12-Day “Grand Nomadic Tour”: Kel-Suu, Tash-Rabat, Son-Kul, and Issyk-Kul

Son Kul Lake Fall Season

The ideal 12-day grand nomadic tour for maximum immersion into nomadic Kyrgyzstan.

This grand nomadic tour combines all the legendary locations: you will visit the ancient Tash-Rabat Caravanserai after conquering the scenic Moldobashi and Mels High Passes, take an exclusive horseback trek to the high-altitude Kel-Suu Lake (3500 m), and spend a night in a yurt by Son-Kul Lake. The itinerary includes rafting on the Chu River, an introduction to Eagle Hunting on the South Shore of Issyk-Kul, and an ascent to the Arabel Plateau. This is the perfect choice for those seeking history, active travel, and the most spectacular mountain landscapes of the Tian Shan.

1950 $

Per person

12 Day

Duration

Jun - Sep

Available

Country

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek and Capital City Tour

 

  • Arrival: Group meeting at Manas International Airport (FRU). Transfer to Bishkek, hotel check-in, and relaxation after the flight.

  • Bishkek Exploration: Walking tour with a guide to the main attractions: Ala-Too Square, the Manas Monument, the Government House, and a visit to Victory Park—the memorial complex dedicated to military glory.

  • Included: Airport Transfer, Hotel Accommodation, lunch, dinner

Day 2: Bishkek – Too Ashuu Pass – Kokomeren Gorge – Kyzyl Oi (270 km)

Kojomkul village

  • Mountain Panoramas: The trip starts with an impressive climb to the Too Ashuu Pass. The serpentine road offers a breathtaking view of the high-mountain Suusamyr Valley—one of the most stunning panoramas in the Tian Shan.

  • Legends of Kyrgyzstan: We continue along the picturesque Kokomeren River. Stop in the village of Kozhomkul to learn facts about the legendary Kyrgyz hero.

  • Kyzyl Oi Panorama: Arrival in Kyzyl Oi village. Check-in at a cozy guesthouse and Dinner. Afterwards, a short climb to a viewpoint to enjoy the mesmerizing panorama of the surrounding mountains and valley.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Guesthouse Accommodation.

Day 3: Kyzyl Oi – Kelemche Plateau – Ak-Kol Lake – Son-Kul Lake (250 km)

Ak kol Lake

✅ Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Yurt Stay.

  • To the High-Altitude Lake: After breakfast, we depart for Son-Kul Lake (3016 m). Our route takes us through scenic landscapes, where we traverse the beautiful Kelemche Plateau ("Kyrgyz Carpet").

  • Emerald Lake Stop: Before beginning our descent, we will make a special stop to visit the stunning Ak-Kol Lake. This smaller, secluded lake is known for its incredible emerald-green color, offering a fantastic opportunity for photography amidst the high-altitude syrt pastures.

  • Pass and Lake View: From the final pass, magnificent panoramas of the vast Son-Kul Lake, surrounded by vibrant alpine meadows, unfold.

  • Nomadic Night: Descend into the basin. Check-in at traditional yurts on the shore of Son-Kul. Stroll along the lake, Dinner, and a chance to witness the Milky Way in the crystal-clear sky.

Day 4: Son-Kul – Moldobashi Pass – Mels Pass – Tash-Rabat (240 km)

  • Journey Across the Peaks of the Tian Shan: Moldobashi and Mels Passes 

    After a morning breakfast on the shore of Son-Kul, the most breathtaking high-mountain transit of the tour begins. We leave the lake, heading south to conquer two majestic passes leading directly to the heart of the Silk Road.

    Our route takes us over the Moldobashi Pass (3224 m). This pass is known for its impeccably graded serpentine roads and wide, picture-postcard panoramas of the entire Son-Kul lake basin. It is an ideal photo location for capturing spectacular high-altitude landscapes.

    Continuing our drive across remote high-altitude syrt pastures, we conquer the second, wilder Mels Pass (approx. 3400 m), which brings us into the At-Bashy district. Here, amidst landscapes untouched by civilization, we enjoy a picnic lunch in the fresh mountain air.

    The Stone Abode of Tash-Rabat 

    By evening, we arrive at the ancient Tash-Rabat Caravanserai (15th century). This stone fortress, hidden in a secluded gorge, is a key historical monument of Kyrgyzstan and a silent witness to ancient trade. Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp next to Tash-Rabat, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the atmosphere of nomadic history and enjoy the silence of the Naryn high-altitude region.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Yurt Stay.

Day 5: Tash-Rabat – Transfer to Kel-Suu Yurt Camp (220-250 km)

  • To the Chinese Border: Today, we face a long but incredibly scenic transfer across the high-altitude syrt pastures of the Naryn region toward the border with China.

  • High-Mountain Refuge: Arrival at the Yurt Camp near Kel-Suu Lake (located at approximately 3500 m altitude). This is one of the most remote and exclusive routes in Kyrgyzstan. Check-in and Dinner at the camp; acclimatization to the altitude.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Yurt Camp Accommodation.

