- Visit Song-Kol and Ysyk-Kol — two of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic lakes.
- Enjoy 4 days horseback riding through stunning mountain landscapes.
- Experience authentic nomadic life while staying in traditional yurts.
- Discover the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, with Fairy-tale canyons, the Barskoon Waterfall.
- Enjoy 3 days of hiking on one of Kyrgyzstan’s best trails: Altyn-Arashan to Ala-Kol Lake.
- Discover Bishkek, the vibrant capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Day 1. Scenic drive to Kyzyl-Oi Village
• Begin your journey with a scenic drive from Bishkek to the remote village of Kyzyl-Oi. The route first passes through roadside villages before gradually climbing toward the breathtaking Too-Ashuu Pass (3600M). At the summit, enjoy a short break to take in the panoramic mountain views and capture memorable photos.
• Descending into the wide Suusamyr Valley, you’ll stop for a picnic lunch by the river, surrounded by peaceful alpine landscapes. After lunch, continue your drive along the winding Kok-Meren River all the way to Kyzyl-Oi Village.
• Upon arrival, settle into a local guesthouse and enjoy a cup of tea. Later, take a guided walk through the village, offering an authentic glimpse into rural Kyrgyz life. End the day with a dinner and overnight at guesthouse.
Transfer:
Total: 200 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 140 km
Dirt road: 60 km
Meals:
lunch-picnic,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse
WC: Shared
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 2. Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake
. Wake up and continue your journey to Kyzart Village. Upon arrival, enjoy a homemade lunch at a local homestay before receiving basic riding instructions from your guide.
. After lunch, 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.
Transfer:
Total: 90 – 2 h.
Horse riding: 21 km – 4-5 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (2700m)
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 days.
Day 3. Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake
– Today’s horse ride will be more demanding. After breakfast, you’ll begin your ascent toward the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass. (3300m). The climb is challenging at times, but the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make the effort worthwhile. As you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with your first sweeping view of the magnificent Song-Kol Lake shimmering below.
– After a rest break on the pass, you’ll descend toward the lake and arrive at a yurt camp for a well-deserved lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll continue riding west along the lakeshore, passing traditional nomadic yurts, grazing animals, and wide-open pastures that define the highland landscape.
– Your destination for the night is the Tuz-Ashuu pasture, beautifully situated by the lake. Once you arrive, you’ll release your horses for the night, settle into the yurt, and enjoy a dinner surrounded by the peaceful atmosphere of Song-Kol.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: 23 km – 4-5 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Although daytime temperatures can be warm at Song-Kol Lake, evening can get chilly, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
Day 4. Horse riding to the western shore of Song-Kol Lake
. Today you’ll enjoy a relaxing day of horse riding along the shores of Song-Kol Lake. After two days in the saddle, you are feeling more confident, and your guide will lead you at a canter or even a gallop across the smooth lakeside terrain, without needing to ride over any mountains.
. By midday, you will reach the Ozbek-Ashuu pasture on the western shore of Song-Kol, where you’ll stop for lunch in a yurt owned by local nomads. This is also where you will spend the night. After lunch, you have free time to walk by the lake, observe the peaceful nomadic life around you, or head out for another short ride into the nearby hills.
. Dinner will be served in the yurt before you settle in for an overnight stay.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: 16 km – 4 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 5. Horse riding to back to Kyzart Village. Road trip to Ysyk-Kol Lake
. Today you’ll return to Kyzart Village via the scenic Ozbek-Ashuu 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 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 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 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 / Private 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. Hiking to Ala-Kol Lake
. Today is the most challenging day of your adventure, offering breathtaking alpine experiences. Depending on your preference, you can explore on foot or ride a horse as you head toward the stunning Ala-Kol Lake. The trek begins from Altyn-Arashan, following the river before turning into the mountains through a demanding forest trail.
. You will ascend to Keldike Gorge, where panoramic views create a true alpinist feeling. After a short rest, continue along the final, slippery stretch to Ala-Kol Pass at 3,900 meters. At the summit, pause to take photos and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the lake and surrounding glaciers.
. The descent leads back to Altyn-Arashan. In the evening, relax at the guesthouse or soak in the hot springs before dinner, reflecting on a day of high-altitude adventure.
Transfer: Total: 0 Trekking: 19 km – 7-8 h. Meals: Breakfast at guesthouse, lunch-picnic, dinner at guesthouse Overnight: guesthouse WC: Shared Internet: Wi-Fi Shower: Hot springs |
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– If you’re not an experienced hiker, taking a horse is strongly recommended.
– The classic 3-day round trip to Ala-Kol Lake is available, but it requires proper hiking experience, so please confirm your suitability with the tour manager.
Day 9. Trekking back to Ak-Suu Village. Road trip to Chong-Kemin National Park
. 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.
. After reaching your final point in Ak-Suu Village, drive to Karakol for a relaxing lunch following your trekking adventure. 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 breathtaking landscapes and fresh alpine air.
. Upon arrival, check into a cozy guesthouse within the park, unwind, and relax after a day filled with trekking and scenic driving.
Transfer: Total: 300 km – 4-5 h. Asphalt: 300 km Dirt road: 0 km Trekking: 12 km – 4 h. 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 10. Return 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 or opt for a more challenging trek to Kol-Tor Lake along the way.
