11-Day Kyrgyzstan Active Adventure: Song-Kol Horse Trek and Ala-Kul Expedition

Depending on the agreed arrival option, we will meet the group at their Bishkek hotel or at Manas International Airport and travel directly to Kyzyl-Oi. The route crosses the Too-Ashuu mountain pass and continues through the wide landscapes of Suusamyr Valley. An early flight arrival will be organised if the group is starting directly from the airport.
Distance and driving time: 200 km / 4–5 hours
Road high point: 3,200 m at Too-Ashuu
Overnight altitude: Kyzyl-Oi1,800 m
Accommodation: Local guesthouse in Kyzyl-oi in village
Meals: not included

Drive through mountain valleys and high pastures toward Song-Kol Lake. The final stretch climbs onto the open plateau, where yurts and grazing horses are set against a backdrop of mountain ridges. After checking in at the yurt camp, the group can explore the lakeside and take time to adjust to the altitude.
Distance and driving time: 180–200 km / 5–6 hours
Overnight altitude: Song-Kol 3,016 m
Accommodation: Yurt camp near Song-Kol Lake
Meals: Breakfast

Meet the local horse guide and set out across the high pastures. The trail passes traditional summer grazing areas, open valleys
and mountain scenery before reaching Kilemche. This is a chance to experience the highland landscape at a slower pace and see the seasonal pastures used by local herding families.
Horse-riding distance and time: 20–25 km / 5–6 hours
Overnight altitude: Kilemche2,500 m
Accommodation: Yurt camp in Kilemche pasture
Meals: Breakfast

Continue on horseback through rolling pastures and mountain terrain, gradually descending toward Kyzart village. After the ride, settle into a local guesthouse and rest after two active days on horseback.
Horse-riding distance and time: 18–25 km / 4–5 hours
Overnight altitude: Kyzart 2,100 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kyzart village
Meals: Breakfast

Travel through Kochkor, where a visit to a local handicraft workshop can be added. Stop at Orto-Tokoy Reservoir to enjoy the scenery, then continue to Bokonbaevo. Meet a local berkutchi and watch a demonstration of traditional eagle hunting.
Distance and driving time: Approximately 200–230 km / 5–6 hours
Overnight altitude: Approximately 1,800 m
Accommodation: Yurt camp in the Bokonbaevo area
Meals: Breakfast

Drive along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore and stop at Skazka Canyon for a walk among its colourful sandstone formations. Continue to Jeti-Oguz to see the Seven Bulls cliffs and Broken Heart rock before travelling to Karakol.
Distance and driving time: Approximately 200–230 km / 5–6 hours
Overnight altitude: Karakol, approximately 1,700 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol city
Meals: Breakfast

Transfer to the trailhead near Ak-Suu, then hike into Altyn-Arashan Valley. The trail follows a mountain river through forest and rocky terrain toward the high valley. After arrival, settle into the mountain accommodation and rest. A visit to the hot springs is optional.
Hiking distance and time: 10–12 km / 4–6 hours
Overnight altitude: Altyn-Arashan 2,500–2,600 m
Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse or yurt camp
Meals: Breakfast

Set out toward Ala-Kul with a local horse guide. The last the steepest final section to the lakeshore will be completed on foot. On arrival, set up beside the lake and enjoy the remote high-mountain setting.
Horse riding and hiking: Approximately 7–9 hours combined; the exact distance depends on trail and campsite conditions
Overnight altitude: Ala-Kul lakeshore- 3,530 m
Route high point: Up to 3,860 m
Accommodation: Tent camp near Ala-Kul Lake
Meals: Breakfast

Hike down from the Ala-Kul area to Karakol Gorge. A 4WD Russian military vehicle will meet the group at a pre-agreed accessible pick-up point and transfer everyone to Karakol.
Hiking distance and time: 11–14 km / 5–7 hours
Driving distance : 20–30 km
Overnight altitude: Karakol 1,770 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol city
Meals: Breakfast

Travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, enjoying lake and mountain views. An optional hot springs visit can be arranged en route. Continue through Boom Gorge to Chon-Kemin and settle into your guesthouse.
Distance and driving time: Approximately 280–300 km / 5–6 hours
Overnight altitude: 1,500 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin village
Meals: Breakfast
Optional: Hot springs visit, payable separately

Depart Chon-Kemin and stop for a walk in Konorchek Canyon. Continue to Burana Tower to explore the historic Silk Road site, then travel to Bishkek. Drop-off will be at a hotel or Manas International Airport, depending on the confirmed flight schedule.
Distance and driving time: Approximately 180–210 km / 3–4.5 hours, excluding walking and sightseeing
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast