Kyrgyzstan in 10 Days: Mountains, Lakes and Nomads

Itinerary

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Bishkek, Ala-Archa

   • We meet you at the airport. After some rest, a short tour of Bishkek. After lunch we drive to Ala-Archa National Park, a gorge with a glacial river, spruce forest and snow peaks 40 km from the city.
   • Overnight: Plaza Hotel

2. Day 2

   Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata – Karakol

   • We drive east along the north shore of Issyk-Kul and have lunch in Cholpon-Ata. On the way we stop in the Grigorievka and Semenovka gorges for the forest, the river and a coffee break. We reach Karakol in the evening.
   • Overnight: guesthouse in Karakol · dinner at Dastorkon Ethno Restaurant
   • Driving: about 460 km

3. Day 3

   Trek to Altyn-Arashan

   • We go up the Arashan River into the Altyn-Arashan valley, on foot or by off-road vehicle, as agreed. About four hours of walking with a picnic on the way. At the top there are alpine meadows and hot springs you can bathe in.
   • Overnight: Elza Lodge, Altyn-Arashan
   • Trekking: up to about 18 km, depending on how you go up: on foot or by off-road vehicle

4. Day 4

   Jeti-Oguz and Skazka Canyon

   • We come down to Karakol and drive to the south shore. At Jeti-Oguz you see the red sandstone rocks called the Seven Bulls against the snow peaks. Picnic lunch by the lake, then a walk through the coloured clay rocks of Skazka Canyon. In the evening, an eagle-hunting demonstration.
   • Overnight: local guesthouse
   • Driving: about 160 km · Walking: about 3 km

5. Day 5

   Bokonbaevo – Kochkor – Song-Kol

   • In Kochkor we have lunch with a local family and join a felt-carpet workshop. Then we cross the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (about 3,400 m) up to Song-Kol Lake and check into a yurt camp on the shore.
   • Overnight: yurt camp at Song-Kol
   • Driving: about 260 km

6. Day 6

   Song-Kol – Naryn

   • Morning at the lake: a walk across the pastures or an optional horse ride. After lunch we go down over the Moldo-Ashuu Pass (about 3,400 m) and drive to Naryn for dinner.
   • Overnight: Grand Khan Tengri Hotel

7. Day 7

   Naryn – Kel-Suu Lake

   • We drive south through Naryn Region towards the Chinese border. After the border-zone formalities we reach Kel-Suu, a long lake between sheer cliffs. If the weather allows, we walk along the shore.
   • Overnight: local lodge

8. Day 8

   Kel-Suu – Naryn

   • A morning trek around Kel-Suu. After lunch we drive back to Naryn across the highlands.
   • Overnight: Grand Khan Tengri Hotel
   • Driving: about 5 hours back to Naryn, depending on the road

9. Day 9

   Naryn – Kochkor – Bishkek

   • After breakfast we drive to Bishkek, stopping in Kochkor if there is time. The evening is free for rest, souvenirs or a walk around the city.
   • Overnight: hotel in Bishkek

10. Day 10

    Departure from Bishkek

    • Breakfast and transfer to the airport.