- 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.
- Take a thrilling ride on a Soviet UAZ truck through the breathtaking Altyn-Arashan gorge for an unforgettable adventure.
- Enjoy traditional Dungan Muslim Chinese cuisine and a classic Russian lunch prepared by renowned alpinist Lubov Danichkina.
Day 1. Road trip to Song-Kol Lake
• Begin your Kyrgyzstan adventure with a visit to the historic Burana Tower, an ancient minaret surrounded by fascinating archaeological sites. After exploring, you’ll visit a Dungan family to experience local life and enjoy a traditional Central Asian meal, Lagman, known for its rich flavors and hand-pulled noodles.
• Your journey then continues through Kochkor Village and over the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3400m), where you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain views and alpine lake as you approach Song-Kol Lake.
• In the evening, arrive at the lake, take a leisurely walk along its pristine shores, and immerse yourself in nomadic life by spending the night in a traditional yurt, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the high-altitude landscape.
Transfer:
Total: 320 km – 5-6 h.
Asphalt: 260 km
Dirt road: 60 km
Meals:
lunch at restaurant,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: On request
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 2. Horse riding at Song-Kol Lake
• Today you will spend a full day at Song-Kol Lake, discovering the traditional life of Kyrgyz nomads and enjoying horse riding in a stunning alpine setting. In the morning, you’ll begin a guided horse ride along the smooth lakeshore, a perfect way to gain confidence in the saddle. As you become more comfortable, you may ride higher into the surrounding hills for panoramic views of the lake and mountains.
• After the ride, you’ll return to the yurt camp for a relaxing lunch. In the afternoon, you can choose to continue horse riding or visit a local nomad family, explore their traditional yurt, and taste kymys, the famous fermented mare’s milk.
• In the evening, enjoy dinner at the yurt camp followed by peaceful stargazing under the clear night sky.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: optional
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: On request
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Horse riding is optional, and the duration and route will be discussed and confirmed with your guide before you begin.
Day 3. Road trip to Ysyk-Kol Lake
• Today you bid farewell to the wide-open landscapes of Song-Kol Lake and continue your scenic road trip along its peaceful shoreline. The journey leads to the dramatic Terskey-Torpu Pass, famously known as the “33 Parrots Pass” for its thrilling zigzag road.
• From the top, enjoy panoramic views before descending to the foothills for a short walk to the picturesque Kajyrty Waterfall. You then cross the high mountain passes of Kum-Bel (2,800 m) and Dolon (3,030 m) before stopping for a traditional lunch with a Dungan family, a Chinese Muslim ethnic group in Kochkor. Taste lagman, Central Asia’s iconic noodle dish.
• In the afternoon, drive along the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, with a visit to the striking Ak-Say Canyons. Enjoy time by the lake before arriving at your guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village for a relaxing evening.
Transfer:
Total: 230 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 170 km
Dirt road: 60 km
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 4. 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 5. Off-road trip to Altyn-Arashan gorge
• Embark on an unforgettable off-road journey in a rugged Soviet UAZ truck as you head toward the breathtaking Altyn-Arashan Gorge. Your adventure begins along a bumpy, scenic road that follows a sparkling river and winds through dense pine forests, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Kyrgyz mountains.
• Upon arrival at the gorge, enjoy a lunch at guesthouse surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Spend the afternoon soaking in the hot springs, exploring scenic trails, or simply relaxing and taking in the view of Peak Palatka (5,200 m) in the distance.
• As evening falls, savor a warm dinner and settle in for an overnight stay at the guesthouse, experiencing true mountain hospitality and the peaceful atmosphere of this remote alpine retreat.
Transfer:
Total: 30 km – 2-3 h.
Asphalt: 18 km
Dirt road: 12 km
Meals:
Breakfast at hotel ,
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse
WC: Shared
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Hot springs
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Instead of driving in a UAZ, you can also trek or ride a horse to Altyn-Arashan for a more active adventure.
Day 6. Drive back to Karakol. Road trip to Chong-Kemin National Park
• Wake up in Altyn-Arashan to a stunning mountain view and enjoy the morning at your leisure. Then, begin your return journey in a UAZ back to Karakol, retracing the same beautiful road along the river and through the alpine forests.
• Upon reaching Karakol, you’ll go for a lunch at restaurant in the town. In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic road trip along the north shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, passing through the charming towns of Cholpon-Ata and Balykchy, before arriving at Chong-Kemin National Park. Nestled in a beautiful mountain valley, the park offers beautiful landscapes and fresh alpine air.
• Upon arrival, check into a cozy guesthouse within the park, unwind, and relax after a day filled with a rugged and scenic driving.
Transfer:
Total: 300 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 300 km
Dirt road: 0 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at restaurant,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse
WC: Private
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The day is long, so we recommend starting early from Altyn-Arashan.
Day 7. Return back to Bishkek. City tour
• This is the final day of your Kyrgyzstan adventure. Begin your drive back to Bishkek from Chong-Kemin National Park. En route, make a short stop to visit the historic Burana Tower, one of the country’s most iconic landmarks.
• Upon arrival in Bishkek, enjoy a lunch before embarking on a guided city tour. Explore the city’s main attractions, including Ala-Too Square, the bustling Osh Bazaar for souvenirs, and other cultural and historical sites that capture the spirit of the capital.
• Conclude your journey with your guide, reflecting on the incredible experiences and memories made throughout your unforgettable Kyrgyzstan trip.
Transfer:
Total: 170 km – 3-4 h.
Asphalt: 170 km
Dirt road: 0 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at restaurant
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Instead of a city tour in Bishkek, you can enjoy a relaxing walk in Ala-Archa National Park.
