Two nights at Song-Kul
A yurt camp at 3,016 m, a day with a nomad family, and skies full of stars.
The journey
Two weeks around the Tien Shan
This journey connects Kyrgyzstan's three great lakes in one loop: two days with nomad families at Song-Kul, an off-road expedition into the border highlands to hidden Kel-Suu Lake, and the canyons, waterfalls and shores of Issyk-Kul.
Along the way you'll walk among the red rocks of Kok-Moinok, Skazka and Jeti-Oguz, meet a golden eagle hunter, soak in the hot springs of Aksu and Altyn-Arashan, and stay with families in village homestays. The trip ends in Chon-Kemin and with a farewell dinner in Bishkek.
Hidden Kel-Suu
An off-road journey into the border highlands, then by horse or on foot to the lake.
Canyons of Issyk-Kul
Aksay, Skazka and Jeti-Oguz: red rocks, waterfalls and the shores of a vast mountain lake.
Altyn-Arashan hot springs
Two nights in an alpine valley under snowy peaks, with hiking, riding and natural hot springs.
Nomad traditions
Shyrdak felt-making, a golden eagle hunter, and homestays with village families.
Chon-Kemin Valley
A last night in a quiet green valley, with horse riding or a forest walk before the drive back to Bishkek.
The route
From Song-Kul to the border highlands, around Issyk-Kul and back
BishkekStart
KochkorDay 1
Song-KulDays 2–3
NarynDay 4
Kel-SuuDays 5–6
Tash-BashatDay 7
Issyk-KulDay 8
Kok-JaiykDay 9
KarakolDay 10
Altyn-ArashanDays 11–12
Chon-KeminDay 13
BishkekDay 14
Before you book
Please read this first
Two weeks in the mountains is a real journey: some long driving days, off-road tracks, simple yurt camps and nights at 3,000 m. Knowing what to expect makes it much more enjoyable.
Every traveler should read this personally, together with the full day-by-day itinerary.
Where you'll stay
Yurt camps at Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul. Wooden camp in Kok-Kiya. Mountain guesthouse or yurt at Altyn-Arashan. Family homestays in Kochkor, Tash-Bashat and Chon-Kemin, a 4-star hotel in Naryn, and a guesthouse in Karakol.
Border permit
Kok-Kiya Valley and Kel-Suu Lake (Days 5–6) are in a border zone. A permit is required, so we'll need your passport details in advance. Keep your passport with you on those days.
Off-road & 4WD
The roads to Kok-Kiya (Days 5–7) and Altyn-Arashan (Days 11 and 13) are rough off-road tracks, driven by 4WD or Soviet UAZ. Bumpy, but part of the adventure.
Long driving days
Most days have 1–4 hours of driving, but four days are longer: Day 5 (4–5 h), Day 7 (5–6 h), Day 8 (4–5 h) and Day 13 (5.5–6.5 h), always with stops along the way.
Altitude
You spend two nights at Song-Kul, 3,016 m, and travel through high passes. Nights in the mountains are cold. Please tell us about any health conditions before booking.
Hiking & riding
Hikes are 1.5–3 hours. Horse riding is offered at Song-Kul, on the way to Kel-Suu, in Altyn-Arashan and in Chon-Kemin; on most days you can choose to walk instead.
Hot springs
You'll soak at Aksu and Altyn-Arashan, so bring a swimsuit and a small towel.
Last day
Day 14 ends with a farewell dinner in Bishkek and an evening transfer to Manas Airport. Please book a night flight, or tell us if you'd like to stay longer.
Day by day
Comfort at a glance
Yes
Limited / shared
None
Not confirmed
| Day | Overnight | Shower | Toilet | Wi-Fi / signal |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Day 0 | Hotel in Bishkek (included) | Hot shower in your room | Private | Wi-Fi |
| Day 1 | Homestay, Kochkor | Yes, in your room; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short | Yes, in your room | Yes |
| Day 2 | Yurt camp, Song-Kul Lake | No | Simple outdoor toilet, shared | No Wi-Fi or phone signal |
| Day 3 | Yurt camp, Song-Kul Lake | No | Simple outdoor toilet, shared | No Wi-Fi or phone signal |
| Day 4 | Comfortable 4-star hotel in Naryn, private bathroom | Yes, hot shower in your room; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short | Yes, in your room | Yes |
| Day 5 | Simple wooden cottage at a mountain camp, Kok-Kiya Valley | No shower, but a traditional sauna is included. It may not always be available, depending on conditions | Simple outdoor toilet, shared | Weak Wi-Fi, no phone signal |
| Day 6 | Wooden camp, Kok-Kiya Valley | No shower, but a traditional sauna is included. It may not always be available, depending on conditions | Simple outdoor toilet, shared | Weak Wi-Fi, no phone signal |
| Day 7 | Homestay, Tash-Bashat | Yes, private bathroom in your room; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short | Yes, in your room | Yes |
| Day 8 | Yurt camp, Aksay Canyon / Issyk-Kul | Shared; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short | Simple outdoor toilet, shared | No Wi-Fi or phone signal |
| Day 9 | Kok-Jaiyk Valley | No | Shared | Weak Wi-Fi, sometimes none |
| Day 10 | 78 Hotel or Matsunoki, Karakol | Yes, in your room; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short | Yes, in your room | Yes |
| Day 11 | Guesthouse / yurt, Altyn-Arashan | Shared; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short | Shared | No phone signal |
| Day 12 | Guesthouse / yurt, Altyn-Arashan | Shared; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short | Shared | No phone signal |
| Day 13 | Homestay, Chon-Kemin | Yes; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short | Yes, in your room | Weak Wi-Fi, sometimes none |
Day by day
The itinerary
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Day0
Arrival in Bishkek
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan
All our tours start on Day 0, and this night is included in the trip. Arrive in Bishkek, check in to your hotel in the capital, enjoy a comfortable hot shower and rest well before your journey through Kyrgyzstan begins.
