Naryn Region
Kel-Suu is one of Kyrgyzstan's least-visited great lakes, sitting in a narrow gorge near the Chinese border in the country's far southeast. Its still, deep-blue water and dramatic rock walls make it feel more like a hidden fjord than a Central Asian lake. Getting there requires a long drive across a remote high plateau and a border permit, since it sits in a restricted frontier zone which is exactly why so few travelers make it out here. For those who do, the reward is total quiet and some of the most striking scenery in the country.
Best season: July to September, when border-zone roads are most passable
Nine days through Son-Kul, Kel-Suu and Issyk-Kul, with yurt stays, horseback riding, a lake hike, canyons, a waterfall and an eagle hunting demonstration.
A 10-day group adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s alpine lakes, remote valleys and nomadic regions, with horseback excursions, a high-altitude hike and yurt stays.
An 8-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure combining horseback journeys to Song-Kol, a trek to Kel-Suu, village hospitality, canyon walks and the Altyn-Arashan mountains.
