Kyrgyzstan Alpine Lakes and Yurt Camps Adventure Trip

DAY 1: TO ISSYK KUL LAKE 

Driving distance/time: 300 km, 5 hours
Trekking distance/time: 3 km, 1 hour
Lowest/highest altitude: 800 m/1,800 m

After breakfast, meet your driver at our office and set off towards Burana Tower, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic historical monuments. Located on the site of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagyn, this 11th-century minaret stands as a rare example of settled culture in the land of nomads. You can explore a small museum displaying archaeological finds and a collection of “balbals” – stone warrior statues used as grave markers by Turkic tribes.
From here, continue driving to Ak-Sai Canyons (1,800 m) near Bokonbaevo village. Take a short hike (~ 1 hour) to admire the dramatic scenery and panoramic views over Issyk-Kul Lake.
Then we arrive at Bel Tam Yurt Camp in Bokonbaevo village (1,600 m), beautifully set on the shore of Issyk-Kul. After settling into your yurts, enjoy a peaceful walk along the lakeshore or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters of the world’s second-largest alpine lake.

Accommodation: shared yurts in Bel-Tam yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

DAY 2: THE RED SKAZKA CANYON AND BARSKOON WATERFALLS

Driving distance/time: 110 km, 2 hours
Trekking distance/time: 7 km, 4 hours
Lowest/highest altitude: 1,500 m/2,500 m

After breakfast at Bel Tam Yurt Camp, start your day with a captivating eagle hunting show near Bokonbaevo village. Meet a local berkutchi (eagle hunter) who will introduce you to his golden eagle and demonstrate the ancient art of hunting – a tradition passed down through generations of Kyrgyz nomads. You’ll have a chance to take photos and learn about how the eagles are trained, fed, and cared for.
Continue the journey east along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon (1,500 m). This stunning natural wonder is famous for its surreal red sandstone formations shaped by centuries of wind and rain into castles, dragons, and other whimsical figures – truly living up to its name “Fairy Tale.” Enjoy a 3-hour hike through the labyrinth of colorful cliffs and ridges, with panoramic views of the turquoise lake in the background.
After lunch, drive further to the Barskoon Gorge (2,500 m), located in the lower slopes of the Terskey Ala-Too Range. The gorge is famous for its cascading waterfalls named as “Tears of a Leopard” and “Snow Leopard.” A short hike will take you to one of the main waterfalls, where you can enjoy the fresh mountain air, pine forests, and stunning alpine scenery.
Later in the afternoon, drive further to Svetlaya Polyana (1,840 m) and settle in at a cozy guest house for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: shared triple rooms in a guest house in Svetlaya Polyana
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi*, hot shower, and western-style toilets (* Wi-Fi is not available in the guest house according to its internal policy, internet access is only available in the kitchen area (free of charge).

DAY 3: DAY TREK TO SEE BORIS YELTSIN PEAK (5168 m)

Driving distance/time: 80 km, 2 hours
Trekking distance/time: 10 km, 5-6 hours
Lowest/highest altitude: 1,840 m/2,250 m

After breakfast at the guest house in Svetlaya Polyana, drive towards the Jeti Oguz Gorge (2,200 m), one of the most famous natural landmarks in Kyrgyzstan. The name Jeti Oguz means “Seven Bulls,” and the gorge takes its name from the striking red sandstone cliffs that resemble a row of seven mighty bulls. Just next to it, you can also admire another rock formation called Broken Heart, a popular viewpoint offering a perfect photo stop.
Continue deeper into the gorge along the mountain river surrounded by pine forests and alpine meadows. Begin a scenic hike through the Kok-Jaiyk Valley (2,250 m), often referred to as the “Valley of Flowers,” where lush green pastures are dotted with wildflowers and yurts of local herders.
During the hike, enjoy a picnic lunch box surrounded by mountain views and the sound of the river flowing nearby. The trail gradually ascends to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Oguz-Bashy Peak, renamed in 2002 to Boris Yeltsin Peak (5,168 m) – the highest mountain in the Terskey Ala-Too range. From here, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of the snow-capped peak, glaciers, and vast alpine landscapes of famous Tian Shan Mountains stretching far into the distance. It’s an ideal place to rest, take photos, and soak in the serenity of Kyrgyz nature.
Descend back to the valley and return to your guest house in Svetlaya Polyana for dinner and overnight.