- ArrivalManas Airport, transfer to your hotel
- OvernightHotel in Bishkek (included)
- ShowerHot shower in your room
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Day1
Bishkek → Burana Tower → Kok-Moinok Canyon → Kochkor
Silk Road tower & red canyons
The journey starts with a drive east to Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret surrounded by ancient stone figures called balbals. After lunch in Tokmok, you continue to Kok-Moinok, a landscape of colorful canyons, for a hike and photos among the rock formations. In the late afternoon you reach Kochkor, where local women show you how shyrdak, the traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets, are made. Dinner and the night are at a family homestay.
- DrivingAbout 250 km, around 4.5 hours
- HikingKok-Moinok Canyon, about 1.5 hours
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightHomestay, Kochkor
- ShowerYes, in your room; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short
- ToiletYes, in your room
- Wi-FiYes
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Day2
Kochkor → Song-Kul Lake
Up to Song-Kul, 3,016 m
After breakfast and a stop at the supermarket for supplies, the road climbs into the mountains, with stops for photos along the way. You arrive at Song-Kul, a vast alpine lake surrounded by summer pastures, in time for lunch at the yurt camp or a picnic. The afternoon is free to explore the lake, with an optional horse ride along the shore. Watch the sunset from the yurts before a traditional Kyrgyz dinner.
- DrivingAbout 100 km, 2.5–3 hours
- Horse ridingOptional, about 2 hours along the lake
- Altitude3,016 m
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightYurt camp, Song-Kul Lake
- ShowerNo
- ToiletSimple outdoor toilet, shared
- Wi-FiNo Wi-Fi or phone signal
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Day3
Song-Kul Lake
Meet the nomads
A whole day at the lake. In the morning you meet a nomad family, learn about their traditional life and share tea together. After lunch at the camp, the afternoon is yours for hiking, horse riding or exploring the lakeshore, with free time for photos.
- ActivitiesHiking, horse riding or lake exploration, about 3 hours
- Altitude3,016 m
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightYurt camp, Song-Kul Lake
- ShowerNo
- ToiletSimple outdoor toilet, shared
- Wi-FiNo Wi-Fi or phone signal
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Day4
Song-Kul → 33 Parrots Pass → Waterfall → Naryn
Down the hairpin road to Naryn
Leaving Song-Kul, you stop at a viewpoint above the famous 33 Parrots hairpin turns before driving down the mountain road. On the way, there's a short walk to the Song-Kul waterfall. Lunch is in Naryn, followed by a walk through town to the Blue Mosque and a visit to the local market. The rest of the afternoon is for resting at your hotel before dinner.
- DrivingAbout 90 km, 2.5–3.5 hours
- WalkingWaterfall walk and Naryn town walk
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightComfortable 4-star hotel in Naryn, private bathroom
- ShowerYes, hot shower in your room; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short
- ToiletYes, in your room
- Wi-FiYes
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Day5
Naryn → Bosogo gorge → Kyndy Pass → Kok-Kiya Valley
Into the remote highlands
The morning starts with a visit to Naryn's local bazaar, where you help choose fresh bread, fruit, and vegetables for today's picnic. Then the road heads south into some of the most remote country in Kyrgyzstan. In Bosogo gorge, you stretch your legs on a 1.5-hour hike into the mountains, followed by a picnic lunch in the gorge. In the afternoon, the drive continues over Kyndy Pass, where passports and border permits are checked, and into the wide, quiet Kok-Kiya Valley. You arrive at a small mountain camp, your base for the next two nights, with time to settle in and warm up in a traditional Kyrgyz sauna before dinner.
