A Grand Journey Through Kyrgyzstan
Максимально насыщенная поездка по Тянь-Шаню. Все лучшие места собраны здесь
For whom
For those who want to experience the best of northern Kyrgyzstan. Here you'll find landscapes resembling Patagonia, Atacama Desert, Arizona and Switzerland all at once. Many compare the country to New Zealand and rank Kyrgyzstan higher in their personal travel ratings.
Fly into Bishkek. The trip also ends in Bishkek.
Best time: mid-May to mid-September
All photos are from our trips.
Fly into Bishkek. The trip also ends in Bishkek.
Best time: mid-May to mid-September
All photos are from our trips.
| The Road to Kel-Suu An adventure in itself, no less exciting than the final destination. Countless photo stops along the way. |
| Kel-Suu While growing in popularity, this remains difficult to access as it's a border zone requiring special permits. The challenging yet incredibly scenic journey is absolutely worth it - Kel-Suu is the Patagonia of Central Asia. |
| Kok-Kiya A stunning canyon where the river flows into Kel-Suu. The access road is extremely difficult - we'll visit if conditions permit. |
| Kok-Moynok Canyons Amazing canyons right by the highway yet completely deserted. Most travelers don't realize they should stop here. |
| Song-Kul Lake A piece of Tibet that's become Kyrgyzstan's signature destination. Complete silence, serenity and breathtaking sunsets. |
| Forgotten Rivers Canyons Little-known even to locals, with drone-like viewpoints. A true Death Valley next to stunning Issyk-Kul Lake - from the completely deserted side. |
| Barskoon, Arabel and Skazka A day taking you from the "sea" (Issyk-Kul) to "Switzerland" (Barskoon Gorge with giant spruces and waterfalls), then up to 4000m glaciers (Arabel Plateau), ending at Skazka Canyon's colorful mountains resembling northern Argentina or Peru. |
| Kyzyl-Oi Red Bowl Our favorite off-the-beaten-path location with multicolored cliffs, the fantastic Kökömeren River and red mountain slopes - just like northern Argentina. |
| Roads and Passes Expect both paved and dirt roads of varying quality. The scenery makes every bump worthwhile - Kyrgyzstan's roads are attractions themselves. |
| Itinerary Map Part 1: Kyzyl-Oi village and high-altitude Song-Kul Lake Part 2: Naryn region with ochre hills, Kel-Suu Lake and countless yaks/horses Part 3: Forgotten Rivers Canyons, Barskoon Gorge and Skazka |
Itinerary
Day-by-Day Itinerary Details
- Day 1: Bishkek - Kyzyl-Oi// We recommend arriving one day before departure. Accommodation in Bishkek is NOT included in the tour price //
10:00 - Departure from Bishkek
The road is incredibly scenic. First, we'll travel along the Kyrgyz Range, then turn into the Kara-Balta River gorge, ascend to the Too-Ashuu Pass (3,200 m), and descend through the Suusamyr Valley (the country's largest jailoo) to reach the fast-flowing and most beautiful Kökömeren River.
In the evening, we'll head to a sunset viewpoint offering fantastic views of the cozy Kyzyl-Oi village, the Kökömeren River, pyramid-shaped poplars, and multicolored mountain conglomerates.
17:00 - Check-in at the guesthouse
19:00 - Dinner - Day 2: Kyzyl-Oi - Song-Kul09:00 - Breakfast
An incredibly scenic drive where landscapes transition from Argentina-like red cliffs to vast highlands resembling Tibet - all within this tiny country!
First, we'll pass through the Kökömeren Valley with its vibrant scree slopes, then take the road to Song-Kul Lake via the Kara-Keche Pass.
We'll stay overnight in a very comfortable yurt camp at 3,016 meters altitude. The toilet facilities are outside the yurts - basic but quite decent for this remote location. At night, the yurts are heated with burzhuyka stoves.
19:30 - Dinner - Day 3: Song-Kul - Naryn09:00 - Breakfast
After a hearty breakfast, those who wish can explore the petroglyphs - though the real highlight is the panoramic lake view you'll discover on the way to the rock carvings. The mood is peaceful and unhurried.
We then continue toward Naryn via the Teskey-Torpok Pass, also known as "33 Parrots" - possibly one of the most beautiful mountain switchbacks you'll ever see.
Overnight at Hotel Khan Tengri (subject to availability). - Day 4: Naryn - Kel-Suu08:00 - Breakfast
This will be a challenging journey, but absolutely worth it. Your reward? A truly spectacular destination. Early morning, we depart for the China border zone.
Kel-Suu Lake (3,200m) is gaining popularity yet remains rarely visited due to its remote location. What makes it special? Its ever-changing nature - it might be frozen, emerald green, or turquoise blue depending on the season. Sometimes it disappears completely, only to refill itself later. In summer, you'll likely find it at its fullest.
