Helicopter Expedition
Fly into the glacial heart of the Tien Shan — the South Inylchek base camp beneath Khan Tengri — then descend to the turquoise Kel-Suu Lake.
Fly into the glacial heart of the Tien Shan — the South Inylchek base camp beneath Khan Tengri — then descend to the turquoise Kel-Suu Lake.
8 days
7 nights
$2,100
per person
Helicopter expedition · high altitude
Bishkek · Karkyra · South Inylchek · Kel-Suu
The most ambitious way to see the Tien Shan — a helicopter flight into the glacial heart of the range, to the South Inylchek base camp beneath Khan Tengri (7,010 m) and Pobeda Peak (7,439 m).
You'll fly over the vast Inylchek Glacier and the mysterious Merzbacher Lake, sleep at a remote expedition base camp ringed by giants, then descend to ride horses in Kok-Jayk, watch an eagle hunt in Bokonbaevo, and hike to the turquoise Kel-Suu Lake near the Chinese border.
It's a serious high-altitude journey through some of Central Asia's wildest country — yet every flight, permit, transfer, and guide is arranged for you.
Head east from Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, deep into one of Kyrgyzstan's most remote corners. As fertile valleys give way to broad alpine meadows, you reach the scenic Karkyra valley, ringed by mountain ranges. Dinner at camp and your first night in a yurt under the highland sky.
The most extraordinary day of the trip. After breakfast you board a helicopter and rise over the heart of the Tien Shan — glaciers, deep valleys, and snow-capped giants below. You'll fly past the enormous Inylchek Glacier and the mysterious Merzbacher Lake before landing at the South Inylchek base camp, ringed by legendary peaks including Khan Tengri and Pobeda.
Fly back across the mountains to Karkyra, then continue to the famous Jeti-Oguz region, where lush forests and red-sandstone formations contrast sharply with yesterday's ice. In the Kok-Jayk valley, saddle up for a ride through fragrant spruce forest to the beautiful "Maiden's Braids" waterfall, followed by an evening of nomad hospitality.
Leaving the forests of Jeti-Oguz, follow the southern shore of Issyk-Kul past the waterfalls of Barskoon Gorge and the colourful formations of Skazka "Fairy-Tale" Canyon. By evening you reach Bokonbaevo for an eagle-hunting demonstration — a centuries-old tradition that remains a symbol of Kyrgyz nomadic culture.
Today crosses the wild, little-known landscapes of central Kyrgyzstan. Traversing vast mountain valleys and high plateaus, you head toward the remote Kel-Suu region, stopping at the striking Aksai canyons and for lunch in Naryn, the country's highest regional capital. By evening you reach your guesthouse near Kel-Suu, surrounded by untouched scenery.
Set out on a hike through the magnificent Kok-Kiya valley to Kel-Suu Lake. Hidden among high cliffs near the Chinese border, Kel-Suu is one of Kyrgyzstan's most spectacular high-altitude lakes. The trail crosses wide pastures, rocky canyons, and pristine wilderness before revealing its startling turquoise water. Enjoy a picnic and the silence of this remote mountain sanctuary before returning.
Begin the journey back to Bishkek. Along the way, visit the scenic Kulja-Bashy canyons and stop once more in Naryn for lunch, with a tasting of the traditional local pastry "Apamdyn Kattamasy." As the road winds back to the capital, reflect on the glaciers, mountain lakes, and nomadic traditions of the expedition.
Enjoy a relaxed morning before your transfer to the airport. Your journey comes to an end as you carry home unforgettable memories of glaciers, high mountain lakes, and the incredible beauty of the Tien Shan.
A $250 deposit secures your spot; the $1,850 balance is paid on arrival. Tell us your preferred dates and we'll take it from there.