Spirit of the Tien Shan
A Wellness & Wilderness Experience
Explore the hidden peaks and healing traditions of Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on an exclusive, family-led journey through the heart of the Tian Shan.
The Local Difference
Don’t Just Visit Central Asia, Feel at Home.
We are not a travel agency looking at a map from halfway across the world. We live in Bishkek. The route we are taking you on isn’t a standard tourist track—it is the personal collection of our family’s favorite escapes.
From the cosmopolitan streets of our "second home" in Almaty to the high-altitude pastures of Kyrgyzstan where we played as children, this tour invites you to step inside our world. We combine active exploration of the Tian Shan mountains with the restorative health traditions that have kept mountain people strong for generations.
You will travel as a guest rather than a tourist. You’ll stay in locally-owned boutique lodgings, meet the artisans we know personally and discover the hidden beauty of the Tian Shan mountains that most guidebooks miss.
Transport & Scenery
An Overland Odyssey in Comfort
Forget crowded buses. We navigate the rugged beauty of Central Asia in a private fleet of comfortable Toyota Landcruisers or Sequoias. This allows us to access the deep wilderness—the red canyons and high mountain passes—without sacrificing your comfort.
The journey includes a spectacular overland crossing from Kazakhstan into Kyrgyzstan, transforming a simple border transit into a scenic drive through changing landscapes that few international travelers get to see.
Inclusive Adventure
Your Pace, Your Path
Whether you are a seasoned equestrian or have never sat in a saddle, the mountains are for you.
Horse Riding: We offer unique opportunities to ride across the high pastures of Kolsai Lakes and Song Kul. We split our small group by ability—expert riders can gallop across the steppe while beginners receive gentle instruction and a calm pace.
Hiking: Every trail we visit offers options. You can choose a challenging climb for panoramic views or a gentle nature walk to soak in the flora.
Active Recovery: We balance exertion with rest, including time at a historic Sanatorium for restorative treatments.
Food & Drink
A Taste of the Mountains
Food is the heart of our culture. We don’t just serve you meals; we teach you the stories behind them.
Hands-On Cooking: Learn the geometry of hand-pulling Lagman noodles and the traditions of Ahslyamfu in masterclasses with local cooks.
Wild & Local: Taste fresh river trout caught in glacial streams and sip herbal teas gathered from the very hills you are hiking.
The King of Rice: Enjoy authentic Plov, cooked over an open fire—the way it was meant to be eaten.
The Wellness Experience
Cultural Spotlight: The Soviet Sanatorium
In the West, the word "Sanatorium" might conjure images of clinical corridors. But in the former Soviet Union, the Sanatorium was a Temple of Health—a prestigious reward for the hardest-working citizens.
Miners, factory workers and cosmonauts were sent to these grand mountain retreats to restore their strength. On our tour, you will step into this living history.
Retro-Charm: Experience architecture and atmosphere that feels like stepping into a Wes Anderson movie.
Serious Wellness: We will indulge in the same treatments that kept mountain workers strong: Russian massage and Hydrotherapy (mineral baths and power-showers).
The Experience: It is a rare chance to experience a philosophy of wellness that prioritizes durability and vitality over simple pampering.
Accommodation
Boutique Comfort, Local Impact
We believe in "high comfort, local impact." We strictly partner with locally-owned boutique hotels, guest houses and luxury yurt camps that offer privacy, cleanliness and genuine hospitality.
In the high mountains, we elevate the camping experience. You will stay in Luxury Yurt Camps, allowing you to sleep under the silence of the stars without giving up warmth or comfort.
Honest Expectations
Discomforts & Rewards
Transparency is the foundation of a good journey. While this tour focuses on wellness and comfort, it is an overland expedition through a rugged mountain region, not a standardized resort vacation.
Active Wellness: To truly experience the "Spirit of the Tian Shan," this itinerary is designed to be active. While we tailor activities to different fitness levels, guests will get the most out of this trip if they are comfortable with light hiking, uneven terrain and being on their feet for parts of the day.
The "Soviet" Spa: The Sanatorium experience is a cultural immersion into Soviet-era health philosophies, which differ from modern Western spas. Treatments like the "Charcot shower" (power jet hydrotherapy) are vigorous and designed for invigoration rather than gentle relaxation. The aesthetic is often charmingly retro and institutional rather than plush and modern.
Mountain Roads: To reach the pristine wilderness of Kolsai and the canyons, we travel on mountain roads. While our vehicles are premium and comfortable, some sections of the journey involve winding roads or unpaved tracks. Those prone to motion sickness should prepare accordingly.
The Elements: We spend significant time outdoors in the high mountains. Weather in the Tian Shan can be unpredictable, shifting from sunshine to cool rain quickly. "Wellness" here involves fresh air and nature, meaning we embrace the elements rather than avoiding them.
Dates & Details
Spirit of the Tian Shan
Dates: June 29 - July 13, 2026 (14 Days of Touring)
Route: Start in Almaty (KZ) / Finish in Bishkek (KG)
Group Size: Strictly limited to 12 guests
Price: From $4,966 USD per person (Twin Share)
Inclusions: All accommodation, private 4WD transport, expert guiding, most meals, horse riding, hiking activities and spa treatments.