This nine-day tour combines a horse trek to Song-Kol Lake with hiking to Ala-Kul Lake. The route takes you across mountain passes and summer pastures, with overnight stays in yurts, guesthouses and tents. Along the way, you will discover Kyrgyz traditions, explore Kok-Moinok, Ak-Sai and Skazka canyons, visit Barskoon waterfalls and spend time on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.

The trekking section begins in Karakol Gorge and leads to Ala-Kul Lake before crossing a pass at approximately 3,900 metres into Altyn Arashan Valley. Here, you can relax in the natural hot springs before returning to Bishkek.

The tour is suitable for beginner riders, with no previous horse riding experience required. However, good physical fitness is necessary for the trekking section, which involves long walking days, steep ascents and descents, and rocky trails at high altitude.

Driving time/distance: 210km/5 hours Hiking distance: 1km/1 hour

Our adventure begins in Bishkek as we drive towards the beautiful Kok-Moinok Canyons, surrounded by impressive rock formations and colorful landscapes. Upon arrival, we enjoy a short hike of approximately 1.5 hours, exploring the narrow passages and unusual shapes created by centuries of erosion. Afterwards, we continue to Kochkor village, known for its traditional Kyrgyz handicrafts and warm hospitality.

In Kochkor, we visit a local workshop to watch a traditional Shyrdak felt carpet-making demonstration. Learn how local artisans create colorful patterns using techniques passed down through generations. In the evening, enjoy a homemade dinner and experience the welcoming atmosphere of a traditional Kyrgyz guesthouse.

Accommodation: Hotel (twin room).
Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

Distance: 40-min driving/4-5-hrs horse riding

We depart from Kochkor at 09:00 and drive to Kashka-Suu village, a journey of approximately 1.5 hours. Here we meet our horse trekking team and begin our five-day horseback adventure towards the high-altitude Song-Kol Lake.

Today’s route takes us across Tolok Pass (3,227 m) and towards the beautiful Kilemche Jailoo. Song-Kol lies at an altitude of 3,016 metres and during the summer months its surrounding pastures are used by shepherd families from different regions of Kyrgyzstan. The name Kilemche means “like a carpet”, perfectly describing the wide green pastures covering the surrounding mountain slopes.

By evening, we arrive at our camp, where dinner will be waiting for us.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Facilities: (Wi-Fi) available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets

Riding distance: 6 hours

After breakfast at Kilemche, we begin our climb towards Ak-Tash Pass (3,450 m) across the Song-Kol mountain range. The ascent offers beautiful views over Kilemche Jailoo, while from the higher slopes the vast Song-Kol basin gradually comes into view.

As we descend towards the lake, Song-Kol appears larger and larger against the surrounding mountain ranges. We continue to Jaman-Echki, where we stop for lunch with local shepherds. Afterwards, our horseback journey continues across Zhalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,400 m) before descending towards the lake and riding to the Batai-Aral area.

In the evening, we settle into our yurt camp near Song-Kol.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Facilities: (Wi-Fi) available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, traditional Russian-style sauna (banya) – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS, western-style toilets

Driving distance: 5 hours

After breakfast at our yurt camp, we say goodbye to Song-Kol Lake and begin our journey towards the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Along the way, we pass through beautiful mountain landscapes and traditional Kyrgyz villages. Our first adventure of the day is a visit to the spectacular Ak-Sai Canyons, known for their colorful rock formations and unusual desert-like scenery.

We enjoy approximately 1.5 hours of hiking through the canyons, exploring narrow passages and admiring panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Afterwards, we continue to Bokonbaevo village, located near Issyk-Kul Lake. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to swim in the lake and relax on its beautiful shores.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)

Meals included: breakfast, lunch, dinner

Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

Driving distance: 5 hours Hiking distance: 3km/2 hour in total

Today, we explore some of the most beautiful natural and cultural attractions along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. We begin with a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, where local berkutchi show their remarkable skills and explain the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles, an important part of Kyrgyz nomadic culture.

Afterwards, we visit the colorful Skazka Canyons, famous for their unusual red sandstone formations resembling castles and fairy-tale landscapes. We then continue to Barskoon Gorge, where we take a short walk to admire its beautiful waterfalls surrounded by mountain forests. In the afternoon, we drive towards Karakol, enjoying scenic views along the way.

Accommodation: shared twin rooms in a guest house/hotel

Meals included: lunch, dinner

Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

Trekking distance/time: 10km / 5-6 hours (radial hike) Ascent: 440 meters

After breakfast, transfer from Karakol city to the Karakol Gorge (1-1,5 hours drive). The road follows the winding valley surrounded by lush forests and a fast-flowing mountain river. Upon arrival at the campsite (2,550 meters), take a short rest before starting your hike.

Begin your radial hike toward the foot of the impressive Karakol Peak, one of the most iconic mountains in the Terskey Ala-Too Range. The trail passes through alpine meadows and spruce forests, gradually ascending with stunning views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. Enjoy your lunch overlooking the magnificent Karakol Peak before returning to the campsite.

Spend the evening relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of the gorge, listening to the sound of the river, and enjoying dinner under the starry sky. Overnight in tents surrounded by spruce trees.

Accommodation: tents (2 people in a tent) or yurts (3-4 people in a yurt)

Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 100 KGS), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), no hot shower, outdoor toilets

Trekking distance/time: 10 km / 6-7 hours. Ascent: – 1030m

This day challenges you with strenuous walking through screws and boulders before you get to the lake, 3 hours. After a few hours of demanding ascent, be rewarded with the jewel of Ala Kul Lake, standing at 3500 meters and fed by glaciers around. The view of this turquoise alpine lake takes your breath away. Arrival at the campsite. Be accommodated in tents. Free stroll around the lake. Dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: tents (2 people in a tent)

Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 100 KGS), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), no hot shower, outdoor toilets

Trekking distance/time: 13 km / 6-7 hours Ascent: – 340m, Descent: – 1400m

After breakfast, we head on to Ala Kul Pass, standing at 3950 meters. Craggy and glaciated peaks of Terskey Ala-Too open on top of the pass. Give a time to gaze at these towering peaks of the great Tian Shan Range. Descend the steep path towards the campsite at beautiful Keldyke Valley at (3200m). Have some lunch. Then we head on to our yurt camp along lush green pastures with gently flowing rivers of Altyn Arashan Valley, 3-4 hours. At some point, you will cross one of the streams, but the level is low. Arrival at our yurt camp, standing at 2450 meters. In fact, Altyn-Arashan means ‘Golden Spa’ and this valley is famous for its hot sulfur springs. We take a bath in hot spring pools after three long days of hiking to relieve muscle pains.

Accommodation: shared yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)

Meals included: breakfast, picnic lunch, dinner

Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), solar panels (you can charge your phones until 9:00 p.m.), hot shower, hot spring pools, and western-style toilets

Driving time/distance: 450km / 8 hours. Descent: – 1800m

After breakfast, we say goodbye to the beautiful Altyn Arashan Valley and begin our journey back towards civilization. A specially arranged mountain vehicle takes us down the rugged road to Karakol, passing through scenic forests and alongside mountain rivers. Upon reaching Karakol, we transfer to our comfortable vehicle and continue our journey towards Bishkek.

The drive follows the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes. Along the way, we make stops for lunch and short breaks before continuing towards the capital. Upon arrival in Bishkek, our unforgettable nine-day adventure through Kyrgyzstan comes to an end.

End of the tour in Bishkek.

Meals included: breakfast, lunch