- DrivingAbout 4–5 hours, partly off-road, with stops
- HikingAbout 1.5 hours, if the weather allows
- Highest pointKyndy Pass
- MealsBreakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
- OvernightSimple wooden cottage at a mountain camp, Kok-Kiya Valley
- ShowerNo shower, but a traditional sauna is included. It may not always be available, depending on conditions
- ToiletSimple outdoor toilet, shared
- Wi-FiWeak Wi-Fi, no phone signal
Good to know
This area is a border zone, so please keep your passport with you, not in your main luggage. The off-road sections are bumpy; if you get car sick, let your guide know so you can sit in front. If the weather is bad, the hike is replaced with a short walk in the gorge.
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Day6
Kok-Kiya Valley → Kel-Suu Lake → Kok-Kiya Valley
Kel-Suu Lake
An early start for one of Kyrgyzstan's most hidden places. After a drive to the trailhead, you continue on horseback or on foot through the canyon to Kel-Suu Lake. Lunch is a picnic by the water, and afterward there's time to explore the lake, with the option of a boat trip. In the late afternoon you return to the wooden camp in Kok-Kiya for dinner and a quiet evening under the stars.
- DrivingAbout 2 hours to the trailhead
- Riding / trekkingAbout 2.5 hours through the canyon
- BoatOptional on Kel-Suu Lake
- MealsBreakfast, picnic lunch, dinner
- OvernightWooden camp, Kok-Kiya Valley
- ShowerNo shower, but a traditional sauna is included. It may not always be available, depending on conditions
- ToiletSimple outdoor toilet, shared
- Wi-FiWeak Wi-Fi, no phone signal
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Day7
Kok-Kiya Valley → Naryn → Tash-Bashat
Back to the valleys
Before breakfast, you can try milking a cow with the camp family. Then you drive back out of the border zone to Naryn for lunch, and on to the village of Tash-Bashat. In the afternoon you take a walk through the village to see local life, with time to relax at your homestay before dinner.
- DrivingAbout 160–180 km, 5–6 hours
- WalkingVillage walk, about 1.5 hours
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightHomestay, Tash-Bashat
- ShowerYes, private bathroom in your room; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short
- ToiletYes, in your room
- Wi-FiYes
Good to know
Cow milking is arranged with the family a day in advance; let your guide know if you'd like to join.
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Day8
Tash-Bashat → Aksay Canyon → Issyk-Kul Lake
Canyons & the shore of Issyk-Kul
A morning drive takes you toward Aksay Canyon. After lunch, you hike through the canyon with plenty of time for photos. In the afternoon you reach the shore of Issyk-Kul, one of the largest mountain lakes in the world, to relax by the water and watch the sunset. Dinner is at your yurt camp.
- DrivingAbout 200–230 km, 4–5 hours
- HikingAksay Canyon, about 2 hours
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightYurt camp, Aksay Canyon / Issyk-Kul
- ShowerShared; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short
- ToiletSimple outdoor toilet, shared
- Wi-FiNo Wi-Fi or phone signal
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Day9
Aksay → Skazka Canyon → Barskoon → Kok-Jaiyk Valley
Eagle hunter, Fairy Tale Canyon & waterfall
The day begins with a golden eagle hunter, who shows how his eagle hunts in a traditional demonstration. Then you drive to Skazka, the “Fairy Tale Canyon,” to hike among its red and orange rocks. After lunch in Barskoon, you head into Barskoon Valley for a hike to the waterfall. In the evening you continue to the quiet Kok-Jaiyk Valley for dinner and the night.
- Eagle hunting showAbout 1.5 hours
- HikingSkazka Canyon 1.5 hours, Barskoon Waterfall about 1.75 hours
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightKok-Jaiyk Valley
- ShowerNo
- ToiletShared
- Wi-FiWeak Wi-Fi, sometimes none
Good to know
Outside vehicles aren't allowed into Kok-Jaiyk Valley, so the last part of the transfer, including your luggage, is arranged with the camp.
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Day10
Kok-Jaiyk Valley → Jeti-Oguz → Karakol
Seven Bulls & the town of Karakol
After breakfast at camp, you can hike to Maiden's Braid Waterfall or simply walk around the valley. Lunch is at a yurt camp, before a short drive to Jeti-Oguz to see the red Seven Bulls rocks and Broken Heart Mountain. In Karakol, you visit the Dungan Mosque and the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral, then have dinner at Dastorkon restaurant.
- DrivingAbout 30 km, around 1 hour
- HikingMaiden's Braid Waterfall, about 1.5 hours, or a short walk
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- Overnight78 Hotel or Matsunoki, Karakol
- ShowerYes, in your room; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short
- ToiletYes, in your room
- Wi-FiYes
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Day11
Karakol → Aksu → Altyn-Arashan Valley
Hot springs & the road to Altyn-Arashan
The morning starts with a soak at the Aksu hot spring and a snack. Then you climb into the mountains by 4WD or Soviet UAZ on a rough 16 km track to Altyn-Arashan, an alpine valley surrounded by snowy peaks. After lunch at the mountain guesthouse, you explore the valley, with free time for photos before dinner.
