Nomadic culture, remote alpine lakes, canyon trails and mountain scenery
About this trip
Travel from Bishkek through Kok-Moinok Canyon and Boom Gorge to Son-Kul, then continue to remote Kok-Kiya and Kel-Suu. The route returns through Naryn and Issyk-Kul, visiting Ak-Sai Canyon, Bokonbaevo, Skazka Canyon, Barskoon and Kok-Jaiyk before finishing in Bishkek.
The itinerary includes two horseback experiences, a hike to Kel-Suu Lake, an eagle hunting demonstration, eight nights of accommodation and four 2027 group departures. Kel-Suu access and high mountain travel depend on permits, weather and road conditions.
Where you'll stay
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.
From
USD 1300
| Days | Stay |
|---|---|
| Days 1–2 | Yurt camp, Son-Kul |
| Days 3–4 | Kok-Kiya accommodation, confirmed before travel |
| Day 5 | Accommodation in Naryn, confirmed before travel |
| Day 6 | Accommodation in Bokonbaevo, confirmed before travel |
| Day 7 | Yurt camp, Kok-Jaiyk |
| Day 8 | Accommodation in Altyn-Arashan, confirmed before travel |
Day by day
Open each day for the route, experiences and overnight details.
Day 1
Depart Bishkek, visit Kok-Moinok Canyon, drive through Boom Gorge and continue via Kochkor to Son-Kul. Arrive at the yurt camp for dinner and sunset by the lake.
Day 2
Enjoy breakfast and an introduction to traditional nomadic life. Take a two-hour horseback ride through the alpine pastures around Son-Kul, share lunch and spend free time beside the lake.
Day 3
Depart Son-Kul after breakfast and travel through the Naryn region toward remote Kok-Kiya Valley. Arrive and explore the valley and surrounding mountains.
Day 4
After breakfast, hike from Kok-Kiya to Kel-Suu Lake. Explore the alpine landscape and take time for photography before hiking back to Kok-Kiya.
Day 5
Depart Kok-Kiya and descend through the mountains toward Naryn. Have lunch on arrival and enjoy a relaxed afternoon in town.
Day 6
Depart Naryn and visit Ak-Sai Canyon before continuing toward Issyk-Kul. Arrive in Bokonbaevo and watch a traditional eagle hunting show.
Day 7
Visit Skazka Canyon and Barskoon along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore. Continue to Kok-Jaiyk and ride on horseback to the Hidden Waterfall.
Day 8
Enjoy a peaceful morning in Kok-Jaiyk, then travel to Altyn-Arashan by 4x4 along a scenic mountain route.
Day 9
Have breakfast and enjoy a free morning in Altyn-Arashan. Return by 4x4 to Karakol, then continue toward Bishkek with lunch and scenic stops along Issyk-Kul. Finish with the airport transfer.
The essentials
Before you go
Questions, answered
The brochure meal plan is included: Day 1 lunch and dinner; Days 2–8 breakfast, lunch and dinner; Day 9 breakfast and lunch. Please share dietary requirements before travel.
The proposed package includes an English- and Russian-speaking tour guide throughout, group transport along the itinerary, a local horse guide for the riding activities, and the listed 4x4 transfers to Altyn-Arashan and back to Karakol.
The proposed $1,300 price includes entrance fees for the listed visits and the operator’s arrangement of the required Kel-Suu group permit, subject to official approval. Each traveler must provide passport details after booking. If access is refused or unsafe, an alternative route will be arranged. 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 final airport transfer on Day 9 is included.
The proposed price is $1,300 per person in USD for the listed 2027 group departures, based on shared accommodation. It includes the itinerary, listed meals, guide, transport, eight nights of accommodation, listed activities and visits, Kel-Suu permit arrangement, and final airport transfer. International flights, visas, personal travel insurance, tips, personal purchases, alcoholic drinks, optional activities, extra nights, pre-tour accommodation, arrival airport transfer and a private room supplement are not included.
Proposed payment terms: a 30% deposit ($390) reserves a place, with the remaining $910 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 1300 / person
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