Experience three of Kyrgyzstan’s most distinctive mountain lakes in one compact four-day journey.
Sleep in a traditional yurt beside Son-Kul, travel deep into the remote Ak-Say Valley, ride horseback to spectacular Kel-Suu and finish the journey on the shores of Issyk-Kul before returning to Bishkek.
Designed for travelers who want a real mountain adventure but have limited time in Kyrgyzstan.
4 Days / 3 Nights | June–September | Moderate | Private Tour
We leave Bishkek in the morning and begin our journey toward the mountains of central Kyrgyzstan.
Our first stop is Kok-Moinok Canyon, where we take a short walk among unusual clay formations shaped by wind and water.
We then continue past Orto-Tokoy Reservoir before turning south toward the Son-Kul highlands.
The road climbs through the mountains to Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, offering increasingly dramatic views as we approach the vast basin surrounding Son-Kul.
By afternoon, we arrive at the lake, located at 3,016 m above sea level.
During summer, the surrounding jailoo pastures are filled with horses, sheep and cattle as local families move into the highlands for the grazing season.
After checking into our yurt camp, there is time to walk along the lakeshore and enjoy the surrounding landscape.
Optional horseback riding with a local horseman can also be arranged at an additional cost.
In the evening, we enjoy dinner at the camp and spend the night in a traditional felt yurt.
Altitude: Son-Kul — 3,016 m Activity: Short canyon walk & easy walks at Son-Kul Horse Riding: Optional / additional cost Accommodation: Traditional Yurt Camp Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 — SON-KUL → 33 PARROTS PASS → NARYN → AK-SAY VALLEY → KOK-KIYA
Wake up surrounded by the open landscapes of Son-Kul and enjoy breakfast at the yurt camp.
After breakfast, we leave the lake via the spectacular 33 Parrots Pass, descending from the high-altitude basin toward the Naryn region.
We continue through Naryn, where we stop for lunch before heading farther south toward the remote Ak-Say Valley.
From here, the character of the journey changes completely.
Settlements become increasingly rare as we travel deeper into one of Kyrgyzstan's most isolated high-altitude regions, surrounded by vast valleys and distant mountain ranges.
By evening, we reach Kok-Kiya, our base for tomorrow's horseback journey to Kel-Suu.
After checking into our mountain guest house or yurt accommodation, we have dinner and prepare for the next day's adventure.
Route: Son-Kul → 33 Parrots Pass → Naryn → Ak-Say → Kok-Kiya Activity: Scenic high-altitude driving Accommodation: Mountain Guest House / Yurt in Kok-Kiya Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 — KEL-SUU HORSEBACK JOURNEY → NARYN
Today we explore the most remote destination of our four-day journey — Kel-Suu Lake.
After breakfast, we set out on horseback from the Kok-Kiya area, accompanied by local horsemen.
The route crosses the wide high-altitude valley before entering increasingly dramatic mountain terrain.
Kel-Suu lies at approximately 3,500 m above sea level, hidden between towering cliffs close to the Chinese border.
Once at the lake, we have time to walk along the shore, take photographs and enjoy one of Kyrgyzstan's most unusual mountain landscapes.
Depending on the season, water level and weather conditions, an optional boat trip may also be available.
We then ride back to Kok-Kiya and return to our accommodation for a hot lunch.
After lunch, we leave the remote border region and drive back toward Naryn.
By evening, we arrive in the city and check into our hotel for a comfortable night after two days in the high mountains.
Horse Riding: Approx. 3–4 hours total Altitude: Kel-Suu — approx. 3,500 m Activity: Moderate horseback riding & walking Accommodation: Hotel in Naryn Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we leave Naryn and begin our journey back toward Bishkek.
The road takes us through the mountain landscapes of central Kyrgyzstan toward Orto-Tokoy Reservoir and the western end of Issyk-Kul.
After several days among the high-altitude lakes and valleys of Naryn, the enormous blue expanse of Issyk-Kul creates a completely different landscape.
We stop near Balykchy on the western shore of the lake, with time for a walk, photographs and lunch.
This is our third lake of the journey — after the high mountain pastures of Son-Kul and the dramatic cliffs of Kel-Suu, Issyk-Kul offers a striking contrast in both scale and landscape.
In the afternoon, we continue through Boom Gorge and follow the Chu Valley back toward Bishkek.
Arrival in Bishkek is expected in the late afternoon or early evening.
Route: Naryn → Orto-Tokoy → Issyk-Kul → Balykchy → Boom Gorge → Bishkek Activity: Scenic driving & easy lakeside walk Accommodation: Not included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Gallery
Map
Price
PRIVATE TOUR PRICES
2 guests — $1,160 per person 3 guests — $920 per person 4 guests — $800 per person 5+ guests — Contact us for a private quote
Prices are based on Twin/Double accommodation and include the services listed under “What’s Included”.
From $800 per person, based on 4 travelers.
Private transportation throughout the entire route
Fuel and experienced driver-guide
3 nights accommodation according to the itinerary
Traditional yurt stay at Son-Kul
Mountain guest house / yurt accommodation in the Kel-Suu region
Hotel accommodation in Naryn
Meals as specified in the day-by-day itinerary
Horseback journey to Kel-Suu
Local horseman for the Kel-Suu journey
Kel-Suu border-zone permit
Visits to Kok-Moinok Canyon and Orto-Tokoy Reservoir
Kalmak-Ashuu and 33 Parrots mountain passes
Issyk-Kul and Balykchy lakeside stop
Drinking water
Local taxes and organizational costs
International and domestic flights
Visa fees, if required
Travel medical insurance covering horseback riding and high-altitude activities
Optional horseback riding at Son-Kul
Optional boat trip on Kel-Suu Lake
Alcoholic beverages
Activities not specified under “What’s Included”
Personal expenses and souvenirs
Tips for your driver-guide, horsemen and local staff
Additional Info
ACCOMMODATION
This four-day journey combines traditional mountain accommodation with a comfortable hotel night in Naryn.
