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11-Day Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour | Son-Kul, Ala-Kul & Issyk-Kul Expedition
11-Day Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour | Son-Kul, Ala-Kul & Issyk-Kul Expedition
Tour code: 11D244555555511
Tour details
🌍 Tour Overview
Route overview
Day by day program
Meet your guide at Manas International Airport or your hotel in Bishkek. We begin our adventure by driving through the majestic Too-Ashuu Pass (3,180 m), offering stunning panoramic views of the Suusamyr Valley below. We descend into this vast alpine pasture, dotted with yurts and grazing herds, and continue to the quaint village of Kyzyl-Oy (1,800 m). On the way, we stop at the Kojomkul Museum, dedicated to a legendary strongman.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Local guesthouse in Kyzyl-Oy.
Distance: ~220 km.
Altitude: From 800 m (Bishkek) to ~1,800 m (Kyzyl-Oy)
Optional Activities:
Traditional Kyrgyz tea with a local family
Village walking tour
Sunset photography
Meals: Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Local guesthouse in Kyzyl-Oy.
Distance: ~220 km.
Altitude: From 800 m (Bishkek) to ~1,800 m (Kyzyl-Oy)
Optional Activities:
Traditional Kyrgyz tea with a local family
Village walking tour
Sunset photography
Today’s scenic drive takes us over the Kara-Keche Pass (3,380 m), one of Kyrgyzstan’s wildest and most rugged routes. By lunch, we arrive at the breathtaking Son-Kul Lake (3,016 m), a high-altitude jewel surrounded by summer nomadic camps. Enjoy a leisurely walk around Son-Kul Lake or join an optional horseback ride with local shepherds. Enjoy a warm welcome in traditional yurts, then spend the evening immersed in nomadic culture amid sweeping grasslands and serene mountain air.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Traditional yurt camp on the shores of Son-Kul.
Distance: ~200 km
Altitude: From 1,800 m to ~3,016 m (Son-Kul)
Optional Activities:
Horse riding along the lakeshore
Visit a shepherd's yurt and taste kumis
Sunset photography
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Traditional yurt camp on the shores of Son-Kul.
Distance: ~200 km
Altitude: From 1,800 m to ~3,016 m (Son-Kul)
Optional Activities:
Horse riding along the lakeshore
Visit a shepherd's yurt and taste kumis
Sunset photography
Saddle up for a day-long horseback trek through mountain passes and rolling pastures as we descend from Son-Kul to Kyzart Village (~2,200 m). Your luggage will be carried by car to the village. This peaceful ride allows for deep connection with nature and nomadic traditions, accompanied by local horsemen.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kyzart.
Distance (on horseback): ~20 km
Altitude Change: From 3,016 m to ~2,200 m
Optional Activities:
Traditional horse games demonstration (group request)
Bonfire evening
Stargazing
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kyzart.
Distance (on horseback): ~20 km
Altitude Change: From 3,016 m to ~2,200 m
Optional Activities:
Traditional horse games demonstration (group request)
Bonfire evening
Stargazing
We journey southeast through Kochkor Village, where we have the option to visit a handicraft center and discover the traditional art of felt-making (optional). We drive along the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, keeping an eye out for wild camels grazing nearby. By afternoon, we arrive at Issyk-Kul Lake’s southern shore, known for its tranquility and clear water — perfect for a swim.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Yurt camp by Issyk-Kul Lake
Distance: ~200 km / 4-5 hrs of driving
Altitude Descent: From ~2,200 m to ~1,600 m
Optional Activities:
Felt-making workshop
Yurt-making demonstration
Swimming in Issyk-Kul Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Yurt camp by Issyk-Kul Lake
Distance: ~200 km / 4-5 hrs of driving
Altitude Descent: From ~2,200 m to ~1,600 m
Optional Activities:
Felt-making workshop
Yurt-making demonstration
Swimming in Issyk-Kul Lake
A day rich in culture and natural wonders. We begin with a demonstration of traditional eagle hunting (1 hour), then explore the surreal red sandstone formations of Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon. We continue through the majestic Jeti-Ögüz Mountains (Broken Heart Rock), famous for the “Seven Bulls” rock formations, before arriving in Karakol, a charming town nestled between the lake and the mountains.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol.
Distance: ~190 km.
Altitude: ~1,700 m (Karakol).
