- 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 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
– 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. Visit Kel-Suu Lake
• Start your day early for a rugged drive and trekking adventure to the stunning Kel-Suu Lake. The journey takes you through charming villages of At-Bashy region and over Kyndy Pass (3200m), the gateway to the vast Arpa Valley.
• Upon arrival in guesthouse in Kok-Kiya Valley, enjoy a lunch before setting off on a scenic trek to Kel-Suu Lake. The route follows the river and offers gentle terrain, making it an easy yet breathtaking hike with mountains framing the distance.
• At the lake, take time to admire the spectacular views, and if you wish, enjoy a short boat ride on the pristine waters. After soaking in the scenery, retrace your steps back to the guesthouse. End the day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at the guesthouse, preparing for a long drive to Ysyk-Kol Lake the next day.
Transfer:
Total: 180 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 50 km
Dirt road: 130 km
Trekking: 14 km – 4 h
Meals:
Breakfast at hotel,
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse (3200m)
WC: Shared WC
Internet: Wi-Fi for payment
Shower: On request
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.
– Yurt accommodation is available, but we recommend staying in the guesthouse due to cold weather.
Day 5. Road trip to Ysyk-Kol Lake
• Today is the longest driving day of your journey, so make sure to start with an early breakfast. The drive begins retracing the route back to Naryn.
• Upon arrival, refuel the car and enjoy lunch before continuing the second leg of the drive toward Ysyk-Kol Lake, passing over Dolon Pass (3030m) and through Kochkor Village.
• If time allows, make a short visit to the Ak-Say Canyons near Ysyk-Kol Lake to admire the unique rock formations with a lake and mountains in dietance. In the evening, arrive at your guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Take a brief walk to stretch your legs before a relaxing dinner.
Transfer:
Total: 390 km – 7-8 h.
Asphalt: 260 km
Dirt road: 130 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at restaurant,
dinner restaurant
Overnight: guesthouse
WC: Shared / Private
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The drive is long, so be sure to have an early breakfast and start the trip early.
– 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 6. 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 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 7. 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 8. 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
Trekking: 12 km – 4 h
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.
