Nomadic Kyrgyzstan – 8 Days

Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Bishkek. First, drive to Kyzart Village, approximately 4–5 hours away. Along the way, enjoy mountain landscapes, open valleys, and traditional villages.

Once you arrive in Kyzart, meet your horse and local guide for the next two days. No previous horse riding experience is required because the horses are calm and well trained.

Next, begin a 4–5 hour ride toward Kilemche Valley at 2,600 meters. The trail follows the Chaar-Archa River through rolling hills and alpine meadows. Meanwhile, the relaxed pace gives you time to become comfortable on your horse and enjoy the scenery.

Finally, settle into a traditional yurt camp for the night. In the evening, enjoy dinner prepared by local hosts and experience Kyrgyz nomadic hospitality.

After breakfast at the yurt camp, prepare for another scenic day on horseback. Today, you will ride for approximately 5–6 hours through high alpine landscapes toward Song-Kol Lake.

First, the trail climbs toward Jalgyz-Karagay Pass at 3,400 meters. From the pass, enjoy impressive views of Song-Kol Lake surrounded by green meadows and mountain peaks.

Afterward, descend toward the lakeshore and stop for lunch at a traditional yurt camp. Later, continue riding along the western shore and visit a local nomadic family's camp. Here, you can learn more about traditional herding and dairy production.

In the evening, settle into your yurt camp at Song-Kol Lake. Finally, enjoy a hearty Kyrgyz dinner followed by a peaceful night beneath the stars.

After breakfast, leave Song-Kol Lake and continue toward Naryn. First, stop in Naryn City for lunch before driving farther toward Tash-Bashat Village.

During the journey, the road passes through mountain scenery and traditional settlements. Therefore, even the transfer offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the landscapes of central Kyrgyzstan.

Later, arrive in Tash-Bashat and check into your accommodation. Unlike the previous yurt stays, this night offers private facilities and Wi-Fi.

Today, travel deeper into the mountains toward remote Kel-Suu Lake near the Chinese border. Because this region lies within a controlled border zone, a border permit is required and is included in the tour.

First, drive through the beautiful At-Bashy Valley and cross Kyndy Pass at 3,500 meters. Afterward, descend into the wide Ak-Say Valley, where you may see traditional yurts, horses, and yaks.

Later, arrive at the yurt camp near Kel-Suu Lake. After lunch, explore the lake and surrounding landscape on foot. The trekking route covers approximately 14 km and takes around four hours in total.

Along the way, enjoy views of turquoise water and dramatic cliffs. Alternatively, horse riding to the lake is available for an additional fee.

Finally, return to the yurt camp for an overnight stay.

After breakfast, leave the Kel-Suu region and begin the long journey north toward Ysyk-Kol Lake.

The route passes through Naryn City and several scenic mountain areas. Although this is the longest driving day of the tour, the changing landscapes make the journey interesting.

After approximately 5–6 hours, arrive in Bokonbaevo on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. The village is well known for its connection to traditional eagle hunting.

Finally, check into a local guesthouse and relax after the journey.

Today, explore some of the most famous natural attractions along the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake.

First, visit Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. Its red, orange, and yellow sandstone formations create unusual shapes that resemble castles and mythical creatures.

Next, continue to Barskoon Waterfall. A short walk through the gorge leads toward the powerful cascade and surrounding mountain scenery.

Afterward, visit Jeti-Oguz Valley. Here, see the famous Seven Bulls red rock formation as well as the legendary Broken Heart rock.

Finally, continue to Karakol and check into your hotel for the night.

After breakfast, drive toward Karakol and then continue to Ak-Suu Village, the starting point for your trek.

From there, begin the 4–5 hour trek to Altyn Arashan Valley. The trail follows the Arashan River through pine forests, mountain streams, and waterfalls.

As you climb higher, the scenery gradually becomes more dramatic. Eventually, arrive in the alpine valley at approximately 2,500 meters.

After the trek, relax in the famous natural hot springs surrounded by mountain scenery. In addition, you can enjoy views toward the surrounding peaks, including Palatka Peak.

Finally, stay overnight in a guesthouse in Altyn Arashan Valley.

Begin the final morning with breakfast in Altyn Arashan. If time allows, enjoy another relaxing visit to the hot springs before leaving the valley.

Next, trek back to Ak-Suu Village. The descent takes approximately four hours.

Afterward, meet your vehicle and begin the 5–6 hour drive to Bishkek.

Finally, the tour ends with drop-off at your hotel or Manas International Airport.