Multi-Activity Kyrgyzstan Adventure

Private tour

Price

On request

Availability

June-September

Duration

12 days

Difficulty

Moderate-Hard

Tour type

Trekking

Overview

Embark on a 12-day multi-activity adventure tour across the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan! Discover pristine mountain lakes, expansive valleys, stunning canyons, and majestic peaks. This tour offers an exciting mix of activities including horseback riding and four days of deep hiking through Kyrgyzstan’s wild natural beauty. Enjoy the refreshing hot springs, experience traditional nomadic life in authentic yurts, and engage with local communities to explore more about the rich culture of Kyrgyzstan.

Highlights

Trekking to the breathtaking Ala-Kul Lake
Staying in traditional yurts
Driving through spectacular roads
Horseback riding and hiking during the tour
Visiting Son-Kul, Issyk-Kul, and Ala-Kul lakes
Visiting best canyons, waterfalls, valleys and national parks
Relaxing in Altyn-Arashan’s hot springs
Camping in the beautiful Keldike Gorge and scenic Sirota hut

Itinerary

Day 1. Bishkek city - Ala-Archa National Park - Bishkek city

When you arrive at Manas International Airport, you’ll be greeted by a local guide and driver who will take you to Bishkek city, where you’ll check into a hotel.

If you arrive early, after some rest and breakfast at the hotel, we’ll explore Ala Archa National Park. It’s a great spot for picnics and walking with 20 glaciers around. You can enjoy a leisurely walk by the river or hike up the mountains for an amazing view of the valley.

Afterward, we head back to Bishkek for lunch at a café. After lunch, if we have time, we’ll take a Bishkek city tour.

We’ll finish our day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Total Drive: 80 km / 2 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2. Bishkek city - Burana tower - Chon-Kemin valley

After breakfast, we’ll head out to visit the Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun built by the Karakhanids. Alongside the tower, you’ll see grave markers, ancient earthworks, and remnants of a castle and mausoleums. You will explore a small museum and view Balbals, ancient stone markers.

Next, we’ll journey to the Chon-Kemin valley for lunch at a guesthouse with local family. Then, we’ll go horseback riding to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

Dinner and stay overnight in a guesthouse with a local family.

Total Drive: 160 km / 2.5 hours

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 3. Chon-Kemin valley - Son-Kul lake

Today, we’re heading to Son-Kul Lake, an alpine lake located at 3016 meters above sea level, making it the largest freshwater lake in Kyrgyzstan. It’s surrounded by vast summer pastures and mountains, offering a glimpse into the traditional nomadic way of life.

At Son-Kul Lake, men spend their days riding horses and looking after cattle brought from nearby villages, while women manage household tasks like cleaning, cooking, baking bread, and making dairy products from cow and horse milk. You’ll see many horses freely grazing and breeding in this natural setting.

At Son-Kul Lake, you can enjoy the breathtaking views and take part in optional activities such as horseback riding and hiking. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the yurt camp.

Total Drive: 200 km / 3 hours

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 4. Son-Kul lake - Ak-Sai Canyon - Bokonbaevo

In the morning, we’ll head to Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake globally. Along the way, we’ll stop at Ak-Say Canyons on the lake’s southern shore, where you can explore and watch golden eagle hunters show their hunting skills with eagles.

Afterward, we’ll hike up to the Ak-Sai canyon viewpoint, offering stunning views of the lake, mountains, and the canyon itself. The scenery is truly amazing, and you’ll enjoy every moment of it.

Finally, we’ll arrive at Bokonbaevo village in the late afternoon and settle into the next yurt camp by the Issyk-Kul lake shore. Dinner and overnight stay will be at the yurt camp.

Total Drive: 240 km / 4 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 5. Bokonbaevo - Fairytale canyon - Barskoon waterfalls - Karakol

Today, we’re leaving Bokonbaevo to explore the natural beauty of the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Our first stop is the captivating Fairytale Canyon, known for its breathtaking scenery in Kyrgyzstan. After admiring the canyon and taking numerous photos, we’ll journey to Barskoon valley.

In Barskoon valley, we’ll hike to the waterfalls for about an hour, enjoying the picturesque surroundings and capturing memorable moments with our cameras. From there, we’ll continue our drive to Karakol.

There, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night.

Total Drive: 180 km / 3 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Day 6. Karakol - Djety-Oguz - Kok-Jaiyk - Karakol

Today, our adventure takes us to Djety-Oguz, where we’ll explore the striking red rocks, hike to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the impressive Seven Bulls Rocks, and snap some memorable photos.

Later, we’ll drive to Kok-Jaiyk valley, tracing a mountain river through forests and scenic mountains. After lunch at a yurt camp, we’ll embark on a 2-hour hike to reach a beautiful waterfall. After soaking in the stunning scenery and the waterfall’s beauty, we’ll return to Karakol for dinner and an overnight stay.

