ACTIVE KYRGYZSTAN – 5 DAYS

Sights visited on this tour

Song-Kol Lake

Altyn-Arashan Valley

Karakol City

Ysyk-Kol Lake

Jety-Oguz Gorge

Fairy-Tale Canyons

Barskoon Gorge

Why you will love this tour

Enjoy a classic 3-day horseback riding adventure to the stunning Song-Kol Lake.
Stay in a traditional yurt at the stunning Song-Kol Lake and experience authentic Kyrgyz hospitality.
Discover the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, with Fairy-tale canyons, the Barskoon Waterfall, and the striking Jety-Oguz Valley.
Enjoy 2 days of easy trekking to Altyn-Arashan, famous for its alpine scenery and natural hot springs.

Itinerary

Day 1. Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake

• Your journey through Kyrgyzstan begins with a drive to Kyzart Village near Song-Kol Lake. Upon arrival, enjoy lunch at a homestay before beginning your horseback riding adventure to the stunning Song-Kol Lake. The first part of the ride takes you through open fields, gradually leading toward the Tuz-Ashuu Pass at 3,300 meters. The ascent can be challenging, but the sweeping mountain views make every moment worthwhile.

• From the top of the pass, you’ll be rewarded with your first breathtaking view of Song-Kol Lake. After giving the horses a well-deserved rest, continue your ride down to the lakeshore, where you’ll settle into a yurt hosted by local nomads.

• Release your horses for the night and take time to explore the peaceful surroundings before dinner. If the sky is clear, Song-Kol offers some of the best stargazing in Kyrgyzstan.

Transfer:

Total: 90 km – 2 h

Horse riding: 16 km – 4-5 h.

Meals:

Breakfast at guesthouse,

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at yurt

Overnight: yurt (3100m)

WC: Sharing WC

Internet: Mobile phone

Shower: No

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– No prior horse-riding experience is required.

– You will leave your large bag at the guesthouse in Kyzart and take only a small backpack with essential items and clothing for the next two days.

– Although daytime temperatures can be warm at Song-Kol Lake, evening can get chilly, so be sure to bring warm clothing.

Day 2. Horse riding to back to Kyzart Village. Road trip to Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Today you’ll return to Kyzart Village via the scenic Kara-Kiya Pass. After saying farewell to the nomadic family, you’ll set off on horseback, riding up to the pass at 3,300 m. From the top, enjoy your final sweeping views of the stunning Song-Kol Lake before descending toward Kyzart Village.

• Upon arrival, you’ll have lunch and a chance to rest and refresh after the morning ride. In the afternoon, your journey continues to Ysyk-Kol Lake, traveling along its southern shore with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

• In the evening, you’ll arrive at your guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village, where you can enjoy dinner and relax after your memorable horse-riding adventure.

Transfer:

Total: 200 km – 3-4 h.

Asphalt: 200 km

Dirt road: 0 km

Horse riding: 20 km – 4-5 h.

Meals:

Breakfast at yurt,

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at guesthouse

Overnight: guesthouse

WC: Shared / Private

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Available

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– Bokonbaev is located a bit farther from the lake shore. If you prefer to stay closer to the lake, please confirm with your tour manager – yurt accommodation options are available by the lake.

Day 3. Explore the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Start your day with a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration by a local Kyrgyz eagle hunter, experiencing this unique tradition firsthand. Afterward, drive to the stunning Fairy-Tale Canyons to explore their dramatic rock formations and colorful landscapes.

• Next, stop in Tamga Village for lunch at the home of the famous Soviet-era mountaineer Lyubov Danichkina. After lunch, continue to the impressive Barskoon Waterfalls before heading to the picturesque Jety-Oguz Valley, known for its striking red rock formations.

• In the evening, arrive in Karakol. If time allows, take a short city tour to explore its charming streets and local sights before enjoying dinner at restaurant.

Transfer:

Total: 150 km – 3-4 h.

Asphalt: 120 km

Dirt road: 30 km

Meals:

Breakfast at guesthouse,

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at restaurant

Overnight: Hotel

WC: Private

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Available

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– The eagle hunting experience is a demonstration with explanations and staged hunting on animal skins. Real hunting on horseback is only available in winter.

– The eagle hunting demonstration is optional – if you prefer, you can skip it.

Day 4. Trekking to Altyn-Arashan Gorge

• Today, you’ll begin your adventure with a drive to Ak-Suu Village near Karakol. From there, you’ll set off on your trek to Altyn-Arashan Gorge, carrying your backpack. The trail follows a sparkling river and winds through lush alpine forests, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

• Along the way, you’ll stop for a relaxing picnic by the river, enjoying the peaceful sounds of nature and fresh mountain air, before continuing along a gentle uphill path toward the gorge.

