Horseback journeys, remote alpine lakes, village hospitality and mountain trekking
About this trip
Depart Bishkek for Kyzart and ride through Kilemche Valley to Song-Kol. Continue by 4x4 to Tash-Bashat, then travel through remote mountain country to Kel-Suu for a trek to the lake. The return route visits Issyk-Kul, Skazka Canyon, Barskoon, Jeti-Oguz and Karakol before the final trek from Altyn-Arashan and return to Bishkek.
The tour includes seven nights of accommodation, meals listed by day, horseback riding, trekking, and nine scheduled 2027 group departures. Kel-Suu and other high mountain access depend on permits, weather and road conditions.
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.
A 7-day Kyrgyzstan group adventure featuring Ala-Archa, Chon-Kemin, Issyk-Kul, Kok-Jaiyk and Altyn-Arashan, with horseback activities and an eagle hunting demonstration.
From
USD 1200
| Days | Stay |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Traditional yurt camp, Kilemche |
| Day 2 | Yurt camp near Song-Kol |
| Day 3 | Guesthouse or local family accommodation, Tash-Bashat |
| Day 4 | Mountain guesthouse or yurt camp, Kel-Suu area |
| Day 5 | Guesthouse near Issyk-Kul |
| Day 6 | Hotel or guesthouse |
| Day 7 | Mountain guesthouse, Altyn-Arashan |
Day by day
Open each day for the route, experiences and overnight details.
Day 1
Depart Bishkek and drive through mountain landscapes to Kyzart Village. Have lunch with a local family, meet the horses, then ride through mountain valleys and open pastures to Kilemche Jailoo.
Day 2
Ride over mountain passes and alpine pastures to Song-Kol Lake. Discover nomadic culture and summer pastures used by local herding families, then enjoy dinner and sunset beside the lake.
Day 3
Travel by 4x4 from Song-Kol to Tash-Bashat Village. Visit a Kyrgyz family, learn about local food and traditions, and explore the village. If season and weather allow, take a short walk in the surrounding mountains.
Day 4
Drive through remote valleys and high mountain passes toward Kel-Suu. Reach the mountain area and trek toward the lake, exploring the cliffs and alpine scenery. Access depends on weather, road and border conditions.
Day 5
Leave the remote mountains and travel toward Issyk-Kul. Stop at viewpoints and local places as route and weather allow, then check into accommodation near the lake.
Day 6
Explore Skazka Canyon on foot, then continue to Barskoon Valley and Jeti-Oguz. Take in mountain viewpoints, local villages and cultural stops.
Day 7
Continue toward Karakol and explore the area before heading into the gorge. Trek through forests and Tien Shan mountain scenery to Altyn-Arashan, then settle into the mountain guesthouse and enjoy the natural hot springs.
Day 8
After breakfast, trek down from Altyn-Arashan and continue to Karakol. Have lunch, then travel back to Bishkek with scenic stops if time and road conditions allow. The tour ends in Bishkek.
The essentials
Before you go
Questions, answered
The brochure meal plan is included: Day 1 lunch and dinner; Days 2–7 breakfast, lunch and dinner; Day 8 breakfast and lunch. Please share dietary requirements before travel.
The brochure includes a professional English-speaking driver/guide, local guides where required, a 4x4 or comfortable tour vehicle for road sections, horseback riding on Days 1 and 2, and the trekking activities in the itinerary.
The brochure includes entrance fees to listed attractions and drinking water during transfers. The proposed package also includes the operator’s arrangement and standard fee for a Kel-Suu group permit, subject to official approval. Each traveler must provide passport details after booking. Vehicles do not enter the lake itself; the lake visit is on foot.
The proposed Bishkek departure time is 07:00 on Day 1, with pickup from a central Bishkek hotel. Please arrive the previous day. Airport transfers before or after the tour are not included in the proposed price but can be arranged for an additional charge.
The proposed price is $1,200 per person in USD for the listed 2027 group departures, based on shared accommodation. It includes the itinerary, listed meals, English-speaking driver/guide, local guides where required, road transport, seven nights of accommodation, listed horseback riding and trekking, entrance fees to listed attractions, drinking water during transfers, and Kel-Suu permit arrangement. International flights, travel insurance, personal expenses, alcoholic drinks, tips, optional activities, extra nights, airport transfers and a private-room supplement are not included.
Proposed payment terms: a 30% deposit ($360) reserves a place, with the remaining $840 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 1200 / person
Upcoming departures
