Trekking, horseback riding, high mountains and nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan

Trekking, horseback riding, high mountains and nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is an excellent choice for those seeking a thrilling nature adventure with diverse activities for the whole family.

Our enchanting family holiday suggestion offers a well-rounded and immersive experience, highlighting the country's breathtaking natural beauty, vibrant cultural heritage, and adventurous spirit through exhilarating trekking, scenic horseback riding, engaging participation in a masterclass on traditional felt carpet making, and a fascinating meeting with an eagle hunter to learn about this ancient Kyrgyz hunting practice.

You'll visit the most beautiful and picturesque sites along Issyk-Kul Lake’s southern and northern coasts, exploring its historical monuments and stunning gorges. Staying in a real yurt camp at the tranquil Song-Kol Lake further deepens the cultural experience, allowing you to live like a nomad under the starry open sky.  From June to September you will see yurt camps spreaded out in the countryside, along the roads or in remote mountain areas. Here the nomads let cattle, horses and sheep graze freely and regularly they move the camp to new pastures. The adventurous trekking days in Altyn Arashan and explorations around the pristine Kel-Suu Lake provide a chance to experience Kyrgyzstan's rugged and awe-inspiring terrain up close. Breathtaking views and thrilling travel moments are guaranteed as you drive through dramatic high mountain passes like Kalmak-Ashuu and Moldo Ashuu.

This meticulously crafted travel plan ensures you see both well-known attractions and remote, less-visited areas, offering a thorough exploration of Kyrgyzstan's rich natural and cultural offerings for an unforgettable and magical travel experience.

Highlights:
Altyn Arashan - the beautiful valley in 3000 m with lots of hot springs
Son Kol lake - the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan(3010 m a.s.l.)
Kel suu lake - the mountain lake with greenish water surroundef by high cliffs
Activities - horseback riding, trekking, felt carpet preparation, meeting an eagle hunter


Itinerary:

Day 1. Bishkek
Arrival in Bishkek. After some rest you will have a sightseeing tour. After lunch we drive to the Ala-Archa National Park. You will be welcomed to the beauty of Kyrgyzstan in the alpine gorge through which the fast flowing Ala-Archa River runs, flanked by tall, snow-covered, peaks with steep-sided, forested, mountain slopes. (-/L/D)
Distance: about 40 km

Day 2. Bishkek – Karakol
After breakfast we drive to Karakol city and the Issyk-Kul region. Cholpon-Ata city where you can enjoy the second largest alpine lake and lunch. After lunch we continue along the road to Karakol city. On the way we will stop in Grigorevka and Semenovka gorge where world nomad games were held. Our guide will prepare you some coffee with a beautiful view of the gorge. Overnight in Karakol city.  Dinner at an ethno restaurant. (B/L/D)
Distance: about 460 km by car

Day 3. Trekking to Altyn Arashan

Today we continue to the Altyn-Arashan mountain gorge. You can reach the place with a special off-road truck adopted for passengers (Ural). The road goes along the river Arashan and up the hills, where you will get to the Arashan hot spring thermal bath valley. Enjoy the natural beauties and have your lunch in the wild! You will hike up to there. The terrain is easy to hike and it takes about 4 hours with a normal average speed. (B/L/D)
Distance: about 50 km; Trekking: about 18 km 

Day 4. Karakol – Jeti Oguz valley – Fairy tale canyon
Today the Ural will pick up us and takes us back to the city where we will continue our trip. Today we drive on the south shore of Ysyk-Kul lake which is the second largest alpine lake in the world after Titikaka in Peru. So today you can enjoy a picnic at the coast of the pristine lake and visit some fairy tale canyons. Jeti-Oguz is a red rock which has intense color adorned with the view of snow-capped mountains. Today you will enjoy end learn about eagle hunting. (B/L/D)
Distance: about 160 km; Trekking: about 3 km 

Day 5. Bokonbaeva – Son Kol lake
Having enjoyed breakfast you will be transferred to the sparkling, crystal clear mountain lake Song-Kol through Kochkor village. In the village we visit a local family for lunch and participate in a kind of workshop to make the traditional handmade felt carpets. It is worth a try! After lunch we continue the journey to Song-Kol, crossing the high pass Kalmak-Ashuu (3400m). The pass takes us to the northern lakeshore where you will be welcomed in a yurt camp. You will dine and sleep in the yurt camp. (B/L/D)
Distance: about 260 km

Day 6. Son-Kol lake – Naryn city
Today at Son-Kol you can enjoy the vastness and beautiful lake. You can go for hiking and horse riding. After lunch we drive to Naryn city via Moldo Ashuu pass.(3400m). This is one of the scenic passes in Kyrgyzstan. Dinner in the city. (B/L/D)
Trekking/ horse riding: about 5 km; Distance: about 150 km

Day 7. Naryn City – Kel suu lake
Today we hope you will be fascinated with the view of Kel-Suu lake. Kel suu lake is located in the southern part of Kyrgyzstan near to the China border, an area requiring a special permit. After crossing the border zone you will be located in real Kyrgyz remoteness. We will be driving with the view of snow capped mountains and even in summer the nights are very cold in this area and day temperatures normal 15-20 degrees. (B/L/D)
Trekking/ horse riding: about 8 km; Distance: about 5 hrs.

Day 8. Kel suu lake – Naryn
After breakfast we will go for our last trekking enjoying the the beauty of the high mountains. After lunch we will drive back to Naryn city - a 5 hrs. drive through the mountains. (B/L/D)
Trekking: about 10 km; Distance: about 5 hrs.

Day 9. Naryn city – Kochkor – Bishkek
Today we drive to Bishkek city. Farewell dinner. End of the service or transfer to airport. (B/L/D)
Distance: about 320 km

 


Price Includes:
Accommodation in family style house/yurts
Meals as per itinary (B=breakfast/L=lunch/D=dinner)
Transport as per itinary incl. to Altyn Arashan
English speaking guide/driver
Fully equipped horses at Song Kol lake
Entry fees - also for the eagle hunting

Not Included:
Flight to/from Bishkek
Visa if needed
Meals and drinking not mentioned
Fees to sights not mentioned
Tipping
Insurance and any vaccination

Additional Services:
Extra nights in Bishkek: On request
Prices if less than 5 travelling together: at 4 persons the price is 1230 EUR pp; at 3 persons the price is 1470 EUR per person; at 2 persons the price is 1900 EUR per person


Trekking, horseback riding, high mountains and nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan (Rated 4.88 / 5 Based on 24 Reviews.)
Group Size
2-5 persons
Reservation System Code
KRGRIDE

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