Hidden Gems of Kyrgyzstan – Expedition to Mystical Lakes 2026

OVERVIEW:

Embark on an epic Kyrgyzstan adventure through the country’s most stunning landscapes, combining scenic drives, trekking, horseback riding, and cultural immersion. This multi-day tour begins in Bishkek, from where you travel to Karakol, stopping at historic landmarks like the Burana Tower and Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs. Explore the unique Dungan Mosque and Russian Orthodox Church in Karakol before heading into the mountains.

The journey continues with a trek to Altyn-Arashan Gorge, offering panoramic mountain views and pristine wilderness. Along the way, stay in traditional yurt camps and experience the serenity of the alpine valleys. Descend through the Red Cliffs before visiting Bokonbaevo, where you can witness the ancient tradition of eagle hunting.

From Kochkor, begin a scenic 2-day trek to Song-Kul Lake, crossing the Kilemche Jailoo pastures. Traverse the Jalgyz Karagai Pass into the Song-Kul basin, where alpine meadows meet a stunning high-altitude lake. Meet local Kyrgyz shepherds and immerse yourself in nomadic life on the lake’s shores.

Continue to the remote Kol-Suu Lake, navigating the dramatic 32-Sloop Pass and enjoying horse rides or boat trips on the pristine lake. From there, transfer to Emgek-Talaa (Naryn), and finally return to Bishkek via scenic mountain routes.

TRIP ESSENTIALS

Tour Type: auto/trekking

Total Duration:  9 days

Best Season:  mid-June – mid-September

Level of Difficulty:  moderate to demanding

Maximum Altitude on the Trip:  3 900 meters ASL

Start and End Point:  Bishkek

Transport: jeep/minivan/minibus depending on the size of the group

Best group size:  4- 12 persons

TRIP ITINERARY

Bishkek – Karakol – 2 days trek to Altyn-Arashan Gorge – Jeti-Oguz Gorge – Skazka (Fairtale Canyon) – Bokonbaevo village – 2 days trek to Song-Kol lake – Kol-Suu lake – Naryn region – Bishkek

Day 1

Bishkek to Karakol: A Scenic Journey along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake

After breakfast, we’ll head to Karakol, a 6–7-hour drive through beautiful scenery. Along the way, we will make several stops: the 1^st stop will be with a fascinating stop at the Burana Tower, an ancient structure from the 10th-11th century. Once an important point on the Great Silk Road, we’ll explore the tower and its surroundings for about an hour. Next, we’ll stop in Cholpon-Ata to visit the open-air petroglyph gallery, where ancient rock carvings tell stories of the past.

After a lunch break at a local café, we’ll continue to Karakol. Once there, we’ll visit the unique Dungan Mosque, built without nails, and the charming Russian Orthodox Church. The day ends with dinner at a local café and a relaxing stay at a guesthouse. Overnight at guest house.

Transfer time: 6-7 hours

Day 2

Karakol – Ak-Suu – Altyn-Arashan Valley

Morning after breakfast transfer from Karakol town to Ak-Suu. Meet your guide team and start trekking up to the river Ak-Suu. Ascent the hot spring first day. At the Altyn-Arashan resort is possible to take a thermal water bath. You will never be able to forget the sight of the snow on Peak Palatka (Tent) 5260 m or “Swallow’s Nest Pool”, nestling beneath the open sky. Overnight in tent.

Transfer time: 40 min

Trek time: 4-5 hours up

Distance: 14-15 km

Elevation gain: 600+

Difficulty: up moderate and down easy

Day 3 

Altyn-Arashan Gorge – Karakol – Bokonbaevo

After breakfast in Altyn-Arashan Gorge, there is time to enjoy a soak in the natural hot springs at the resort, surrounded by alpine scenery. Snow-covered Peak Palatka (5,260 m) and the open-air pools create an unforgettable mountain atmosphere.

We then trek down the gorge and continue by vehicle toward the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, stopping for lunch at a local café. Along the way, we visit Jeti-Oguz Gorge with its famous Seven Bulls rock formation and explore the surreal landscapes of Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, with short walks at both sites.

By evening, we arrive at Bel-Tam yurt camp, located near the lakeshore.

Dinner and overnight in traditional yurts.