Optional Activities:
Eagle hunting demonstration
Traditional archery experience
Local handicraft market visit
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol.
Distance: ~190 km.
Altitude: ~1,700 m (Karakol).
Optional Activities:
Eagle hunting demonstration
Traditional archery experience
Local handicraft market visit
Visit the Karakol Historical Museum, the unique Dungan Mosque, and the wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
After lunch in the village of Aksuu, we start our hike to the Altyn Arashan (2,450 m) valley, guests may choose to hike, ride a horse, or take a Soviet 4×4 vehicle (optional). Here, thermal springs, pine forests, and towering peaks create an idyllic mountain retreat. Soak in hot springs and relax in the peaceful valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Altyn Arashan valley.
Distance: ~40 km (20 km drive + 14 km hike or off-road).
Altitude Gain: From 1,700 m to ~2,450 m.
Optional Activities:
Horse ride to Altyn Arashan Valley
Soviet 4×4 truck transfer
After lunch in the village of Aksuu, we start our hike to the Altyn Arashan (2,450 m) valley, guests may choose to hike, ride a horse, or take a Soviet 4×4 vehicle (optional). Here, thermal springs, pine forests, and towering peaks create an idyllic mountain retreat. Soak in hot springs and relax in the peaceful valley.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Altyn Arashan valley.
Distance: ~40 km (20 km drive + 14 km hike or off-road).
Altitude Gain: From 1,700 m to ~2,450 m.
Optional Activities:
Horse ride to Altyn Arashan Valley
Soviet 4×4 truck transfer
Today we embark on a challenging and rewarding horseback trek (~20 km round-trip) to the stunning Ala-Kul Lake, a glacial lake at ~3,500 m tucked into the heart of the Terskey Ala-Too range. Enjoy a picnic lunch surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery. This full-day excursion offers awe-inspiring views and unforgettable mountain scenery.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Return to Altyn Arashan guesthouse
Distance (on horseback): ~20 km round-trip
Altitude Gain: From 2,450 m to ~3,500 m
Optional Activities:
Extended picnic by Ala-Kul Lake
Professional photography stops
Birdwatching & wildlife observation
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Return to Altyn Arashan guesthouse
Distance (on horseback): ~20 km round-trip
Altitude Gain: From 2,450 m to ~3,500 m
Optional Activities:
Extended picnic by Ala-Kul Lake
Professional photography stops
Birdwatching & wildlife observation
After breakfast, we descend to Aksuu on foot (3–4 hours). Guests may also choose an optional horse ride or a Soviet 4×4 transfer before meeting the driver. We then journey along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, known for its beaches and resorts. Arrive in the lakeside resort town of Cholpon-Ata (~1,650 m). Visit the Petroglyph Open-Air Museum. Weather permitting, an optional boat cruise on Issyk-Kul Lake is available. Enjoy the beach and the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata
Distance: ~220 km / 4-5 hrs of driving
Altitude: ~1,650 m
Optional Activities:
Horse ride back to Aksuu
Soviet 4×4 truck transfer
Boat cruise on Issyk-Kul Lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Cholpon-Ata
Distance: ~220 km / 4-5 hrs of driving
Altitude: ~1,650 m
Optional Activities:
Horse ride back to Aksuu
Soviet 4×4 truck transfer
Boat cruise on Issyk-Kul Lake
Enjoy a relaxing morning on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake (alt. 1,607 m). Take time to swim in its crystal-clear waters or explore the cultural highlights of Cholpon-Ata. You may visit the Ruh Ordo Cultural Center, a unique complex reflecting spiritual diversity, as well as local museums and the lively bazaar. Cholpon-Ata is also known as the main host city of the World Nomad Games.
After lunch, depart for Chon-Kemin National Park. On the way, stop to explore the dramatic landscapes of Kok-Moynok Canyon, famous for its red sandstone formations. Continue driving through scenic mountain valleys until you arrive at the national park (alt. 1,700–2,200 m).
Driving distance: ~130 km
Driving time: 2.5–3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house in Chon Kemin
Optional Activities:
Ruh Ordo Cultural Center
Horse riding in Chon-Kemin
Village walking tour
After lunch, depart for Chon-Kemin National Park. On the way, stop to explore the dramatic landscapes of Kok-Moynok Canyon, famous for its red sandstone formations. Continue driving through scenic mountain valleys until you arrive at the national park (alt. 1,700–2,200 m).
Driving distance: ~130 km
Driving time: 2.5–3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house in Chon Kemin
Optional Activities:
Ruh Ordo Cultural Center
Horse riding in Chon-Kemin
Village walking tour
After breakfast, enjoy a peaceful morning in the Chon-Kemin valley (alt. 1,700–2,200 m), surrounded by forested hills and wide alpine meadows. You may ride a horse or take a short walk around the village or simply relax and appreciate the quiet nature.
Depart from Chon-Kemin and drive toward Burana Tower, an ancient 11th-century minaret and one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important historical monuments. Explore the open-air museum of balbals (stone warriors) and learn about the ancient city of Balasagun, a key center on the Silk Road.
Then, continue your journey to Bishkek (alt. 800 m), arriving in the afternoon/evening. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy free time to rest or stroll around the city.
Driving distance: ~160 km
Driving time: 3–3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Optional Activities:
Horse riding through Chon-Kemin Valley
Village walking tour
Bishkek evening city tour
Depart from Chon-Kemin and drive toward Burana Tower, an ancient 11th-century minaret and one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important historical monuments. Explore the open-air museum of balbals (stone warriors) and learn about the ancient city of Balasagun, a key center on the Silk Road.
Then, continue your journey to Bishkek (alt. 800 m), arriving in the afternoon/evening. Check-in at the hotel and enjoy free time to rest or stroll around the city.
Driving distance: ~160 km
Driving time: 3–3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. Dinner not included.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Optional Activities:
Horse riding through Chon-Kemin Valley
Village walking tour
Bishkek evening city tour
After breakfast, enjoy some free time before your scheduled transfer to Manas International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: Hotel – Manas International Airport
Optional Activities (subject to flight schedule)
Osh Bazaar visit
Ala-Too Square walk
Souvenir shopping
Coffee break in the city center
End of Services !
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer: Hotel – Manas International Airport
Optional Activities (subject to flight schedule)
Osh Bazaar visit
Ala-Too Square walk
Souvenir shopping
Coffee break in the city center
End of Services !
Tour price
The more people in the group, lower the price.
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2 pax - €2,000 per person
3 pax - €1,700 per person -
4 pax - €1,600 per person
5 - 8 pax - €1,300 per person -
9 - 14 pax - €1,200 per person
15 - 25 pax - €1,000 per person
Price details
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What’s Included
- Private transportation with experienced driver throughout the tour. Airport transfers (arrival & departure). Fuel, road tolls, parking fees, and all local taxes
- Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses, and yurt camps
- Meals as per itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner), except dinner on Day 10. Breakfast on Day 11 is included depending on the flight schedule.
- All entrance fees included in the itinerary: Burana Tower, Kojomkul Museum, Skazka Canyon, Jeti-Oguz Valley, Karakol Dungan Mosque & Orthodox Church, Petroglyph Open-Air Museum, National Park entrance fees, Altyn Arashan hot springs
- Horse rental with local horse guide: Day 3: Son-Kul – Kyzart horseback trek / Day 7: Ala-Kul horseback excursion
- 24/7 local assistance during the trip
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Not Included
- International and domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees (if applicable)
- Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, souvenirs, snacks, alcoholic drinks etc.)
- Tips for driver, guide, and horse guides.
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Optional Expenses
(available on request)• Horse riding at Son-Kul Lake (Day 2): €30 per person
Horse guide: €50 per group
• Horse riding to Altyn Arashan Valley (Day 6): €30 per person
Horse guide: €50 per group
• Horse riding from Altyn Arashan Valley (Day 8): €30 per person
Horse guide: €50 per group
• Soviet UAZ 4×4 transfer (up to 4 passengers): €100 per vehicle
• Soviet BUHANKA 4×4 transfer (up to 14 passengers): €200 per vehicle
• Traditional eagle hunting demonstration: €50 per group
• Traditional yurt-making demonstration: €50 per group
• Felt handicraft workshop: €50 per group
• Ruh Ordo Cultural Complex: €10 per person
• Boat cruise on Issyk-Kul Lake: €10 per person or €100 per private group
• Professional English-speaking guide: €70 per day
Let the pictures briefly talk about this tour
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