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 through the Kyzyl-Suu Valley and Jeti-Oguz 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 via Kyzart Pass, 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:  10 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 – Kichi Kyzyl-Suu Gorge – Chong Kyzyl-Suu Gorge – Valley of Flowers –  Jeti-Oguz Gorge – Skazka (Fairtale Canyon) Bokonbaevo village – 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 – Kichi Kyzyl-Suu- Chong Kyzyl-Suu valley: 1st trek day

After breakfast, we will drive to Kichi Kyzyl Suu Valley, located about 60 km from Karakol, and begin our trek. The 14 km trail takes us across the valley, starting at the foot of red cliffs and continuing through the foothills of the Tien Shan, passing forested areas and traditional jailoo (summer pastures).
The 5–6-hour hike offers views of Lake Issyk-Kul and the surrounding snow-capped mountains. A picnic lunch will be arranged along the way. After lunch, continue to the yurt camp, where you will be welcomed by local hosts and enjoy a traditional dinner.

Transfer time: 1,5 hours to the starting point
Trek time: 5-6 hours

Day 3 

2nd Day of trek: Chong Kyzyl-Suu Gorge – Kok Zhaiyk Valley
In the morning, continue your trek to Kok-Zhaiyk Valley (Valley of Flowers), a scenic and well-known area popular for its wide alpine landscapes. Today’s hike is one of the longer days, covering around 18 km and taking approximately 6–7 hours. The trail passes through open valleys and gentle mountain slopes, gradually gaining altitude along the way. At the highest point, around 2,800 meters, you will be rewarded with wide panoramic views over the gorge and surrounding peaks. There will be time to rest, take photos, and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere.
Arrival at the camp is expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and overnight stay in the yurt camp.

Trek time: 6-7 hours

Day 4

3rd trek Day, Kok-Zhaiyk – Jeti-Oguz Gorge – Bokonbaev Village
After breakfast, start your hike from the gorge toward the red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz (approximately 9–10 km). The trail leads to a panoramic viewpoint, where your vehicle will meet you and transfer you to a guesthouse. A homemade lunch will be served in a cozy setting. After lunch, continue your journey to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, stop to explore Skazka Canyon, known for its unusual rock formations.
Arrival at the yurt camp by the lake in the evening. Dinner will be served.

Trek time: 3-4 hours
Transfer time: 3 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 6

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 7

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 8

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 9

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 10

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