Day 6: Kel-Suu Lake Horseback Trek – Naryn City (180 km)

Kel Suu Lake good wheather

  • To the Chinese Border: Today, we face a long but incredibly scenic transfer across the high-altitude syrt pastures of the Naryn region toward the border with China.

  • High-Mountain Refuge: Arrival at the Yurt Camp near Kel-Suu Lake (located at approximately 3500 m altitude). This is one of the most remote and exclusive routes in Kyrgyzstan. Check-in and Dinner at the camp; acclimatization to the altitude.

Included: Horseback Trekking, Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Hotel Accommodation.

 

Day 7: Naryn – Orto-Tokoy Reservoir – Ak-Sai Canyons – Bokonbayevo

  • Towards Issyk-Kul: We leave Naryn, driving towards Issyk-Kul Lake. Stop at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir for scenic photos.

  • Canyons of Forgotten Rivers: Visit the Ak-Sai Canyons (Canyons of Forgotten Rivers). Short walk to explore the unique clay formations.

  • South Shore Arrival: Arrival in Bokonbayevo village. Dinner and overnight in a cozy guesthouse. In the evening ethnic music show

Included: Transfer, ethnic music show, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Guesthouse Accommodation.

 

Day 8: Bokonbayevo – Skazka Canyon – Arabel Plateau – Jeti-Oguz – Karakol

  • Fantasy World: Morning visit to the famous Skazka Canyon ("Fairy Tale Canyon"), where you will see the "Dragon" and "Chinese Wall" formations in red sandstone.

  • High-Altitude Ascent: Next, a 4x4 jeep-tour into the Barskoon Gorge with an ascent to the Arabel Plateau (3800 m). View high-altitude lakes and glaciers (seasonal).

  • Seven Bulls: Transfer to Jeti-Oguz. Walk among the red rocks of "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart."

  • Karakol: Arrival in Karakol City. Check-in. Dinner Show featuring Uighur and Dungan cuisine.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hotel Accommodation.

 

Day 9: Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Karakol

Peak Ak Suu Gorge Altyn Arashan

  • Healing Springs: Trip using specialized transport into the picturesque Altyn-Arashan gorge ("Golden Spring"). Hiking trek in the gorge to mountain rivers and waterfalls.

  • Relaxation: Swimming in the hot mineral springs, known for their therapeutic properties.

  • Return: Return to Karakol. Dinner and free time.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Hotel Accommodation.

 

Day 10: Karakol – Grigoryevskoye & Semyonovskoye Gorges – Chon Kemin (360 km)

  • North Shore Drive: A scenic drive along the North Shore of Issyk-Kul through two legendary gorges: Semyonovskoye and Grigoryevskoye. Hike to the high-mountain Suttu-Bulak Lake (in Semyonovskoye).

  • Sunset Canyon: Visit the Kok Moinok Canyons for a sunset photo session of the clay formations.

  • Chon Kemin: Arrival in Chon Kemin National Park. Guesthouse accommodation, Dinner, and preparation for rafting.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Guesthouse Accommodation.

 

Day 11: Chon Kemin – Rafting – Bishkek (180 km) (H2)

 

  • Adrenaline: After breakfast, the main active adventure: rafting on the mountain Chu River (special hydro suits and experienced instructors included). Overcoming dynamic rapids.

  • Return: Lunch after rafting. Transfer to Bishkek.

  • Farewell: Hotel check-in. Farewell dinner at a national cuisine restaurant.

Included: Transfer, Guide, Breakfast, Lunch, Rafting (equipment/instruction), Farewell Dinner.

 

Day 12: Transfer to the Airport (H2)

Map

Price

2 pax – 2750$ per person per twin room accomodation

3 pax – 2200$ per person per twin room accomodation

4 pax – 1850$ per person per twin room accomodation

  • Transportation throughout the entire route
  • English-speaking guide
  • Accommodation in accordance with the itinerary, based on double occupancy
  • Entrance tickets to all attractions
  • Meals according to the program 
  • Provision of 1 liter of water per person per day
  •  UAZ or GAZ 66 in Altyn Arashan and Kel Suu
  • Guide for horse riding at Son Kul
  • Horse at Son Kul
  • Culinary Show in Karakol
  • Eagle hunting demonstration
  • Local taxes
  • Alcohol beverages
  • Excursions not included in the program
  • Tips for driver and other personnel
  • Any personal expenses: international calls, bar, souvenirs, etc.ар, 

Additional Info

  • Passport (domestic or international), but it must be the one for which the border pass is issued.
  • Warm jacket + sweatshirt + raincoat.
  • Comfortable shoes (sneakers or trekking boots) + sandals or flip-flops for the shower and beach.
  • Head covering (hat, cap or cap) 
  • Sunglasses 
  • Sunscreen 
  • Personal hygiene products (personal first aid kit with products if you take them on a regular basis) 
  • Swimsuit 
  • Mosquito spray 
  • Charger for phone or camera 
  • Beach towel.

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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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NOTE: A confirmation will be sent right away to your email. Sometimes our email can get stuck in spam.