ⓘ Transport & Logistics

• Vehicle & Guide: Your journey will be in a comfortable, private 4x4 vehicle, essential for reaching the remote destinations on this itinerary. You will be led by an experienced, English-speaking local guide and a skilled driver who will handle all navigation and logistics.

• Adventure Travel: This is a fully guided tour designed to take you off the beaten path. We manage all the driving on varied terrain, from paved roads to the rugged mountain tracks leading to the Kok Kiya Valley.

• Permits & Fees Included: Travel with peace of mind knowing that all necessary permits, including the special border zone permit required to visit the spectacular Kel Suu Lake region, are arranged and included in your tour package. All park and site entrance fees are also covered.

ⓘ Entry & Visa Requirements

• Kyrgyzstan offers visa-free entry for up to 60 days for citizens of many countries (including the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia). Please verify the specific visa requirements for your nationality before you travel.
• A passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of departure is required.

ⓘ Accommodation

• This tour includes 4 nights in traditional yurt camps and 6 nights in family-run guesthouses. This provides an authentic and immersive cultural experience.
• Yurts typically accommodate up to 4 people per unit, with toilet facilities located outside. Guesthouses are on a twin-share basis and often have shared bathroom facilities.

ⓘ Meals & Water

• This is a full-board tour. All meals (breakfast, lunch/picnic, and dinner) are included from lunch on Day 1 through dinner on Day 10, with breakfast on your departure day.
• Vegetarian meals are available. Please inform us of any dietary needs when you book.
• 1 liter of drinking water per person per day is provided.

ⓘ Packing Tips

• Sturdy hiking shoes are essential for this tour, especially for the Kel Suu Lake trek.
• Weather in the mountains is unpredictable. Pack layered clothing, including a warm down jacket, fleece, waterproof outer layer, a warm hat, and gloves for cold nights at high altitude.
• Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat) is crucial.

ⓘ Health & Safety

• Important Day 1 Arrival: This tour departs from Bishkek at 8:00 AM on Day 1. If your flight arrives very early in the morning, pre-tour accommodation for the night before can be arranged at an additional cost to ensure you are well-rested.
• Mandatory Travel Insurance: All participants must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and high-altitude activities (up to 4,000m).
• High Altitude: This trip involves sleeping at elevations over 3,000m. The itinerary is designed for gradual acclimatization, but it's important to be prepared.
• Personal Medication: Please bring a personal first-aid kit with any medication you require and inform your guide of any pre-existing medical conditions.

ⓘ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How difficult is the hike to Kel Suu Lake?
A: The hike to Kel Suu Lake is the most challenging of the tour. It involves a round trip of approximately 18 km (11 miles) at a high altitude of over 3,500m. We rate it as moderately challenging, suitable for individuals who are regular hikers and have a good level of physical fitness. The breathtaking view of the secluded lake is an incredible reward for the effort.

Q: What is a "border zone permit" and do I need to arrange it?
A: Kel Suu Lake is located in a restricted military zone near the border with China, and a special permit is required for all visitors. Orienjo Tours handles this entire process for you. The permit is included in the tour cost, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free experience.

Q: What makes this tour different from other Kyrgyzstan itineraries?
A: This tour is designed for the active traveler looking for a deeper, more adventurous experience. The key differentiator is the journey to the remote and stunning Kel Suu Lake, a hidden gem that most standard tours do not visit. It combines iconic sites like Son Kul and Issyk Kul with truly off-the-beaten-path exploration.

Q: What cultural experiences are included in this tour?
A: You will experience authentic Kyrgyz culture firsthand. Highlights include staying with nomadic families in traditional yurt camps, witnessing a private eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo, and participating in a felt-making demonstration with a local family in the Chon Kemin Valley.

Q: What is the best time of year to take this tour?
A: The ideal season for this adventure is from June to early September. During these summer months, the high-altitude passes are clear, the weather is most favorable for hiking to Kel Suu Lake, and the nomadic yurt camps are fully operational.

Q: Are there opportunities for horse riding?
A: Yes, optional horse riding is available at several locations, including Son Kul Lake, the Kok Kiya Valley, and Tash Rabat. This is a fantastic way to experience the landscape like a local nomad. Your guide can help arrange this for an additional cost.