The most beautiful lakes of Kyrgyzstan

Trip Description

Accomodation

Stay program

• day 1

  BISHKEK – KYZYL OI

  

  Departure towards the isolated village of Kyzyl-Oi, a charming hamlet nestled on the banks of the Kokomeren river, surrounded by the red mountains characteristic of the region. On the way, we will visit the museum dedicated to a famous Kyrgyz giant, known for his impressive height of over 2 meters — a fascinating local figure. Upon your arrival in Kyzyl-Oi, a short walk will allow you to discover the peaceful surroundings of the village and its traditional atmosphere. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse. Elevation gain: +2300 m / –1200 m

• day 2

  KYZYL OI – KYZART – KILEMCHE (TRANSFER + HORSE TREK)

  

  About a 2-hour drive to the village of Kyzart, where our horseman and his horses are waiting for us. Friendly lunch with a local family, an opportunity to discover Kyrgyz hospitality. After the meal, departure on horseback towards the Kilemche summer pasture, a vast high-altitude pasture known for its gentle, rolling landscapes. We will ride for about 4 hours through rivers and hills, fully immersed in nomadic life. Dinner and overnight in a yurt. Elevation gain: +800 m

• day 3

  KILEMCHE – SON KOL (HORSEBACK TREK)

  

  After breakfast, we resume our horseback trek towards Lake Son-Kol. We gradually ascend to the Jalgyz-Karagay pass (3,300 m), offering a superb panorama of the high-altitude pastures. Then, we gently descend towards the lake. Lunch in a yurt, before getting back on horseback to reach the area called Tuz Ashu, on the shore of Lake Son-Kol. About 4 to 5 hours of horseback trekking. Dinner and overnight in a yurt. Elevation gain: +850 m / –300 m

• day 4

  SON KOL – TASH RABAT

  

  We leave Lake Son-Kol to reach Tash Rabat, an impressive 11th-century caravanserai located on the ancient Silk Road, which once served as a refuge for caravanners crossing the mountains. On the way, we stop in the town of Naryn for lunch. We then continue to the Tash Rabat valley, surrounded by majestic landscapes. Dinner and overnight in a yurt (possibility to sleep in a well-heated house for more comfort). Elevation change: –1000 m / +1200 m

• day 5

  TASH RABAT – PANORAMIC PASS – TASH RABAT (TREK ON FOOT)

  

  Hiking towards the Panorama Pass (4,050 m). This demanding 8 to 9 hour round-trip hike will take you to the top of the pass, where you will discover a spectacular view of Lake Chatyr-Kol, stretching out on the other side of the mountain range. A day of effort rewarded by one of the most magnificent panoramas in the region. Elevation gain: +950 m / –950 m

• day 6

  TASH RABAT – KEL SUU

  

  Departure around 9 a.m. On the way, visit the ruins of the Koshoy-Korgon fortress dating from the 12th century. Lunch – picnic. Arrival in the Kok-Kyia valley with yurt camps located 7-8 km from the lake. To access this border area, you need to obtain a permit, which we will prepare for you with copies of your passports. Dinner and overnight in yurts or heated houses. Elevation gain: +100

• day 7

  KEL SUU – NARYN (TREK ON FOOT + TRANSFER)

  

  In the morning, after breakfast, we will take a 3-4 h walk (round trip) to go see the lake. It is truly an extraordinary lake. After lunch in the yurt, we drive towards Naryn. Arrival in the evening. Dinner in a restaurant, night at the hotel. Elevation change: – 1200

• day 8

  NARYN – KOL UKOK (TRANSFER + HORSE TREK)

  

  We arrive at the village of Isakeev (not far from Kochkor) after about 2 hours of driving. Our horseman is waiting for us there with his horses. Horse trek to Lake Kol-Ukok (4 h). Lunch: picnic. Dinner and overnight in a yurt. Elevation gain: +1100

• day 9

  KOL UKOK – KOCHKOR – BOKONBAEV (TREK ON FOOT + TRANSFER)

  

  We ride down on horseback to the village of Isakeev and get back in the car to reach Kochkor for lunch, then we drive towards Issyk-Kol, the largest lake in the country. On the way, visit of the Ak-Say canyons. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse. Elevation change: – 1100; +500

• day 10

  BOKONBAEV – KARAKOL

  

  In the morning, we visit a falconer to take part in the eagle hunting demonstration. Then, we head towards Karakol with visits to the Skazka and Jeti-Oguz canyons. Arrival in Karakol in the afternoon. Visit of a Dungan mosque and an Orthodox church. Dinner in a restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. Elevation gain: + 100

• day 11

  KARAKOL - CHON KEMIN

  

  If Sunday, we visit the Karakol livestock market before leaving. On the way, visit to an open-air petroglyph museum. Arrival in the Chon-Kemin valley in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse. Elevation change: -100

• day 12

  CHON KEMIN - BISHKEK

  

  Return to Bishkek. Visit of the Burana Tower dating from the 11th century. Arrival in Bishkek at noon. Lunch in a restaurant, check-in at a hotel. In the afternoon, we dedicate to visiting the Kyrgyz capital: its green parks, colorful markets, etc. Farewell dinner in a restaurant. Overnight at the hotel. Elevation change: -700