 3: 24 km / +800 m, -720 m

Day 4: 26 km / +320 m, -1,600 m

On the 4th day, we’ll have a comfortable night at a yurt camp by the Issyk Kul lake shore (shared room & bathroom).

Days 8–9 – Arabel Plateau to Saruu (50 km total, -2,100 m)

Early morning transfer to the Arabel High Plateau (3,800 m) — a breathtaking alpine landscape.
From here, we descend through a stunning valley dotted with turquoise lakes.

Running overview:

Day 1: 25 km / +200 m, -1,200 m (overnight in tents)

Day 2: 25 km / +160 m, -900 m

After the run, we transfer (1 hour) to Karakol, where we’ll stay in a cozy guesthouse (double/twin rooms, private bathrooms) for two nights.

Day 10 – Karakol & Social Run

A relaxed day in Karakol to rest, repack, and explore. – 1 hour Sport – Massage session included!

In the afternoon, join our sponsored social run (8.5km – flat terrain) in the village of Kerege Tash, toward the Jergalan River Valley — a chance to share the joy of running with the local community.

Day 11 – Transfer to Chon Kemin

Morning transfer (approx. 5 hours) to Chon Kemin Valley.
Optional evening trail run or a horseback ride through the valley.
Accommodation: Shared guesthouse rooms.

Day 12 – Return to Bishkek

Morning transfer to Bishkek (2.5 hours).

Afternoon city tour (Osh Bazaar and central district).

Evening celebration with dinner at Ala-Too Square — optional drinks or karaoke for those with energy left!
Accommodation: Comfortable hotel room with private bathroom.

Day 13 – Departure

Early morning airport transfer and flight home.

This trip will be guided by Dilara (speaking fluent dutch, french, english and german) and our great local mountain guide Kasidin ( fluent in english)

Each runner receives GPX tracks for every stage. Our guides coordinate by walkie-talkie, keeping one up front and one at the rear. Forget the finish line — it’s all about enjoying the run and the mountains!

Trip profile

What to expect.

Outdoor

Camp along the trail with full support from our crew and cook. Cool nights, hot meals, warm water — and mountain adventure at its best. Experience required.

Comfort

The real challenge isn’t just the run — it’s staying fit, focused, and fresh amid the simplicity of camp life and the occasional sleepless night.

Physical

For trained rail runners only: 15–30 km per day through rugged mountain terrain at 2,000–3,600m. Bring endurance, altitude experience, and a playful spirit — you might just slip on a cow trail or dance through a sudden alpine downpour.

Technical

The routes vary from gravel jeep tracks to open terrain with no defined trail.

What's covered

Included & excluded.

Included

  • All land transport in Kyrgyzstan
  • Trip logistics and coordination
  • Guiding incl daily group briefings
  • All accommodation and meals
  • A 1 hour sport massage A goodie for you, and one for a local kid

Not included

  • International flight
  • Travel insurance (mandatory)
  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Optional activities
  • Personal expenses ( souvenirs, tips,…)
On the ground

Food & Accommodation.

Food

All meals are included. Note that personal snacks and nutritional supplements are not included!

Accommodation

When we’re not camping, we’ll stay in small guesthouses, family-run yurt camps, and selected local accommodations.
What to pack

Gear & Equipment.

What to bring

A detailed packing list will be provided after booking confirmation.

However, you should definitely bring the following:

  • Your personal trail running gear, including two pairsof trail running shoes, a trail running backpack big enough to pack a warm layer,…
  • Sleeping bag, sleeping mat

Rental gear

The following equipment can be rented from us.

The details

Practical Information.

Dates

30.08.2026 – 11.09.2026 ( !!1st Edition!! )

Duration

13 days ( 11 + 2 travel days)

Group Size

6 – 10

Pricing

CHF 2’000 .-

Meeting Point

Bishkek
Bishkek Airport

Nearest Airport

Manas international Airport (BLZ), Bischkek

Luggage Transport

included, by jeep

Airport Transfers

included
Safety first

Safety & insurance.

tunduk operates a structured risk management concept that applies to every trip. Prevention is the priority – we mitigate risk with conservative route decisions, timing, and group management. When conditions change, plans change.

All participants are required to read the tunduk Emergency Concept. It covers prevention, decision-making in the field, and emergency procedures.

On all trips in remote areas without mobile coverage we carry a Garmin inReach satellite communicator for emergency communication.

general travel safety information on our destination pages →

Insurance is the responsibility of each participant. Coverage must include health (illness and accident), rescue and evacuation in the destination country, and repatriation. We may ask for proof of insurance prior to departure.

Travel insurance is not mandatory but strongly recommended. It should cover trip cancellation, lost equipment, and any activity-specific risks relevant to the trip.

Participants are responsible for their own insurance (rescue, evacuation, health, travel cancellation, etc.) and a proof has to be presented to the organizer prior to the trip.

travel info

Visa & entry.

Most nationalities can enter Kyrgyzstan visa-free for stays up to 30
days. Participants are responsible for checking visa requirements
for their nationality.

Full travel information for 

changing plans

Cancellation Policy.

Up to 120 days before departure

20%

Up to 60 days before departure

50%

Up to 30 days before departure

80%

Less than 30 days before departure

100%

Any costs already incurred on your behalf at the time of cancellation – such as for train tickets, reservations, or permits – will be charged in full, regardless of the above schedule. In exceptional cases tunduk may offer a full refund minus a handling fee of CHF 200 at its discretion. Only upon request and without guaranteed right.

Keep exploring

You might also like.

Ready to go?

Join this adventure.

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tunduk is a small team. We respond personally – usually within 48 hours, sometimes a little longer when we’re travelling.

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Trailrunning on Nomads' Trails

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Trailrunning on Nomads' Trails

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