Kyrgyzstan Trekking & Horseback Tour: Ala-Kul, Son-Kul, Kol-Ukok & Issyk-Kul 11 day

Kol Tor Lake

Discover the best of Kyrgyzstan in 12 days. This active tour includes trekking to Ala-Kul (3600m), horse riding to Kol-Tor glacial lake, and exploring the nomadic culture of Son-Kul. Visit the Burana Tower, Skazka Canyon, and Jety-Oguz. Full board with expert guides, 4×4 transfers, and a mix of hotel, guesthouse, and traditional yurt stay at Son Kul lake accommodations. Perfect for hikers and photographers.

1900 $

Per person

11 Day

Duration

June - Sep

Available

Kyrgyzstan

Country

Itinerary

Day 1: Silk Road Heritage & The Alpine Gateway

Kegety gorge Waterfall

Route: Bishkek – Burana Tower – Kegety Gorge – Chon-Kemin Your adventure begins with a trip to the Burana Tower (11th century), a UNESCO site that was once a major hub on the Great Silk Road. After exploring the "balbals" (ancient stone warriors), we head to Kegety Gorge to visit a stunning 60-meter waterfall. We end the day in Chon-Kemin National Park, a lush valley surrounded by pine forests.

  • Included: Transfer, Guide, Entrance fees, Lunch, Dinner.

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin.

Day 2: The "Milk Lake" Hike & Issyk-Kul Shoreline

Suttuu Bulak lake

Route: Chon-Kemin – Sutu-Bulak Hike – Grigoriev/Semienov Gorges – Karakol An early morning 3-hour warm-up hike takes us to Sutu-Bulak Lake, known for its milky-blue glacial waters. Afterward, we drive along the scenic Northern Shore of Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. We pass through the emerald spruce forests of the Grigoriev and Semienov gorges before arriving in Karakol, a town famous for its wooden architecture.

  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch (picnic), Dinner, Guide.

  • Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Karakol.

Day 3: Deep into the Karakol Gorge (2500m)

Karakol Gorge

Route:

we drive to rugged 4x4 vehicles to penetrate the deep forests of the Karakol Gorge. We settle into a yurt camp at 2500m. The afternoon is dedicated to an acclimatization walk to prepare your body for the high-altitude pass tomorrow.

  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, 4x4 Transport, Yurt stay.

  • Accommodation: Yurt Camp (2500m).

Day 4: Ascent to the Turquoise Jewel — Ala-Kul (3600m

Ala Kul Lake june

Route: Ascent from Karakol Gorge to Ala-Kul Lake Today is the most challenging and rewarding day. We gain 1100m in altitude, trekking through the "Sirota" camp to reach the breathtaking Ala-Kul Lake. The water changes color from turquoise to deep emerald depending on the light. We set up camp right on the lakeshore for a night under the brightest stars you’ve ever seen.

  • Included: Breakfast, Trail lunch, Dinner by a private cook, Camping gear (tents/mats), Porters for group gear.

  • Accommodation: Expedition Tents (3600m).

  • ers.

Day 5: The Pass & Natural Spa in Altyn-Arashan

Peak Ak Suu Gorge Altyn Arashan
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Route: Ala-Kul – Ala-Kul Pass (3860m) – Altyn-Arashan Valley – Karakol After a final push to the Ala-Kul Pass, you’ll be rewarded with a panorama of the Karakol Peak (5216m). We then descend into the Altyn-Arashan valley, where you can soak your tired muscles in natural hot springs. In the evening, a specialized off-road vehicle (UAZ/GAZ-66) will transport us back to the city.

  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hot springs entry, Off-road transfer, Hotel.

  • Accommodation: 3* Hotel in Karakol.

Day 6: Legends of the South Shore & Martian Canyons

Broken Harrt Jety Oguz

Route: Karakol – Jety-Oguz – Barskoon – Skazka Canyon – Bokonbaevo We explore the wilder Southern Shore, visiting the "Seven Bulls" red rocks and the majestic waterfalls of Barskoon. The highlight is the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where erosion has carved red clay into shapes resembling dragons and castles. We finish the day in Bokonbaevo, a center of Kyrgyz traditions.

  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Entrance fees.

  • Accommodation: Local Guesthouse in Bokonbaevo.

