12 Days Around Issyk Kul Alpine lake, Son Kul Alpine lake, Kel Suu Alpine lake, Tash Rabat, Chon Kemin and Bishkek

Duration:
10D / 9N days

Tour:
All inclusive

Complexity:
easy

Season:
May to October

Tour program

Day 1

Arrival in Bishkek & Ala Archa National Park (120km)

• Arrival at Manas International Airport and warm welcome by
your local guide.
• Transfer to your hotel in Bishkek.
• Half-day excursion to Ala-Archa National Park, famous for its
dramatic mountain landscapes, alpine forests, and crystalclear river.
• Enjoy lunch at a cozy eco-restaurant in a nearby village,
specializing in fresh trout dishes.

Overnight: Stay at Sofia International Hotel (or similar), Bishkek.

Day 2

Bishkek to Song-Kul Lake (300 km)

• Meet & greet at your hotel and start of your multi-day
adventure.
• Scenic drive through the dramatic Boom Gorge.
• Photo stop at the beautiful Orto-Tokoy Reservoir.
• Continue via the traditional Kyrgyz village of Kochkor
• Cross the majestic Kalmak-Ashu Pass (3,400 m above sea
level) with breathtaking mountain views.
• Arrive at the remote and peaceful Song-Kul Alpine Lake

Overnight: Stay in a traditional nomadic yurt camp at 3000mtrs altitude by the lake,
surrounded by wide-open alpine pastures and star-filled skies

Day 3

Full Day at Son Kul (Approx. 10 km)

• Spend a full day exploring the pristine alpine surroundings
of Song Kul Lake.
• Enjoy a guided horse ride (1 hour) to the lake shores and
nearby rolling hills.
• Meet local shepherd families and learn about their
traditional nomadic lifestyle.Taste kymyz – traditional
fermented mare’s milk.
• Discover summer pastures where horses, cows, and
sheep freely graze.
• Relax by the lake and enjoy free time for photography and nature walks.
• Experience unforgettable stargazing under the clear mountain sky.

Overnight: Stay in a traditional nomadic yurt camp by the lake, surrounded by wide-open
alpine pastures and star-filled skies

Day 4

Song-Kul to Naryn (180 km)

• Optional morning activity: Guided horseback
riding around the wide open meadows of Song-Kul
• By noon, depart Song-Kul and begin the mountain drive
toward Naryn
• Cross the spectacular Teskey-Torpo Pass (3,400 m) with
panoramic alpine views
• Stop to visit a mountain waterfall along the pass
• Continue to the quiet mountain settlement of TashBashat Village
• Visit Eki-Naryn, the panoramic viewpoint where the two branches of the Naryn
River meet

Overnight: Stay at the welcoming Altai Guesthouse in Tash-Bashat

Day 5

Naryn to Kel-Suu Lake (160 km)

• Depart from Naryn and drive toward the remote eastern highlands via the Kyndy
Pass
• Stop at the border checkpoint for permit control
• Travel through the dramatic landscapes of Kok-Kiya
Valley
• In the afternoon, enjoy a guided horseback trek to
breathtaking Kel-Suu Lake at 3500 mtrs altitude and back
(4 hrs)
• Free time at the lake to relax and take photos

Overnight: Stay in simple but cozy cabins at the Kel-Suu base camp

Day 6

Kel Suu to Tash Rabat (190 km)

• Drive back via the scenic Kyndy (Kok-Kya) Pass, enjoying panoramic mountain views
along the way.
• Pass through Bashy village and its picturesque valley.
• Arrive at the dramatic Tash Rabat Gorge.
• Visit the historic Tash Rabat Caravanserai (Stone Castle),
one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic Silk Road monuments.
• Enjoy a short hike through the surrounding valley to
explore the untouched landscapes.
• Optional: Hike to Panda Pass for higher vantage points
and breathtaking views.

Overnight: Traditional nomadic yurt camp in Tash Rabat.

Day 7

Tash Rabat to Kochkor village (210 km)

• Spend the morning exploring the scenic Tash Rabat
Gorge, with time for easy hikes to nearby hills or towards
the Panda Pass.
• Depart around noon towards Naryn, with lunch en route
at a local café.
• Enjoy a spectacular mountain drive over the Dolon Pass
(3,100 m), stopping at alpine meadows and traditional
summer pastures for photos.
• Continue onwards to Kochkor, a charming village known for its cultural traditions.
• Optional: Musical folklore show. Authentic live ensemble performance of traditional
handmade Kyrgyz musical instruments.

