This tour is designed for real adventure lovers who want a deep off-road experience and are ready to conquer the most remote, high-altitude landscapes in Kyrgyzstan. Itinerary included extreme pass driving, a rest day in a nomadic yurt camp, a horseback expedition to a hidden border lake, and trekking through dramatic desert canyons.
Our journey begins with a departure from Bishkek toward the Chuy Valley. Our first stop is the Burana Tower, an 11th-century UNESCO-protected minaret. You can climb the narrow spiral stairs to the top for panoramic views of the valley and explore the nearby balbals — ancient stone warrior carvings.
After a local lunch, we begin our ascent to Song-Kul Lake (3,016m) via the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,446m). As the asphalt ends, we enter the world of the nomad. Song-Kul is a vast alpine lake surrounded by lush pastures where Kyrgyz shepherds spend their summers. Upon arrival, we settle into a yurt camp, enjoy a traditional dinner, and experience the silence of the high mountains.
A “free day” at the lake to fully immerse yourself in nomadic life. You can watch shepherds milking mares, hike to nearby hills for panoramic views, or try horse riding along the shore.
This day is important for acclimatization before higher altitudes.
After sunrise breakfast, we depart Song-Kul via the spectacular Terskey-Torpok Pass, known as the “33 Parrots Pass” due to its 33 sharp hairpin turns. The descent offers some of the best photography views in Kyrgyzstan.
We continue through Naryn, the last major town before the border, where we stop to refuel and take supplies. Then we drive deeper into the At-Bashy region toward the remote Kok-Kiya Valley. The landscape becomes more extreme and dramatic, with cliffs and canyons
replacing green pastures.
By evening, we arrive at a remote guesthouse near the border zone.
Today we explore the spectacular Kel-Suu Lake (3,514m), known as the “Hidden Lake.” This glacial lake is located inside a massive limestone canyon.
To reach the lake, we go by horseback, as the terrain is often marshy and inaccessible for vehicles or hiking. Kel-Suu is famous for its changing nature—sometimes full of turquoise water, sometimes partially or completely drained, revealing a mystical canyon landscape. If water levels allow, a motorboat can take you deeper between the cliffs.
After the visit, we ride back to camp and drive to Naryn, where we stay in a comfortable guesthouse with hot showers and stable Wi-Fi.
We head toward the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. First stop is Skazka Canyon (Fairy Tale Canyon), famous for its red and orange rock formations shaped like castles and natural sculptures. It is one of the best places for short walks and photography.
We continue to Bokonbaevo, where you will meet a local berkutchi (eagle hunter) for a private demonstration of traditional nomadic eagle hunting.
In the evening, we settle into a cozy guesthouse and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.
Our final day begins with a short hike in Ak-Say Canyon, a desert-like landscape with
sharp rock formations and beautiful views over Issyk-Kul Lake.
After the walk, we drive through Boom Gorge back to Bishkek. In the city, we visit Ala-Too
Square and the famous Osh Bazaar, where you can buy local products, snacks, and
souvenirs before the end of the trip.
