10 Days Kyrgyzstan Lakes & Nomadic Trails
Overview:
Journey through Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes and nomadic culture. Explore Son Kul Lake, Tash Rabat, and Issyk Kul, stay in yurts, meet eagle hunters, hike to hidden lakes, and experience true Kyrgyz hospitality.
Guesthouse x 6 nights
Highlights:
Son Kul Lake: Discover the tranquility of this high-altitude lake, with options for hiking or horseback riding.
Kel Suu Lake: Hike through snow-capped mountain landscapes to reach this breathtaking and secluded alpine lake.
Tash Rabat: Explore a 15th-century caravanserai along the historic Silk Road.
Issyk Kul Lake: Visit Kyrgyzstan's largest lake, known as the "Pearl of Central Asia," and enjoy its serene beaches and stunning surroundings.
Skazka Canyon and Jeti-Oguz: Marvel at colourful rock formations and the iconic "Seven Bulls" red cliffs amidst lush forests.
Eagle Hunting: Witness the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles in Bokonbaevo.
Ala Archa National Park: Hike amidst glacier-fed streams and panoramic mountain views near Bishkek. Chon Kemin Valley: Experience lush pastures, forests, and traditional Kyrgyz rural life.
Cultural Immersion: Participate in felt-making demonstrations and enjoy authentic Kyrgyz cuisine in local homes and yurts.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bishkek - Son Kul
After an early arrival in Bishkek, meet your guide at the airport. Journey to Son Kul Lake, crossing a high mountain pass at 3,400m. Enjoy the peaceful lakeside views and surrounding hills before spending the night in a traditional yurt camp.
Accommodation | Yurt Camp
Meal | Lunch, Dinner
Day 2: Son Kul - Naryn
Enjoy a relaxed morning at Son Kul Lake, then drive to Naryn, passing stunning landscapes. Option for a walk near the mountain pass. Arrive for dinner and overnight at a guesthouse.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Naryn - Kok Kiya
Travel 6 hours through scenic mountain roads to Kok Kiya Valley (border permit required), with a picnic stop en route. Settle into a yurt camp, explore the area, or go horseback riding, then enjoy dinner at camp.
Accommodation | Yurt Camp
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Explore Kel Suu Lake
Hike 9 km to the stunning Kel Suu Lake, surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Enjoy free time at the lake before returning to the yurt camp in Kok Kiya Valley for dinner and relaxation.
Accommodation | Yurt Camp
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Kok Kiya - Tash Rabat
Travel 8 hours to Tash Rabat Valley, a historic Silk Road caravanserai, with a picnic stop en route. Arrive, settle into a yurt camp, and enjoy dinner under the stars.
Accommodation | Yurt Camp
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Tash Rabat - Kochkor
Explore Tash Rabat Valley with a walk, hike, or caravanserai visit. Optional horseback riding is available. After lunch at the yurt camp, drive 4 hours to Kochkor and stay overnight in a guesthouse.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Kochkor - Bokonbaevo
Travel to Issyk Kul Lake, stopping at Ak Sai Canyon for views, a hike, and a swim. In Bokonbaevo, meet an eagle hunter before overnighting in a guesthouse.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Bokonbaevo - Skazka - Jeti-Oguz - Bokonbaevo
Explore Issyk Kul’s south shore, visiting Skazka Canyon’s colorful rocks and Jeti-Oguz’s red canyons and forests. Return to Bokonbaevo for dinner and overnight at a guesthouse.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9: Bokonbaevo – Chon Kemin
Visit a local family in Bokonbaevo for a felt-making demonstration. Travel to Chon Kemin Valley, enjoy lunch, then explore on foot or horseback ride. Dinner and overnight at a guesthouse.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10: Chon Kemin – Ala Archa – Bishkek
Return to Bishkek, stopping at Ala Archa National Park for a scenic walk. Explore city highlights like Main Square and Oak Park, then enjoy dinner before an overnight stay or airport transfer.
Accommodation | Guesthouse
Meal | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
✓ What's included
Airport transfers (arrival/departure)
English-speaking guide
Water supply 1L per person per day
All transportation
Eagle hunting demonstration
Border zone permits
Felt making demonstration
All entry fees according to the program
✕ Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Beverages (except water and tea during meals)
Personal expenses and purchases
Horse riding and other optional activities.
ⓘ Need-to-know
ⓘ Important Note for Day 1
The tour starts at 8:00 AM with a drive from Bishkek to Son-Kul. Early check-in accommodation in Bishkek is not included. If you wish to rest for a few hours before the tour begins, please email us in advance—early check-in can be arranged at an additional cost.
ⓘ Clothing & Gear
Pack Warm Clothes – Mountain weather is unpredictable, and nights at high altitudes can be cold. Bring a warm jacket, pants, hat, and socks.
Hiking Shoes Required – The itinerary includes hikes to Kel Suu Lake and other trails. Sturdy hiking shoes are essential.
Sun Protection – Bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat to protect against the sun and heat.
ⓘ Health & Insurance
High Altitude Readiness – Expect elevations over 3,000m, with Kel Suu Lake at 3,500m.
Medication: If you have any medical conditions, bring your own medicine kit and inform us in advance.
Insurance Requirement: Travelers must have insurance covering high-altitude activities to participate in this tour.
ⓘ Food & Extras
Vegetarian Meals: Available upon request, prior notice is required.
Optional Activities Not Included: Horse riding, boat rides, and other extras are not covered in the tour price. Bring cash to pay on-site for activities not listed in the “Included” section.
ⓘ Important Accommodation & Facilities
Guesthouse/Hotel Stays – Accommodation is on a twin basis.
Shared Facilities in Rural Areas – Guesthouses may have shared toilets and showers, while hotels in cities offer private bathrooms.
Yurt Stays – Yurts accommodate up to 4 people per unit, and toilets are located outside.