Day 7: Eagle Hunting & Horseback Ascent to Kol-Ukok

Eagle Show demonstration
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Route: Bokonbaevo – Eagle Hunting Show – Kochkor – Kol-Ukok Lake (3000m) Witness a private Eagle Hunting demonstration, learning about the ancient bond between the Berkutchi and his bird. We then transfer to the mountains near Kochkor to meet our horses. A 3-4 hour horse ride takes us to the serene Kol-Ukok Lake, a hidden gem used by local shepherds.

  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Eagle show, Horses, Horse guide, Yurt stay.

  • Accommodation: Shepherd's Yurt Camp.

Day 8: Glacial Kol-Tor & Comfort in Kochkor

Kol Tor Lake

Route: Kol-Ukok – Kol-Tor Lake (3400m) – Descent to Kochkor Ride higher into the mountains to reach Kol-Tor Lake, a glacial mirror surrounded by eternal snow. After a picnic by the lake, we descend on horseback back to the valley. We return to Kochkor, where a cozy guesthouse, a hot shower, and a soft bed await—a perfect reset after the mountain trek.

  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Horse rental, Guesthouse stay.

  • Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kochkor (with private hot showers).

Day 9: Journey to the High Plateau of Son-Kul

Sun Set at Son Kul Lake

Route: Kochkor – Kalmak-Ashuu Pass – Son-Kul Lake (3016m) After a relaxing breakfast and a visit to a local felt-making cooperative, we drive up to Son-Kul Lake. Crossing the Kalmak-Ashuu pass, the landscape opens up into a vast high-altitude steppe. This is the heart of nomadic life, where horses roam free and yurts dot the horizon.

  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Transfer.

  • Accommodation: Yurt Camp on the lakeshore.

Day 10: Son-Kul Morning & Return to Bishkek

Pass Terskey Torpok or 333 Parrots

Route: Son-Kul – Teskey-Torpok Pass ("33 Parrots") – Bishkek Spend the morning soaking in the nomadic philosophy. You can walk along the shore, watch the morning milking of the mares, or visit a shepherd’s family. After a traditional nomadic lunch, we begin our journey back to the capital. We descend via the spectacular "33 Parrots" pass, featuring dramatic switchbacks. Upon arrival in Bishkek, we gather for a Farewell Dinner at an ethnic restaurant with live folk music.

  • Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner.

  • Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek.

Day 11: Departure

Transfer to Manas International Airport for your flight home.

  • Included: Breakfast, Airport Transfer.

Map

Price

2 pax 2760 $ per person

3 pax 2200 $ per person

4 pax 1900 $ per person

  • All ground transportation (Minivan/SUV) and 4×4 mountain transfers.

  • Professional English-speaking guide throughout the tour.

  • Full board: 3 meals a day (hot meals or trail lunches).

  • Horse rental and horse guide (2 days).

  • All entrance fees, national park fees, and Eagle Hunting show.

  • Camping equipment (tents, mats) and mountain cook services.

  • International flights and medical insurance.

  • Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags/poles can be rented for an extra fee).

  • Alcoholic beverages.

  • Personal expenses and tips for guides/driv

Additional Info

Essential Trip Information

Packing List (Check-list)

  1. Gear: Sleeping bag (comfort 0°C to -5°C), trekking poles, headlamp.

  2. Footwear: Broken-in trekking boots + spare shoes (sneakers/sandals).

  3. Clothing: Thermal layers, fleece jacket, waterproof/windproof jacket (Gore-Tex), lightweight down jacket (evenings are cold!), rain poncho.

  4. Protection: Sunscreen SPF 50+, hat/cap, sunglasses (Cat. 3 or 4), personal first-aid kit.

Accommodation Details

  • Hotels (3 nights): Bishkek, Karakol. En-suite bathrooms, Wi-Fi.

  • Guesthouses (3 nights): Chon-Kemin, Bokonbaevo, Kochkor. Authentic family-run homes with hot showers.

  • Yurts (4 nights): Kol-Ukok, Son-Kul, Karakol Gorge. Shared living (3-4 people per yurt), outdoor toilets.

  • Tents (1 night): Ala-Kul Shore. Professional expedition tents (2-person).

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They trusted Us!

Our dear clients about our guides and tours.

Aymeric Marchadier
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!
Afnas AG (optimus.93)
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
Adrian
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
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.

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