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Kyrgyzstan Grand Lakes & Nomads Expedition
Kyrgyzstan Grand Lakes & Nomads Expedition
Tour code: 16D1555554444676611
Tour details
🌍 Tour Overview
Route overview
Day by day program
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 / Good asphalt road
Altitude: 800m - 1,600 m –2,600 m /
Accommodation: Guest house or hotel in Bishkek
Meals: Dinner
Optional activity: Enjoy an easy, relaxing city tour in Bishkek, exploring the capital at a comfortable pace.
In the evening, return to Bishkek for dinner and overnight.
Driving distance: 80 km / 1.5 hours / Good asphalt road
Altitude: 800m - 1,600 m –2,600 m /
Accommodation: Guest house or hotel in Bishkek
Meals: Dinner
Optional activity: Enjoy an easy, relaxing city tour in Bishkek, exploring the capital at a comfortable pace.
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. Arriving in Karakol — a charming mountain town with rich history and warm hospitality.
Driving distance: 400 km / 7 hours / mostly good asphalt, some short rough sections near canyons.
Altitude: 1,600–1,750 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activity: Possibility to swim in the natural hot springs
Driving distance: 400 km / 7 hours / mostly good asphalt, some short rough sections near canyons.
Altitude: 1,600–1,750 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activity: Possibility to swim in the natural hot springs
Today you hike to the valley following a scenic mountain trail. The hike offers beautiful views and plenty of photo stops.
In the evening, soak in the natural hot springs, and breathe the crisp mountain air in this unforgettable valley.
Distance: driving 10 km / 15 km hiking in a rough off-road, rocky mountain track.
Altitude: 1,750 m - 2,450 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Altyn Arashan Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner
Optional activity:
For guests who prefer not to hike, two optional services are available for an additional cost:
Horseback Riding (3 hours) - authentic nomadic experience, less physical effort.
Soviet All-Terrain Truck (2 hours) - 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: driving 10 km / 15 km hiking in a rough off-road, rocky mountain track.
Altitude: 1,750 m - 2,450 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Altyn Arashan Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (Picnic), Dinner
Optional activity:
For guests who prefer not to hike, two optional services are available for an additional cost:
Horseback Riding (3 hours) - authentic nomadic experience, less physical effort.
Soviet All-Terrain Truck (2 hours) - fast and easy, fun off-road adventure.
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.
Trek distance: 12–15 km / 6–8 hours / Mountain trail, rocky passes, steep sections
Altitude: 3,950 m (Ala Kul pass)
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Altyn Arashan Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner
Optional activity:
If guests prefer not to walk, they can rent horses for an additional price and ride to the lake with a local horseman.
Trek distance: 12–15 km / 6–8 hours / Mountain trail, rocky passes, steep sections
Altitude: 3,950 m (Ala Kul pass)
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Altyn Arashan Valley
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner
Optional activity:
If guests prefer not to walk, they can rent horses for an additional price and ride to the lake with a local horseman.
This morning you return the same trail from the Altyn Arashan valley to Karakol. The standard option is walking back through the scenic mountain gorge, enjoying forests, rivers, and panoramic views.
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: Local guest house in Karakol city
Distance: 15 km hiking in a rough off-road, rocky mountain track / driving 10 km urban 1 hour asphalt road.
Altitude: 2,600 m - 1,750 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activity:
Rest in a guest house instead of exploration of the Karakol city.
For those who don’t like hiking, can choose horse riding or take a Soviet all-terrain truck 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: Local guest house in Karakol city
Distance: 15 km hiking in a rough off-road, rocky mountain track / driving 10 km urban 1 hour asphalt road.
Altitude: 2,600 m - 1,750 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activity:
Rest in a guest house instead of exploration of the Karakol city.
For those who don’t like hiking, can choose horse riding or take a Soviet all-terrain truck for an additional price.
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. 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.
