Top 6 Mountain Lakes of Kyrgyzstan

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Issyk Kul Lake: Bishkek - Balykchy - Kochkor⌄

   Departure from Bishkek at 9:00 AM. We head to the town of Balykchy. We will drive through the Boom Gorge, leave the asphalt road, and ascend to the Kulambel Pass (3,350 m). From here, a panoramic view of Issyk-Kul Lake opens up. After a short walk and photo session, we will continue to a café for lunch. After lunch, we will stop at the beach, swim in Issyk-Kul Lake, and take photos with Zeus and Poseidon standing on the shore at the water’s edge. After all the activities, we will drive to Kochkor, check into a guesthouse, and have dinner.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Bagysh Hotel or Guest House Baytur

2. 2Kel-Ukok (Kol-Ukok) Lake⌄

   After breakfast, we head to the mountain lake Kel-Ukok. We will go up the gorge and begin trekking. Distance: 8 km Elevation gain: 450 m We will walk along the lake shore, take many beautiful photos, have lunch, descend lower into the gorge, see a small waterfall, and return to the vehicle. We then return to the guesthouse. In the evening, you will attend a felt-making master-class, and national dinner Beshbarmak will be prepared.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Bagysh Hotel or Guest House Baytur

3. 3Son-Kul Lake & Ak-Kel Lake, Khan Salyk Canyon⌄

   Breakfast and back on the road. On day 3, we will visit Khan Salyk Canyon and drive along the turbulent Kokomeren River. We trek to Ak-Kel Lake: Distance: 6 km Elevation gain: 250 m Lunch by the lake, then we return to the vehicle and head toward Kara-Keche Pass. After crossing the pass, we reach our destination for the day — Son-Kul Lake. Accommodation in yurts, dinner, and rest. After dark, we will observe the starry sky — such a night sky exists nowhere else!

   Breakfast and back on the road. On day 3, we will visit Khan Salyk Canyon and drive along the turbulent Kokomeren River. We trek to Ak-Kel Lake: Distance: 6 km Elevation gain: 250 m Lunch by the lake, then we return to the vehicle and head toward Kara-Keche Pass. After crossing the pass, we reach our destination for the day — Son-Kul Lake. Accommodation in yurts, dinner, and rest. After dark, we will observe the starry sky — such a night sky exists nowhere else!

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Silk Road Yurt Camp or similar

4. 4Naryn: Horseback Riding, 33 Parrots Pass & Teshik Canyon⌄

   In the first half of the day, we go horseback riding with an experienced guide. The guide will give a full briefing on how to handle and ride a horse, help you mount, and accompany you on the ride. Duration: 2 hours After the ride, we will drive to Naryn city. On the way, we will stop for a photo session at the stunning Terskey Topok Pass, also known as “33 Parrots.” Next is Teshik Canyon. We trek to the canyon: Distance: 6 km Elevation gain: 250 m Lunch, then by evening we arrive in Naryn. Accommodation in a guesthouse, dinner at a café.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Kezgin Guest House or Sanat

5. 5Kel-Tor Lake⌄

   Breakfast and back on the road. Today, we will visit Kel-Tor Lake and reach a yurt camp in the Kok-Kiya River valley. Drive time to Kel-Tor: about 2.5 hours, with many scenic stops for photos. Before reaching the lake, we leave the vehicle and start trekking: Distance: 6 km Elevation gain: 300 m We walk along the lake, have lunch, return to the vehicle, and continue toward Kel-Suu Lake. Arrival at the yurt camp, dinner, and rest.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Yurt Camp

6. 6Kel-Suu Lake⌄

   Early breakfast. Today we trek to Kel-Suu Lake: Distance: 15 km round trip Elevation gain: 350 m At the lake, we take a boat ride, visit a cave, and take many vibrant photos. We return to the yurt camp, have lunch, then drive to Naryn. Accommodation in a guesthouse and dinner at a café.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Kezgin Guest House or Sanat

7. 7Kichi Naryn Canyon⌄

   We travel through the incredibly beautiful Kichi Naryn Canyon. A roaring river along the road, cliffs covered with Tian Shan spruce, and snowy mountain peaks — all of this can be seen only here. The drive takes the entire day, with photo stops and short walks. Lunch by a mountain river. By evening, we arrive at our hotel, check in, and rest. Dinner at a café

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch

   Overnight: Azimut Hotel

8. 8Kok Moinok Canyon⌄

   Our final day. Departure no later than 8:00 AM. First stop: Kok-Moynok Canyons. We drive to the canyons and explore labyrinths of red clay. A couple of hours walking, then lunch at a café. After lunch, a short walk in the Chu River Canyon (no more than 30 minutes). Return to the vehicle and drive to the airport. Arrival at 15:00, check-in, and departure home. If you are not flying out this day, we will take you to your chosen hotel in Bishkek and transfer you to the airport the next day, 3 hours before your flight.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch