Upon arrival in Bishkek, meet your driver and guide at the airport and transfer to your hotel for check-in and short rest. Later, drive to Ala-Archa National Park, a stunning alpine gorge located just 40 km from the capital. Enjoy an easy walk along the river or hike toward the Ak-Sai waterfall, surrounded by snow-capped peaks, pine forests, and fresh mountain air.
In the evening, return to Bishkek for dinner and overnight.
Driving distance: 80 km / 1.5 hours
Altitude: 1,600 m –2,600 m / Road conditions: Good asphalt road
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek / Meals: Dinner

Leaving Bishkek, the adventure begins with a cultural stop at the Burana Tower, an ancient Silk Road minaret from the 9th century. Continuing along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, you explore the colorful red formations of Kok-Moynok Canyons and the historical petroglyph field in Cholpon-Ata. In the afternoon, stop at a local hot spring (Chon-Oruktu or Ak-Suu area) to relax after a long drive. The day ends with a relaxing swim in natural hot springs before arriving in Karakol — a charming mountain town with rich history and warm hospitality.
Driving distance: 400 km / 7 hours
Altitude: 1,600–1,750 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol
Road conditions: Mostly good asphalt, some short rough sections near canyons
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Hike to the Altyn Arashan Valley – On Foot / Optional Horse Rental / Optional Soviet All-Terrain Truck (Vahtovka)
Today you walk to the valley following a scenic mountain trail. The hike is included in the program and offers beautiful views and plenty of photo stops.
For guests who prefer not to walk, two optional services are available for an additional cost: horse rental with a local horseman or a Soviet all-terrain truck (vahtovka) that can drive up the rocky road.
Differences:
On foot: slow, relaxing, closest contact with nature.
By horse: authentic nomadic experience, less physical effort.
By vahtovka: fast and easy, fun off-road adventure.
In the evening, soak in the natural hot springs, and breathe the crisp mountain air in this unforgettable valley.
Distance:• Karakol → trailhead: 10 km
• Mountain track: 20 km
Driving / Hiking time:
• By 4x4 (optional): ~2 hours
• By horse (optional): ~3 hours
• On foot (included): ~5 hours
Altitude: 1,750 m - 2,450 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse / simple lodge in Altyn Arashan
Road conditions: Rough off-road, rocky mountain track
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A highlight of the tour — today you trek toward the legendary Ala-Kul Lake, a high-mountain gem hidden between rocky peaks. The path rewards you with sweeping alpine views before revealing the deep turquoise lake at 3,530 meters, framed by dramatic glaciers. After photos and exploration, you descend toward Altyn Arashan for a well-deserved rest. Evening swimming in the hot springs.
The hike is included and lets you enjoy the nature slowly with time for photos.
If guests prefer not to walk, they can rent horses for an additional price and ride to the lake with a local horseman.
On foot: peaceful, closest connection to nature, ideal for photos.
By horse: easier, authentic nomadic experience, no physical effort.
Trek distance: 12–15 km / 6–8 hours
Altitude: 3,950 m (Ala Kul pass)
Accommodation: Guesthouse / simple lodge in Altyn Arashan
Road conditions: Mountain trail, rocky passes, steep sections
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner

This morning you return from the Altyn Arashan valley to Karakol. The standard option is walking back through the scenic mountain gorge, enjoying forests, rivers, and panoramic views.
For those who prefer an easier way, you can choose horse riding or take a Soviet all-terrain truck (vahtovka) for an additional price.
After lunch exploration of the Karakol city. Karakol is one of the most culturally rich towns in Central Asia. Today you explore its unique blend of architecture and traditions: the colorful Dungan Mosque, built entirely of wood without nails; the historical Orthodox Cathedral; the bustling local bazaar; and regional museums.
Accommodation: Karakol guesthouse
Distance: Minimal city driving
Driving time: 1–2 hours total
Road conditions: Urban asphalt roads
Altitude: 1,750 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The day begins with a visit to the spectacular Jeti-Oguz red cliffs, shaped like seven bulls and the famous Broken Heart rock. Following the southern shore, you walk through the sandstone labyrinth of Skazka (‘Fairytale’) Canyon, known for its colorful formations. In Bokonbaev, you meet a traditional eagle hunter whose golden eagle demonstrates an ancient form of nomadic hunting. Overnight in a warm yurt near the lake. In the evening, enjoy free time by the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake and overnight in a traditional yurt.
Driving distance: 200 km / 5 hours
Accommodation: Yurt stay in Bokonbaev
Road conditions: Good asphalt, short gravel sections
Altitude:
• Issyk-Kul Lake – 1,600 m
• Bokonbaev – 1,700 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