Transfer time: 3 hours

Trek time: 3,5-4 hours down

Distance: 14-15 km

Visit to Skazka Canyon: 1 hour

Day 4

Bokonbaevo to Kochkor: An Eagle Hunting Experience

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Jaychi Yurt Camp to experience a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration. Here, you’ll see skilled Kyrgyz eagle hunters showcase the ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles, a practice passed down through generations. Learn about the unique bond between the hunter and the eagle, and watch these majestic birds in action as they soar and hunt. After the demonstration, enjoy a traditional lunch at the camp. In the late afternoon, we’ll continue our journey to Kochkor village for dinner and an overnight stay at a welcoming local guesthouse.

Transfer time: 4-5 hours

Day 5

Bokonbaevo to Kochkor: An Eagle Hunting Experience

In the afternoon, we’ll head to Jaychi Yurt Camp to experience a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration. Here, you’ll see skilled Kyrgyz eagle hunters showcase the ancient tradition of hunting with golden eagles, a practice passed down through generations. Learn about the unique bond between the hunter and the eagle, and watch these majestic birds in action as they soar and hunt. After the demonstration, enjoy a traditional lunch at the camp. In the late afternoon, we’ll continue our journey to Kochkor village for dinner and an overnight stay at a welcoming local guesthouse.

Transfer time: 4-5 hours

Day 5

Kochkor to Kyzart pass: A Scenic 2-Day Trek to the Lake

We’ll begin the day with a transfer from Kochkor to Kyzart Pass. Upon arrival, you’ll meet your guide team and start the adventure. As we begin our trek, we’ll cross Kyzyl-Kiya jailoo, a vast, flat sea of grass stretching before us. Continuing over the Chaar-Archa Pass (3,061 m), we’ll enter the beautiful Chaar-Archa Valley, where we’ll enjoy a tasty lunch by the rushing river, with stunning views of the sacred 4,400-meter Baba-Ata Mountain.

After lunch, we’ll ford the river and follow a trail over lush, green hills to Kilemche Jailoo. This area, known for its carpet-like appearance, covers entire mountain ranges, with grassy patterns as intricate and beautiful as a Kyrgyz shyrdak (felt carpet). We’ll end the day with dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy yurt, enjoying the peaceful Kyrgyz nomadic lifestyle.

Transfer time: 1 hour to Kyzart pass

Trek time: 5-6 hours

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: 880 m

Day 6

Kilemche to Song-Kul lake: A Scenic 2-Day Trek to the Lake

After breakfast at Kilemche, we’ll spend the morning climbing to the Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3,400 m), crossing the Song-Kol Mountains and heading into the lake’s basin. The ascent offers breathtaking views of Kilemche jailoo, and the rocky pass itself is an exciting challenge.

As we descend from the pass, Song-Kol Lake gradually comes into view, growing larger with every step. The towering southern mountains rise above the lake, creating a dramatic and beautiful landscape.

After lunch at Jaman Echki, we’ll transfer to the lakeshore, heading east to the yurt camp at Batai-Aral. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by a Kyrgyz shepherd family. Here, you’ll enjoy a warm meal and stay overnight in a traditional yurt.

Trek time: 4-5 hours.

Distance: 13 km

Elevation Gain: 880 m.

Day 7

Song-Kul lake to Kol-Suu Lake: A Day of Adventure in Nature

In the morning, we will transfer to the Kol-Suu lake via the 32-sloop pass. During the journey, we will stop at the border zone, where you will need to show your border permit to enter the area. Dinner and accommodation will be provided at a yurt camp near the lake.

Transfer time: 6 hours

Day 8

Kol-Suu lake to Emgek-Talaa (Naryn)

After breakfast, go on a two-hour trek to Kol Suu Lake. You can also go on a horse ride to the lake and back. Have a picnic lunch by the lake. Take a walk around the area. If you want, go horse riding. By lunch time, you’ll return to the yurt camp. Then, transfer to Emgek-Talaa village. When you arrive, check into a guesthouse, where dinner and accommodation will be provided.

Transfer time: 3 hours

Optional experience: explore the lake on horseback and take a boat ride while soaking in the beautiful scenery.

Day 9

Emgek-Talaa to Bishkek: The Final Stretch

After breakfast, we’ll begin our transfer back to Bishkek. Enjoy the stunning views as we make our way through the mountains. Upon arrival in Bishkek, the tour concludes. We hope you’ve enjoyed the adventure and experienced the beauty and culture of Kyrgyzstan!

Transfer time: 5 hours

DATES & PRICING 2026

Looking for different dates? Private departures are available on your preferred dates. Inquire now to book your private tour at travel@visitkyrgyzstan.kg

If 2 pax, price per person is 1 925 USD

If 3 pax, price per person is 1 525 USD

All prices are given for the groups from 4 pax.