Grand Tour of Kyrgyzstan: Ala-Kul, Kel-Suu, and Son-Kul
A ten-day journey through Kyrgyzstan visiting the high-altitude lakes of Ala-Kul, Kel-Suu, and Son-Kul. The program includes mountain treks, horse rides, off-road vehicle trips, canyons, waterfalls, and an introduction to traditional eagle hunting.
A grand journey through the most picturesque mountain regions of Kyrgyzstan. You will travel to the Altyn-Arashan valley, take a horse ride and hike to the high-altitude Ala-Kul Lake, visit Jeti-Oguz Gorge, Barskoon waterfalls, and Skazka Canyon. The route then continues through Naryn region to Kel-Suu Lake, and then over the Moldo-Ashuu Pass to the high-altitude Son-Kul Lake. Mountain landscapes, an introduction to nomadic culture, and horse rides await you.
Day-by-day program
Departure from Bishkek towards Karakol Transfer lasting approximately 7–8 hours Arrival in Karakol Transfer to a 4x4 off-road vehicle Ascent along a mountain road to the Altyn-Arashan valley Free time and rest Optional visit to hot springs for an additional fee
Early start for the mountain route Horse ride towards Ala-Kul Lake Ascent to an altitude of approximately 3900 meters to Ala-Kul Pass Hike to the high-altitude lake at approximately 3532 meters Rest and enjoy panoramic views Return to Altyn-Arashan on horseback
Departure from Altyn-Arashan Return by 4x4 off-road vehicle to Karakol Continue the route to Jeti-Oguz Gorge Visit the famous "Seven Bulls" rocks Transfer to Kok-Jayyk valley Horse ride to the waterfall Arrival and accommodation in the valley
Departure from Jeti-Oguz area Visit Barskoon Gorge Explore the waterfalls and natural attractions of the gorge Visit Skazka Canyon Continue the route to Bokonbaevo Arrival and accommodation
Departure from Bokonbaevo Transfer via Kochkor Continue the route to Naryn Demonstration of traditional eagle hunting Arrival and accommodation in Naryn
Departure from Naryn Transfer towards Kok-Kiya valley Transfer duration approximately 4–5 hours Arrival in the Kel-Suu Lake area Accommodation in a yurt camp
Breakfast at the yurt camp Horse ride to Kel-Suu Lake Explore the high-altitude lake and its surroundings Free time for rest and photos Optional boat trip if weather conditions are suitable Return to the yurt camp
Departure from Kel-Suu area Transfer via Naryn Journey through the Moldo-Ashuu mountain pass Continue the route to the high-altitude Son-Kul Lake Arrival and accommodation in a yurt camp
Breakfast at the yurt camp Explore the surroundings of the high-altitude lake Horse ride lasting approximately 2–3 hours Opportunity to meet local nomads and shepherds, if possible Free time for rest and photos Return to the yurt camp
Departure from Son-Kul Lake Transfer to Bishkek lasting approximately 5–6 hours Stop for lunch Arrival in Bishkek Transfer to hotel or airport End of tour
What's included
- Transportation along the route
- Accommodation for 9 nights
- 4x4 off-road vehicle trips as per program
- Horse rides as per program
- Hike to Ala-Kul Pass
- Visits to canyons and waterfalls along the route
- Demonstration of traditional eagle hunting
- Transfer from Karakol to Altyn-Arashan and back
- Transfer to Bishkek on the last day
- Not included: International airfare
- Not included: Visas, if required
- Not included: Medical insurance
- Not included: Personal expenses
- Not included: Tips
- Not included: Additional services and activities not included in the program
Meeting
Hotel pickup or meeting point: Bishkek Airport or a pre-arranged meeting point
The exact address and the guide's phone number arrive after prepayment.
Good to know
The route includes long drives on mountain roads Hiking and horse riding are included The ascent to Ala-Kul Pass reaches an altitude of approximately 3900 meters Ala-Kul Lake is located at an altitude of approximately 3532 meters The trip to Kel-Suu Lake depends on weather conditions and road accessibility Visiting Kel-Suu requires prior clarification of border requirements and permits An additional boat trip on Kel-Suu is possible if weather conditions are suitable It is recommended to bring trekking shoes, warm clothing, headwear, and personal medications
Not suitable for
- People with severe mobility limitations
- Participants for whom intense physical exertion and high-altitude ascents are contraindicated
- People not prepared for long hiking and horse riding routes
- Participants not prepared for long drives on mountain roads
Cancellation
