Alpine lakes, horseback adventures, remote valleys and nomadic culture
About this trip
Travel from Bishkek through Karakol and Altyn Arashan, across the Ala-Kol highlands, along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore, and into the remote Kel-Suu and Son-Kul regions. The itinerary includes horseback excursions, a high-altitude hike, canyon and waterfall visits, an eagle hunting demonstration, and overnight stays in mountain guesthouses and yurt camps.
The tour has four scheduled 2027 group departures and costs $1,500 per person. Mountain access and activities depend on permits, weather and trail conditions, so the route may be adjusted.
Where you'll stay
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.
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.
From
USD 1500
| Days | Stay |
|---|
| Day 1 | Yurt camp or guesthouse, Altyn Arashan |
| Day 2 | Altyn Arashan |
| Day 3 | Yurt camp, Kok-Jaiyk |
| Day 4 | Yurt camp, Bokonbaevo |
| Day 5 | Guesthouse, Naryn |
| Days 6–7 | Yurt camp, Kel-Suu area |
| Days 8–9 | Yurt camp, Son-Kul |
Day by day
Open each day for the route, experiences and overnight details.
Day 1
Depart Bishkek and drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol. Transfer into Altyn Arashan by Soviet UAZ 4x4, check into a yurt camp or guesthouse, and optionally visit the natural hot springs.
Day 2
Ride through alpine valleys toward Ala-Kol Lake. Leave the horses for the final hike to Ala-Kol Pass at approximately 3,900 m, enjoy views of the lake at approximately 3,532 m, then return on horseback to Altyn Arashan.
Day 3
Take a morning UAZ transfer back to Karakol, drive to Jeti-Oguz Valley and continue toward Kok-Jaiyk. Ride through the valley, visit the waterfall and relax in the mountain surroundings.
Day 4
Visit Barskoon Waterfalls and explore the red rock formations of Skazka Canyon, then follow Issyk-Kul’s southern shore toward Bokonbaevo.
Day 5
Watch a traditional eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo, travel through Kochkor to Naryn, then settle into a guesthouse and enjoy a free afternoon.
Day 6
Drive from Naryn into remote Kok-Kiya Valley and arrive at the yurt camp in the Kel-Suu area. Relax and enjoy the surrounding mountain scenery.
Day 7
Ride on horseback through Kok-Kiya Valley to Kel-Suu Lake. Explore the lake and surrounding canyon views; an optional boat ride is weather permitting. Return to the yurt camp.
Day 8
Leave Kok-Kiya Valley, travel back through Naryn and cross Moldo-Ashuu Pass on the mountain journey toward Son-Kul. Check into the yurt camp and enjoy sunset beside the lake.
Day 9
Ride on horseback along the lakeshore for approximately two to three hours. Visit nomadic shepherds if they are in the summer pastures; this is seasonal. Enjoy free time, photography and a traditional Kyrgyz dinner.
Day 10
Have breakfast at the yurt camp, drive back to Bishkek with a lunch stop, and finish with a hotel or airport drop-off.
The essentials
Before you go
Questions, answered
The proposed meal plan is Day 1: lunch and dinner; Days 2–9: breakfast, lunch and dinner; Day 10: breakfast and lunch. Meals listed in this plan are included in the $1,500 price. Please share dietary requirements before travel.
The proposed package includes an English- and Russian-speaking tour guide, group transport along the itinerary, UAZ or 4x4 transfers for Altyn Arashan, and local horse guides for the listed riding activities.
The proposed price includes entrance fees for the listed visits and the operator’s arrangement of the required Kel-Suu group permit. Each traveler must provide passport details after booking. Kel-Suu access depends on official permit approval and local conditions; vehicles do not enter the lake itself.
The proposed Bishkek departure time is 07:00 on Day 1, with pickup from a Bishkek hotel. Please arrive the previous day. Airport pickup before the tour is not included, but can be arranged for an additional charge.
The proposed price is $1,500 per person in USD for the listed 2027 group departures, based on shared accommodation. It covers the itinerary, listed meals, guide, transport, accommodation, listed activities and visits, Kel-Suu permit arrangement, and the final Bishkek hotel or airport drop-off. A private room, pre-tour hotel, arrival airport transfer, international flights, visa, insurance, tips, personal purchases, hot-spring visit and optional Kel-Suu boat ride are not included.
Proposed payment terms: a 30% deposit ($450) reserves a place, with the remaining $1,050 due 30 days before departure. Proposed cancellation terms: more than 30 days before departure, the deposit is retained; 15–30 days before departure, 50% of the total price is retained; fewer than 15 days before departure or a no-show, the full price is retained. Any documented non-refundable third-party costs are also deducted.
Plan this trip
From
USD 1500 / person
Upcoming departures
