Kirgisistan-Tour „Kel-Suu“

Kick off your Kyrgyzstan adventure tour with a scenic drive to Kyzart Village near Song-Kol Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes. Enjoy a homemade lunch at a local guesthouse and receive basic horseback riding instructions, perfect for beginners.  In the afternoon, ride along the Chaar-Archa River through wide valleys and peaceful mountain landscapes to reach Kilemche. The smooth trail allows you to connect with your horse while enjoying the stunning scenery.  By evening, arrive at a yurt camp run by a local herder family, where you can explore the hills, experience daily Kyrgyz nomadic life, and breathe in the fresh mountain air. Item Details Transfer Total: 280 km – 4 h Asphalt: 280 km Dirt road: 0 km Horse Riding 21 km – 4–5 h Notes & Recommendations No prior horse-riding experience required Leave large bag at guesthouse; take small backpack for essentials; main bag transported by car

• Bishkek → Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours (280 km)
• Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours → Kilemche (21 km)

Overnight: Kyzart starting point for Song Kul Tours (Yurt camp)

• Shower: No
• Toilet: Shared (indoor)
• Internet: None

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Next day →

Today’s horseback ride is more demanding but incredibly rewarding. After breakfast at the yurt camp, you’ll begin the ascent toward Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3,300 m). While the climb is challenging, the breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains make it well worth the effort. At the top, pause to rest your horses and enjoy your first stunning glimpse of Song-Kol Lake shimmering in the distance. From there, you’ll descend toward the lakeshore, passing traditional nomadic yurts and grazing herds along the way. By midday, you’ll arrive at the yurt camp near the lake, where lunch will be served. The afternoon is free to unwind after the ride take a stroll along the lakeshore, explore the nearby hills, or simply relax and soak in the tranquil atmosphere of Song-Kol. After dinner, step outside to marvel at the clear night sky, illuminated with countless stars. Notes & Recommendations Horses return to Kyzart Village after reaching Song-Kol Lake Bring warm clothing for chilly evenings

• Kilemche → Song Kul (17 km)

Overnight: Song Kul (Yurt camp)

• Shower: No
• Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
• Internet: Mobile signal only

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Next day →

Today, you’ll drive to Tash-Bashat Village, located in the heart of Kyrgyzstan. The journey begins along the scenic Song Kul lakeshore before ascending the famous Terskey-Torpu Pass (3,300 m), featuring dramatic zig-zag roads and stunning mountain views. You’ll stop in Naryn City for a rest and lunch, then continue to Tash-Bashat Village, where you’ll stay at a comfortable hotel—an ideal chance to refresh after your night in a yurt in the mountains. Once settled, take a leisurely walk through the village streets to experience authentic rural Kyrgyz life, or explore the nearby mountains for an active afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner at the hotel, followed by a warm bonfire under the starry sky—a perfect way to end the day.

• Song Kul → Naryn (120 km)
• Naryn → Tash Bashat (50 km)

Overnight: Tash Bashat (Hotel)

• Shower: Yes
• Toilet: Private (in the room)
• Internet: Wi-Fi

Next day →

Start your day early with a rugged drive through the At-Bashy region, crossing Kyndy Pass (3,200 m), the gateway to the vast Arpa Valley, en route to Kel-Suu Lake.  Upon arrival at a guesthouse in Kok-Kiya Valley, enjoy lunch before setting off on a scenic 4-hour trek along the river. The gentle terrain makes for an easy yet breathtaking hike, with towering mountains framing the distant lake.  At Kel-Suu Lake, admire the spectacular scenery and, if desired, take a short boat ride on the pristine waters. After soaking in the beauty, return to the guesthouse for dinner and a comfortable overnight stay. Notes & Recommendations Trekking is generally easy, with one slightly challenging section near the lake Horseback riding is available as an alternative for an additional fee Yurt accommodation is possible, but guesthouse is recommended due to cold weather

• Tash Bashat → Kok Kiya Valley (180 km)
• Kok Kiya Valley → Kel Suu Lake (14 km)
• Kel Suu Lake → Kok Kiya Valley (14 km)

Overnight: Kok Kiya Valley (Guesthouse)