Son-Kul — Traditional Yurt Camp
Spend the first night in a traditional felt yurt beside Son-Kul Lake at 3,016 m.
Yurts are equipped with beds and warm bedding. Bathroom and washing facilities are generally shared and located separately from the yurts.
Kok-Kiya — Mountain Guest House / Yurt
The second night is spent in the remote Kel-Suu region.
Accommodation here is simple and designed for travelers visiting this isolated mountain area. Facilities may be shared, and electricity, hot water and mobile coverage can be limited.
Naryn — Hotel
After the horseback journey to Kel-Suu, we return to Naryn for a comfortable hotel night with private bathroom and hot shower.
The combination of simple mountain accommodation and a comfortable final night is part of the character of this journey.
WHAT TO BRING
This journey reaches remote mountain regions above 3,000 m, where weather can change quickly and temperatures can drop significantly even during summer.
We recommend bringing:
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Warm fleece or insulated jacket
Comfortable hiking shoes or boots
Comfortable trousers suitable for horseback riding
Warm hat and lightweight gloves
Sun hat or cap
Sunglasses
High-SPF sunscreen
Small 20–30L daypack
Refillable water bottle
Personal medication and basic toiletries
Power bank or portable charger
Camera or smartphone
Small overnight bag for remote accommodation
Important — Passport
Bring the same passport that was used to arrange your Kel-Suu border-zone permit.
Your passport must be carried with you when entering the controlled border area.
Mountain Conditions
Son-Kul lies at 3,016 m and Kel-Suu at approximately 3,500 m. Warm clothing is necessary even in July and August.
Specialized trekking equipment is not required, but good walking shoes and clothing suitable for horseback riding are strongly recommended.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I really visit Son-Kul and Kel-Suu in four days?
Yes. The itinerary is designed as a compact mountain journey from Bishkek, with overnight stops at Son-Kul, near Kel-Suu and in Naryn. The pace is active, but the additional night in Naryn makes the return journey considerably more comfortable.
How difficult is the tour?
The overall activity level is Moderate. There is no technical trekking, but the tour includes horseback riding, short walks, high altitude and long sections of mountain driving.
Do I need previous horse-riding experience?
No. The Kel-Suu horseback journey is suitable for beginners and is accompanied by local horsemen.
Is horseback riding included?
Horseback riding to Kel-Suu is included in the tour price. Horseback riding at Son-Kul is optional and available at an additional cost.
Do I need a border permit?
Yes. Kel-Suu is located within a controlled border zone. We arrange the required permit in advance using your passport details.
What is the highest altitude?
Kel-Suu lies at approximately 3,500 m above sea level. Son-Kul is at 3,016 m, and the route also crosses several high mountain passes.
What is accommodation like?
The first two nights use simple mountain accommodation — a yurt at Son-Kul and a guest house or yurt near Kel-Suu. The third night is in a comfortable hotel in Naryn.
Is Kel-Suu always full of water?
No. The water level of Kel-Suu changes naturally depending on seasonal and weather conditions. The surrounding valley and mountain landscape remain accessible and impressive regardless of the lake's water level.
Can we take a boat trip on Kel-Suu?
When water levels and weather conditions allow, local boat trips may be available. This is optional and is not included in the standard tour price.
What is the best season?
The main operating season is June through September, when the high mountain roads are generally accessible and accommodation around Son-Kul and Kel-Suu is operating.
Why does the tour return through Issyk-Kul?
The final route through Issyk-Kul adds a completely different landscape to the journey and allows travelers to experience three distinctive Kyrgyz lakes — Son-Kul, Kel-Suu and Issyk-Kul — within four days.
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We had an amazing time discovering Kyrgyzstan with our guide, Sergey ! He was truly exceptional — knowledgeable, friendly, and always attentive to our needs. Thanks to him, we experienced the country’s incredible landscapes and culture in the best possible way. We couldn’t have asked for a better guide. Highly recommended!
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★★★★★
We visited Kyrgystan for 8 days from UAE (June 24th - July 2nd, 2023), We were crafted with a wonderful itinerary according to our needs with really lovely stays. I must say the whole trip was an unforgettable experience and Kyrgyzstan is still running in our minds. I express our huge sincere thanks to Sergei who guided us throughout the trip.
Adrian
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Local Expert on Google
We had a great time with Sergej during our three-week trip through Kyrgyzstan. His sense of humor, local knowledge, and reliability contributed to unforgettable experiences during our trip. Sergej has a keen sense for tourists' needs and was always concerned about our well-being. We can wholeheartedly recommend him as a tour guide.
Thank you for your guidance, Sergej.
Andre Fritzsch@username
Wir hatten eine Tour durch Kasachstan und Kirgistan mit Guide Sergej. Es war eine wundervolle und abwechslungsreiche Reise. Alles war zu unser vollsten Zufriedenheit vorbereitet und organisiert. Vielen Dank noch einmal an Sergej.
