Alpine lakes, nomadic culture, horse trekking
and remote mountain landscapes
in the heart of Central Asia

Kyrgystan Escape

Spend a full day immersed in nomadic life. Hike along the lakeshore and surrounding pastures, visiting local families in their yurts.
Learn about nomadic traditions and daily routines.

15–23 July 2026
9 days | 8 nights

itinerary

Day 1 — July 15 :
Arrival in Bishkek

Arrive at Manas International Airport, Bishkek.
Transfer to your hotel and check in. Depending on arrival time, enjoy an optional city walk together exploring Ala-Too Square, local streets , market, and cafés. Dinner together.
Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek

Day 2 — July 16 :
Bishkek Issyk-Kul Lake

Drive: 300 km / 5h | Walk: 3 km / 1h
Altitude: 800–1,800 m

Pickup from the hotel. Stop at Burana Tower, an 11th-century Silk Road minaret with ancient stone statues. Continue to Ak- Sai Canyons near Bokonbaevo for a short hike with panoramic views of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Arrive at cozy Yurt Camp. Free time for lakeside walk or swim.
Overnight: Yurt camp (spacious Yurts, shared 3–4 pax)
Meals: Dinner
Facilities: Wi-Fi, hot showers, western toilets

Day 3 – July 17 :
Eagle Hunting & Skazka Canyon

Drive: 110 km / 2h | Hike: 7 km / 4h
Altitude: 1,500–2,500 m

Morning eagle hunting demonstration with a local berkutchi. Learn this ancient nomadic tradition and take photos with the golden eagle.
Hike Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon with surreal red sandstone formations. After lunch, visit Barskoon Gorge for a waterfall hike. Drive to Svetlaya Polyana for overnight.
Overnight: Guest house (shared rooms)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Facilities: Hot shower, western toilets, limited Wi-Fi

Day 4 – July 18 :
Jeti Oguz & Boris Yeltsin Peak Trek

Drive: 80 km / 2h | Hike: 10 km / 5–6h
Altitude: 1,840–2,250 m

Visit Jeti Oguz Gorge (“Seven Bulls”) and Broken Heart viewpoint.
Hike through Kok-Jaiyk Valley (“Valley of Flowers”) to a panoramic viewpoint of Boris Yeltsin Peak (5,168 m). Picnic lunch included.
Return to Svetlaya Polyana for dinner and overnight.
Overnight: Guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – July 19 :
To Song-Kul Lake

Drive: 330 km / 6h
Altitude: up to 3,016 m

Drive through scenic mountain landscapes to Kochkor village, visit a traditional felt carpet workshop, and enjoy lunch. Continue to Song-Kul Lake, a high-altitude alpine lake surrounded by nomadic pastures.
Overnight: Yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Facilities: Hot shower, rustic Russian sauna, western toilets (Wi-Fi optional)

Day 6 - July 20 :
Song-Kul Lake Exploration

Optional horse riding excursion across the highland plains, following trails used by local herders for centuries. Enjoy sweeping views of snow-capped peaks and the glimmering lake. Afternoon free for photography, relaxation, or exploring the camp surroundings.
End the day watching the sunset over Song-Kul and stargazing under the clear mountain sky.
Overnight: Yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 7 – July 21 :
Song-Kul Naryn Ak-Sai Valley

Drive: 280 km
Altitude: up to 3,500 m

Early departure from Song-Kul. Drive through high-altitude pastures, mountain passes, and wide valleys. Stop in Naryn town for lunch and a short rest.
Continue to remote Ak-Sai Valley, near the Chinese border, a pristine and rugged landscape of towering peaks, deep river valleys, and nomadic summer pastures. Short evening walk upon arrival to stretch legs and enjoy the serenity of the highlands.
Overnight: Guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Facilities: Sauna & Wi-Fi (optional)

Day 8 – July 22 :
Kel-SuuLake

Drive: 160 km / 4–5h | Hike: 10 km / 4–5h (optional horse ride)
Altitude: 3,500 m

Set out early to Kel-Suu Lake, a hidden alpine gem surrounded by dramatic cliffs and glaciers.
Hike or ride on horseback through glacial valleys and pastures, spotting herds of yaks and horses along the way.
Arrive at the turquoise lake and enjoy a picnic lunch on the shore, capturing the stunning scenery. Return to Naryn via the Ak-Sai Valley, descending from high pastures to the mountain town.
Overnight: Guest house
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 9 – July 23 :
Naryn Bishkek & Departure

Drive: 350 km / 6–7h
Altitude: 800–2,044 m

After breakfast at your guest house in Naryn, begin the scenic drive back to Bishkek. Travel through mountain passes, river valleys, and traditional Kyrgyz villages, watching the landscape gradually change from rugged alpine terrain to the wide-open plains of the Chui Valley.
Stop for lunch in Boom Gorge, enjoying authentic Kyrgyz cuisine and taking in the stunning canyon views and the winding Chu River below. Continue your journey, soaking in the last views of Kyrgyzstan’s mountains and steppe.
Arrive in Bishkek in the early afternoon, concluding your unforgettable expedition through Kyrgyzstan’s natural wonders, nomadic culture, and high-altitude landscapes.
Meals: Breakfast
Evening : late flight or optional additional night in Bishkek

Included

Airport pick-up & drop-off on trip dates
Private transportation throughout the trip
English-speaking local cultural guides
Accommodation in traditional yurts, homestays & hotels as per itinerary
⁠Breakfasts & dinners as mentioned in the itinerary
Guided hikes as per itinerary
Optional horse riding instead of hiking on Days 4, 6 and 8 , guided by local horsemen
⁠Entrance fees & border permit for Kel Suu Lake
Traditional Kok Boru nomadic horse game demonstration
⁠Authentic folklore evening with Kyrgyz music & storytelling
Cultural experiences with local communities

Exclusions

⁠⁠International flights
Travel insurance
⁠⁠Visa fees (many nationalities receive visa-free entry or visa on arrival)
Meals not mentioned in the itinerary
Optional extra night in Bishkek
⁠⁠Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
Tips for guides, drivers & local staff

Price: from 4900 to 5300 AED or equivalent in USD/Euro

Contact us to get more information
about each tour

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Alpine lakes, nomadic culture, horse trekkingand remote mountain landscapesin the heart of Central Asia