FROM MOUNTAINS TO NOMADS
GRAND KYRGYZSTAN EXPEDITION
JEEP TOUR
SEASON: Summer
10 DAYS / 9 NIGHTS
Discover the best of Kyrgyzstan on a scenic journey from the shores of Issyk-Kul to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan, the red landscapes of Fairy Tale Canyon, and the peaceful nomadic pastures of Song-Kol Lake.
Continue your adventure to Kel-Suu, one of the country’s most remote and breathtaking alpine lakes, hidden between dramatic cliffs.
This route combines nature, culture, and adventure for a truly unforgettable experience.
HIGHLIGIHTHS OF THE TOUR

Bishkek City

leafy boulevards, Soviet architecture, and vibrant local life.

Karakol

cultural town known for its history, cuisine, and mountain atmosphere.

Ala-Köl Horse Trek

alpine valley with hot springs, forests, and dramatic peaks.

Northern Issyk-Kul
stunning lake views with snowy peaks along the shoreline.
Altyn Arashan
scenic ride toward one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic high-altitude lakes.
Fairy Tale Canyon
formations shaped by wind and time.

Kochkor

handicraft center famous for felt-making and nomadic traditions.

Song-Kol Lake

high-altitude summer pasture at 3016 m with authentic yurt life.

Bokonbaevo Village

traditional lakeside village known for eagle hunting culture.

Kel-Suu Lake
remote, breathtaking emerald lake surrounded by towering cliffs.
Osh Bazaar
lively market in Bishkek full of local flavors and handmade crafts..
PROGRAM OF THE TOUR
  • Day 1 — Arrival in Bishkek · Easy city walk or free evening
    After landing in Bishkek, you’ll be welcomed at the airport and transferred to your hotel. This first day is designed to be light and relaxing. You may choose a gentle walk around the city — leafy boulevards, open squares, and calm parks — or simply enjoy a restful evening after your journey.
    Drive time: 40 min
    Distance: ~40km
    Accommodation : Hotel in Bishkek 
    Meals : not included 



  • Day 2 — Bishkek — Karakol (North Shore) ·
    Visit to Rukh Ordo
    Today the route takes you around the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, passing broad landscapes framed by snowy mountains. On the way you visit Rukh Ordo, a lakeside cultural center that blends art, history, and different spiritual traditions of the region. It is an inspiring place with peaceful views of the water.
    You continue toward Karakol, arriving by evening.
    Drive time: ~5–6 hours
    Distance: ~400 km
    Accommodation: Guest house in Karakol 
    Meals : Breakfast 


  • Day 3 — Karakol — Altyn Arashan
    This morning you leave Karakol and board a classic 4×4 Bukhanka for the climb into the Altyn Arashan valley. The road is rugged and adventurous, winding through pine forests and along mountain streams.

    Altyn Arashan is a quiet alpine valley known for its natural hot springs, wooden mountain huts, and peaceful meadows. The air is crisp, the scenery untouched, and the atmosphere perfect for an evening soak and relaxation. 
    Drive time: ~1.5–2 hours
    Distance: ~20 km (mountain road)
    Accommodation : yurt or guest house 
    Meals : B / L / D 

  • Day 4 — Trek or horseback to Ala-Kul Lake · Return to Altyn Arashan
    A full mountain day awaits. You start from Altyn Arashan and head toward the high-altitude Ala-Kul Lake, a hidden jewel surrounded by steep ridges. You can choose between trekking on foot or riding a horse — both offer incredible views as the valley opens into high passes.

    The lake itself is a dramatic turquoise basin, often sparkling in the afternoon sun. After enjoying the scenery, you return to Altyn Arashan for dinner and rest.

    Walking time: 6–10 hours total
    Horseback: 2–4 hours each way , 1 hour walk each way 
    Accommodation : guest house 
    Meals : B / L / D 
  • Day 5 — Altyn Arashan — Karakol — Jeti-Oguz —Skazka Canyon — Bokonbaevo
    You descend from Altyn Arashan by 4×4 and return to the main road, then continue along the southern shore of the lake.
    First stop: Jeti-Oguz, famous for its towering red rock cliffs that resemble giant bulls turned to stone. The valley behind them opens into wide meadows and scenic viewpoints.
    Next, you visit Skazka (Fairy-Tale) Canyon, a colorful maze of sandstone formations shaped by centuries of wind and rain.
    By evening you arrive in Bokonbaevo, where nomadic traditions are still alive. Here you can enjoy an Eagle Hunting Demonstration, learning about the ancient bond between hunters and their golden eagles.
    Drive time: ~4–5 hours
    Distance: ~160 km
    Accommodation: guest house 
    Meals : B/ L / D 
  • Day 6 — Bokonbaevo — Kochkor — Song-Kol (yurts)
    You follow mountain valleys to Kochkor, a village well known for traditional felt craftsmanship. Local artisans demonstrate their techniques, and the workshop visit gives insight into centuries-old nomadic art.

    After lunch, the journey continues upward to the high pastures of Song-Kol. The lake lies at around 3,000 m, surrounded by summer grazing lands. You settle into warm, welcoming yurts and enjoy a traditional dinner in the calm of the high plateau.
    Drive time: ~4-4,5 hours
    Distance: ~200 km
    Accommodation: yurts 
    Meals : B/ L/ D 
  • Day 7 — Song-Kol — Naryn — Kel-Suu (yurt camp)
    After breakfast overlooking the broad Song-Kol pastures, you descend toward Naryn, then continue into the remote valleys leading to Kel-Suu. The landscapes become wilder the deeper you go — open grasslands, sharp peaks, and a feeling of true wilderness.

    You arrive at a yurt camp not far from the trail to the lake.
    Drive time: ~6–7 hours
    Distance: ~260 km
    Accommodation: yurt 
    Meals : B / L / D 




  • Day 8 — Hike/horse ride to Kel-Suu Lake – Naryn
    The adventure today is a beautiful approach to Kel-Suu Lake, one of the most dramatic alpine lakes in the country. The walk or horse ride to the lake is gentle and scenic, usually taking about two hours each way.

    Kel-Suu appears suddenly between towering stone walls, creating a surreal an peaceful atmosphere. After enjoying time at the lake, you return to camp, pick up your bags, and make your way back to Naryn for the night. 
    Walking/horse time: ~2 hours each way ( optional ) 
    Drive time: ~ 4-5 hours
    Distance: 180 km
    Accommodation: guest house 
    Meals : B / L / D 
  • Day 9 — Naryn — Burana Tower — Bishkek
    This morning you leave Naryn and begin your journey back toward Bishkek. The road gradually descends from the high mountain valleys into the wide Chüy plains, where the scenery becomes softer and more open.
    Along the way, you stop to visit the historic Burana Tower, one of the few remaining traces of the medieval Silk Road city of Balasagun. The site includes the tall brick minaret, ancient stone carvings scattered across the field, and a small museum displaying artifacts found in the area. Walking around the open complex gives a vivid sense of how merchants and travelers once moved through this region centuries ago. The tower itself leans slightly with age, adding to its character and charm.

    After exploring the site, you continue your drive to Bishkek, arriving by late afternoon or early evening. You settle into your hotel for the final night of the trip.
  • Day 10 — Departure to the Airport
    This day you will be transferred to the airport for your international flight home.
    End of the tour. 

    Drive time: 40 min
    Distance: ~40km







COST OF THE TRIP
  • 2 pax
    2650$ - price per person
  • 3 pax
    2150$ - price per person
  • 4 pax
    1850$ - price per person
  • 5 pax
    1760$ - price per person
  • 6 pax and more
    1710$ - price per person