10 Days Best of Kyrgyzstan — Song-Kul Horse Trekking, Kel-Suu Lake & Issyk-Kul Adventure
Tour Overview
Begin your journey with an unforgettable horseback riding expedition from Kyzart Village through Kilemche Valley toward the magnificent Song-Kul Lake.
Ride through beautiful alpine meadows, cross mountain passes and spend two nights in traditional Kyrgyz yurt camps surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery.
Continue toward Naryn, traveling through beautiful mountain landscapes before heading into the remote high-altitude region near the Chinese border.
Discover the extraordinary Kel-Suu Lake, famous for its dramatic cliffs, turquoise water and remote location. Experience horseback riding through beautiful mountain scenery and enjoy authentic hospitality at a traditional yurt camp.
Travel toward Issyk-Kul Lake, one of Central Asia's most spectacular alpine lakes, and visit Bokonbaevo Village, known for its traditional eagle hunting culture.
Explore the colorful rock formations of Skazka Fairy Tale Canyon and the magnificent Jeti-Oguz Gorge before continuing toward Karakol.
Enjoy an exciting off-road journey to Altyn-Arashan Valley, where you can relax in natural hot springs surrounded by the beautiful Tian Shan Mountains.
Continue toward Chon-Kemin Valley, stopping at Kok-Moinok Canyon for an easy hike.
Complete your journey with a visit to the historic Burana Tower, an important monument associated with the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagyn.
This private tour combines horseback riding, mountain adventure, nomadic culture, beautiful lakes, historical landmarks and authentic local hospitality.
Why Choose This Tour
Unlike traditional sightseeing tours, this itinerary includes a three-day horse trek to Song-Kul Lake and an unforgettable journey to the remote Kel-Suu Lake.
Discover Kyrgyzstan's nomadic heritage through traditional yurt accommodation, local hospitality and horseback riding.
Explore the beautiful Issyk-Kul region, enjoy an eagle hunting demonstration and relax in the natural hot springs of Altyn-Arashan.
With private transportation, an English-speaking guide and two accommodation options, this tour offers a comprehensive adventure through some of Kyrgyzstan's most spectacular destinations.
Tour Highlights
- Experience a three-day horseback trekking adventure to Song-Kul Lake
- Ride through Kilemche Valley and beautiful alpine pastures
- Cross the spectacular Tuz-Ashuu mountain pass
- Stay in traditional Kyrgyz yurt camps
- Discover the breathtaking Song-Kul Lake at 3,016 meters
- Explore the remote Kel-Suu Lake near the Chinese border
- Enjoy horseback riding toward Kel-Suu Lake
- Travel through spectacular mountain passes near Naryn
- Experience traditional eagle hunting in Bokonbaevo
- Discover the beautiful southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake
- Explore Skazka Fairy Tale Canyon
- Visit the spectacular Jeti-Oguz red rock formations
- Enjoy an off-road UAZ adventure to Altyn-Arashan
- Relax in natural mountain hot springs
- Explore Kok-Moinok Canyon
- Stay in the peaceful Chon-Kemin Valley
- Discover the ancient Burana Tower
- Experience authentic Kyrgyz nomadic culture and hospitality
Day by Day Itinerary
Bishkek – Kyzart – Kilemche Valley
Depart at approximately 9:00 AM after breakfast and drive to Kyzart Village. After lunch and a horse riding safety briefing, begin your trek through beautiful mountain landscapes toward Kilemche Valley. Arrive at the yurt camp, relax and enjoy dinner. 3–4 hours driving; approximately 3 hours horse riding Yurt camp Meals: B, L, D
Kilemche Valley – Tuz-Ashuu Pass – Song-Kul Lake
After breakfast, continue horseback riding toward Song-Kul Lake. Cross Tuz-Ashuu Pass, approximately 3,400 meters above sea level, and enjoy panoramic views of Kilemche Valley and Song-Kul. Descend toward the lakeshore and spend the afternoon exploring the surroundings. 3–4 hours horse riding Yurt camp at Song-Kul Meals: B, L, D
Song-Kul Lake – Kyzart – Naryn
Ride back toward Kyzart Village, crossing the mountain pass. Enjoy lunch in Kyzart before continuing by vehicle toward Naryn through Dolon Pass and Kara-Unkur Gorge. Arrive in Naryn and check in to your hotel. Approximately 4 hours horse riding; driving time to be confirmed Khan Tengri Hotel 3★ Meals: B, L
Naryn – Kel-Suu Lake – Mountain Yurt Camp
Travel toward the remote Kel-Suu region, passing through high-altitude mountain landscapes and a military checkpoint. A border-zone permit is included. Arrive at the yurt camp and continue on horseback toward Kel-Suu Lake. Explore the lakeshore, with an optional boat excursion at extra cost when available, before returning to camp. Mountain drive; approximately 2 hours horse riding round trip Yurt camp near Kel-Suu Meals: B, L, D
Kel-Suu – Bosogo Jailoo – Naryn
After breakfast, depart the Kel-Suu region and return toward Naryn, traveling through scenic mountain passes and Bosogo Jailoo. Arrive in Naryn, enjoy free time and check in to your hotel. Approximately 3–4 hours driving according to the original plan Khan Tengri Hotel 3★ Meals: B
Naryn – Issyk-Kul Lake – Bokonbaevo
Continue toward Issyk-Kul Lake and Bokonbaevo Village, famous for its traditional golden eagle hunters. Enjoy an approximately one-hour eagle hunting demonstration and learn about Kyrgyz nomadic traditions. Dinner and overnight in a local family guesthouse. Approximately 3 hours driving according to the original plan Local family guesthouse Meals: B, D
Bokonbaevo – Skazka Canyon – Jeti-Oguz – Karakol
Travel along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Visit Skazka Fairy Tale Canyon and explore its colorful sandstone formations. Continue to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rock formations. Arrive in Karakol and check in to your hotel. Approximately 5–6 hours including sightseeing according to the original plan Suncor Hotel 3★ Meals: B
Karakol – Altyn-Arashan Hot Springs – Karakol
Travel to Ak-Suu Village and transfer to a specialized Russian UAZ off-road vehicle. Drive through rugged mountain terrain toward Altyn-Arashan Valley. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and an opportunity to relax in natural hot springs before returning to Karakol. Approximately 4–6 hours of off-road driving and sightseeing Suncor Hotel 3★ Meals: B, L
Karakol – Kok-Moinok Canyon – Chon-Kemin
After breakfast, travel toward Chon-Kemin Valley. Stop at Kok-Moinok Canyon for an easy hike and enjoy the dramatic rock formations. Continue to your guesthouse in Chon-Kemin, surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Driving and approximately 1 hour hiking; allow additional time for the full transfer My Village Guesthouse Meals: B, D
Chon-Kemin – Burana Tower – Bishkek
Depart Chon-Kemin and visit Burana Tower, a historic monument associated with the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagyn. Explore the tower, open-air archaeological exhibits and museum. Continue toward Bishkek for a hotel or airport transfer. Sightseeing and return transfer End of tour Meals: B
Tour Map
What's Included
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- Hotels, guesthouses and yurt camps
- Meals as listed in the itinerary
- English-speaking guide
- Private transportation and transfers
- Horses for Song-Kul trekking
- Horse guide
- Horse riding excursion at Kel-Suu
- Kel-Suu border-zone permit
- Eagle hunting demonstration
- UAZ transfer to Altyn-Arashan
- Entrance fees
- Tour organization and logistics
What's Not Included
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Alcoholic beverages
- Optional Kel-Suu boat excursion
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Personal riding equipment
- Additional hotel services
- Other optional activities
What to Bring
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this tour