- DrivingAbout 30 km (16 km off-road), 2–2.5 hours
- Hot springAksu, about 1.5 hours
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightGuesthouse / yurt, Altyn-Arashan
- ShowerShared; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short
- ToiletShared
- Wi-FiNo phone signal
Good to know
The off-road track is very bumpy. Bring a swimsuit and towel for the hot springs.
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Day12
Altyn-Arashan Valley
A full day in the valley
A slow day in the mountains. In the morning, you hike or ride a horse through the Altyn-Arashan Valley. After lunch, explore the forests and mountain views, then relax in the valley's natural hot spring. The rest of the afternoon is free before dinner at the guesthouse.
- Hiking / ridingAbout 3 hours
- Hot springAbout 2 hours
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightGuesthouse / yurt, Altyn-Arashan
- ShowerShared; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short
- ToiletShared
- Wi-FiNo phone signal
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Day13
Altyn-Arashan → Karakol → Cholpon-Ata → Chon-Kemin Valley
Across Issyk-Kul to Chon-Kemin
After breakfast, the 4WD takes you back down to Karakol for lunch at a fish restaurant. The road then follows the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to Cholpon-Ata, where you go out on the lake by boat. In the evening, you drive through the mountains to the Chon-Kemin Valley for dinner at your homestay.
- DrivingAbout 300 km, 5.5–6.5 hours
- BoatIssyk-Kul, about 1.5 hours
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, dinner
- OvernightHomestay, Chon-Kemin
- ShowerYes; hot water is limited, so please keep showers short
- ToiletYes, in your room
- Wi-FiWeak Wi-Fi, sometimes none
Good to know
This is the longest driving day of the trip, with a late arrival in Chon-Kemin.
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Day14
Chon-Kemin → Bishkek → Manas Airport
Chon-Kemin & back to Bishkek
On your last morning, go horse riding or take a forest walk in Chon-Kemin. After lunch, you drive back to Bishkek for a farewell dinner, a warm way to end the journey. In the evening, you're transferred to Manas Airport for your flight home.
After the tour, we take you back to your hotel in the capital to rest (or, if you have an evening flight, we take you to the airport for free).
- DrivingAbout 150 km, around 3 hours
- Horse riding / walkAbout 2 hours
- MealsBreakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
- DepartureTransfer to Manas Airport in the evening
How to register
Is this tour right for you?
Before you register, take a short survey (about 2 minutes). If the tour fits you, the registration form opens right away.
Start the survey
- 1Take the survey
- 2See if the tour fits you
- 3Register for the tour
Why is this survey required?
- Our tours go to remote mountains: simple stays, long drives, altitude and changing weather.
- Your answers help us make sure the trip is safe and enjoyable for you and the whole group.
- We can only confirm a registration after the survey.
Food
Authentic Kyrgyz dishes and fresh seasonal fruit
On the trip, you may taste these classic dishes:
Beshbarmak
Hand-cut noodles with boiled meat. The most iconic Kyrgyz dish, served for celebrations and to honor guests.
Kuurdak
Fried lamb or beef with potatoes and onions: everyday nomad home cooking.
Plov
Rice slow-cooked with carrots and meat, rich and fragrant.
Lagman
Hand-pulled noodles with vegetables and beef, a favorite across Central Asia.
Samsa
Meat pastries baked in a traditional clay oven, crisp outside and juicy inside.
Shashlik
Skewers grilled over charcoal in the open air: the smell you'll meet most often on the road.
Snacks and drinks
- Boorsok: fried dough pieces that are a must at every nomad feast; with jam and hot tea, they're the locals' favorite afternoon snack.
- Maksym / Chalap / Jarma: traditional fermented grain drinks, refreshing and slightly sour, loved by locals every day.
- Kymyz: fermented mare's milk, the classic nomad drink, slightly sour and good for digestion.
Seasonal fruit
- Summer: cherries (June), apricots (July, famous across Central Asia), melons, and all kinds of berries (raspberries, strawberries, blackcurrants, blueberries).
- Autumn: apples from around Issyk-Kul, juicy pears, and the sweetest grapes in September.
Price details
What's included
Included
- Accommodation in homestays, yurt camps, a wooden camp, mountain guesthouses and a Karakol guesthouse
- Meals as listed for each day
- Driver and guide, incl. 4WD for the off-road sections and the airport transfer on Day 14
- Border permit for Kok-Kiya and Kel-Suu
- Felt workshop, nomad family visit, eagle hunting show and Issyk-Kul boat trip
Not included
- International air fares
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, e.g. souvenirs
- Gratuity to guides & drivers
Still have questions?
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