The Wild Beauty of Kel-Suu Lake and the Southern Shore of Issyk-Kul
7 days / 7 nights
Tour dates
June 06 – 18 July 10 – 17 August 01 – 07 September 05 – 11
Who this tour is for
This journey is for those who love extreme adventures, breathtaking landscapes, untouched wild nature, and delicious Eastern cuisine! Kyrgyzstan has such a wide variety of locations that every day you will see new, unique gorges, mountains, and mountain passes — none of them like the previous ones. And even when it feels like you are already overflowing with beauty and emotions, I will continue to surprise you right until the end of the trip. Do you want your eyes to light up from the mountains, lakes, and canyons you see? And plenty of exciting adventures, local flavor, and delicious food? A journey where you completely disconnect from everyday life? I guarantee you will find all of this on this trip. If this is what you’re looking for — read the program, pack your suitcase, and join us!
Experiences & locations — what awaits you
More than 1,400 km of travel along the most beautiful mountain roads Visits to two of the wildest and most beautiful mountain lakes in Kyrgyzstan — Kel-Suu and Kel-Ukok Time at Issyk-Kul Lake, including its most beautiful gorges and canyons Horseback riding on traditional Kyrgyz horses Driving to elevations above 3,400 m above sea level and taking photos with glaciers Feeding wild yaks with carrots high in the mountains Overnight stay in a real felt Kyrgyz yurt Easy walking hikes through the most scenic locations Tons of stunning photos and warm memories to last a lifetime
Route locations
Bishkek – Kochkor – Kel-Ukok Lake – Dolon Pass – Teshik Canyon – Naryn – Kel-Suu Lake – Naryn – Issyk-Kul Lake – Aksai Canyon – Joku Gorge – Barskoon Gorge – “Manas Bowl” Waterfall – Konorchek Canyons – Bishkek
Transport & guide
We use comfortable minibuses. Our drivers are highly experienced in mountain driving and prioritize safety. The driver also acts as a guide: explaining locations, showing the most beautiful places, organizing accommodation, handling logistics, keeping the schedule, providing meals according to the program, and fulfilling your requests.
Introduction to the culture
During the trip, we will introduce you to the culture of Central Asia's nomadic peoples.
We will visit the museum of national culture, listen to traditional music and songs, communicate with nomads in their ordinary life, stay overnight in an authentic Kyrgyz yurt, ride horses and see how food is cooked on fire.
Program
Day 1.
Departure from Bishkek at 9:00 AM. We drive to the town of Kochkor, check into the hotel, and rest a bit after the journey. Afterward, we will head to Kel-Ukok Lake. We drive up the gorge by vehicle, then continue on foot to the lake. We walk along the lakeshore and return to the vehicle. Return to the hotel. Dinner at a café in the evening.
Day 2.
In the morning, we will depart for Kel-Suu Lake. We cross Dolon Pass, reach Naryn, have lunch at a café, and continue toward Kyndy Pass. After the pass, we pass border control, cross a bridge over the Aksai River, and by evening arrive at a yurt camp near Kel-Suu Lake. Accommodation in yurts, dinner, and rest.
Day 3.
Breakfast, then a hike to Kel-Suu Lake. Distance from camp: 8 km (one way) We reach the lake, walk around, and photograph the stunning scenery. We have a light packed snack prepared in advance and return to the camp. Afterward, we drive back to Naryn, check into a hotel, have dinner, and rest.
Day 4.
Breakfast and back on the road. Today we will visit Teshik Canyon, pass Ortotokoy Reservoir, then head to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Through Aksai Canyon, we reach a wild beach where we swim in the lake and enjoy sandwiches and tea. After swimming and lunch, we will continue our journey and by evening arrive at our hotel. Accommodation in a cozy guesthouse, dinner, and rest.
Day 5.
On day 5, we’ll visit the most beautiful gorge of Issyk-Kul — Joku Gorge. We drive up the gorge, leave the vehicle, and take a walk along a mountain river. After the walk, we return to the vehicle, enjoy sandwiches and tea, and head back to the guesthouse. Dinner at the guesthouse.
Day 6.
Breakfast at the hotel, then departure to Barskoon Gorge. Today we drive up to an altitude of over 3,400 m, reach a panoramic viewpoint, and take photos with glaciers in the background. We then descend lower into the gorge and have lunch by a mountain river. After lunch, we take a short hike to waterfalls, return to the vehicle, and drive to the hotel. Dinner at the guesthouse.
Day 7.
Breakfast at the hotel and off to new adventures. Today, we’ll visit Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, reach Boom Gorge, and have lunch at a café. After lunch, we take a 3-hour walk through the Konorchek Canyons. Then we return to the vehicle and drive to Bishkek. Check into the hotel and rest. The next day, 4 hours before your flight, a vehicle will pick you up and transfer you to the airport.
Information
Guesthouses are 3-star level, with 2–3 person rooms. All are clean and cozy, with showers, toilets, and Wi-Fi. At Kel-Suu Lake, accommodation is in a yurt camp (1 night). Yurts accommodate 3–4 people. Shared outdoor shower and toilet. Hotels ● Kochkor: Bagysh Hotel or Guest House Baytur ● Naryn: Kezgin Guest House or Sanat ● Kel-Suu Lake: Visit Yurt Camp ● Issyk-Kul: Sound Beach Hotel or Nataly Guest House ● Bishkek: Art Hotel Bishkek or Hotel Futuro
Moderate Most walks are easy 2–3 hour hikes through gorges and canyons. Comfortable footwear and clothing, a light jacket, hat, and raincoat are required. The yurt camp at Kel-Suu is 8 km from the lake, with almost no road. This distance must be walked. The altitude is 3,200–3,500 m, and some difficulty is possible. To make the hike easier and faster, you can rent a horse to take you to the lake and back. Please inform us in advance.
Hiking shoes, flip-flops/crocs or sandals, personal first-aid kit, warm clothes, thermal underwear, light jacket or down jacket, hoodie, good raincoat, hat, cap, gloves, sunglasses, swimsuit, sunscreen, small towel, toilet paper. Also bring a 30–35L backpack for day hikes. Trekking poles are optional.
Currency exchange is available in Bishkek. You can bring rubles, US dollars, or euros. Additional expenses: ● 2,000–3,000 som for souvenirs and drinks All other expenses are included in the tour price.
Three meals per day are included. Breakfasts are served at hotels and yurt camps. Lunches in the mountains are picnic-style: sandwiches with butter, cheese, and sausage, pâté, fresh vegetables and fruits, cookies and sweets, hot tea from thermoses, jam, and honey. Dinners are served at guesthouses or cafés along the route.
Russian citizens do not need a visa. Entry is possible with an internal passport. Citizens of Russia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus may enter Kyrgyzstan with either an internal or international passport. Most European countries can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa. Registration is not required for stays up to 30 days. To participate in this tour, a border permit is required because Kel-Suu Lake is located in a border zone.
Price and what it includes
8-9 persons 1099 $ – per 1 person
What’s included
● Transportation for the entire trip ● Group guide-driver for the whole tour ● Accommodation in hotels and yurt camps (7 nights, breakfast included) ● Entrance fees to gorges and nature reserves ● All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (except dinner in Bishkek on Day 7) ● Bottled water (1 liter per day) ● Border permit processing
Not included
● Alcohol ● Flights ● Insurance ● Single accommodation ● Horseback riding at Kel-Suu Lake