Itinerary

1. August 4: Manas Airport - Chong Kemin National Park

   • Meeting at the airport.
   • Departure to Chong Kemin National Park.
   • Chong Kemin National Park is a uniquely beautiful natural zone with a length of fifty kilometers in the valley of the Chong Kemin River.
   • The park serves as a treasure trove of rare species of flora and fauna.
   • Glaciers here harmoniously coexist with forest zones and steppe areas, with landscapes untouched by time.
   • The natural park covers an area of 500 hectares, with its location smoothly increasing from 1,400 to 2,800 meters in height.
   • After resting, embark on a short hike to the panorama, offering a magnificent view of the valley.

   Driving time: 3 hours

   Overnight at the hotel 

2. August 5: Horse Riding in Chong Kemin National Park

   • Start the horse riding tour in the morning, heading towards the Chong Kemin valley.
   • The trail will take you through lush forests and picturesque meadows.
   • Stop for a picnic lunch in a scenic spot, such as a meadow overlooking the valley.
   • Continue the horse riding tour towards the pass, which offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
   • In the evening, return to the hotel to relax and enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner.

   Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

   Overnight at the hotel

3. August 6: Horse Riding to Tuz Ashu Pass - Song Kol Lake

   • Transfer to Jumgal valley to the starting point of the horse ride.
   • After lunch, depart for Song Kol.
   • Cross the Tuz Ashu pass (3400m) with a magnificent view of the lake.
   • Song Kol Lake is a large alpine lake located at an altitude of 3016 m above sea level.
   • In summer, fully enjoy its blue and get acquainted with the life of modern nomads.
   • Live in Kyrgyz yurts and taste the national dishes of the hospitable Kyrgyz people.
   • Learn about everyday life and Kyrgyz traditions, national games, and observe huge flocks of sheep, horses, and cows.
   • May encounter camels and yaks, immersing into the habitual habitat of a nomadic people that has retained its uniqueness for decades.

   Driving time: 4 hours

   Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

   Overnight at the yurt camp

4. August 7: Horse Riding to Batai Aral - Tailak Baatyr

   • Horse ride to Batai Aral, a jailoo (pasture) located in the northwest of Song Kol Lake.
   • Nomads from the Kochkor region set up their yurts in summer in Batai-Aral.
   • Batai-Aral is a narrow dirt road between Song Kol Lake and a small lake, serving as a floral oasis.
   • 66 species of water birds can be observed from May to September, attracting ornithologists.
   • Particularly notable are the 14 species of ducks.
   • On the northern shore of the lake is the only stone building in the entire valley - the Tailak Baatyr mausoleum, built at the end of the 19th century.
   • The area is great for galloping horses, offering a unique experience in a picturesque landscape.

   Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

   Overnight at the yurt camp

5. August 8: Horse Riding to Tuz Ashu - Tulpar Tash

   • Continue on horses around Song Kol, immersing in the exciting and alluring culture of the nomads in the area.
   • Tulpar Tash is located in the northwestern part of Song Kol, serving as a jailoo of nomads from the Kyzart region.
   • Regarded as one of the most beautiful places in Song Kol.
   • The glitter of the surface of the lake can be seen from afar, adding to the scenic beauty of the area.

   Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

   Overnight at the yurt camp

6. August 9: Song Kol - Ysyk Kol Lake

   • After breakfast, head to Ysyk Kol Lake.
   • Ysyk Kol is the second largest lake after Titicaca in the Andes, a high mountain lake.
   • Widely believed that the name Ysyk Kol in Kyrgyz means 'hot lake' because the water in the lake never freezes.
   • Located at an altitude of 1609 meters, the lake covers an area of 6236 km2 and can reach depths of 668 meters.
   • After lunch, enjoy swimming in the crystal clear lake, taking advantage of its inviting waters.

   Driving time: 4 hours

   Swimming time: 4 hours

   Overnight at the guesthouse

7. August 10: Skazka Canyon - Barskoon Gorge - Jeti Oguz Gorge - Karakol

   • Visit Fairy Tale Canyon, characterized by weird rock formations and a ridge resembling the Great Wall of China rising vertically out of the surrounding sandstone.
   • Rocks vary in color from sandy yellow to red and orange, with colorful striations showing different chemical compositions.
   • Next stop is Barskoon Gorge, one of the most beautiful gorges on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol.
   • Famous for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests.
   • Notably visited by the first man in space, Yuri Gagarin.
   • En route, visit main local attractions such as Broken Heart and Seven Bulls.
   • Brief walk in Jeti-Oguz Canyon, resembling a small version of the Grand Canyon, completes the journey.

   Driving time: 5 hours

   Easy hiking/walking time: 2 hours

   Overnight at the hotel

8. August 11: Horse Riding to Altyn Arashan Gorge

   • Move to Karakol and begin horse riding to Altyn-Arashan gorge (Golden Source).
   • Altyn-Arashan is a high-mountain gorge in the eastern part of the Terskey-Ala-Too ridge.
   • One of the most popular tourist places in Kyrgyzstan, known for its unique nature, hot springs located within the gorge, extensive spruce forests, and stunning views.
   • In the evening, it's possible to take a thermal water bath.
   • The hot springs are located at a record height of 2600 meters and have healing properties due to the content of radon and hydrogen sulfide in the water.
   • The water maintains high temperatures all year round: 35 degrees for a radon source and 41 degrees for hydrogen sulfide.

   Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

   Hot spring: 40 min

   Overnight at the guesthouse or yurt camp

9. August 12: Horse Hiking to Ala Kol Lake - Altyn Arashan

   • Continue horse riding towards one of the most beautiful lakes of the Central Tian-Shan - Ala Kol.
   • The last part of the path is quite steep, requiring dismounting and walking.
   • Efforts will be rewarded upon reaching the unique glacial lake and seeing the famous peaks such as Karakol peak (5281 meters), Oguz-Bashi (5168 meters), and Zhigit (5170 meters).
   • After a short rest, return back to the Altyn Arashan gorge, completing the journey.

   Horse riding time: 4-5 hours

   Hiking time: 2 hours

   Hot spring: 40 min

   Overnight at the guesthouse or yurt camp

10. August 13: Horse Riding Back to Karakol - Ysyk Kol Lake

    • In the morning, return along the gorge on horseback to Karakol.
    • After lunch, enjoy swimming in the crystal-clear lake, taking advantage of its inviting waters for a refreshing dip.

    Horse riding time: 3 hours

    Driving time: 3 hours

    Overnight at the guesthouse

11. August 14: Ysyk Kol Lake - Bishkek

    • Day of return to Bishkek.
    • Head to the capital for a sightseeing tour.
    • Visit the central Ala-Too square, a prominent landmark in Bishkek.
    • Explore Victory Square, another significant square commemorating historical events.
    • Visit the Opera and Ballet Theater, known for its architectural beauty and cultural significance.
    • Explore the largest mosque in Central Asia, a notable religious and cultural site in the region.

    Driving time: 4-5 hours

    City tour: 2 hours

    Overnight at the hotel

12. August 15: Bishkek - Manas Airport

    • In the morning, transfer to the airport for departure.

    Driving time: 40 min