Accommodation: shared triple rooms in a guest house in Svetlaya Polyana
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi*, hot shower, and western-style toilets (* Wi-Fi is not available in the guest house according to its internal policy, internet access is only available in the kitchen area (free of charge).

DAY 4: HEADING TO SONG-KUL LAKE 

Driving distance/time: 330 km, 6 hours
Trekking distance/time: short optional walks, 1–2 hours
Lowest/highest altitude: 1,700 m/3,016 m

After breakfast, depart from Svetlaya Polyana and start your journey toward one of Kyrgyzstan’s most breathtaking destinations – Song-Kul Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake located at 3,016 meters above sea level. The drive takes you through ever-changing landscapes – from dense spruce forests and canyons to open steppe and high mountain passes.
En route, stop in Kochkor village, known as one of Kyrgyzstan’s main centers of traditional handicrafts. Here, you’ll visit a felt carpet (shyrdak) making workshop, where local women demonstrate the ancient art of crafting colorful felt carpets from sheep’s wool. Learn about the patterns, symbols, and techniques passed down through generations, and have the opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs directly from the artisans.
Enjoy lunch in Kochkor at a local guest house before continuing your ascent towards Song-Kul. The road winds through picturesque mountain passes and wide-open valleys where nomads graze their herds of horses, yaks, and sheep during the summer months.
Upon arrival at Song-Kul Lake, settle into a traditional yurt camp overlooking the vast, shimmering lake. In the late afternoon, you can take a peaceful walk along the lakeshore or visit nearby herder families to learn about their nomadic way of life. Dinner and overnight in yurts under a sky full of stars.

Accommodation: shared yurts in Rakhima yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 200 KGS), solar panels, hot shower, traditional Russian-style sauna (banya), and western-style toilets

DAY 5: EXPLORING SONG-KUL LAKE

After breakfast, set out for a hike along the lakeshore and through the surrounding pastures where herders graze their horses, yaks, and sheep. The trail offers gentle ascents with sweeping views of the lake and snow-capped peaks in the distance. Along the way, you may visit local yurts to taste freshly made kumis (fermented mare’s milk) and learn about nomadic traditions.
For those who prefer, an optional horse-riding excursion can be arranged instead of hiking. Ride through the vast highland plains, feeling the spirit of the nomadic culture and the freedom of the open steppe – an unforgettable way to experience Song-Kul’s pristine beauty.
Return to the yurt camp in the afternoon for a hearty homemade lunch and some time to relax. You can spend the evening watching the sunset over the lake and taking photos. Dinner and overnight in yurts under a starry mountain sky.

Accommodation: shared yurts in Rakhima yurt camp (3-4 people in a yurt)
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 200 KGS), solar panels, hot shower, traditional Russian-style sauna (banya), and western-style toilets

DAY 6: TO AK SAI VALLEY VIA NARYN TOWN

Driving distance/time: 280 km, 8 hours
Trekking distance/time: short optional walks, 1-2 hours
Lowest/highest altitude: 2,044 m/3,500 m

After an early breakfast at Song-Kul Lake, begin your journey toward the remote and breathtaking Kel-Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular natural wonders. The road takes you through the dramatic landscapes of the Naryn region, passing mountain passes, deep river valleys, and vast high-altitude plateaus where herds of yaks and horses roam freely.
On the way, stop in Naryn town for lunch at a local café and a short rest. Then continue driving towards the Ak-Sai Valley, located near the Chinese border, an isolated and wild region surrounded by towering peaks. The scenery becomes increasingly rugged and dramatic as you climb higher into the mountains.
By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at the guest house near Kel-Suu Lake (3,500 m). After settling into your yurts, you can take a short evening walk around the camp or along the river valley to stretch your legs and enjoy the tranquility of the highlands.

