Bishkek

Overview

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Itinerary

• Driving distance/time: 200 km, approx. 3 hours (excluding stops)nnAfter breakfast, the tour begins in Bishkek at the office, where you will meet your guide for a welcome meeting and detailed briefing about the dayu2019s program and route.nnDepart 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.

• Continue to the Kok-Moynok Canyons for a 1u20132 hour scenic walk among striking red sandstone formations and unique natural landscapes.nnAfter 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.nnIn the evening, enjoy a traditional dinner and overnight stay at a local guesthouse in Kochkor.

• Driving distance/time: 70 km / 1 hour drivingnRiding distance/time: 18 km / 6 hours riding,nnAfter breakfast at Kochkor homestay, your guide does a short briefing about the horsetrek. Then drive towards the west on the Kochkor u2014 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 u201clike a carpet,u201d 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.

• Riding distance: 15km / 5-hours nnAfter breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning climbing to Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), over the Song-Kol Mountains, and into the lakeu2019s 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,nnAfter 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 hoursnLowest/highest altitude: 2,044 m/3,500 mnnAfter an early breakfast at Song-Kul Lake, begin your journey toward the remote and breathtaking Kel-Suu Lake, one of Kyrgyzstanu2019s 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.nOn the way, stop in Naryn town for lunch at a local cafu00e9 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.nBy late afternoon, youu2019ll 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

• Riding distance/time: 13 km / 5-6 hours,nAscent/Decent: 514 m / 414 mnnAfter 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 birdu2019s-eye view of the surrounding snowy mountains. Keep your binoculars ready u2013 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,nAscent/Decent: 470 m / 488 mnnContinue 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 u2013 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.

• Riding distance/time: 12 km / 3 hours by horse, nDriving distance/time: 150 km, 5 hours, nAscent/Decent: 180 m / 261 mnnMount 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 lakeu2019s 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.

• Driving distance/time: 316 km / 5 hours nnAfter 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.

Good to know

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

• Not recommended for pregnant travelers

• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation Policy

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.<br>If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.<br>If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.

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