Northern Kyrgyzstan Tour: Son-Kul, Issyk-Kul, and Ala-Kul
A seven-day journey through Kyrgyzstan with overnight stays in yurt camps, an introduction to nomadic traditions, visits to canyons, and horseback riding in the Tian Shan mountains. The program includes Son-Kul and Ala-Kul lakes, Issyk-Kul, Barskoon Gorge, and Altyn-Arashan Valley.
Embark on a seven-day journey through the mountainous regions of Kyrgyzstan. You will discover the high-altitude Son-Kul Lake and get acquainted with the life of nomads, visit Ak-Sai Canyon, the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, and witness a demonstration of traditional eagle hunting. You will visit Skazka Canyon, Barskoon Gorge, and Kok-Jayik Valley, ride horses to Altyn-Arashan, and undertake a horseback and hiking route towards the high-altitude Ala-Kul Lake.
Day-by-day program
Morning departure from Bishkek Visit Kok-Moynok Canyon Drive through Boom Gorge Continue the route via Kochkor Ascend a mountain road to Son-Kul Lake Arrival at the yurt camp Traditional dinner and sunset viewing by the lake
Breakfast at the yurt camp Introduction to the traditional nomadic lifestyle Approximately 2-hour horseback ride around Son-Kul and alpine pastures Traditional lunch Free time by the lake Rest and sunset viewing
Breakfast at the yurt camp Departure from Son-Kul Scenic drive towards Naryn Visit Ak-Sai Canyon Continue the route towards Issyk-Kul Arrival in Bokonbaevo Traditional eagle hunting demonstration Free evening after the trip
Breakfast Visit Skazka Canyon and explore its unusual rock formations Drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Visit Barskoon Gorge Continue the route to Kok-Jayyk Valley Horseback ride to the Hidden Waterfall Rest in the mountain valley
Breakfast and a peaceful morning in Kok-Jayyk Departure towards Ak-Suu Start of the horse trek towards Altyn-Arashan Horseback journey through mountain landscapes and alpine forests Arrival in Altyn-Arashan Rest in the mountain valley
Early breakfast before heading out on the route Horseback and foot trek through the Tian Shan mountains Explore alpine landscapes and mountain panoramas Continue towards the Ala-Kul Lake area, depending on weather conditions and group fitness Return to Altyn-Arashan Rest after the mountain trek
Breakfast and morning departure from Altyn-Arashan Return to Karakol by 4x4 SUV Continue the route towards Bishkek Lunch on the way Scenic stops along Issyk-Kul Arrival in Bishkek Transfer to the airport and end of the tour
What's included
- Transportation along the route
- Airport transfer as per program
- 6 nights accommodation
- Meals
- 2-hour horseback ride at Son-Kul
- Horseback ride to Hidden Waterfall
- Horse transfer from Ak-Suu towards Altyn-Arashan
- Horseback ride and hiking route towards Ala-Kul, subject to weather conditions and physical fitness
- Demonstration of traditional eagle hunting in Bokonbaevo
- Return transfer by 4x4 SUV to Karakol
- Not included: International flights
- Not included: Visas, if required
- Not included: Personal travel insurance
- Not included: Personal purchases and expenses
- Not included: Tips
- Not included: Additional activities
- Not included: Drinks not included in the meal plan
- Not included: Additional nights and services outside the confirmed 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
To participate in horseback riding and mountain routes, it is necessary to inform the organizer in advance about your horseback riding experience and physical fitness level The route to Ala-Kul depends on weather conditions, trail conditions, and the group's physical fitness. Reaching the lake or pass is not guaranteed The accessibility of mountain routes and yurt camps may change at the beginning and end of the season It is recommended to bring warm clothing, waterproof outerwear, sturdy trekking shoes, comfortable riding pants, a hat, and gloves It is also recommended to bring sunscreen, personal medications, a water bottle, a small backpack, documents, and a power bank Inform the organizer in advance about dietary preferences and special meal requirements Accommodation names, room assignments, and bathroom facilities are confirmed before booking Entrance fees and additional services must be clarified with the organizer
Not suitable for
- Participants not prepared for horseback riding and hiking routes
- People for whom physical exertion and mountain ascents are contraindicated
- Participants not prepared for program changes due to weather conditions
Cancellation
