4-Day Nomad’s Path: Horseback Trek to Son-Kul Lake via Hidden Valleys

Your adventure begins! We pick you up in Bishkek and head west, straight into the heart of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range.

• The Ascent: We conquer the Too-Ashuu Pass (3400m). Pro tip: Have your camera ready immediately after the tunnel — the view of the Suusamyr Valley is one of the most majestic in Central Asia.

• Hidden Gems: Unlike standard tours, we follow the Kökemeren River. This is a scenic, unpaved route known for its turquoise water and red cliffs.

• Legendary Stop: We pause in the village of Kojomkul. We’ll show you the giant stone (600kg!) that the legendary Kyrgyz hero Kojomkul lifted with his bare hands.

• Arrival: We arrive in the quiet village of Kyzyl Oi. Here, you’ll meet the local family hosting us. A hearty home-cooked dinner prepares you for the saddle tomorrow.

Accommodation: Authentic Guest House in Kyzart. Meals: Lunch (picnic/cafe), Dinner (home-cooked).

Riding: 4-5 hours | Distance: 22 km | Difficulty: Moderate

Today, you become a nomad. After a breakfast of fresh bread and jams, we transfer to the starting point.

• Meet Your Horse: Our horsemen are experts. They will match you with a calm, sure-footed Kyrgyz horse and give you a safety briefing. No professional riding experience is needed!

• The Trail: We ride along the Chaar-Archa River. The landscape shifts from village fields to wild alpine pastures. This area is known as Kilemche ("Like a Carpet") because the grass is so thick and soft.

• The Experience: There are no cars here. Only the sound of wind, the river, and horses. By evening, we reach the shepherd’s yurt camp.

• Expert Tip: If we arrive early, I recommend a short hike up the nearest hill for sunset. The light hitting the Kilemche valley is golden and perfect for photography.

Accommodation: Yurt Stay (shared, 4-5 pax). Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Traditional Dinner.

Riding: 6-7 hours | Distance: 21 km | Difficulty: Active

This is the climax of the tour. Today we cross the pass to reach the "Pearl of Kyrgyzstan."

• The Climb: We ascend the Jalgyz-Karagai Pass (3300m). The climb is steady, but the reward is unmatched.

• The Reveal: At the top, you get the famous panoramic view: the vast Son-Kul Lake stretching to the horizon on one side, and the Kilemche valley far below on the other. It feels like standing on the roof of the world.

• The Descent: We head down to the Buchuk Valley for lunch at a shepherd's yurt.

• Victory Ride: The final stretch is a smooth ride along the lakeshore to our camp. At 3016 meters, the air is crisp, and the stars at night are incredibly bright.

Accommodation: Yurt Camp at Son-Kul Lake. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch in a yurt, Festive Dinner.

Driving distance: ~370 km | Hiking: ~1.5 hours (easy)

Wake up to the sunrise over the lake — it’s magical. After breakfast, we say goodbye to the high mountains, but the adventure isn’t over.

• The Descent: We drive down the famous Terskey Torpok Pass, commonly known as "33 Parrots". The winding switchbacks offer dizzying views and are a top Instagram location in the country.

• Waterfall Stop: At the bottom, we take a short walk to a picturesque waterfall hidden near the road.

• Taste of Tradition: We stop in a local village to taste Katama — famous Kyrgyz puff pastry bread with cream. It's delicious!

• The Grand Finale: Before reaching the city, we visit Konorchek Canyons (Aeolian Castles). Often called the "Mini Grand Canyon," these red rock formations are a stunning contrast to the green mountains we just left. We take a hike through the narrow gorge.

• Return: We arrive in Bishkek in the evening with full hearts and camera memory cards full of photos.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch. (Farewell dinner optional).