Nomadic Escape – 8 Days

After breakfast, depart from Bishkek and drive toward the famous Burana Tower, one of the oldest historical monuments in Kyrgyzstan and an important Silk Road site. Explore the ancient minaret, stone balbals, and the small archaeological museum before continuing the journey toward Issyk-Kul Lake.

Later, stop at Ak-Sai Canyon near Bokonbaevo village for a short hike with panoramic views over the canyon and the lake. The landscapes here are dry, colorful, and completely different from the green mountain valleys of the country.

In the late afternoon, arrive at a traditional yurt camp on the shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy dinner by the lake and relax surrounded by peaceful alpine scenery.
Trekking: 3 km, 1 hour

After breakfast, meet a local eagle hunter and experience a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, one of the oldest nomadic traditions in Kyrgyzstan. Learn about the relationship between hunters and golden eagles and take photos with the birds.

Continue east along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. Explore the colorful red rock formations shaped by wind and erosion into unique natural sculptures.

Later, drive to Barskoon Gorge and hike to one of the beautiful mountain waterfalls surrounded by pine forests and alpine landscapes. Continue toward Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its red sandstone cliffs known as the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart formations.

In the evening, arrive at a mountain yurt camp in Kok-Jaiyk Valley.
Trek: 7 km, 4 hours

After breakfast, begin a scenic hike through Kok-Jaiyk Valley toward the viewpoint of Oguz Bashy Peak, also known as Boris Yeltsin Peak (5168 m). The trail passes through green alpine meadows, rivers, pine forests, and summer nomadic pastures.

As you continue deeper into the valley, enjoy incredible views of the surrounding Tian Shan Mountains and glaciers. The landscapes here are peaceful and untouched, making this one of the most scenic hiking days of the tour.

After reaching the viewpoint and enjoying lunch in nature, return through the valley and drive toward the village of Svetlaya Polyana for dinner and overnight stay at a cozy guest house.

Trek: 10 km, 5-6 hours

After breakfast, leave Issyk-Kul region behind and drive toward Son-Kul Lake, one of the most beautiful alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan located at over 3,000 meters above sea level.

On the way, stop in Kochkor village to visit a traditional felt carpet workshop and learn how local artisans create handmade shyrdak carpets using ancient nomadic techniques passed down through generations.

Continue driving through mountain passes and wide-open valleys filled with horses, sheep, and yurts scattered across the summer pastures.

Arrive at Son-Kul Lake in the afternoon and settle into a traditional yurt camp near the lakeshore. Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and stunning sunset over the lake.

Spend the day exploring the beautiful landscapes around Son-Kul Lake. After breakfast, hike through the surrounding pastures and enjoy panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

You may also choose an optional horseback riding experience across the vast highland plains, one of the best ways to experience Kyrgyz nomadic culture and the open landscapes of Son-Kul.

Visit local nomadic families, learn about their lifestyle, and taste traditional Kyrgyz drinks (Kymyz) and homemade food.

Return to the yurt camp in the evening for dinner and overnight stay under a sky full of stars

After breakfast, begin the journey toward the remote Ak-Sai Valley near the Chinese border. The road passes through dramatic mountain landscapes, river valleys, and high-altitude plateaus where yaks and horses graze freely.

Stop in Naryn town for lunch before continuing deeper into the wilderness toward Kel-Suu region. As the road climbs higher into the mountains, the scenery becomes increasingly wild and remote.

Arrive at a guest house near Kel-Suu Lake(3500 m) in the late afternoon. Enjoy dinner and relax surrounded by the quiet landscapes of the Kyrgyz highlands.

In the morning, begin your journey toward Kel-Suu Lake, one of the most spectacular alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan hidden among towering cliffs and mountain peaks.

The route follows a scenic valley surrounded by dramatic landscapes, grazing yaks, rivers, and nomadic yurts. You can hike to the lake or choose optional horseback riding for a more traditional nomadic experience.

After reaching Kel-Suu Lake, spend time exploring the turquoise waters and breathtaking scenery of this remote mountain destination. Enjoy lunch surrounded by untouched nature before returning through the valley.

Later, drive back toward Naryn town for dinner and overnight stay.
Trek: 10 km, 4-5 hours / horseback riding 

After breakfast, begin the drive back to Bishkek through mountain valleys, villages, and the scenic Boom Gorge. Along the way, enjoy beautiful views of the Chu River and surrounding canyon landscapes.

Stop for lunch on the road before continuing toward the capital city.

Arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Kyrgyzstan’s alpine lakes, nomadic culture, and mountain landscapes.