Arrival in Bishkek & Ala-Archa National Park

Arrival in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. After airport transfer and early hotel check-in, we enjoy breakfast and a short rest. Later we drive to Ala-Archa National Park, located about 40 km from the city.

This beautiful national park offers a great introduction to the Tien Shan Mountains, with snowy peaks rising above 4,000 meters, deep valleys, and alpine forests. We start a scenic hike through juniper and pine forests and continue toward a spectacular 30-meter waterfall with panoramic mountain views.

After the hike we return to Bishkek. Dinner in a local restaurant and overnight in the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bishkek → Chon-Kemin National Park

After breakfast we drive to Chon-Kemin National Park. On the way we stop at the historic Burana Tower, a minaret from the ancient Karakhanid city of Balasagun, once an important center of the Silk Road.

After lunch in a guest house we explore the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley, one of the most picturesque regions of Kyrgyzstan. In the afternoon we enjoy a hike along the valley slopes with scenic mountain views.

Dinner and overnight at a local guest house.

Accommodation: Guest House
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chon-Kemin → Son-Kol Lake

After breakfast we drive toward Son-Kol Lake, one of the most famous alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan. On the way we stop to explore Kok-Moinok Canyon, known for its narrow red rock formations.

After arriving at the yurt camp near Son-Kol Lake we enjoy lunch and relax while admiring the stunning high-mountain scenery. In the afternoon we take a horse riding tour along the lakeshore. Beginners will receive instructions from local guides.

Dinner and overnight in a traditional yurt camp.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Son-Kol Lake → Tash-Rabat Caravanserai

After breakfast we drive through remote Kyrgyz villages and mountain passes, including Moldo-Ashuu Pass and MELS Pass, toward the historic Tash-Rabat Caravanserai.

This well-preserved stone caravanserai was an important stop along the Great Silk Road. After arrival we explore the monument and the surrounding valley. Optional horse riding is possible in the area.

Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tash-Rabat → Kel-Suu Lake

Today we drive toward the remote alpine Kel-Suu Lake, located near the Chinese border at an altitude of about 3,500 meters. After passing a border checkpoint and crossing Kynda Pass, we reach the yurt camp.

From here we hike toward the spectacular turquoise Kel-Suu Lake, surrounded by dramatic cliffs and alpine pastures.

Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp with a local family.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hiking distance: 12 km
Hiking time: 4–5 hours

Kel-Suu → Naryn

After breakfast we drive to Naryn town. After several nights in yurt camps this day offers time to relax in a comfortable hotel.

Dinner and overnight in Naryn.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Naryn → Bokonbaevo (Issyk-Kul Lake)

Today we travel toward the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world. On the way we stop at the impressive Ak-Say Canyon.

In Bokonbaevo we visit a traditional eagle hunter, one of the most famous Kyrgyz nomadic traditions.

Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp near the lake.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Bokonbaevo → Karakol

After breakfast we visit Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, famous for its colorful sandstone formations. Then we continue to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, known for its dramatic red rock formations called “Seven Bulls.”

After arrival in Karakol we explore the town and visit its main attractions including the Dungan Mosque, the Russian Orthodox Church, and the local bazaar.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Karakol → Altyn-Arashan

After breakfast we drive to Ak-Suu village, where we begin our trek to the beautiful Altyn-Arashan Gorge. This valley is famous for its alpine landscapes and natural hot springs.

After reaching the guest house we have lunch and take a hike to the Swallow’s Nest hot springs or the Anyr-Tor valley.

Dinner and overnight in a guest house or yurt.

Accommodation: Guest House / Yurt
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking time: 4–5 hours

Altyn-Arashan → Karakol

After breakfast we trek back down to Ak-Suu village and drive back to Karakol.

In the afternoon we enjoy a short city tour and some time to relax.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Trekking time: 4–5 hours

Karakol → Ichke-Jergez Village

Today we travel to Ichke-Jergez village near Issyk-Kul Lake. This day focuses on authentic rural life.

After lunch with a local family we learn how to bake traditional tandyr bread and enjoy a small concert performed by the host family.

Dinner and overnight in Karakol.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Karakol → Bishkek

After breakfast we drive back to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way we stop at the cultural complex Rukh Ordo in Cholpon-Ata.

After arrival we enjoy a short city tour of Bishkek.

Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Departure

Transfer to the airport for your international departure.

Meals included: Breakfast