Accommodation: shared twin rooms in a guest house
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (available at an additional cost for 500 KGS), traditional Russian-style sauna (banya – available at an additional cost for 500 KGS), and western-style toilets

DAY 7: EXPLORING KEL SUU LAKE 

Driving distance/time: 160 km, 4-5 hours
Trekking distance/time: 10 km, 4-5 hours (or optional horse riding)
Lowest/highest altitude: 2,044 m/3,500 m

In the morning set out on a scenic journey towards Kel-Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most secluded and awe-inspiring alpine lakes. The route follows a gentle ascent through a vast glacial valley framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and snow-capped peaks. Along the way, you’ll pass herds of grazing yaks and horses, as well as nomadic families living in traditional yurts.

You can hike or choose an optional horse ride to the lake, following the same route through open pastures and mountain streams. Horse riding offers a unique way to experience the wild beauty of the highlands, much like the local nomads who have traversed these lands for centuries.
After about two hours, the turquoise waters of Kel-Suu Lake (3,500 m) reveal themselves, hidden deep between towering cliffs. The name “Kel-Suu” means “Incoming Water,” as the lake mysteriously rises and recedes throughout the year. Spend time exploring the lakeshore, taking photos, or simply enjoying the peace of this untouched mountain paradise.
Enjoy a picnic lunch by the lake, then return to the yurt camp either on foot or horseback. In the afternoon, drive back through the majestic Ak-Sai Valley towards Naryn town, descending from the high pastures to the mountain town below.

Accommodation: shared twin rooms in a hotel/guest house
Meals included: breakfast, dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi (free of charge), hot shower, and western-style toilets

DAY 8: TO BISHKEK

Driving distance/time: 350 km, 6-7 hours
Lowest/highest altitude: 800 m/ 2,044 m

After breakfast at your guest house in Naryn, begin the scenic drive back to Bishkek (800 m), crossing mountain passes, river valleys, and traditional Kyrgyz villages along the way. The landscape slowly transforms from rugged alpine terrain to the vast open plains of the Chui Valley.
Enjoy lunch in Boom Gorge, where you can relax and savor authentic Kyrgyz cuisine before continuing the journey. As you drive through the Boom Gorge, take in the impressive canyon views and the winding Chu River flowing below.
As your remarkable journey draws to a close, we arrive in Bishkek at our office around 2-3 pm, bringing an end to your unforgettable expedition through Kyrgyzstan’s natural wonders and nomadic heritage.

Meals included: breakfast

Tour Price for Kyrgyzstan Highland Lakes and Yurt Camps Adventure Trip

Included in Tour Price:

• English-speaking driver + 4WD car is provided untill 4 people; a bus for more than 5 people. 
• Shared accommodation: yurt and homestays (Note: 3-5 person shared rooms for yurt and homestays)
• Dinner & Breakfast as indicated in itinerary*
• Transport throughout the trip
• Border permit for Kel Suu Lake (note: last-minute border permit requests require a surcharge)
• Entrance fees
• Felt making show
• Eagle hunting show

Not Included in the Tour Price:

• Hotel and meals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan before and after the tour ends
• Tour Guide ( a tour guide will be given starting from 5 people in a group)
• Lunches throughout the trip (cost 5-8 USD per day/person)
• Drinking water, Alcoholic drinks (10-15 USD per person for entire trip)
• Horses for horse riding (25-35 USD per day/person)
• Services outside of the standard program
• Tips
• Travel and Health Insurance

*Please let us know in advance if you are vegetarian/vegan or if you have food allergies.

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