About Alatay National Park
Alatay National Park was established in 2016 and covers 56,826 hectares of pristine mountain landscapes in the Toktogul region.
The park protects rich biodiversity, alpine lakes, dense forests, and remote valleys. This journey connects Alatay with the legendary Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve — one of the most beautiful lake systems in Central Asia.
This route is designed as a true eco-adventure supporting local communities and sustainable tourism development.
Format: Private / Small Group
Duration: 6 Days
Start: Bishkek
Season: Jul–Sep
Level: Moderate
Stay: Guesthouse (2N) + Wild Camping (3N)
Transfers: 5–6h Bishkek→Toktogul / Return via Arkyt to Bishkek or Osh
Style: Alpine Lakes & Biosphere Horseback Expedition
Riding Distance: 57 km
Ascent: ↑ 4,363 m
Descent: ↓ 3,811 m
Altitude Range: 1,348 m – 3,611 m
Highest Point: Kalaa Pass (3,600 m)
Meals: Full Board (B/L/D)
Level: Moderate / Remote Mountain Terrain
✔ Experienced local horse guides
✔ Calm, strong mountain horses
✔ High passes & remote valleys
✔ Support vehicle for transfers & logistics
✔ Safe camp setup (tents, meals, water)
✔ Daily route & weather planning
✔ Basic emergency support & communication
For travelers who want a real wilderness horseback journey—far from mass tourism—connecting Alatay National Park with Sary-Chelek.
Ideal for riders seeking:
• Alpine lakes & panoramic passes
• Wild camping and forested valleys
• Authentic village hospitality
• Remote eco-adventure in Jalal-Abad
• A unique route linking two protected regions
Scenic drive from Bishkek via the Too-Ashuu Pass and the vast Suusamyr Valley (5–6 hours).
Arrival in Toktogul region.
Dinner and overnight in a local guesthouse.
Optional: Traditional folklore performance in the evening.
After breakfast, transfer to Alatay National Park.
On the way, visit local beekeepers famous for producing some of the finest mountain honey in Kyrgyzstan. Tea tasting with fresh honey.
Continue to the Alatay River crossing. On the opposite side, meet your horse team and local guides.
Short introductory ride (approx. 7 km / 2 hours) to Lake Alatay.
An easy first day to get comfortable in the saddle while enjoying panoramic alpine scenery.
Wild camping near the lake.
Nature walk and sunset views.
Breakfast at camp.
Today’s highlight is crossing the Kalaa Pass (3,600 m), offering spectacular high-mountain panoramas.
Horse trek 4–5 hours through alpine landscapes toward Min-Bugu Gorge.
Wild camping in a remote mountain valley.
Morning ride descending into the picturesque Kara-Suu Valley.
Arrive in Kara-Suu village where a local family welcomes you into their home.
Traditional dinner and overnight in a guesthouse.
After breakfast, continue on horseback toward the Sary-Chelek region via Kara-Kamysh Lake.
Climb to Kotormo Pass (2,446 m) for breathtaking panoramic views over Sary-Chelek’s emerald lake system.
Descend to Iri-Kul Lake.
Camping on the lakeshore surrounded by untouched forest and mountain scenery.
Morning exploration of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve.
Visit several alpine lakes and enjoy a relaxed nature walk.
After lunch, transfer by vehicle to Arkyt village.
Afternoon transfer to Osh or return to Bishkek.
Moments that stay with you
The tours start upon request, please contact us. The itineraries can be adjusted individually to fit into your schedule and provide you with the best experience. Furthermore, we are happy to create tailor-made tours according to your wishes.
After having solved all the questions and programs confirming we issue an invoice for payment. You can make a bank transfer or pay upon your arrival time in Bishkek before the trip starts.
The price of the tour depends on the number of people and the season. According to the request and interest, we can negotiate the optimal price for your budget.
If you take a horseback riding option you need advanced horseback riding skills. Take a horse riding class several times for getting prepared to ride a horse in the mountains for 4-5 hours every day.
Trekking optional also may request some prepared training. The altitude is high and you will cross several mountain passes, the highest one is Kum-Bel pass (3 600m). We recommend you train with sport or jogging 2-3 times a week in the run-up to your trip.
Clothing for hiking in temperatures from +25C to -0C. A detailed kit list will be sent to you when you book on.
Overnights during the activity tours you will have overnight for 5 nights and 2 of them in the local family guesthouses and 3 in the mobile tents (comfort 2). We provide you tent/mat upon your request.
We provide you with mineral water where it is available to buy on the way in the village shops when we travel by vehicle. In fact, will have bottled water for two first days. But during all trek-days, we will not able to carry the much mineral bottled waters, we take water from the springs and rivers for cooking and for tea-coffee after well boiling for sure. For drinking, you can use water filters. We offer you to bring the water purified pills from your side. In Kyrgyzstan, people used to drink from the rivers and spring source and we don’t use water filters and any pure file pills. Therefore, you will not able to find the water pure file pills or portable filters in Central Asia at all.
The itinerary is also available to do by trekking. All the luggage will be carried by packhorses and the duration of the trekking time will be one or two hours more daily.
The basic hints for travelers.
Tell us about your travel plans and we'll craft a personalized proposal within 24 hours. No pressure, no generic packages — just a genuine conversation about your dream trip.
A winter horseback journey to remote Song-Kol, riding across silent snowfields and frozen valleys. Stay in heated yurts, travel with local horsemen, and experience authentic nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan’s high mountains.
