Winter Tour in Kyrgyzstan: Kel-Suu Expedition, Tash Rabat, and Issyk-Kul | 12 Days

Early meeting at Manas International Airport (FRU), transfer, and check-in to a comfortable hotel for rest. After lunch, we drive to Ala-Archa National Park. In winter, the gorge turns into a snowy fairy tale. We'll take an easy acclimatization walk along the frozen river, enjoying the views of the majestic spruces and peaks. In the evening — a sightseeing tour of winter Bishkek and a welcome dinner featuring national cuisine.

• Included: Airport transfer, transport to Ala-Archa, guide services, accommodation (3-4* hotel), meals (dinner), national park entrance fees.

After breakfast, we head south. The first major stop is the Kok-Moinok Canyons. The contrast between the red sandstone cliffs and the white snow creates incredible "Martian" landscapes—perfect for photography. We then travel through the picturesque Dolon Pass (3030m) towards the town of Naryn, one of the highest-altitude regional centers in the country.

• Included: Transport (4x4 Jeeps), guide services, accommodation (Hotel in Naryn), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

A true immersion into history and wild nature. First, we drive to Tash Rabat—an ancient stone caravanserai from the 15th century, hidden deep in the mountains. We will explore the dark corridors of the fortress, where Silk Road caravans once sheltered. After the excursion, we continue to the harsh and beautiful Kok-Kiya Valley (Ak-Sai). The road runs through deserted, high-altitude landscapes. We arrive at the camp in the evening.

• Included: Transport (4x4 Jeeps), guide services, Tash Rabat entrance fees, accommodation (Heated yurts/cabins with stove), meals (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner).

A morning in one of the most remote places in Kyrgyzstan. After breakfast, we saddle the horses and set off for the tour's jewel: Lake Kel-Suu. In winter, it freezes over, forming crystal-clear ice with trapped bubbles, reminiscent of winter Baikal, but surrounded by sheer rock faces. We will have several hours to enjoy the silence and beauty. We return to the camp for lunch. After lunch, we drive back towards civilization—passing Naryn and heading to Kochkor village, a center for Kyrgyz felt craftsmanship.

• Included: Transport, horse rental, guide and stableman services, accommodation (Guesthouse in Kochkor), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

In the morning, we head to the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul.

1. Ak-Sai Canyon: A walk through the "Valley of Forgotten Rivers," reaching a viewpoint and descending to the lake shore. You will confirm that Issyk-Kul truly does not freeze, even in winter.

2. Shatly Panorama: We ascend to the viewpoint by sunset to capture the best views of the evening Issyk-Kul. We spend the night in an authentic guesthouse in Bokonbaevo village.

• Included: Transport, guide services, accommodation (Guesthouse), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), entrance/ecological fees.

A day of natural wonders. In the morning, we explore the bizarre forms of Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, dusted with snow. Next, we drive to the majestic Jeti-Oguz Gorge. We will see the legendary "Seven Bulls" and "Broken Heart" red rock formations and take an extended walk through the spruce forest along the river. We arrive in the city of Karakol in the evening.

• Included: Transport, guide services, accommodation (Hotel in Karakol), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner), eagle hunting demostration ecological fees.

Ski Day! After breakfast, we transfer to the Karakol Ski Base—one of the best in Central Asia. You will have the opportunity to ski or snowboard with panoramic views of the Tian Shan. In the evening, to recover after an active day, we visit the Teploklyuchenka mineral hot springs.

• Included: Transport to the ski base and springs, accommodation (Hotel in Karakol), meals (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner), entrance fees for the hot springs. (Ski pass and equipment rental are paid separately).

Day 8. Karakol – Chong Ashuu Pass – Engilchek – Jyrgalan

A long and atmospheric journey to the border. Today we will overcome the high-altitude Chong Ashuu Pass (3822 m). Upon arrival in Engilchek—the ghost town—we will walk through the deserted quarters. We have lunch at a guesthouse in the town to warm up. After lunch, we drive to bathe in a wild hot spring located right in the Engilchek Riverbed under the open sky. In the evening, we transfer to the cozy Jyrgalan Valley.

• Included: Transport (Jeeps), guide services, border zone permit, accommodation (Guesthouse in Jyrgalan), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

We visit the private museum and old mill in Teploklyuchenka. The main adventure: Winter Kayaking on Issyk-Kul—gliding on the non-freezing water. The day culminates with a special cultural experience: dinner with a local Dungan family in Karakol. The Dungans (Hui people) are a Muslim ethnic group of Chinese origin who migrated here in the late 19th century and are famous for their unique culture and vibrant, delicious fusion cuisine.

• Included: Transport, guide services, kayak rental and gear, museum entrance fees, accommodation (Hotel in Karakol), meals (breakfast, lunch, Dungan family dinner).

We travel along the North Shore of the lake. We drive through the famous Grigorievskoe and Semenovskoe Gorges with stops for walking. We arrive at Chon-Kemin National Park in the evening.

• Included: Transport, guide services, eco-fees, accommodation (Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin), meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner).

In the morning — horse riding through the snowy Chon-Kemin Valley. After lunch, we return to Bishkek. Farewell gala dinner.

• Included: Transport, guide services, horse rental, accommodation (Hotel in Bishkek), meals (breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner).

Timely transfer to Manas International Airport (FRU) for departure.

• Included:  airport transfer.