Kyrgyzstan Multi-Active Adventure

TRIP ESSENTIALS

• Tour Type: Multi-Active (Horse Riding, Trekking, Cultural)
• Total Duration: 9 Days
• Availability: June – September
• Level of Difficulty: Moderate (4–5 hours of physical activity per day)
• Start/End Point: Bishkek
• Transport: 4×4 SUV / Minivan

Day 1: Bishkek — Burana Tower — Kok-Moynok — Kochkor
We begin our journey with a visit to the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret on the ancient Silk Road. Afterward, we head to Kok-Moynok, where we stretch our legs with a hike through winding orange clay canyons. We finish the day in Kochkor, the gateway to the high alpine pastures.

• Meals: Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Guesthouse

Special information
Today involves approximately 4 hours of driving (230 km)

Day 2: Kochkor — Kilemche (Horse Riding)
Transfer from Kochkor to Kyzart Village to meet the horse team. We begin our ride along the Bazar-Turuk Gorge, following the trail through green pastures toward the Kilemche jailoo. This area is known for its “carpet” of alpine herbs and wildflowers.
Picnic lunch at a scenic spot along the route. In the afternoon, we continue moving through the valley toward the foot of the pass. Arrival at the yurt camp for dinner and overnight stay.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Special information

• Today involves 15 km of horseback riding (approx. 4 hours)
• Sleeping arrangements are on a multi-share basis, typically 4–5 people per yurt, with mattresses (toshyoks) arranged on the floor. Yurts are communal spaces and are usually mixed-gender.
• There is no electricity or phone signal in the valley, so ensure your power banks are fully charged. Bathroom facilities are shared and located outdoors. There are no shower facilities.
• Luggage: Your main bags will be carried by pack horse — bring a soft duffel or trekking backpack, not a suitcase
• Any extra luggage can be safely left at Kyzart village, where you will have lunch before starting the horseback tour.

Day 3: Kilemche — Song-Kul Lake (Horse Riding)
After breakfast, we begin the ascent toward the Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3,400 m). This is the most dramatic part of the trek — from the top, you’ll be rewarded with a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire Song-Kul valley. We descend to the lakeshore, where our yurt camp is located amidst the pristine nomadic lands. We arrive in time for lunch. The afternoon is free to explore the shore or relax by the peaceful water.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Yurt Camp

Special information
Today involves 15 km of horseback riding (approx. 4–5 hours). Song-Kul is a high-altitude area (3,016 m), so even in summer, it can be very windy and cold at night. Please ensure you have warm layers. Facilities are the same as the previous night (shared outdoor toilet, no shower, no electricity).

Day 4: Song-Kul — Kyzart — Kochkor (Horse Riding)
After a hearty breakfast, we begin the final ride back toward the valley. We will take a different route, crossing the Kara-Kiya Pass (3,360 m). This path offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountain ranges and the distant lake as we descend. The trail winds through high pastures and narrow mountain paths, arriving back in Kyzart Village by lunchtime. After saying goodbye to our horse team, we meet our driver and return to Kochkor. The rest of the afternoon is free for a hot shower and rest.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Guesthouse

Special information
Today involves 15 km of horseback riding (approx. 4–hours)

Day 5: Kochkor — Ak-Sai — Bokonbaevo
Transfer from Kochkor to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. We explore the desert-like landscapes and dry riverbeds of the Ak-Sai Canyons, known for their unique rock formations and views of the lake. In the afternoon, we continue to Bokonbaevo village to meet a local “berkutchi” (eagle hunter). You will see a demonstration of eagle hunting traditions and how these birds are trained for hunting in the wild. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Guesthouse

Special information
Today involves approximately 2-3 hours of driving (130 km)

Day 6: Bokonbaevo — Barskoon — Jeti-Oguz — Karakol
We continue our journey along the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul toward the Barskoon Valley. We hike up to the waterfalls, including the famous “Tears of a Leopard,” surrounded by high-altitude fir forests.
Next, we drive to the Jeti-Oguz Gorge to see the “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart” red rock formations. After exploring the canyon, we continue to Karakol. We visit the wooden Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church before dinner

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel

Special information
Today involves significant travel time with multiple scenic stops 3-4 hours (170 km)

Day 7: Karakol — Altyn-Arashan (Trekking)
A day of active hiking. We enter the Arashan Gorge and begin our trek up to the Altyn-Arashan (“Golden Spa”) hot springs at 2,600m. The path follows a rushing river through dense spruce forests. Upon arrival, you can soak in the natural thermal baths to relax your muscles.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Mountain Hut

Special information
Trekking distance is 14–16 km (approx. 5–6 hours). Total ascent is 800m

Day 8: Altyn-Arashan — Karakol — Cholpon-Ata
We trek back down the valley (or take an optional rugged 4×4 ride) to meet our vehicle. From Karakol, we drive to the northern shore to Cholpon-Ata. You can relax by the beach or visit the ancient Open-Air Petroglyph Museum to see stone carvings.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
• Accommodation: Hotel / Resort

Special information
The descent on foot takes about 3–4 hours, followed by 2 hours of driving (150 km)

Day 9: Cholpon-Ata — Bishkek City Tour
Return to the capital. We spend the afternoon exploring Bishkek, visiting AlaToo Square and the bustling Osh Bazaar. This is the perfect time to buy souvenirs like mountain honey, felt crafts, and local spices. The journey concludes with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
• Accommodation: Not included

Special information
Today involves approximately 4 hours of driving (260 km)