You can reach the lake on foot, by UAZ vehicle, or on horseback - you can decide on the spot. Your guide will advise about costs.
Overnight in basic yurts or simple cabins. - Day 5 - Kel-Suu - Narynirst half of the day we spend in Kel-Suu valley - you can walk on your own, take horses if you liked, go to neighboring hills for panoramic views. After all, the road was not easy, and we want to remember this place. If on the previous day the weather was not flyable, then the expedition to the lake will be on this day.
After lunch snack we gather for the return trip and return to the cozy hotel Khan Tengri. - Day 6 - Aksai Canyons9:00 - Breakfast
We depart towards Issyk-Kul where perfect asphalt roads await us, beautiful mountain passes, and we might even spot camels along the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir.
To reach our lakeside hotel, we drive 14 km along a dry riverbed (which sometimes turns into a real river when it rains). The sight and sensations are indescribable. At sunset, we'll climb to a dizzying panoramic viewpoint. Overnight at Remote.kg glamping. - Day 7: Aksai Canyons - Skazka09:00 - Breakfast
After breakfast, you can go paddleboarding (SUP), swim, and then we'll gather and head to explore Skazka Canyon and Barskoon Gorge. At Skazka, we'll walk among multicolored rock formations, while Barskoon will transport us to a "local Switzerland" where we'll stroll among Tien Shan spruce trees to reach waterfalls.
If you prefer to spend the day by "our sea" (Issyk-Kul), you can skip the excursion and enjoy a detox day at the glamping. SUP boards and table tennis will be available.
In the evening, we'll stargaze by the campfire. Trust us, you haven't seen so many stars in the sky for a long time!
19:30 - Dinner - Day 8: BishkekWe'll adjust our departure time according to your flight schedule if you're flying out today. If you're not in a hurry, we'll leisurely drive to Kok-Moynok, then continue to Bishkek where we'll go souvenir shopping (we'll suggest the best places).
Thank you for this incredible journey through the Tian Shan mountains!
Price
- From $1050
- 30% deposit required
- Remaining balance payable upon arrival in Bishkek
- Any currency accepted (exchange rate agreed in advance)
- Deposit non-refundable if canceled within 15 days of departure
- Includes:
- Accommodations:
- 2 nights glamping (Issyk-Kul south shore)
- 2 nights hotel (Naryn)
- 2 nights yurts (Song-Kul & Kel-Suu)
- Guesthouse (Kyzyl-Oi)
- All meals during tour (except Bishkek restaurants)
- Breakfasts
- Lunches/snacks
- Dinners
- Transportation (varies by group size)
- Border permits
- Guide services
- SUP boarding
- Excludes:
- Flights
Organizational Details
-
TRANSPORTATIONOur choice is comfortable and off-road capable vehicles where everyone will feel comfortable. The vehicle depends on group size and may be a jeep, minivan, or bus. -
WALKING/HIKINGThere will be no serious trekking, mainly leisurely walks. -
ACCOMMODATIONWe travel as a group and stay together in hotels, guesthouses, or yurts. Everywhere is clean and tidy. We try to accommodate two people per room; very rarely there may be situations where three people need to share. -
MEALSAll food is included in the price, and we will be fed at the places where we stay. There isn't much choice, and the menu is fixed. One dish is prepared for the whole group, and generally, everyone likes it. If there are vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions (allergies, etc.) in the group, please inform us in advance. -
GROUPThe group consists of a leader and team members—there are no "service providers" or "clients." Ask as many questions as you like before the trip to clearly understand the travel objectives. The group size is up to 12 people. -
WEATHERParticipants purchase their own flights after consulting with the guide. If you need help buying tickets, let us know in advance. -
FLIGHTSParticipants purchase their own flights after consulting with the guide. If you need help buying tickets, let us know in advance. -
PAYMENTA participant is officially added to the group only after the 30% deposit is paid. The full payment for the trip is made on-site in any currency agreed upon in advance.
Living
We live in the most comfortable conditions for the selected locations. We will have 2 nights in good hotels (in Naryn), 2 nights in glamping, 2 nights in yurts and 1 night in a guest house. On this trip we tried to find a fine balance between comfort and location. We chose the best places possible and we are not ashamed of them. The yurts have beds and you have to walk to the shower and toilet. In glamping, the bathroom is also outside the cabins. On our last night (Kyzyl-Oi) we will be staying in the guesthouse. Feelings from the guest house - as if we got to our grandmother's house 30 years ago. But perhaps it is there that the atmosphere is the kindest, though simple.
Priceless
Impressions of our participants
that we are insanely proud of
Schedule
We are ready to arrange the tour for any dates convenient for you.
LET'S GO!
Ready? Then fill in these lines. And if you have questions, we'll be happy to answer in any messenger.