NOMADIC KYRGYZSTAN– 7 DAYS

Your journey begins with a morning pickup from your hotel in Bishkek. Drive to Kyzart Village (approximately 3-4 hours). The route takes you through scenic mountain landscapes and traditional villages.

Upon arrival in Kyzart, meet your horse and guide for the next two days. No horse riding experience is required! Our horses are calm and well-trained, and your guide will give you a brief instruction before starting.

Begin your horseback journey with a gentle 4-5 hour ride to Kilemche Valley (2,600m). The trail follows the Chaar-Archa River through rolling hills and alpine meadows. The pace is slow and relaxed, giving you time to build confidence and enjoy the stunning scenery.

Settle into a traditional yurt camp for the night. Enjoy dinner prepared by local hosts, learning about nomadic culture firsthand.

After breakfast at the yurt camp, saddle up for today’s ride to Song-Kol Lake.

Today’s ride is 5-6 hours through alpine landscapes. The trail ascends to the Jalgyz-Karagay Pass (3,400m), rewarding you with breathtaking first views of Song-Kol Lake below – a vast turquoise expanse set in a bowl of green meadows, surrounded by snow-capped peaks.

Descend to the lakeshore for lunch at a traditional yurt camp. After lunch, enjoy a relaxed ride along the lake’s western shore, visiting a local nomadic family’s camp to observe traditional herding and dairy production.

Return to your yurt camp for a hearty Kyrgyz dinner. As night falls, the lack of light pollution offers spectacular stargazing.

After breakfast, bid farewell to Song-Kol Lake. Drive to Naryn City for lunch, then continue to Tash-Bashat Village (approximately 4-5 hours total drive). The route takes you through scenic mountain landscapes and the famous “32 Parrots” (32 turns) and traditional villages.

Tash-Bashat is a village deeply connected to Kyrgyz traditions. Check into a guesthouse – your first night with private facilities and Wi-Fi after the yurt camps. Enjoy dinner and a comfortable rest. You can also explore cemeteries and village life by yourself. The village is very safe.

Today’s off-road adventure takes you deeper into the mountains toward remote Kel-Suu Lake, near the Chinese border. A border permit is required and included.

The drive (approximately 5-6 hours) takes you through the beautiful At-Bashy Valley, crossing Kyndy Pass (3,500m). Descend into the vast Ak-Say Valley, where you’ll see traditional yurts and herders tending to yaks and horses.

Arrive at your yurt camp near Kel-Suu Lake in the late afternoon. After lunch, visit Kel-Suu Lake by trekking, then arrive back to yurt camp for dinner and overnight.

After breakfast, depart Kel-Suu and drive north toward the legendary Ysyk-Kol Lake. The drive takes you through Naryn City and over scenic mountain passes to the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake (approximately 5-6 hours). Lunch on the way at a restaurant.

Arrive in Bokonbaevo, a village on the southern shore famous for eagle hunting traditions. Check into a guesthouse with beautiful views of the “Pearl of Central Asia.”

Note: Long driving today, so depart early. Lakeside yurt camps available – contact manager. Private bathroom also available.

Today you’ll explore the spectacular southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake.

Start with a captivating eagle hunting demonstration with a local berkutchi – an ancient nomadic tradition passed down through generations. Watch as the magnificent golden eagle responds to its master’s commands.

Continue to Skazka Canyon (“Fairy Tale Canyon”) – a surreal landscape of wind-sculpted sandstone in vibrant red, orange, and yellow hues, resembling castles, dragons, and mythical creatures.

Visit Barskoon Waterfall – a powerful cascade in a lush gorge. A short hike brings you close enough to feel the refreshing mist.

Drive to Jeti-Oguz Valley, famous for its dramatic red rock formations – the iconic “Seven Bulls” and the legendary “Broken Heart” rock.

Drive to your hotel in Karakol for overnight. Afterward, have some free time or drive to dinner at a famous restaurant.

After breakfast, begin your journey back to Bishkek. Stop at the historic Burana Tower, an 11th-century Silk Road minaret. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the Chuy Valley and explore the open-air museum featuring balbals (ancient Turkic grave markers).

Continue to Bishkek (approximately 1.5 hours from Burana). The tour concludes with drop-off at your hotel.

Note: If you want to see the Osh Bazaar, you can skip Burana and drive directly to Bishkek.

During the tour, meals feature local Central Asian dishes prepared with fresh regional ingredients. Vegetarian meals can be arranged upon request — please notify us in advance about any dietary preferences or allergies.
• Major towns and cities accept credit and debit cards, but in villages and remote areas, cash in Kyrgyz Som (KGS) is essential. Budgeting around USD 10-20 per day is usually enough for small personal purchases.
• Mobile internet works well in cities but can be unstable or unavailable in high mountain regions. For better coverage, we recommend buying a local SIM card.
Suggested mobile provider: MEGACOM
• The electrical system operates on 220V with Type C and Type F sockets (standard European plugs). Please bring an adapter if your devices require one.
• We strongly advise having travel insurance that includes emergency medical care and coverage for outdoor and adventure activities.
• Kyrgyz and Russian are the main languages spoken. While English is commonly used in tourist areas, learning a few simple local words can enhance communication in rural communities.
• Currency exchange at the airport usually offers lower rates. For better value, exchange money at banks or licensed exchange offices in Bishkek. Your guide can help arrange this if needed.

Clothing – Layering System

Footwear

Essential Gear

No Horse Riding Experience Required!

Physical Requirements

• Fitness Level:Moderate – comfortable sitting on a horse for several hours
• Walking:Short walks at villages and Kel-Suu trek (optional)
• Altitude:Up to 3,400m – stay hydrated, listen to your body

Accommodation

Food & Water

• Meals:Traditional Kyrgyz cuisine – vegetarian options available (inform us at booking)
• Water:Bring a reusable bottle – we provide drinking water

Connectivity

• Wi-Fi:Available at guesthouses and some yurt camps
• Travel Insurance:Mandatory – must cover horse riding and medical evacuation

IMPORTANT NOTES

1. No horse riding experience required– our horses are calm and guides are patient
2. Yurt stays are basic– embrace the authentic nomadic experience!
3. Altitude at yurt camps:2,600m – 3,200m – stay hydrated
4. Weather changes rapidly– pack layers for all conditions
5. Flexibility:Itinerary may adjust based on weather and group needs
6. Kel-Suu border permit is included– keep your passport ready
7. We offer 8-12 day tours– check our Nomadic Tours section!
8. 100% customizable– we adapt to your wishes!