Adventure

The Grand Kyrgyzstan Tour

11 days from Issyk-Kul to the remote high valleys of the Tian Shan

Duration: 11 days
Route: Karakol – Kel-Suu – Song-Kul
Group: up to 12 people, private tour
Season: July – August

Tour Highlights

A 4WD journey into the remote valleys of the Tian Shan.
Sary-Jaz, Chong-Ashuu Pass and the Arabel Plateau.
A night in a shepherd family’s yurt in Sary-Jaz.
Horse ride to turquoise Kel-Suu Lake.
Tash-Rabat, a 15th-century Silk Road caravanserai.
A hike through Yrdyk Gorge and the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz.
Burana Tower and the green Chon-Kemin Valley.
Issyk-Kul and Kyrchyn Valley, home of the World Nomad Games.
Song-Kul, a high lake among nomadic summer pastures.

Day-by-Day Programme

Day 01Arrival in Bishkek
- Airport meeting and hotel transfer.
- Time to rest after the flight.
- City tour: Ala-Too Square, Victory Park, Panfilov Park and Osh Bazaar.
- Lunch and dinner at local cafés.
- Overnight in Bishkek.
Day 02Bishkek — Burana Tower — Chon-Kemin
- Burana Tower, an 11th-century site associated with the ancient city of Balasagun, and its collection of stone figures.
- Drive on to the green Chon-Kemin Valley.
- Optional horse ride in the afternoon, if available.
- Overnight at a family-run guesthouse in Chon-Kemin.
Day 03Chon-Kemin — Northern Issyk-Kul — Karakol
- Drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
- Grigorievskoe Gorge.
- Lunch at a trout farm, where freshly caught fish may be prepared.
- Kyrchyn Valley, known for hosting the World Nomad Games.
- Overnight in Karakol.
Day 04Karakol — Karkyra Valley — Sary-Jaz
- Across the wide-open Karkyra Valley into the remote Sary-Jaz region.
- Dramatic Tian Shan peaks all around.
- Picnic on the way.
- On arrival, a walk around the area and a visit to a shepherd family’s yurt camp.
- Overnight in a family yurt.
Day 05Sary-Jaz — Chong-Ashuu Pass — Karakol
- Morning in the mountain valley.
- Return to Karakol via the Engilchek road and the high Chong-Ashuu Pass.
- Panoramic views of the surrounding ranges.
- Overnight in Karakol.
Day 06Karakol — Jeti-Oguz — Yrdyk Gorge — Barskoon
- The red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz, known as the Seven Bulls.
- A hike of about 4–5 hours through Yrdyk Gorge, forests and alpine meadows.
- An easier alternative walk in Kok-Jaiyk Valley.
- Evening drive to Barskoon on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.
- Overnight at a guesthouse.
Day 07Barskoon — Arabel — Orto-Syrt — Tash-Bashat
- Early start over Barskoon Pass to the high Arabel Plateau.
- On through the remote valleys of Orto-Syrt, mostly on mountain tracks.
- Stops for panoramic views and a picnic.
- About 9–10 hours on the road, including stops.
- Overnight at a guesthouse in Tash-Bashat.
Day 08Tash-Bashat — Kel-Suu Area
- Drive to the high-altitude area around Kel-Suu Lake, near the Chinese border.
- Lunch on arrival.
- Free time to rest and take in the mountain scenery.
- Overnight in a yurt camp.
Day 09Kel-Suu Lake — Ak-Sai Valley — Tash-Rabat
- Morning horseback ride to Kel-Suu Lake, known for its turquoise water and steep rock walls.
- Lunch after the ride.
- Across the wide Ak-Sai Valley to Tash-Rabat.
- Evening visit to the 15th-century stone caravanserai on the ancient Silk Road.
- Overnight in a yurt camp.
Day 10Tash-Rabat — Baetov — Song-Kul
- Through the mountain areas around Baetov.
- Lunch in a local village or a picnic on the way.
- Afternoon arrival at Song-Kul, a high-altitude lake surrounded by the summer pastures of nomadic herders.
- Overnight in a yurt camp.
Day 11Song-Kul — Bishkek
- Morning by the lake: a walk, wildlife watching and mountain views.
- Lunch.
- Return to Bishkek and end of the tour.

What’s Included

4WD transport with drivers along the route
English-speaking guide who also drives the lead vehicle
Accommodation in hotels, guesthouses and yurt camps as per the itinerary
Excursions and visits listed in the programme
Horseback ride to Kel-Suu Lake
Picnics and meals as per the programme
Entrance fees and permits for the restricted border areas

What’s Not Included

International flights
Travel insurance
Meals not listed in the programme
Personal expenses and tips
Optional activities and services

On the map

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Good to know

The route follows high mountain roads and passes: Song-Kul lies at about 3,000 m and the passes are higher. At this altitude headaches, weakness and poor sleep are possible.
If you have heart or lung conditions, or are pregnant, talk to your doctor before the trip.
Some days are long: up to 9–10 hours on the road.
Border zones need permits, which are arranged in advance, so please do not leave your request to the last minute.
We confirm the final list of services and accommodation details when you book.

Tour FAQ

01Do I need special permits?

Yes. Special permits are required for the Sary-Jaz and Kel-Suu border areas. They are arranged in advance, and passport copies will be needed.

02How demanding is the route?

Difficulty is moderate. The route includes mountain tracks and long driving days — about 9–10 hours on the road on Day 7. Some nights are in yurts or simple accommodation with basic facilities. Each vehicle takes up to three passengers plus the driver.

03When does the tour run?

The tour runs in July and August. Price available on request.