Total Drive: 80 km / 1.5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Day 7. Hiking to Sirota Campsite

Trekking distance/time: 11km / 6 hours, Ascent: 600 meters.

Transfer from Karakol town to the trailhead in the beautiful Karakol Valley, passing by lively rivers. You’ll be dropped off near a bridge where our hike begins towards the lunch spot. Explore this gorge on foot, admiring its lush green slopes adorned with evergreen trees. You might even see a herd of horses grazing, adding to the scenery.

After lunch, continue hiking in this peaceful setting up to the Sirota Campsite, which sits at 3000 meters. Once at the campsite, take a stroll around the area and unwind in this tranquil spot surrounded by spruce trees.

Meals: Lunch/Dinner, Accommodation: tents

Day 8. Ala Kul Lake to Keldyke Valley over Ala Kul Pass

Trekking distance/time: 9 km, 7 hours, Ascent: +850m

This day involves a challenging hike through twists and turns, navigating rocks and large stones, for about 3 hours until you reach the stunning Ala Kul Lake at 3500 meters altitude.

This pristine lake is fed by glaciers and shines with a turquoise hue, offering breathtaking views. Enjoy lunch by the lake before continuing to Ala Kul Pass at 3950 meters.

From here, you can admire the rugged, icy peaks of Terskey Ala-Too, part of the impressive Tian Shan Range. Take a moment to appreciate the grandeur of these towering mountains before descending along a steep path to our campsite in the picturesque Keldyke Valley at 3200 meters altitude.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, Accommodation: tents

Day 9. To Altyn Arashan Valley and Hot Springs

Trekking distance/time: 11 km, 4 hours, Ascent: – 750m

After breakfast, we set off for our yurt camp, passing through the picturesque Altyn Arashan Valley with its verdant pastures and calm, flowing rivers. The journey takes about 3-4 hours, and you may need to cross a stream along the way, but it’s not deep.

Upon reaching our yurt camp at 2450 meters altitude, you’ll discover that Altyn-Arashan translates to ‘Golden Spa’ due to its renowned hot sulfur springs. Here, you can take a relaxing bath in the natural hot spring pools, easing any muscle soreness after three days of hiking.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner, Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 10. To Ak Suu village – Karakol City

Trekking distance/time: 10 km / 4 hours, Descent: – 450m,

We hike around to explore the natural springs before leaving the camp around lunchtime. The sight of Peak Palatka, towering at 5260 meters, and the “Swallow’s Nest Pool” beneath the open sky will stay with you.

In the afternoon, we hike for about 4 hours to reach Ak Suu village, where our driver will pick us up for a 30-minute drive to Karakol city. The trail follows a beautiful river flowing through the valley most of the time.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Day 11. Karakol city - Kok-Moynok canyon - Bishkek city

After breakfast, we’ll start our journey to Bishkek. Along the way, we’ll stop at Kok-Moynok Canyon to take beautiful photos and go for a short hike.

Later, we’ll visit a local café to enjoy traditional Kyrgyz Kattama with sour cream. Kattama is a tasty puff pastry with a crispy outside and a soft, juicy inside.

Upon arriving in Bishkek, we’ll have our final dinner at a traditional local restaurant. Finally, we’ll say goodbye, hoping to meet again someday!

Total Drive: 380 km / 5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12. Bishkek city - Airport

After breakfast, we’ll gather at the hotel and visit a souvenir shop to pick up some Kyrgyz traditional keepsakes. Then, we’ll head to the airport. It’s time to say goodbye, and we hope to see you again soon!

Total Drive: 40 km / 1 hour
Meal: Breakfast

Prices

To get prices for this tour, please Request the Tour or Get in Touch with Us.

Included / Excluded

Accommodation – as per program
Transport services during all the tour
English-speaking guide
Meals as per program
Entrance fees
Eagle hunting show
All activities
Cook (during the 4 days of hiking)
Porters (luggage person during the 4 days of hiking)
Tent, mats, sleeping bags (during the 4 days of hiking)

Personal expenses
Single room supplement*
Alcohol and soft drinks
International airfares
Travel insurance
Walking sticks (available for $2-3 per day)
Tips for guide and porters(optional)

*Except the yurt camps

Map

Gallery

Additional info

Clothes & Equipment

You can bring everything you need. Remember that in the summer, Bishkek can get as hot as 40 degrees Celsius, and it can be as cold as minus 5 degrees Celsius in the mountains. Be ready for sudden changes in the weather.

Recommended:

Rain-coat
Waterproof pants
Sweater/fleece
Wind-stopper
Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking smth with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
Power bank (to charge devices)
Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
Good, waterproof trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.
Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhoea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper.
A small towel
Sunglasses
A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
Flash light (torch)
Walking poles if needed