Overnight: Family guesthouse in Kochkor

Day 8

Kochkor to Bokonbaevo, Issyk Kul Lake (180 km)

• Depart towards the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
• Scenic drive via Orto Tokoy water reservoir.
• Continue through to reach the South Shore of Issyk-Kul.
• Visit the stunning Ak-Say Canyons and enjoy a short 1 km
hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the dramatic
red rock formations.
• Arrive in Bokonbaevo, famous for its eagle breeders.
• Witness a traditional Golden Eagle hunting demonstration. Hunting dog
demonstrations and try archery (bow and arrow shooting).

Overnight: Cozy family guesthouse with mountain views in Bokonbaevo.

Day 9

South Shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol (200 km)

• Fairy Tale Canyon (Skazka Canyon). Explore the surreal
red rock formations of Fairy Tale Canyon—one of the
most photogenic landscapes in the region.
• Stop at a Issyk Kul lake wild sandy beach for swimming or
chilling out.
• Continue to Barskoon Gorge and follow the beautiful
Barskoon River. Enjoy a short hike to the waterfalls (1–2
km) and visit the Gagarin Statue
• Explore the stunning Jeti-Ögüz Valley, known for its red rock cliffs and the
famous “Broken Heart” formation. Stop at panoramic viewpoints overlooking the
alpine river and wide valley landscapes

Overnight: Stay at a comfortable boutique hotel in Karakol

Day 10

Karakol to Altyn Arashan (Ak-Suu Gorge) to Karakol (70 km)

After breakfast, travel toward the spectacular mountain
landscapes of the Ak-Suu Valley.
• Drive to Ak-Suu Valley and begin a full-day off-road
adventure to Altyn Arashan by special rugged 4×4
vehicle
• Enjoy a scenic hike through the Arashan Valley, following
a crystal-clear mountain river and walking through dense
alpine forest
• Free time exploring the Altyn Arashan - One of the most stunning valleys.
• Lunch at a guesthouse in the valley. Return transfer back to Ak-Suu
• Relax in the natural hot mineral springs in Ak-Suu Gorge

Overnight: Stay in a comfortable boutique hotel in Karakol

Day 11

North Shore of Issyk-Kul & Chon-Kemin Valley (290 km)

• Scenic drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake,
with wide lake views and mountain backdrops.
• Stop at the beautiful Semenov Gorge to explore alpine
rivers and lush mountain scenery.
• Visit Kyrchyn Valley, the famous venue of the World
Nomad Games, with free time for walking, relaxation,
and photography.
• Optional: Private boat ride at Cholpon-Ata Yacht Club on Issyk-Kul Lake.
• Continue via the spectacular Boom Gorge towards the green landscapes of ChonKemin Valley.
• Arrive and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of traditional villages and forested
mountain slopes.

Overnight: Stay in Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin Valley village.

Day 12

Chon Kemin to Bishkek (170 kms)

Enjoy a peaceful morning in the valley, surrounded by serene
mountain landscapes.Morning Activities:
• Hiking into the alpine forest and surrounding mountains
Free Time in the Valley
Stop at a scenic panoramic viewpoint where two alpine rivers
join in the Boom Gorge.
Lunch en route to the city.

Arrival in Bishkek around 4:00–5:00 PM.
Drop-off in Bishkek at a hotel

What’s is included in the tour:

Accommodation

Twin/Double rooms or a private yurt for 2-3 guests

Meals – Set Menu

Day 1: Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 12: Breakfast, Lunch

Transportation & Staff

Air-conditioned vehicle
Petrol surcharge included
English-speaking driver–guide
Horse guide
Transfer to AltynArashan on Russian UAZ

Activities & Experiences

Guided horse riding (2 hour)
Eagle hunting show, Taigan dog show, and archery
Entrance tickets to all parks, canyons, and museums
Tickets to natural hot springs

Notes:

Guesthouse rooms are modern and equipped withen-suite bathrooms.
Traditional handmade yurts haveexternal shared bathrooms.
All meals areorganic ‘halal’, fresh, and diverse, offering different local dishes each day to make the journey a rich culinary experience as well.

Additional Services: