Kyrgyzstan Highland Lakes and Yurt Camps Adventure Trip
Overview
Available languages
1 week 1 day
Mobile ticket
Embark on a breathtaking 8-day journey, the “Kyrgyzstan Highland Lakes and Yurt Camps Adventure,” as we traverse this remote and captivating land in the heart of Central Asia. From the bustling city of Bishkek to the serene shores of Issyk Kul Lake. The dramatic landscapes and rich cultural experiences will leave you spellbound.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Hotel and meals in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan before and after the tour ends
What To Expect
TO ISSYK KUL LAKE
Accommodations
Yurt Camp
Food and Drinks
DINNER
Dinner
Burana Tower
At 8:30 am, we set out on a thrilling adventure. First, we delve into history at the Burana Tower, showcasing the remnants of Balasagyn, the ancient Karakhanid capital. A short walk through Konorchek Canyon unveils mesmerizing red rock formations. We then arrive at a yurt camp on the southern shores of Issyk Kul Lake, nestled 1600 meters above sea level. Your overnight stay in a yurt includes delicious meals, giving you a taste of nomadic life.
THE RED SKAZKA CANYON AND THE JETI OGUZ VALLEY
Accommodations
Yurt Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
DINNER
Dinner
Canyon Fairy Tale
Embark on a morning exploration of Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where surreal red, ocher, and yellow sedimentary rocks seem plucked from another world—a paradise for photographers. After, we drive to the enchanting Jeti Oguz Valley. Arriving in the valley where we leave the car and hike to a shepherd’s yurt camp through one of the Tian Shan Mountains’ most picturesque valleys. Arrival at a yurt camp for an overnight.
HEADING TO SONG KOL
Accommodations
Yurt Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
DINNER
Dinner
Oguz-Bashi Peak
After breakfast, a short hike leads us to the scenic Oguz Bashy Peak, towering at an impressive 5000 meters. Marvel at the breathtaking views. We hike back to our car before our journey continues to Song Kol Lake. We pause for a traditional lunch in Kochkor city and explore a handicraft shop showcasing local women’s handmade household items crafted from sheep’s wool. Our route to Song Kol Lake takes us over Kalmak Ashuu Pass at an altitude of 3447 meters, revealing the exotic and vast alpine beauty of Song Kol Lake, surrounded by towering mountains. You’ll spend the night in a yurt camp.
EXPLORING SONG KOL LAKE
Accommodations
Yurt Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
DINNER
Dinner
Song Kol Lake
Today, you’ll delve into the daily lives of Kyrgyz shepherds residing around the lake. Take leisurely walks along the lake’s shores or opt for a horseback ride, immersing yourself in the ancient traditions of Kyrgyz nomads. The sight of grazing sheep, cows, and horses against the backdrop of the lake transports you to a bygone era.
TO TASH RABAT CARAVANSARAI
Accommodations
Yurt Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
DINNER
Dinner
Tash Rabat
Our expedition continues as we venture to Tash Rabat Caravansarai, traversing Moldo-Ashuu Pass and following the majestic Naryn River, the source of the powerful Syr-Daria River. After a satisfying lunch in Naryn city, we journey through the Tien Shan Mountains, arriving at the 12th-century Caravansarai. Accommodated in yurts, enjoy hot tea before exploring this historic Silk Road stopover.
TO AK SAI VALLEY
Accommodations
Yurt Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
DINNER
Dinner
Kel-Suu Lake
We embark on another leg of our journey, transferring to a yurt camp in Kok Kyia Valley, nestled at the foot of the rugged Kakshaal Too Range. As we traverse Ak Sai Valley, adjacent to China, take in vast high-altitude pastures and the possibility of spotting wild spiral-horned sheep. In the summer, locals also bring their livestock to graze, adding to the authenticity of your experience. Arrival at a yurt camp for an overnight.
EXPLORING KEL SUU LAKE
Accommodations
Yurt Camp
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
DINNER
Dinner
Kel-Suu Lake
After breakfast, embark on a 2-hour hike to reach Kyrgyzstan’s most scenic alpine lake, Kel Suu, concealed within towering rocky mountains. The hike is relatively easy, offering opportunities to spot grazing yaks. Upon arriving at the lake, you’ll be awe-struck by its beauty. Lunch is served on the serene lake shore, followed by a return hike to the yurt camp and a transfer to Naryn City.
TO BISHKEK
Food and Drinks
BREAKFAST
Breakfast
Bishkek
As your remarkable journey draws to a close, we depart for Bishkek, arriving in the city at 15:00 pm, bringing an end to your unforgettable expedition through Kyrgyzstan’s natural wonders and nomadic heritage.
Options
Kyrgyzstan Highland Lakes and Yurt Camps Adventure Trip
Pickup included
What‘s Included
Felt making show
Entrance fees
English-speaking driver + 4WD car; a bus for more than 5 people.
Shared accommodation: yurt and homestays (Note: 3-5 person shared rooms for yurt and homestays)
Border permit for Kel Suu Lake (note: last-minute border permit requests require a surcharge)
Lunches
Drinking water, alcoholic drinks, coffee, soda
Horses for horse riding
Travel and Health Insurance
Personal expenses not included to tour
Pickup points
Manas International Airport
Bishkek Kyrgyzstan
Crown Hotel
51 Matrosov Street Bishkek Kyrgyzstan
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
11 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Ala-Kul Trek
Alioscia2971970,Jun 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great tour, very well organized. We really appreciated Visit Alay's efforts to make our trip enjoyable and memorable. A special thanks to Nurali (our guide and driver throughout the trip) and Erlan (our guide during the Ala-Kul trek). Both were amazing adventure companions—always kind, helpful, and friendly. They made our experience truly unforgettable.
Great experience
994danielay,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great experience with Visit Alay. Eleonora was great providing all the information prior the trip, with options in case the itinerary needed to be changed. Our driver was Nurali, he was great!! Very friendly and key for communicating. Went above and beyond to make us try kymyz as it wasn't the time of the year yet. The itinerary was great, although it involves a lot of travel due to the distances, but enough time to explore and be amazed by this country and its people. Definitely recommend!
Amazing Kyrgyzstan
201lizzeths,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nurash was absolutely brilliant! He went above and beyond to ale sure we got an authentic experience. Most definitely recommend this tour and Nurash as your guide!
The best agency in Kyrgyzstan.
T784SMgonzaloa,May 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Having this experience with Visit Alay was the best decision. From the moment we started contact via email with the company, Eleonora resolved every doubt we had and was very kind. The responses were quick and clear. We did not hesitate for a second to book with them. Once in Kyrgyzstan, our driver was Nurali. Excellent. There is no other word to describe it. He was very kind from the beginning when he picked us up at the airport due to a flight change. Once on the road, he answered all our questions. He has a very good level of English and was a great help as a translator when we needed assistance in restaurants and accommodations. He addressed every request we made. He cared about us when we went out on the trails. He took photos of us and made us try kumis even though it was not in season (thank you for this). I definitely recommend this agency. Seriousness and trust. Thank you, Visit Alay.
Great experience
moritzf844,Apr 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00One week in Kyrgyzstan — and what a week! We circled the magnificent Issyk Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake, under clear spring skies. Days filled with horseback rides (yes, the same noble creatures later appeared on the dinner table — culinary circle of life ;-)), hikes through vast mountain landscapes, and nights spent under stars in cozy yurts. Nature delivered, the Kyrgyz hospitality warmed every heart, and our local guide Nurash turned every path into a story. Grateful for the company of wonderful fellow travellers — and for discovering that sometimes the road less travelled comes with a saddle!
A Trustworthy and Memorable 8-Day Adventure in Kyrgyzstan
LQQK4fun,Oct 1, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Before booking a trip in my hometown, we always had doubts about the travel agent’s website and trustworthiness. Luckily, Eleonora at Visit Alay Bishkek was super helpful and responded quickly, making our 8-day private tour a smooth experience. Our young, gentle driver Kadir took great care of the four of us, and everyone we met at the guesthouses and yurt camp was kind and welcoming. We love nature and enjoyed every moment in Kyrgyzstan’s remote areas. We even did a horse trek over 3,500m to Kel-Suu Lake, where the breathtaking scenery made it totally worth it.
10 day trip through Kirgistan with Sultan!
imV5769IV,Sep 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The trip with Sultan was amazing. He did everything to show us his country and food. The country spreads peace and calmness! I would recommend the trip with Sultan to everyone! Thank you for everything. And remember: Gas, gas, gas gas gas gas!
Thanks for showing me so much of the beauty of Kyrgyzstan
sifrahs,Aug 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing guide and driver, it was so lovely. Boka knew a lot of the history and he was very positive and full of enthousiasm. The driver was also a really nice and caring guy.
Experience of a life time
581vit,Aug 27, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We traveled through Kyrgyzstan for 9 days with Yunus as our guide. Even though I work as a Travel Coordinator I didn't know, that nature holds such a beautiful place on earth. We experienced the time of our lives on horseback, riding through incredible landscapes and enjoyed the simple things in the yurt camps. Yunus took very well care of us and inspired us all with his positive attitude. If I get the chance, I would come back and visit Yunus and his wonderful homeland. PS: Pack warm clothes! Even in August, nighttime temperatures dropped to between 5°C and -1°C.
Wonderful Tour
ntxooyaj,Jul 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an amazing tour! Kyrgyzstan is stunning, and this tour allowed me to see different landscapes and experience peace with nature. Communication with Visit Alay was nice and smooth, and they helped customize my tour for me as a solo traveler. I had an excellent driver guide me throughout the different locations and tell me about Kyrgyzstan. Highly recommend this as a first time in this beautiful country!
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Operated by Visit Alay - Travel Company