- Enjoy a classic 2-day horseback riding adventure to the stunning Song-Kol Lake.
- Immerse yourself in yurt stays and authentic Kyrgyz nomadic life.
- Take scenic off-road drives through dramatic mountain landscapes.
- Visit the breathtaking Kel-Suu Lake, a hidden gem of Kyrgyzstan.
- Explore the beautiful shores of Ysyk-Kol Lake, the “Pearl of Central Asia”.
- Enjoy 2 days of easy trekking to Altyn-Arashan, famous for its alpine scenery and natural hot springs.
Day 1. Drive to Kyzart Village. Horse riding to Kilemche
. Your journey through Kyrgyzstan begins with a drive to Kyzart Village near Song-Kol Lake. Upon arrival, enjoy a homemade lunch at a local homestay before receiving basic riding instructions from your guide.
. In the afternoon, start a gentle horseback ride along the beautiful Chaar-Archa River, passing through wide valleys and peaceful mountain landscapes on your way to Kilemche. The path is smooth, making it a great opportunity to gain confidence and build a good connection with your horse.
. By early evening, you arrive at a yurt camp run by a local herder family. After settling in, take time to walk in the surrounding hills, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and observe the daily life of Kyrgyz nomads. Overnight in a traditional yurt.
Transfer:
Total: 280 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 280 km
Dirt road: 0 km
Horse riding: 21 km – 4-5h.
Meals:
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (2700m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: No
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 smaller backpack with essential items and clothing for the next two days. Your bag will be delivered the following day by car.
Day 2. Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake
. Today’s ride will be more challenging but rewarding. After breakfast at the yurt camp, you begin your ascent toward the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3300 m). The climb is demanding, yet the panoramic mountain views make every step worthwhile. At the top of the pass, you’ll stop to rest the horses and take in your first view of the distant Song-Kol Lake shimmering below.
. From here, you continue your descent toward the lakeshore, passing by nomadic yurts and herds of grazing animals along the way. By midday, you arrive at the yurt camp near the lake, where lunch will be served.
. The rest of the day is yours to relax after the long ride – take a walk by the water, explore the surrounding hills, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Song-Kol. After dinner, step outside to admire the crystal-clear night sky filled with stars.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: 17 km – 4 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: On request
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– After you reach Song-Kol Lake, the horses will return to Kyzart Village, as they have a long journey back.
– Although daytime temperatures can be warm at Song-Kol Lake, evening can get chilly, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
Day 3. Road trip to Tash-Bashat Village
. Today you’ll drive to Tash-Bashat Village, located in the heart of Kyrgyzstan. The journey begins along the scenic lakeshore before ascending the famous Terskey-Torpu Pass (3300 m), with its dramatic zig-zag serpentine roads.
. You’ll stop in Naryn City for a rest and lunch, then continue to Tash-Bashat Village, where you’ll stay at a cozy hotel – a perfect opportunity to refresh after your night in a yurt in the mountains.
. Once settled, take a stroll through the village streets to experience the charm of rural Kyrgyz life, or explore the nearby mountains for a more active afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner at the hotel, followed by a warm bonfire under the starry sky – a perfect end to the day.
Transfer:
Total: 170 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 100 km
Dirt road: 70 km
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at restaurant,
dinner at hotel
Overnight: hotel
WC: Private WC
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 4. Off-road trip to Kok-Kiya Valley
. Today you travel to the Kok-Kiya Valley, home to the breathtaking Kel-Suu Lake – one of the most scenic highlights of your journey. The day begins with a drive through villages of the At-Bashy region, with dramatic mountain ranges rising in the distance. In the Bosogo Valley, you’ll enjoy a picnic by a flowing river.
. From here, the adventure continues over the impressive Kyndy Pass (3,900 m), the gateway to the vast Ak-Say Valley, a summer pastureland of Kyrgyz nomads. Along the way, you’ll pass traditional yurts and grazing herds, offering a glimpse into nomadic life.
. By early evening, you arrive at a cozy guesthouse in Kok-Kiya Valley, followed by a gentle walk to stretch your legs before dinner.
Transfer:
Total: 180 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 50 km
Dirt road: 130 km
Meals:
Breakfast at hotel,
lunch-picnic,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse (3200m)
WC: Shared WC
Internet: Wi-Fi for payment
Shower: On request
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Yurt accommodation is available, but we recommend staying in the guesthouse due to cold weather.
Day 5. Visit Kel-Suu Lake
. Today you explore the stunning Kel-Suu Lake. The day begins with a morning trek from Kok-Kiya Valley to the lake, taking about four hours round trip. The trail is mostly easy and follows a river, with dramatic mountain peaks rising in the distance.
. Along the way, you’ll pass grazing horses and yaks, adding to the remote alpine atmosphere. The final short section is slightly more challenging, with small river crossings and a gentle descent, but your guide will be there to assist you. After reaching Kel-Suu Lake, take time to enjoy the views, take photos, and optionally enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
. You then return to the guesthouse the same way, have lunch, and drive back following the same road. In the evening, you arrive in Naryn and rest at a hotel before dinner.
Transfer: Total: 150 km – 4-5 h. Asphalt: 20 km Dirt road: 130 km Trekking: 14 km – 4 h. Meals: Breakfast at guesthouse, lunch at guesthouse, dinner at restaurant Overnight: hotel WC: Private Internet: Wi-Fi Shower: Available |
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The trekking is generally easy, with a slightly challenging section near the lake.
– Instead of trekking, you can ride a horse for an additional fee.
– For more time to enjoy the valley views, you can choose to stay an extra night in Kok-Kiya Valley. Just be ready for a long drive the next day as you head straight Ysyk-Kol Lake.
Day 6. Road trip to Ysyk-Kol Lake
– Today’s journey takes you toward the magnificent Ysyk-Kol Lake, combining scenic drives, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. You will travel through traditional villages along the highway before ascending to the Dolon Pass at 3,030 meters, where panoramic mountain views await.
– Continuing onward, you arrive in Kochkor Village for a special cultural stop. Here, you will visit a local Dungan family and take part in preparing their most famous dish, Lagman. After enjoying the meal you helped cook, the drive continues east toward Ysyk-Kol Lake.
– Upon arrival at a lakeside yurt camp, you’ll have time to swim and relax by the water. In the evening, visit the striking Ak-Say Canyons to watch the sunset before returning to the yurt for an overnight stay.
Transfer: Total: 190 km – 4 h. Asphalt: 180 km Dirt road: 10 km Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at guesthouse, dinner at yurt Overnight: yurt WC: Shared Internet: Wi-Fi Shower: Available |
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The Dungans are an ethnic group of Chinese Muslims who originally lived mainly in western China. In the 1870s, during unrest under the Qing Empire, many Dungans fled persecution and migrated to Central Asia.
Day 7. 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 8. 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 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 9. 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, hidden 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 restaraunt |
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.