• Shower: No
• Toilet: Shared (indoor)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Next day →

Today is the longest driving day of your journey, so start with an early breakfast before retracing the route back to Naryn. Upon arrival, refuel the car and enjoy lunch before continuing toward Ysyk-Kol Lake, passing over Dolon Pass (3,030 m) and through Kochkor Village. If time permits, make a short stop at the Ak-Say Canyons to admire the striking rock formations with a lake and mountains in the distance. In the evening, arrive at your guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Take a brief walk to stretch your legs before enjoying a relaxing dinner. Breakfast at guesthouse, lunch at restaurant, dinner at restaurant Notes & Recommendations The drive is long, so start early with breakfast. Bokonbaev guesthouses are slightly farther from the lake; if you prefer to stay closer, yurt accommodations are available please confirm with us.

• Kok Kiya Valley → Bokonbaevo (390 km)

Overnight: Bokonbaevo (Guesthouse)

• Shower: Yes
• Toilet: Shared (indoor)
• Internet: Wi-Fi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Next day →

Start your day with a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration by a local Kyrgyz eagle hunter, experiencing this unique tradition up close. Then, drive to the stunning Fairy-Tale Canyons to explore their dramatic rock formations and colorful landscapes. Stop in Tamga Village for lunch at the home of the famous Soviet-era mountaineer. After lunch, continue to the impressive Barskoon Waterfalls, followed by a visit to the picturesque Jety-Oguz Valley, known for its striking red rock formations. In the evening, arrive in Karakol, where time permitting, you can take a short city tour before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant. Notes & Recommendations The eagle hunting demonstration is staged on animal skins; real hunting on horseback is only in winter The demonstration is optional and can be skipped if preferred

Barskoon Valley, Jeti Oguz, Skazka Canyon

• Bokonbaevo → Karakol (150 km)

Overnight: Karakol (Hotel)

• Shower: Yes
• Toilet: Private (in the room)
• Internet: Wi-Fi

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Next day →

Begin your day with a drive to Ak-Suu Village near Karakol, then set off on a scenic trek to Altyn-Arashan Gorge, carrying a small backpack. The trail follows a sparkling river through lush alpine forests, offering breathtaking views of surrounding mountains. Pause along the way for a relaxing picnic by the river, soaking in the fresh mountain air and peaceful sounds of nature. By early evening, arrive at the Altyn-Arashan guesthouse and enjoy the natural hot springs to relax tired muscles. Conclude the day with a hearty dinner and the opportunity to unwind under the stars in this tranquil alpine setting. Optional horseback riding or a ride in a classic Soviet 4×4 UAZ is available for those who prefer an easier journey. Item Details Transfer Total: 30 km – 30 min Asphalt: 30 km Dirt road: 0 km Trekking 12 km – 5 h Meals Breakfast at hotel, picnic lunch, dinner at guesthouse. Overnight Guesthouse WC Shared Shower Hot springs Internet Wi-Fi Notes & Recommendations Leave large bag at hotel or in car; take only a backpack with essentials for the 2-day trek Trekking difficulty: easy to medium Optional horseback ride or 4×4 UAZ ride available for additional fee

• Karakol → Ak Suu (15 km)
• Ak Suu → Altyn Arashan (12 km)

Overnight: Altyn Arashan

Next day →

After breakfast, begin your trek back to Ak-Suu Village, retracing the scenic trail along the river and through alpine forests. Enjoy the fresh mountain air and take in the landscapes one last time. Upon arrival at Ak-Suu, drive to Karakol for lunch and a final taste of local cuisine. Continue along the northern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, taking in its sparkling waters and the surrounding mountains of this “Pearl of Central Asia.” Arrive in Bishkek in the evening, marking the conclusion of your 8-day Kyrgyzstan adventure filled with horseback riding, trekking, hidden lakes, and authentic nomadic experiences. Notes & Recommendations The drive back to Bishkek is long but mostly on asphalt; depart Altyn-Arashan early Expected arrival in Bishkek: 8–9 PM

• Altyn Arashan → Ak Suu (12 km)
• Ak Suu → Bishkek (420 km)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch