Wild & Nomadic. The best of Kyrgyzstan 12 days

horse riding in Kel-suu

12 Day

Duration

May-September

Available

Easy

Level

This journey takes you deep into the wild heart of Kyrgyzstan — from high alpine

lakes and vast mountain passes to remote valleys where nomadic traditions are

still alive. Over 12 unforgettable days, you will sleep in traditional yurts, ride

horses across open meadows, share meals with local families, and witness

ancient practices like eagle hunting.

More than a tour, this is an immersive experience into authentic Kyrgyz life —

untouched landscapes, genuine hospitality, and meaningful cultural encounters

that go far beyond ordinary travel.

Day 1 – From Bishkek to the Nomad’s Land (Song-Kol Lake)

Route: Bishkek → Kochkor → Kalmak-Ashuu Pass → Song-Kol Lake

Accommodation: Muras Yurt Camp

Meals: Dinner, Lunch

 

We pick you up from your hotel in Bishkek and begin our journey into the heart of Kyrgyzstan’s wild landscapes. On the way, we stop in Kochkor to have a lunch.  Afterward, we continue driving through the dramatic Kalmak-Ashuu mountain pass, with breathtaking views along the way. By evening, we arrive at Song-Kol Lake and settle into a cozy yurt camp. Free time to walk by the lake, relax, and enjoy your first night under the stars.

Day 2 – Nomad Life at Song-Kol Lake

Route:Son Kol lake

Accommodation: Muras Yurt Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

After breakfast, we visit local shepherd families and take part in their daily nomadic life. You will experience mare milking and learn how horse milk is traditionally processed, including butter separation. We share lunch with the locals and continue the day by participating in traditional horse games. In the afternoon, you will have free time to relax, walk around the lake, enjoy the slow rhythm of nomad life, or simply take in the vast landscapes. In the evening, wegather around a bonfire after dinner and spend time under the stars.

Day 3 – From Song-Kol to Kel-Suu Region

Route: Song-Kol Lake → Border Control → Kok-Kiya Valley

Accommodation: Golden Moon Yurt Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

 

After breakfast, we begin our journey from Song-Kol Lake towards the remote Kel-Suu region. The road takes us through wild mountain landscapes as we cross the border control checkpoint on the way to Kok-Kiya Valley. Upon arrival, you will have time to enjoy the peaceful surroundings, walk around the valley, and relax. In the afternoon, we prepare for the next day’s horse riding journey to Kel-Suu Lake. Dinner and overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 4 – Horseback Journey to Kel-Suu Lake

Route:Kel Suu lake

Accommodation:Golden Moon Yurt Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner

 

After breakfast, we start our horseback journey to the spectacular Kel-Suu Lake. The ride takes us through dramatic mountain scenery and remote valleys. Upon arrival at the lake, we spend time exploring the area, taking photos, and enjoying a picnic by the water. Optionally, you can take a short boat ride on the lake (additional cost approximately 20–30 USD per person). After spending time at the lake, we ride back to Kok-Kiya Valley and return to the guesthouse for dinner and overnight stay.

Day 5 – Tash-Bashat Village & Cooking Class

Route: Kok-Kiya Valley → Tash-Bashat Village

Accommodation: Altai Guest house

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

After breakfast, we begin our drive to Tash-Bashat village, passing through scenic mountain landscapes. Upon arrival, you will have time to rest and settle into the guesthouse. In the afternoon, we take part in a traditional cooking class where you will prepare dinner yourselves using local ingredients and traditional methods. After enjoying the meal together, overnight stay in the guesthouse.

Day 6 – Ak-Sai Canyon, Yurt Building & Arrival in Bokonbaevo

Route: Tash-Bashat → Ak-Sai Canyon → Kyzyl-Tuu Village → Bokonbaevo

Accommodation:Bel Tam Yurt Camp

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

After breakfast, we begin our drive towards Bokonbaevo village. On the way, we stop for a short hike in Ak-Sai Canyon, also known as the “Forgotten Rivers”, where you can explore its unique rock formations and dramatic landscapes.

After, we continue to Bokonbaevo. Dinner and overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 7 – Eagle Hunting, Canyons & Arrival in Karakol

Route: Bokonbaevo → Skazka Canyon → Barskoon Waterfall → Karakol

Accommodation: Biyik House

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner

 

After breakfast, we experience a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, an ancient nomadic practice passed down through generations. You will learn about the training of golden eagles and their important role in Kyrgyz culture.

After the demonstration, we begin our drive towards Karakol. On the way, we stop for a short hike in Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon), known for its colorful rock formations. We then continue to Barskoon Gorge for a short hike to the waterfall. Later, we enjoy a picnic by the lake before proceeding to Karakol. Dinner and overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 8 – Ak-Suu Village & Natural Hot Springs

Route: Karakol → Ak-Suu Village

Accommodation:Elza Guest house

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

After breakfast, we drive to Ak-Suu village. Hike up to Altyn-Arashan. Upon arrival, we explore the surrounding area and enjoy the natural hot springs, a perfect way to relax in nature. Dinner and overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 9 – Jeti-Oguz & Dungan Culture in Karakol

Route: Ak-Suu → Karakol → Jeti-Oguz → Kok-Jaiyk Valley → Karakol

Accommodation:Biyik House

Meals: Breakfast,Dinner

 

After breakfast, we hike down to Karakol and continue to the famous Jeti-Oguz rock formations. After exploring the area, we head to Kok-Jaiyk Valley where you can have picnic surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Later, we return to Karakol. In the evening, we have a special Dungan dinner, learning about the Dungan ethni community that lives in the Karakol region. Overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 10 – Chon-Ak-Suu Valley, Ruh-Ordo & Chon-Kemin

Route: Karakol → Chon-Ak-Suu Valley → Ruh-Ordo Museum → Chon-Kemin

Accommodation: Zhekshen Guest House

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

After breakfast, we drive towards Chon-Kemin. On the way, we pass through Chon-Ak-Suu Valley, where the World Nomad Games were once held. We continue to visit the Ruh-Ordo open-air museum complex, located on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. After the visit, we proceed to Chon-Kemin Valley. Dinner and overnight stay in a local guesthouse.

Day 11 – Boom Gorge Rafting, Burana Tower & Return to Bishkek

Route: Chon-Kemin → Boom Gorge → Burana Tower → Bishkek

Accommodation: My Hotel

Meals: Breakfast

 

After breakfast, we drive towards Bishkek. We visit the historical Burana Tower, an ancient minaret dating back to the 11th century and one of the most important cultural monuments in Kyrgyzstan. After exploring the site, we proceed to Bishkek. Upon arrival, we drop you at your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to relax or explore the city at your own pace.

Day 12 – Bishkek City Tour, Ala-Archa & Farewell Dinner

Route: Bishkek → Ala-Archa National Park → Bishkek

Accommodation:

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

 

After breakfast, we begin a city tour of Bishkek and then drive to Ala-Archa National Park, located just outside the city. Here, you can relax in nature, enjoy the fresh mountain air, take a short walk, and feed birds and squirrels. After spending time in the park, we return to Bishkek to visit the National State History Museum and explore the central square and main landmarks of the city. In the evening, we gather for a farewell dinner to celebrate the journey together. End of the tour.

🛏 11 Nights Accommodation (Yurts & Local Guesthouses, double twin based)

🚐 Private Transport with Experienced Driver

🗣 English-speaking Local Guide

🍽 Meals:

11 Breakfasts

2 Picnic , 3 Lunch

10 Dinners

🐎 Horse Activities at Song-Kol Lake

🦅 Eagle Hunting Demonstration

🧼 Natural Hot Springs Experience

🎟 Entrance Fees to All Sites & National Parks

💧 Daily Mineral Water

✈️ International Flights

🩺 Travel Insurance

🍷 Alcoholic Drinks

💵 Personal Expenses & Tips

FAQ

🎒 What to Pack

👕 Comfortable layered clothing (weather can change quickly in the mountains) 🧥 Warm jacket or fleece (even in summer evenings at high altitude) 🧢 Hat and sunglasses 🧣 Light scarf or buff (for wind and dust) 🥾 Comfortable walking / hiking shoes 🩴 Sandals or slippers for yurt stays 🧦 Warm socks 🧴 Sunscreen (high SPF) 💄 Personal toiletries 🩺 Personal medications 🔌 Power bank (electricity may be limited in remote areas) 🧤 Light gloves (recommended for Kel-Suu horseback riding) 🎒 Small backpack for daily excursions

🥗 Dietary Considerations

Vegetarian options available upon request. Please inform us in advance about allergies or dietary restrictions.

❓ Physical Activity

Moderate level. Includes short hikes, horseback riding, rafting, and outdoor activities. Suitable for travelers with basic fitness.

🏔 Altitude Information

Some parts of this tour take place at high altitude. • Song-Kol Lake: approximately 3,016 meters (9,895 ft) above sea level • Kel-Suu Lake: approximately 3,514 meters (11,529 ft) above sea level

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