- 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.
- 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.
- Visit Altyn-Arashan Valley famous for hot springs.
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
Internet: Wi-Fi
WC: Shared
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 2. Visit Ak-Kol Lake & Ming-Kush Village
• Today you’ll travel to Song-Kol Lake, the heartland of Kyrgyz nomads. The drive follows the scenic Koko-Meren River, with a stop at the charming Ak-Kol Lake for tea and a short walk.
• Next, visit Ming-Kush Village, once a bustling uranium town during the USSR and now mostly abandoned. Here, enjoy lunch with a local family and hear stories about the village’s unique history. Take a walk through the streets, noticing how it differs from typical Kyrgyz villages.
• Afterward, continue your journey to Song-Kol Lake via the rugged Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3,300 m), where you’ll catch your first breathtaking view of the lake. Following the lake’s shoreline, arrive at a nomad family’s yurt for the night. Before dinner, relax or take a peaceful walk by the lake, soaking in the stunning mountain scenery.
Transfer:
Total: 190 km – 4 h.
Asphalt: 180 km
Dirt road: 10 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at homestay,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt
Internet: Mob. Internet
WC: Shared WC
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 3. 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 4. Road trip to Tash-Rabat Caravanserai
• Today you’ll travel south toward Tash-Rabat on a beautifully varied drive. The journey begins along the lakeshore of Song-Kol Lake, followed by the scenic ascent of the Moldo-Ashuu Pass at 3,200 meters, offering wide mountain views.
• Descending from the pass, you’ll stop by a mountain stream to enjoy a relaxed picnic in nature. The drive continues through the small villages of the Ak-Talaa region, giving insight into local life. You’ll then cross the Mels Pass (2,900 meters) and follow the vast landscapes of the Arpa Valley before arriving at a cozy guesthouse near the historic Tash-Rabat Caravanserai.
• After some rest and a warm cup of tea, you’ll visit this remarkable 15th-century stone monument and enjoy an easy walk in the surrounding hills. Dinner will be served back at the guesthouse.
Transfer:
Total: 220 km – 5-6 h.
Asphalt: 170 km
Dirt road: 50 km
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch-picnic,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse (3100m)
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Wi-Fi for fee
Shower: Local sauna for fee
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 5. 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: 220 km – 5-6 h.
Asphalt: 90 km
Dirt road: 130 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch-picnic,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse (3200m)
WC: Shared WC
Internet: Wi-Fi for payment
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Yurt accommodation is available, but we recommend staying in the guesthouse due to cold weather.
Day 6. Visit Kel-Suu Lake
• Today you’ll visit one of the main highlights of your journey – the breathtaking Kel-Suu Lake. After breakfast, you’ll pack your backpack and begin a gentle trek, following a river through open valleys with distant mountain views and grazing animals along the way.
• The hike is unhurried and peaceful, allowing you to fully enjoy the surrounding nature. After about two hours, you’ll arrive at the stunning Kel-Suu Lake, where you can relax, take photos, and admire its dramatic scenery. An optional boat ride is available for those who wish to experience the lake from the water.
• Enjoy your packed lunch while soaking in the views before returning to the guesthouse along the same trail. Upon arrival, rest and unwind in the calm, serene mountain atmosphere.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Trekking: 14 km – 4 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch-picnic,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse (3200m)
WC: Shared WC
Internet: Wi-Fi for payment
Shower: No
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.
Day 7. Road trip to Tash-Bashat Village
• After breakfast, you’ll drive back to Naryn from the Kok-Kiya Valley, following the same scenic road through wide-open landscapes and summer pastures. Enjoy sweeping views, grazing herds, and the quiet rhythm of mountain life along the way.
• Arrive in Naryn around lunchtime and stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a warm meal and a short rest. In the afternoon, continue your journey for less than an hour to Tash-Bashat Village. This authentic, non-touristic village offers a rare glimpse into everyday Kyrgyz life.
• Check in to a cozy hotel – an especially welcome comfort after nights spent in yurts and mountain guesthouses. Take time to stroll the village streets, relax, and unwind. The day ends with a hearty dinner at the hotel.
Transfer:
Total: 180 km – 4 h.
Asphalt: 50 km
Dirt road: 130 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at restaurant,
dinner at hotel
Overnight: hotel
WC: Private WC
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 8. 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 9. 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 10. 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.
• The day concludes with a dinner and an overnight stay at guesthouse, offering an authentic mountain experience.
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 11. Return to Bishkek
• 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.
• Upon reaching Karakol, you’ll go for a lunch at restaurant 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, off-road driving, hidden lakes, and the warmth of nomadic hospitality.
Transfer: Total: 440 km – 6-7 h. Asphalt: 428 km Dirt road: 12 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.
