Meet you at the airport or in your guest house in Bishkek. After your arrival in Bishkek, we begin our adventure by driving through the majestic Too-Ashuu Pass (3,180 m), offering stunning panoramic views of the Suusamyr Valley below. We descend into this vast alpine pasture, dotted with yurts and grazing herds, and continue to the quaint village of Kyzyl-Oy (1,800 m). On the way, we stop at the Kojomkul Museum, dedicated to a legendary strongman.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Local guesthouse in Kyzyl-Oy.
Distance: ~220 km.
Altitude Gain: From 800 m (Bishkek) to ~1,800 m (Kyzyl-Oy)

Today’s scenic drive takes us over the Kara-Keche Pass (3,380 m), one of Kyrgyzstan’s wildest and most rugged routes. By afternoon, we arrive at the breathtaking Son-Kul Lake (3,016 m), a high-altitude jewel surrounded by summer nomadic camps. Enjoy a warm welcome in traditional yurts, then spend the evening immersed in nomadic culture amid sweeping grasslands and serene mountain air.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Traditional yurt camp on the shores of Son-Kul.
Distance: ~200 km
Altitude Gain: From 1,800 m to ~3,016 m (Son-Kul)

Saddle up for a day-long horseback trek through mountain passes and rolling pastures as we descend from Son-Kul to Kyzart Village (~2,200 m). This peaceful ride allows for deep connection with nature and nomadic traditions, accompanied by local horsemen.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kyzart
Distance (on horseback): ~20 km
Altitude Change: From 3,016 m to ~2,200 m

We journey southeast through Kochkor Village, where we visit a handicraft center to see traditional felt-making. Along the way, we stop at soviet-era salt mines, a local sanatorium, and the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, keeping an eye out for wild camels grazing nearby. By afternoon, we arrive at Issyk-Kul Lake’s southern shore, known for its tranquility and clear water — perfect for a swim.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Yurt camp by Issyk-Kul Lake
Distance: ~200 km
Altitude Descent: From ~2,200 m to ~1,600 m

A day rich in culture and natural wonders. We begin with a demonstration of traditional eagle hunting, then explore the surreal red sandstone formations of Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon. We continue through the majestic Jeti-Ögüz Gorge, famous for the “Seven Bulls” rock formations, before arriving in Karakol, a charming town nestled between the lake and the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol.
Distance: ~190 km.
Altitude: ~1,700 m (Karakol).

Start the day with a cultural tour: the Przhevalsky Museum, Dungan Mosque, and the Russian Orthodox Church. After lunch in the village of Aksuu, we board a rugged Soviet military truck for a thrilling off-road ascent to the alpine valley of Altyn Arashan (2,450 m). Here, thermal springs, pine forests, and towering peaks create an idyllic mountain retreat. Soak in hot springs and relax in the peaceful valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Altyn Arashan valley.
Distance: ~40 km (20 km drive + 20 km off-road).
Altitude Gain: From 1,700 m to ~2,450 m.

Today we embark on a challenging and rewarding horseback trek (~20 km round-trip) to the stunning Ala-Kul Lake, a glacial lake at ~3,500 m tucked into the heart of the Terskey Ala-Too range. Picnic lunch with a view. This full-day excursion offers awe-inspiring views and unforgettable mountain scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Return to Altyn Arashan guesthouse
Distance (on horseback): ~20 km round-trip
Altitude Gain: From 2,450 m to ~3,500 m

After breakfast, we descend back to Aksuu by Russian truck and meet with our driver. We then journey along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, known for its beaches and resorts. Arrive in the lakeside the resort town of Cholpon-Ata (~1,650 m), famous for its petroglyphs and cultural events.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata
Distance: ~220 km
Altitude: ~1,650 m

A relaxing day by the lake. Swim in Issyk-Kul’s crystal-clear waters or explore the cultural treasures of the region: The Petroglyph Open-Air Museum. The spiritual and artistic Ruh Ordo Cultural Center. Local museums and bazaars. This is also the city that hosts the World Nomad Games.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Same guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata

Our final day is full of discoveries. We hike (~12 km round-trip) through the Konorchek Canyon, a dramatic maze of red rock formations reminiscent of the American Southwest. On our way back to Bishkek, we visit the 11th-century Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Arrival in Bishkek in the evening.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Distance: ~270 km
Altitude Descent: To 800 m (Bishkek)