You travel to Kochkor village, where local women demonstrate traditional felt-making and carpet weaving methods. Continue through winding mountain roads to the high plateau of Son-Kul Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic nomadic pastures. At 3,016 m, you’ll find endless grasslands, grazing horses, and a peaceful yurt camp where you experience the true culture of Central Asian nomads.
Driving distance: 180 km / 4–5 hours
Altitude: 3,016 m - 3,447 m Kalmak Ashuu mountain pass
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Son-Kul
Road conditions:• Asphalt to Kochkor / • Gravel & mountain road to Son-Kul / Mountain pass: Kalmak-Ashuu Pass – 3,447 m
Altitude: Son-Kul Lake – 3,016 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, guests can choose to walk along the lakeshore, enjoying the peaceful summer pastures and rural nomadic life, or ride horses along the shore for a more traditional Kyrgyz experience. After lunch, you descend from Moldo Ashuu Pass and drive to Naryn, a quiet town surrounded by dramatic mountains, where you can enjoy a comfortable evening and warm hospitality after the high-altitude overnight.
Driving distance: 150 km / 3 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Naryn
Road conditions: Gravel mountain road → asphalt near Naryn
Mountain pass: Kalmak-Ashuu Pass – 3,447 m
Altitude: • Son-Kul – 3,016 m / • Naryn – 2,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today’s journey brings you to the remote Kel-Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most mysterious and impressive places. Kel-Suu Lake lies close to the Chinese border; the required border permits are arranged in advance by our team. The lake sits hidden inside a dramatic limestone canyon, revealing turquoise water when levels are high. The silence and remoteness of this area make it one of the most unforgettable stops of the tour. From the high-altitude yurt camp, guests can walk to the lake, taking in the dramatic limestone canyon and turquoise waters at a leisurely pace. For those who prefer, it’s also possible to ride horses or rent a Soviet all-terrain truck (vahtovka) for an easier and faster ride. The silence and remoteness of this area make it one of the most unforgettable stops of the tour.
Driving distance: 200 km / 4–5 hours
Accommodation: Yurt camp or guest house.
Road conditions: Rough off-road, dirt tracks, river crossings possible
Altitude: • Naryn – 2,000 m / • Kel-Suu area – 3,500 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the morning exploring the Kel-Suu area, walking along the canyon walls and enjoying the surreal alpine scenery. After lunch, return to Naryn via scenic mountain landscapes. This quieter day provides rest and comfort between remote expeditions.
Driving distance: 200 km / 4-5 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Naryn
Road conditions: Off-road to asphalt
Altitude: • Kel-Suu – 3,500 m / • Naryn – 2,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A long but beautiful journey takes you deeper into remote Kyrgyzstan as you cross high mountain passes and travel through rarely visited rural villages. Kazarman, an authentic and traditional settlement, offers insight into everyday life far from major cities. Overnight at a simple but hospitable guesthouse.
Driving distance: 200 km / 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kazarman
Road conditions: • Asphalt sections / • Mountain gravel roads, remote passes
Altitude: • Naryn – 2,000 m / • Kazarman – 1,300 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Continue south toward Osh, one of Central Asia’s oldest cities. The landscapes change dramatically as mountains open into fertile valleys. On the way visit the Uzgen Tower. In Osh, visit the sacred Sulayman-Too Mountain (UNESCO World Heritage), local bazaars, and historic neighborhoods. Enjoy dinner and leisure time in this vibrant southern city.
Driving distance: 350 km / 7–8 hours
Accommodation: Hotel in Osh
Road conditions: Mostly asphalt, some worn mountain roads
Altitude: • Kazarman – 1,300 m / • Osh – 1,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Driving north again, you enter the lush forests and protected landscapes of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, famous for its deep blue lake surrounded by walnut forests and steep rocky ridges. The tranquility of this natural paradise is perfect for easy walks, photography, and quiet relaxation.
Driving distance: 300 km / 6–7 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse in the village Arkit
Road conditions: • Asphalt highways / • Mountain gravel road inside reserve
Altitude: • Osh – 1,000 m / • Sary-Chelek – 1,900 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today you travel through the scenic Toktogul Reservoir to Toktogul city, whose calm blue waters reflect the surrounding mountains. In the evening swim in the local beach. Overnight in a guesthouse with beautiful evening views.
Driving distance: 220 km / 4 hours
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Toktogul
Road conditions: Good asphalt & mountain road
Altitude: • Sary-Chelek – 1,900 m / • Toktogul – 900 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the final day, you cross the spectacular Too-Ashu Pass at 3,100 meters, offering sweeping views of Kyrgyzstan’s mountain heart. Arrive in Bishkek in the afternoon. End of the tour and transfer to your hotel or airport.
Driving distance: 300 km / 5–6 hours
Road conditions: Good asphalt, mountain pass.
Altitude: Mountain pass: Too-Ashuu Pass – 3,100 m / • Bishkek – 800 m
Meals: Breakfast