• By early evening, you’ll arrive at Altyn-Arashan Gorge and check in to a guesthouse. After a full day of trekking, you can soak in the natural hot springs, letting the warm waters ease your muscles. The day concludes with a dinner and the chance to relax under the stars in this tranquil mountain setting.

Transfer:

Total: 30 km – 30 min.

Asphalt: 30 km

Dirt road: 0 km

Trekking: 12 km – 5 h

Meals:

Breakfast at hotel,

lunch-picnic,

dinner at guesthouse

Overnight: guesthouse

WC: Shared

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Hot springs

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– You’ll leave your large bag or suitcase at your hotel in Karakol or in the car, and take only a backpack with essentials for the 2-day trek.

– Trek to Altyn-Arashan is easy to medium level, and you can choose either horseback riding or a ride in the famous Soviet 4×4 UAZ for an additional fee.

Day 5. Trekking back to Ak-Suu Village. Drive back to Bishkek

• After breakfast, you’ll begin your trek back to Ak-Suu Village, retracing the same beautiful trail along the river and through the alpine forests. This is a chance to enjoy the scenery once more, take in the fresh mountain air, and reflect on the incredible landscapes you’ve experienced.

• Upon reaching Ak-Suu Village, you’ll drive to Karakol for a lunch in the town, giving you a final taste of local cuisine. Afterward, continue the journey along the northern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, taking in the sparkling waters and mountain vistas that line this famous “Pearl of Central Asia.”

• Arriving in Bishkek in the evening, this marks the conclusion of your Kyrgyzstan adventure, filled with horseback riding, trekking, alpine lakes, and the warmth of nomadic hospitality.

Transfer:

Total: 420 km – 6-7 h.

Asphalt: 410 km

Dirt road: 10 km

Meals:

Breakfast at hotel,

lunch at restaurant

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– The drive back to Bishkek is long but on asphalt roads, so please make sure to depart from Altyn-Arashan early.

– You’ll arrive back in Bishkek at around 8–9 PM.

Map

Additional information

Month	May, June, July, August, September, October
Start from	Bishkek
Duration	5 days
Tour speed	Moderately paced
Accommodations	1 night at hotel, 1 night at yurt, 2 nights at guesthouse
Activities	horse riding – 3 days, trekking – 2 days
Total drive	1030 km

What to pack?

Clothing:

Warm layers (fleece or down jacket) for chilly mornings and evenings
Lightweight clothes for daytime (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts)
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Hat or cap for sun protection
Gloves and warm socks
Scarf or buff for wind

Horseback Riding & trekking

Long pants for riding
Comfortable trekking pants and shorts
Riding gloves (optional)
Comfortable trekking shoes or boots
Lightweight, breathable clothing
Trekking poles (optional)
Small daypack for essentials

Other Essentials:

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Reusable water bottle
Personal toiletries and towel
Basic first aid kit and any personal medications
Camera or smartphone for photos
Power bank and charging cables
Passport, ID, and copies of travel documents

Optional:

Binoculars for wildlife spotting
Light snacks for trekking
Notebook or travel journal

Before you go

Tour Overview:

This tour is ideal for travelers with limited time who still want an active experience while visiting the most popular places.
We offer tour options ranging from 3 to 12 days, with similar itineraries and activities. Please check out our Active Tours for more details.

Horse Riding & Trekking:

No prior horse-riding experience is required, but you should be prepared to handle three days of riding in the mountains.
During horse riding to Song-Kol Lake,you will stay in a nomadic family’s yurt, which may be shared with other travelers. For a private yurt, please confirm with your tour manager in advance.
You can reduce the three-day horse-riding section to two days to allow for more road-trip experiences. Recommended stops include Chong-Kemin National Park and a half-day city tour in Bishkek.
The 2-day trek to Altyn-Arashan is easy to medium level, and you can choose either horseback riding or a ride in the famous Soviet 4×4 UAZ for an additional fee.

Meals:

Meals provided are traditional Central Asian cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available – please inform your tour manager of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Money & Payments:

Credit cards are widely accepted in towns, but it’s recommended to carry some local currency (Kyrgyz Som) for small purchases.
Around 10 USD per day is usually sufficient for personal expenses.
Avoid exchanging USD at the airport; better rates are available at banks or official exchange offices in Bishkek. Your guide can assist with currency exchange.

Communication & Internet:

Internet is generally available in cities and towns, but coverage may be limited or slower in remote mountain areas.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better coverage. Recommended operator: MEGA.

Electricity:

Kyrgyzstan uses 220V electricity with Type C and Type F plugs (European-style round plugs). Bring the necessary adapters for your devices.

Languages:

Official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian.
Basic English is spoken in urban areas, but learning a few phrases in Russian or Kyrgyz can be helpful in rural regions.

Health & Safety:

Travel insurance covering medical emergencies and adventure activities is strongly recommended.