- 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. 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 guesthouse,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt (3100m)
Internet: Mobile phone
WC: Sharing WC
Shower: On request
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Although daytime temperatures can be warm at Song-Kol Lake, evening can get chilly, so be sure to bring warm clothing.
– You’ll stay at a tourist yurt camp with modern comforts. If you prefer a more authentic experience with basic conditions for a deeper immersion into traditional daily life let us know your preference.
Day 2. Horse riding by Song-Kol Lake. Road trip to Tash-Bashat Village
• Wake up at your yurt and start the day with an easy horse ride around Song-Kol Lake, passing local yurts and grazing animals. For those who want a bit more adventure, you can ride into the nearby mountains for panoramic views of the lake.
• After lunch in the yurt, say goodbye to the family and drive toward the rural village of Tash-Bashat. The route passes through Terskey-Torpu Pass, well known for its dramatic serpentine zigzags, and continues via Naryn City.
• In the early evening, you’ll arrive at a cozy village hotel and take a walk through the quiet streets to gain a deeper understanding of Kyrgyz village life. Afterward, enjoy a restful night in a comfortable hotel – well deserved after a night in a yurt.
Transfer:
Total: 170 km – 3-4 h.
Asphalt: 100 km
Dirt road: 70 km
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt,
dinner at hotel
Overnight: hotel
WC: Private
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 3. 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 Ak-Say 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 at 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 4. 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 at guesthouse
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 5. 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 6. 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 7. Return back 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 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.