Distance: 200 km / 5 hours / Good asphalt, short gravel sections
Accommodation: Yurt stay in Bokonbaevo village
Altitude: 1,800 m - 1,600 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Traditional yurt-making experience (1-2 hours).
Distance: 200 km / 5 hours / Good asphalt, short gravel sections
Accommodation: Yurt stay in Bokonbaevo village
Altitude: 1,800 m - 1,600 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Traditional yurt-making experience (1-2 hours).
You drive to Kochkor village via the Orto Tokoy water reservoir. In Kochkor village we visit the Altyn Kol Women’s Cooperative handmade shop and Fatima’s Shop, where you can purchase a wide range of handmade products created by local artisans using locally sourced materials. . 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: 330 km / 5 - 6 hours / Asphalt and Gravel & mountain road
Altitude: 1,800 m - 3,447 m - 3,016 m
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Son-Kul lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activity: Felt-making handicraft experience (1-2 hours).
Driving distance: 330 km / 5 - 6 hours / Asphalt and Gravel & mountain road
Altitude: 1,800 m - 3,447 m - 3,016 m
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Son-Kul lake
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activity: Felt-making handicraft experience (1-2 hours).
In the morning, guests can choose to walk along the lakeshore, enjoying the peaceful summer pastures and rural nomadic life, or optional 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 / Gravel mountain road → asphalt near Naryn
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Naryn city
Altitude: 3,016 m - 3,300m - 2,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Horse riding in Son Kul lake
Driving distance: 150 km / 3 hours / Gravel mountain road → asphalt near Naryn
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Naryn city
Altitude: 3,016 m - 3,300m - 2,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Horse riding in Son Kul lake
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. 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 / Rough off-road, dirt tracks, river crossings possible
Accommodation: Yurt camp or guest house in Ak Say valley.
Altitude: 2,000 m – 3,500 m.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: For those who prefer, it’s also possible to ride horses or rent a Soviet all-terrain truck for an easier and faster ride.
Driving distance: 200 km / 4–5 hours / Rough off-road, dirt tracks, river crossings possible
Accommodation: Yurt camp or guest house in Ak Say valley.
Altitude: 2,000 m – 3,500 m.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: For those who prefer, it’s also possible to ride horses or rent a Soviet all-terrain truck for an easier and faster ride.
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. In the evening the musical performance in the local guest house.
Driving distance: 200 km / 4-5 hours / Off-road to asphalt
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Naryn city
Altitude: 3,500 m – 2,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Horse riding in Kelsuu Area
Driving distance: 200 km / 4-5 hours / Off-road to asphalt
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Naryn city
Altitude: 3,500 m – 2,000 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Horse riding in Kelsuu Area
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 / Asphalt sections, Mountain gravel roads, remote passes
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kazarman village
Altitude: 2,000 m –3,300 m - 1,300 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activity: Light hiking around the mountainous village.
Driving distance: 200 km / 5–6 hours / Asphalt sections, Mountain gravel roads, remote passes
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kazarman village
Altitude: 2,000 m –3,300 m - 1,300 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Optional activity: Light hiking around the mountainous village.
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 / Mostly asphalt, some worn mountain roads
Accommodation: Guest house or hotel in Osh
Altitude: 1,300 m - 3,400 m - 950 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Evening city tour of Osh city
Driving distance: 350 km / 7–8 hours / Mostly asphalt, some worn mountain roads
Accommodation: Guest house or hotel in Osh
Altitude: 1,300 m - 3,400 m - 950 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Evening city tour of Osh city
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 / Asphalt highways, Mountain gravel road inside reserve.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in the village Arkit.
Altitude: 1,000 m -2,200 m - 1,900 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Horse riding in the Sary Chelek lake
Driving distance: 300 km / 6–7 hours / Asphalt highways, Mountain gravel road inside reserve.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in the village Arkit.
Altitude: 1,000 m -2,200 m - 1,900 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Horse riding in the Sary Chelek lake
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 / Good asphalt & mountain road
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Toktogul
Altitude: 1,900 m - 900 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Enjoy a light walk through the small city, followed by time to relax at a local beach, with the opportunity to swim and take a short boat ride.
Driving distance: 220 km / 4 hours / Good asphalt & mountain road
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Toktogul
Altitude: 1,900 m - 900 m
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: Enjoy a light walk through the small city, followed by time to relax at a local beach, with the opportunity to swim and take a short boat ride.
On the final day, you cross the spectacular Too-Ashu Pass at 3,100 meters, offering sweeping views of Kyrgyzstan’s mountain heart. Also drive through a Suusamyr Valley. And several nice gorges. Arrive in Bishkek in the afternoon.
Driving distance: 300 km / 5–6 hours / Good asphalt, mountain pass.
Altitude: 900 m - 3,100 m - 800 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel in Bishkek city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: On the way we can do a short hike to Belek waterfall (1 hour)
Driving distance: 300 km / 5–6 hours / Good asphalt, mountain pass.
Altitude: 900 m - 3,100 m - 800 m
Accommodation: Guesthouse or hotel in Bishkek city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Optional activity: On the way we can do a short hike to Belek waterfall (1 hour)
After breakfast, enjoy some free time at your hotel to relax or prepare for your journey home. At the scheduled time, our driver will transfer you to Manas International Airport for your departure flight.
Driving distance: 35 km / 40–60 minutes / Good asphalt road
Altitude: 800 m
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
End of the tour. We hope to welcome you back to Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia for another unforgettable adventure.
Driving distance: 35 km / 40–60 minutes / Good asphalt road
Altitude: 800 m
Accommodation: Not included
Meals: Breakfast
End of the tour. We hope to welcome you back to Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia for another unforgettable adventure.
Tour price
The more people in the group, lower the price.
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2 ppl - € 2,620 per person
3 ppl - € 2,200 per person -
4 ppl - € 2,000 per person
5 - 8 ppl - € 1,800 per person -
9 - 14 ppl - € 1,700 per person
15 - 25 ppl - € 1,650 per person
Price details
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What’s Included
- Private air-conditioned 4WD vehicle with professional driver. Fuel, road taxes included.
- All accommodation (except the last day hotel in Bishkek): hotels, guesthouses, and traditional yurt camps (twin/double sharing)
- Full board (as per program). Traditional Kyrgyz and Central Asian cuisine. Vegetarian options available upon request.
- Border Zone Permits (after confirmation the tour, please send us the copy of your passport)
- All entrances, fees, tickets: Ala Archa national park, Burana, Petroglyphs, Dungan mosque, Orthodox Church, skazka fairytale canyon, Sulaiman Too mountain museum,Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve.
- Swimming in the hot springs
- Meeting with the traditional eagle hunter
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Not Included
- International & domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses (snacks, souvenirs, etc.)
- Tips for guide & driver
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Optional Expences
(available on request)· English-speaking guide – €70 per day
· Eagle hunter demonstration – €50 per group
· Local music performance – €50 per group
· Soviet all-terrain truck experience – €100 per group (4–10 seats)
· Horseback riding – €30 per person + €50 per group for the horse guide
· Felt-making workshop – €50 per group
· Traditional yurt-making experience – €50 per group
· Boat ride – €10 per person
Let the pictures briefly talk about this tour
Ala Archa National Park
Bishkek - the capital
Burana Tower
Kok Moynok Canyon
Petroglyphs
Altyn Arashan Valley
Ala Kul lake
Karakol city
Dungan Mosque
Orthodox Church
Jeti Oguz Mountains
Skazka Fairytale Canyon
Eagle hunting
Handicraft Centre
Son Kul lake
Moldo Ashuu Passes
Kel Suu Lake
Kazarman village
Uzgen Minaret
Osh city
Sulaiman Too Mountain
Sary Chelek Lake
Toktogul Hydro Electro Station. On the way from Sary Chelek to Toktogul.
Toktogul city
Too Ashuu Pass
Suusamyr Valley
Bishkek capital city
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