Duration: 9 Days / 8 Nights
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Availability: June — September (high-altitude mountain passes at Song-Kul and the alpine trails in Altyn-Arashan are only fully open and safe during the summer season).
Start & Finish: Bishkek
Tour Type: Multi-active adventure (940 km total driving) with a 3-day horseback expedition, a 2-day mountain trek, canyon hiking, and cultural experiences.
This tour is designed for real outdoor enthusiasts who want a complete, high-energy multiactive adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s most diverse landscapes. Itinerary included a multiday horseback riding journey, overnight stays in traditional yurts, a challenging mountain trek, soaking in natural hot springs, and exploring vibrant desert canyons.
Your adventure begins with a drive from Bishkek toward the historic Burana Tower, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most important Silk Road monuments dating back to the 11th century. After exploring the tower and surrounding stone balbals, we continue toward the dramatic landscapes of Kok-Moynok Canyon.
Here, we take a short hike through winding orange clay formations and narrow canyon passages shaped by wind and water over thousands of years.
By evening, arrive in the peaceful village of Kochkor, known as the gateway to Kyrgyzstan’s alpine pastures.
After breakfast, transfer to Kyzart Village, where you meet your horse guides and begin your horseback journey into the mountains.
The trail follows the scenic Bazar-Turuk Gorge, passing green pastures, rolling hills, and alpine meadows filled with wildflowers during summer.
After a picnic lunch in nature, continue riding toward the beautiful Kilemche Jailoo, a traditional summer pasture surrounded by open mountain landscapes.
Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp.
Today we continue riding deeper into the high mountains toward Song-Kul Lake.
The route climbs gradually toward the spectacular Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3,400 m), offering panoramic views over the surrounding valleys and alpine landscapes.
After crossing the pass, descend toward the shores of Song-Kul Lake (3,016 m), one of the most iconic alpine lakes in Central Asia. Arrive at the lakeside yurt camp in time for lunch.
The afternoon is free to relax, walk along the shore, or simply enjoy the silence of the nomadic highlands.
After breakfast, begin the return ride toward Kyzart Village using a different mountain route across the scenic Kara-Kiya Pass (3,360 m).
The trail offers beautiful views over Song-Kul Lake, mountain ridges, and endless summer pastures before descending back into the valley.
Upon arrival in Kyzart, say goodbye to the horse team and continue by vehicle to Kochkor for a comfortable evening and well-deserved rest.
Today we travel toward the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Along the way, explore the striking landscapes of Ak-Sai Canyon, known for its dry riverbeds, colorful rock formations, and panoramic views over the lake.
In the afternoon, arrive in Bokonbaevo, where you will meet a traditional berkutchi (eagle hunter) and watch a demonstration of ancient Kyrgyz eagle hunting traditions.
Dinner and overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Continue along the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul toward Barskoon Valley.
Take a short hike through alpine forests to visit the famous “Tears of a Leopard” Waterfall, surrounded by pine trees and mountain scenery.
Later, continue to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for the iconic red rock formations known as the “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart”.
By evening, arrive in Karakol, where we visit the unique wooden Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church before dinner.
Today is dedicated to mountain trekking. We enter the scenic Arashan Gorge and hike toward the famous alpine valley of Altyn-Arashan (“Golden Spa”) at 2,600 meters.
The trail follows a mountain river through dense spruce forests and beautiful alpine landscapes.
Upon arrival, enjoy the natural thermal hot springs — the perfect way to relax after the hike.
After breakfast, descend back through the valley on foot or take an optional rugged 4×4 transfer back to Karakol.
From there, continue along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul toward Cholpon-Ata, one of the lake’s main resort towns.
Free time to relax by the beach or visit the famous Open-Air Petroglyph Museum, home to ancient stone carvings dating back thousands of years.
Today we return to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
Upon arrival, enjoy a short city tour including Ala-Too Square and the lively Osh Bazaar, one of Central Asia’s most colorful traditional markets.
This is the perfect opportunity to buy local souvenirs such as felt handicrafts, mountain honey, spices, and dried fruits before the tour concludes.
