In the Land of the Nomads

Early in the morning, we will move to Kizil, a mountain pasture on the northern Tian Chan range, to start a 3-day hiking trip. We will trek along the northern range of Tian Chan and experience the coolness of the glaciers at heights above 4400 m. Our supplies and food will be carried by packhorses.

Transfer: 2h
Walking time: 5/6 h; Elevation: +800m;
Accommodation: Tent

In the morning, we will take a short walk on a plateau for a few hours. After that, we will leave the expansive landscapes and venture into the dry mountains of the "Tchat" gorge. Before reaching the Boom canyons, we will need to cross a small stream multiple times.

Walking time: 5/6 h; Height difference: +800m
Accommodation: Tent

Trek through the Boom canyons and pass by some abandoned Soviet collective farms before reaching the Issyk-Kul road. Then, make your way to Eshperov, a village on the southern shore of Lake Issi-Kul.

Transfer: 2 hours; Walking time: 4 hours; Height difference: +800m
Accommodation: homestay

In the morning, we will take a brief journey to the Ak-Sai canyons. We will explore the canyons on foot and take a swim in the lake. In the late afternoon, we will travel to the village of Kizarte, situated at the base of the Song-Kol mountains.

Transfer: 6 a.m.;
Accommodation: homestay.

We hike to ascend Song-Kol. After passing the Tuz Achou pass at an altitude of 3400 m, we see a breathtaking landscape.

Accommodation: yurt
On: 4 hours; Height difference: +1000m |-400m

Horseback riding around the lake. Free afternoon at Song-Kol by the lake to share the life of nomadic families.

Accommodation: yurt

Descend to the village of Kizart through the Jaman Echki pass, then return home for a shower and lunch before heading to Soussamyr. Along the way, we will travel alongside the Kokomerene river, which runs through a stunning canyon with vibrant red colors. We will spend the night in a tent at an altitude of 2700m.

Walking time: 4 hours; Height difference: +400m | -1000m
Transfer: 4 hours;
Accommodation: Tent

During our initial day of horseback riding, we will traverse the final stretch of the Suusamyr valley and then ascend to an elevation of 3600 m as we cross the Jaisan pass. We will leave the vast pastures of the steppe behind us and, after the pass, it will take us another 2 hours on horseback to reach our yurt camp.

Riding time: 4-5 h
Accommodation: Yurt

Following our morning meal in the traditional yurt, we will assist our guide in preparing the horses for a journey to Lake Borukorboz. We plan to have a picnic by the lake before returning to the camp to engage in a game of Kokboru, a local nomadic sport involving competing for a goat carcass to score goals. After the game, we will prepare a dinner featuring goat meat.

Horse time: 4-5 h
Accommodation: Yurt

Today, we will bid farewell to our shepherd companions and proceed with our journey to Toktogul on horseback. Before tackling the second pass, which is over 3400m high, we will ride by the Sharkiratma waterfall. Once we've crossed the pass, we will make our way down to another gorge known as Japyrtmak.

Horse time: 4-5h
Accommodation: Tent

This day will be the longest, as we slowly and steadily ascend the Uzun Kiya Ridge. After crossing two passes, we will make our way down towards the Kodul gorge, feeling the heat of the Ketmen Tyube valley and witnessing a complete change in landscape. We will be treated to a stunning view of Toktogul Lake before setting up tent camp near beekeepers.

Riding time: 6-7h
Accommodation: Tent

The final day of the traveling horseback journey takes us to Toktogoul Lake. Those who are bold can take a swim with the horses, as they are strong swimmers. Although some of the younger horses may initially resist entering the water, with some persistence, we can encourage them to join in the swim.

Riding time: 4 hours
-Accommodation: Homestay

Return to Bishkek. In the evening, farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant.

Transfer 5 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Transfer to the airport. End of services.