EXPEDITION KYRGYZSTAN 2026
‘Lord of the Rings' adventure
Imagine: endless valleys, wild horses, thin air and a landscape that is so cinematic is that it almost doesn't seem real.
During the Kyrgyzstan Expedition, it feels as if you are walking into a scene from Lord of the Rings - a world where nature sets the rules, where nomads still live as their ancestors did, and where silence is so deep that you can hear yourself again.
KOEN DE LEEUW
Explanation by our expedition leader
Interested in the expedition to Kyrgyzstan?
The story of
this expedition
From Brussels, you fly to Bishkek. After arrival, we take a rugged off-road ride deeper into the mountains, to the drop-off location. From that moment, the real adventure begins: completely off-grid, self-sufficient, and surrounded by pure wilderness.
We start on foot. Between 2,000 and 4,000 metres, you hike through mighty valleys, mountain ridges, and open landscapes. No mountaineering required - this is a challenging trek, but not a technical climb. It is physically demanding, mentally enriching, and every step takes you further away from the ordinary.
Along the way, we find ourselves in nomad land, where we encounter horses that have been used by local herders for generations. For one day, you trek like they do: on horseback through wide valleys, an experience that feels almost timeless.
Deep in the wilderness, we reach the river. You take your packraft out of your backpack, inflate it, and glide further over the water. The peace, the flow, the freedom - this is one of the most impressive moments of the expedition.
We consciously choose August/September because the high mountains are snow-free, stable, and safe at that time - with summer conditions, navigable rivers, and the mountains at their most beautiful. It is the ideal window in which you can traverse Kyrgyzstan without mountaineering, but with maximum experience.
Self-sufficient -
but never alone
As soon as we start, we find ourselves off-grid. We filter water from rivers, cook our freeze-dried expedition food, and set up our camps in places where nature allows.
You will learn survival basics, energy management, navigation, and outdoor decision-making under the guidance of an experienced X-Guide whom you will meet well in advance during the preparation process.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X-Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates, and have years of experience in extreme conditions.
Each expedition is equipped with satellite phones, GPS tracking, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan, and local support in Kyrgyzstan.
Before departure, we also conduct a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
No one steps
unprepared into
the unknown.
The preparation process
(min. 3 - 6 months in advance)
always consists of:
a group briefing with
physical analysisa personalised training schedule
technical and resilience training
a session on equipment, nutrition and sleep setup
a final physical check-in
PRACTICAL
Recognised service provider of the SME wallet
To help entrepreneurs and SME leaders grow as much as possible, this expedition is linked to a leadership programme/training that closely aligns with the adventure. This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy through the SME wallet.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not included in the subsidy.
Frequently asked questions
No. You do not need to be an elite athlete. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and workshops) we will safely build your level up to what is necessary.
Very safe. We work with WFR-certified expedition leaders, satellite communication, evacuation plans, and clearly defined safety protocols.
The complete expedition programme, equipment, workshops, guidance, all local costs and meals are included. Flights, personal clothing, and insurance are not included.(see practical).
Imagine: endless valleys, wild horses, thin air and a landscape that is so cinematic is that it almost doesn't seem real.
During the Kyrgyzstan Expedition, it feels as if you are walking into a scene from Lord of the Rings - a world where nature sets the rules, where nomads still live as their ancestors did, and where the silence is so deep that you can hear yourself again.
KOEN DE LEEUW
Explanation by our expedition leader
Interested in the expedition to Kyrgyzstan?
The story of this expedition
From Brussels, you fly to Bishkek. After arrival, we take a rugged off-road ride deeper into the mountains, to the drop-off location. From that moment, the real adventure begins: completely off-grid, self-sufficient, and surrounded by pure wilderness.
We start on foot. Between 2,000 and 4,000 metres, you hike through mighty valleys, mountain ridges, and open landscapes. No mountaineering required - this is a challenging trek, but not a technical climb. It is physically demanding, mentally enriching, and every step takes you further away from the ordinary.
Along the way, we find ourselves in nomad land, where we encounter horses that have been used by local herders for generations. For one day, you trek as they do: on horseback through wide valleys, an experience that feels almost timeless.
Deep in the wilderness, we reach the river. You take your packraft out of your backpack, inflate it, and glide further over the water. The peace, the flow, the freedom - this is one of the most impressive moments of the expedition.
We consciously choose August/September because the high mountains are snow-free, stable, and safe at that time - with summer conditions, navigable rivers, and the mountains at their most beautiful. It is the ideal window in which you can traverse Kyrgyzstan without mountaineering, but with maximum experience.
You step into nature, away from the beaten paths, but always with the assurance of experienced guidance and with safety as the top priority.
Safety & guidance
Safety is the foundation of every Element X expedition. Our X-Guides are professionally trained, hold WFR certificates, and have years of experience in extreme conditions.
Each expedition is equipped with satellite phones, GPS tracking, clear safety procedures, a detailed evacuation plan, and local support in Kyrgyzstan.
Before departure, we also conduct a thorough risk analysis and prepare everything down to the last detail.
Self-sufficient -
but never alone
As soon as we start, we are off-grid. We filter water from rivers, cook our freeze-dried expedition food, and set up our camps in places where nature allows.
You will learn survival basics, energy management, navigation, and outdoor decision-making under the guidance of an experienced X-Guide whom you will meet well in advance during the preparation process.
We do not let anyone step into the unknown unprepared.
The preparation process (min. 3 - 6 months in advance) always consists of:
a group briefing with physical analysis
a personalised training schedule
technical and resilience training
a session on equipment, nutrition and sleep setup
a final physical check-in
PRACTICAL
Recognised service provider of the SME wallet
To help entrepreneurs and SME leaders grow as much as possible, this expedition is linked to a leadership programme/training that closely aligns with the adventure.
This programme falls under the theme Business strategy and is eligible for subsidy through the SME wallet.
As an entrepreneur, you can receive up to 30% subsidy on the training costs of this programme. Important (!): only the training itself is eligible. Travel, accommodation, and expedition costs are not included in the subsidy.
No. You do not need to be an elite athlete. Through our preparation programme (screening, training schedule and workshops) we will safely build your level up to what is needed.
Very safe. We work with WFR-certified expedition leaders, satellite communication, evacuation plans, and clearly defined safety protocols.
The complete expedition programme, materials, workshops, guidance, all local costs, and meals are included. Flights, personal clothing, and insurance are not included.(see practical).
Is this expedition something for you?
This expedition is intentional selective. Not only must the intensity and comfort level match, but also who you are and how you fit in a group.
We are looking for participants with shared norms and values, sufficient maturity, and the willingness to engage in open dialogue - with themselves and with others.
This is how the selection process works:
You apply for this expedition using the form below.
You will receive a questionnaire from us about your experience and the experience you are seeking.
We will make personal contact and let you know if this expedition is a good match.
I am applying for Expedition Kyrgyzstan 2026
Would you prefer to get to know us first?
Feel free to schedule aintroductory call.
Is this expedition something for you?
This expedition is intentional selective. Not only must the intensity and comfort level match, but also who you are and how you fit in a group.
We are looking for participants with shared norms and values, sufficient maturity, and the willingness to engage in open dialogue - with themselves and with others.
This is how the selection process works:
You apply for this expedition using the form below.
You will receive a questionnaire from us about your experience and the experience you are seeking.
We will make personal contact and let you know if this expedition is a good match.
I am applying for Kyrgyzstan 2026
Would you prefer to get to know us first? Feel free to schedule a introductory call in.
As seen in
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As seen in
