- 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
• 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 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. 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: 180 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 50 km
Dirt road: 130 km
Meals:
Breakfast at hotel,
lunch-picnic,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse (3200m)
WC: Shared WC
Internet: Wi-Fi for payment
Shower: On request
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Yurt accommodation is available, but we recommend staying in the guesthouse due to cold weather.
Day 5. Visit Kel-Suu Lake
• Today you explore the stunning Kel-Suu Lake. The day begins with a morning trek from Kok-Kiya Valley to the lake, taking about four hours round trip. The trail is mostly easy and follows a river, with dramatic mountain peaks rising in the distance.
• Along the way, you’ll pass grazing horses and yaks, adding to the remote alpine atmosphere. The final short section is slightly more challenging, with small river crossings and a gentle descent, but your guide will be there to assist you. After reaching Kel-Suu Lake, take time to enjoy the views, take photos, and optionally enjoy a boat ride on the lake.
• You then return to the guesthouse the same way, have lunch, and drive back following the same road. In the evening, you arrive in Naryn and rest at a hotel before dinner.
Transfer:
Total: 150 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 20 km
Dirt road: 130 km
Trekking: 14 km – 4 h.
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at restaurant
Overnight: hotel
WC: Private
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
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.
– For more time to enjoy the valley views, you can choose to stay an extra night in Kok-Kiya Valley. Just be ready for a long drive the next day as you head straight Ysyk-Kol Lake.
Day 6. 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 7. 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 8. 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 9. 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 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.
