Burana Tower

Driving distance/time: 200 km, approx. 3 hours (excluding stops) After breakfast, the tour begins in Bishkek at the office, where you will meet your guide for a welcome meeting and detailed briefing about the day’s program and route. Depart for Kochkor village. En route, stop at the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret located on the site of the former Silk Road city of Balasagyn. Climb the tower for panoramic views, visit the small museum with archaeological artifacts, and explore the collection of Balbals, ancient Turkic stone grave markers.

Kok Moinok Canyon

Continue to the Kok-Moynok Canyons for a 1–2 hour scenic walk among striking red sandstone formations and unique natural landscapes. After the walk, drive onward to Kochkor. Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional felt-making demonstration and learn about the process of creating shyrdak carpets, one of the most important elements of Kyrgyz nomadic culture. In the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight stay at a local guesthouse in Kochkor.

Driving distance/time: 70 km / 1 hour driving Riding distance/time: 18 km / 6 hours riding, After breakfast at Kochkor homestay, your guide does a short briefing about the horsetrek. Then drive towards the west on the Kochkor — Jumgal road. Arrive at the Kyzart Pass, where your guide team welcomes you with horses waiting for you. Start your horseback tour with crossing the Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, an enormous, relatively flat sea of grass. Continue over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3 061 m) into the Chaar-Archa Valley and eat a tasty lunch by the racing river, with views of the holy 4400 m Baba-Ata Mountain. Sated, ford the river and follow the trail over verdant hills to Kilemche Jailoo. The name means “like a carpet,” and this swathe of grass covers whole mountain ranges, with shadings as subtle as any shyrdak (shyrdak is a Kyrgyz felt carpet). Dine and sleep in a yurt, naturally.

Song Kol Lake

Riding distance: 15km / 5-hours After breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning climbing to Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), over the Song-Kol Mountains, and into the lake’s basin. The morning climb affords wonderful views of Kilemche jailoo, and the pass itself is rocky and exciting. From the pass, Song-Kol is still distant, but as you traipse down the slopes, it gets larger and larger; the mountains on the other side get higher and higher, until finally, the lake fills most of your field of view, and the southern mountains tower above it. Follow the lakeshore west to the yurt camp at Tuz-Ashuu summer camp for lunch. After lunch, we ride about 2-hours along the lake shore with many shepherds busy with daily activities. Upon arrival, meet your host family of Kyrgyz shepherds. Meals and overnight are in a yurt of shepherds.

Riding distance/time: 25 km / 6-7 hours, After breakfast, we mount on your horses and ride along the lakeshore towards Sook Kolot summer camp located on the southwestern shore of Song Kol Lake. It is indeed a scenic ride with many grazing livestock scattered in the valley. The waving sound of the lake takes away all your stresses while riding. Picnic lunch on the way. After a few hours of riding, we reach your yurt camp Mirlan.

Driving distance/time: 280 km / 8 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 rooms, 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

Kok-Kiya Valley

Riding distance/time: 13 km / 5-6 hours, Ascent/Decent: 514 m / 414 m After breakfast, meet your horse and receive a short riding briefing from the guide. We ride into the small valley following a trail that crosses rivers and winds through high meadows. The ascent to Sazduu Pass (3,770 meters) offers a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the surrounding snowy mountains. Keep your binoculars ready – we often encounter Marco Polo sheep or ibexes grazing near the pass. Descend into a lush Ak Sai Valley where clear streams wind between grassy slopes, home to more wild goats and sheep. We set up camp near the river. You will have a chance to learn how to prepare simple meals with your guide in this beautiful wilderness setting.

Riding distance/time: 18 km / 6 hours, Ascent/Decent: 470 m / 488 m Continue your journey deeper into the wilderness, crossing a second mountain pass named Car Pass at 3,791 meters. From the summit, take in sweeping views of the remote mountain range beyond – untouched nature at its best. Descend along narrow paths through a valley, where the sound of horse hooves is the only thing that breaks the silence. We cross a river and ascend gently towards Eshek Tor Pass at the foot of a snow-capped peak that looms majestically over your route. Watch for grazing yaks, sheep, and goats along the hillsides. As we arrive at your camping spot, enjoy some time to relax and soak in the peaceful surroundings before nightfall.

Naryn

Riding distance/time: 12 km / 3 hours by horse, Driving distance/time: 150 km, 5 hours, Ascent/Decent: 180 m / 261 m Mount your horse and set off toward the hidden gem of Kel Suu Lake. This surreal alpine lake is tucked between dramatic cliffs and rocky outcrops. Its emerald waters are a stunning contrast to the jagged gray peaks surrounding it. Spend time walking along the lake’s shores, taking photos, and soaking in the magical atmosphere. Return to the yurt camp for a farewell lunch before driving to Naryn. Upon arrival, enjoy some free time to explore the town. Overnight in a welcoming homestay with a hearty dinner.

Bishkek

Driving distance/time: 316 km / 5 hours After breakfast, we begin your journey back to Bishkek. The drive offers scenic mountain and valley views, with opportunities to stop for short breaks and photos along the way. Arrive in Bishkek by early afternoon, where you can rest at your hotel or explore the city at your own pace. An optional farewell dinner at a local restaurant can be arranged to celebrate the completion of your adventure.