Great Trip Along the Rivers of Central Kyrgyzstan
Whitewater Expedition — Tian Shan Mountains
Overview
This is not just a kayak trip — it’s a full-scale offroad expedition across Central Asia.
Two weeks of whitewater, 4×4 travel, mountain passes, canyons, alpine lakes, nomad camps, and endless horizons.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan — the wild heart of the Tian Shan Mountains.
About the Trip
The Tian Shan (“Celestial Mountains”) stretch for more than 2,800 km from Uzbekistan to China and were once part of the ancient Silk Road.
Today, they remain a land of towering peaks, clear rivers, dusty tracks, and incredible hospitality.
Our expedition combines whitewater kayaking and offroad exploration, taking you across mountain passes, steppe valleys, and deep canyons.
It’s not just paddling — it’s crossing the country, camping under the stars, and discovering the culture of Central Asia.
Adventure Concept
A two-week whitewater & offroad expedition through the heart of Kyrgyzstan.
We travel by 4×4 support vehicles, exploring the most scenic rivers and remote landscapes of the Tian Shan Mountains.
Expect:
-
Big mountains and big-volume rivers
-
Offroad routes through remote highlands
-
Wild camping and guesthouses
-
Authentic Central Asian cuisine and true mountain hospitality
The journey also includes a multi-day self-supported river section — a real wilderness experience with two nights camping along the river.
Please bring dry bags and waterproof packing gear to keep your personal equipment dry during this section.
Rivers We Paddle
Chu River — The warm-up near Bishkek, perfect to start the journey. Class III–III+
Chong-Kemin River — A stunning tributary of the Chu with multiple gorges and sections from Class II to V. We’ll choose the part suitable for the group. Class III–IV+
Greater Naryn River — The headwater of the mighty Naryn River. Here we’ll make a 2–3 day self-supported expedition, including the Naryn Falls Canyon (Class IV+/V) — with easy portage options.
Smaller Naryn River — Beautiful Class III–III+ section with optional harder parts.
Main Naryn River — Big-volume classic whitewater through Akshirak Gorge, 80 km of Class III–IV+ rapids.
Kekemeren River — Fun and continuous Class III–IV section with easy road access — perfect for our final runs and play.
Offroad Route
Between the rivers, we travel by 4×4 vehicles through high passes, canyons, and valleys — a true expedition route.
Each transfer is part of the journey: wide plateaus, shepherd villages, and breathtaking views surrounded by snow-capped peaks.
Total distance: 1,500 – 2,000 km
Regions covered:
-
Kochkor Valley
-
Song-Kul Lake plateau
-
Naryn and At-Bashy regions
-
Mountain passes up to 3,500 m
Trip Dates & Levels for 2026
We plan three expeditions along the same route, differing by water level and difficulty:
1️⃣ 30 Aug – 13 Sep 2026
Kyrgyzstan Classic — medium-high water
Difficulty: Class III+ – IV (IV+)
Group: 6–7 participants + 2 guides
2️⃣ 16 Sep – 30 Sep 2026
Kyrgyzstan Classic (Low Water) — technical but easier flow
Difficulty: Class III – III+ (IV)
Group: 6–7 participants + 2 guides
3️⃣ NEW 16 Sep – 30 Sep 2026
Kyrgyzstan Light — low to medium water, ideal for confident Class III paddlers
Difficulty: Class III (III+)
Group: 6–7 participants + 2 guides
Difficulty
The trips take place in late August and September, when water levels drop and lines become cleaner and more predictable.
Overall difficulty range: Class III – IV (IV+) depending on the chosen dates and water conditions.
Offroad driving is moderate — all routes are accessible by our support vehicles.
Requirements
-
Confident Eskimo roll
-
Solid Class III–IV whitewater experience
-
Good physical condition
-
Team spirit and adventurous mindset
-
Dry bags / waterproof packing gear for personal items
Accommodation & Food
-
Arrival and departure days — hotel stay in Bishkek
-
During the expedition — mainly wild camping in tents
-
Several nights in yurt camps included in the tour price
-
All meals included — breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Whenever possible, we eat in local cafés and restaurants.
In remote regions, we cook together in our camp kitchen — by the river or under the stars.
Logistics
-
Meeting at Bishkek Airport (Kyrgyzstan)
-
Two weeks of driving, paddling, camping, swimming, BBQ, and mountain fun
-
Departure from Bishkek Airport after the trip
Equipment
Participants must bring their own:
-
Kayak, paddle, PFD, helmet, spraydeck, dry gear
-
Camping equipment (sleeping bag, mat, etc.)
⚠️ Important: There are NO rental kayaks available in Kyrgyzstan.
Ensure that all your gear fits in your kayak for the self-supported section.
Bring dry bags to protect your personal items.
Team
Small international groups for a friendly and flexible expedition:
-
Min: 4 participants
-
Max: 9 participants
Led by professional guides and safety kayakers.
Guides
-
Egor Voskoboynikov
-
Alona Buslaeva
What’s Included
-
All transfers (airport + during 14 days)
-
Guiding, instruction, and safety kayaking
-
All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
-
Camp equipment (tarps, tents, cookware, etc.)
-
Trip organization and logistics
-
4×4 support vehicles
-
-
Photo and video materials
Not Included
-
Flights to / from Bishkek
-
Medical insurance
-
Alcoholic beverages
-
Personal expenses
Visa
No visa required for most nationalities (please check your country’s entry rules).
Weather
Dry continental climate — hot days (+25°C) and cold nights in the mountains.
Altitude 1,000–2,500 m (occasionally up to 3,000 m).
No mosquitoes, clear skies, and comfortable paddling temperatures.
Contact
Ready for a real Central Asian expedition?
Join us for the Two Blades Whitewater Adventure across the Tian Shan Mountains!
📧 whitewater@two-blades.com