Four Sacred Lakes and Endless Steppes: Kyrgyzstan Expedition

Transfer to Jumgal Valley. Begin your scenic ascent to Song Kol Lake, passing nomadic settlements and vast mountain pastures.

Cross Tuz Ashuu Pass, from where a breathtaking panoramic view of Song Kol Lake opens below.

Descend to the lakeshore and arrive at the yurt camp.

Drive: 2 h, Horse riding: 4 h, Max altitude: 3,400 m

Ride along the north-western shore of Song Kol, meeting herders and watching daily nomadic life. Visit to a shepherd’s yurt for tasting fermented mare’s milk (kymyz).

Overnight at a yurt camp.

Horse riding: 4 h, Max altitude: 3,050 m

Continue your gallop exploration of Song Kol, riding across vast meadows and shallow rivers while enjoying wide-open panoramas of the Ala Too Mountains.

In the evening, relax by the bonfire under a starry sky.

Overnight at a yurt camp.

Horse riding: 4 h, Max altitude: 3,050 m

Drive across Teskey Torpok Pass, offering stunning views of surrounding peaks and valleys, then descend to Naryn town for lunch.

Continue to the wild and beautiful Kok Kyia Valley, the base for the Kel Suu trek.

Overnight at a yurt camp.

Drive: 5 h, Max altitude: 3,200 m

Start early for an easy hike to the mysterious Kel Suu Lake, hidden among towering limestone cliffs.

Enjoy a picnic by the lake, followed by a 9 km boat ride to fully take in the stunning turquoise waters and the surrounding peaks.

Overnight at a yurt camp.

Hiking: 4 h, Boat ride: 1-2 h, Max altitude: 3,500 m

Return through Naryn and continue toward Ysyk Kol – the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan.”

Along the way, enjoy a demonstration of traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets (shyrdaks) and learn about their making.

Arrive at the southern shore to relax and swim. Overnight at a guesthouse.

Drive: 5 h, Felt carpet show: 1 h, Max altitude: 1,600 m

In the morning, enjoy a national cultural program including an eagle hunting demonstration, archery, horse archery, a visit to a yurt museum, and the opportunity to wear traditional Kyrgyz clothes for a photoshoot.

After the morning activities, visit the colorful Fairytale Canyon and continue to Barskoon Gorge, famous for its waterfalls and breathtaking views of glaciers.

Overnight at a guesthouse.

Drive: 3 h, Eagle hunting show: 1 h, Hiking: 2 h, Max altitude: 1,600 m

Short transfer to Jeti Oguz Gorge, known for its striking “Seven Bulls” red rock formations.

Begin your horse ride through spruce forests and along mountain streams toward Oguz Bashy Peak (5,168 m). Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding Ala Too mountains along the way.

Overnight at a hotel.

Horse riding: 4 h, Max altitude: 2800 m

Early morning, take a 2-hour drive in a classic Soviet UAZ through the scenic gorge, then continue on horseback toward the stunning Ala-Kol Lake. Before the lake, climb a steep mountain pass on foot to admire the breathtaking turquoise waters surrounded by snowy peaks.

After a short rest and photos, return to the Altyn Arashan camp for dinner and overnight.

Drive: 2 h, Horse riding: 4 h, Hiking: 2 h, Max altitude: 3,900 m

Return from Altyn Arashan to Karakol by Soviet UAZ vehicle, then continue driving along the northern shore of Ysyk Kol Lake.

Stop at the largest local hippodrome to observe traditional horse games and make a short stop to swim in the lake.

Afterwards, continue to Bishkek for a farewell dinner.

Drive: 6 h, Max altitude: 800 m