Explore two of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes on this 7-day scenic adventure.
Travel from green valleys and red rock canyons to vast high-mountain pastures and sparkling blue waters.
Swim in the warm salty Issyk-Kul Lake, enjoy rafting in Chong-Kemin Valley, relax in hot springs of Altyn-Arashan, and experience authentic nomadic life at Song-Kul Lake (3,016 m).
Stay in cozy guesthouses and traditional yurts, taste homemade local food and enjoy breathtaking views of the Tien Shan Mountains.
This journey offers the perfect mix of nature, culture and soft adventure in the heart of Central Asia.
Route: Bishkek – Chong-Kemin – Karakol – Bokonbaevo – Song-Kul – Bishkek
Duration: 7 days
Best season: June – September
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Transport: Private vehicle
Group size: 2–12 people
Visit Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul lakes
Rafting in scenic Chong-Kemin National Park
Explore Altyn-Arashan hot springs
Discover Jeti-Ögüz Gorge & Flower Valley
Meet traditional golden eagle hunters
Stay in authentic nomadic yurts
Enjoy panoramic mountain landscapes
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrival at Manas International Airport.
Meet your guide and transfer to the hotel.
Free time to rest after the journey.
Optional short city tour of Bishkek.
Overnight in hotel.
Morning drive to Chong-Kemin Valley (approx. 3 hrs).
En route visit the historic Burana Tower, an important Silk Road monument.
Arrival at guesthouse around lunchtime.
After lunch enjoy an exciting rafting experience on the Chong-Kemin River
(Class II–III, suitable for beginners).
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
Scenic drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Stop in Cholpon-Ata to visit the open-air petroglyph site.
Lunch at local café.
Arrival in Karakol in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
Driving time: 4–5 hrs with sightseeing stops.
Off-road journey by Ural mountain truck into the spectacular
Altyn-Arashan Gorge.
Relax in natural hot springs surrounded by alpine scenery.
Picnic lunch in nature.
Afternoon easy downhill hike to Ak-Suu village (approx. 3–4 hrs).
Support vehicle available if needed.
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
Drive along the scenic southern lakeshore.
Stops include:
• Jeti-Ögüz Gorge (Seven Bulls red rock formations)
• Kök-Jaik Valley (Flower Valley walk)
Picnic lunch en route.
Continue to Bokonbaevo village.
Dinner and overnight in guesthouse.
Driving time: 3–4 hrs plus sightseeing.
Morning drive via Kochkor village.
Lunch with a local family and optional felt-making workshop.
Continue across Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,400 m) to reach
the high-altitude plateau of Song-Kol Lake.
Arrival at yurt camp on the northern shore.
Dinner and overnight in traditional yurt.
Driving time: 4–5 hrs.
Morning short hike from the lakeshore to panoramic viewpoints.
Optional scenic trek across Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3,300 m)
towards the Jumgal Valley (approx. 4 hrs, mostly downhill).
Meeting with vehicles near Bazar-Turuk River.
Transfer back to Bishkek.
Farewell dinner in local restaurant.
Overnight in hotel.
Driving time: 3–4 hrs.
Moments that stay with you
The tours start upon request. 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.
We offer hospitality local guest houses, homestays in the villages. In the cities Bishkek, Karakol you will have a hotel. The yurt stays at Song-Kul valley. All the accommodations have bathroom facilities (western toilet, hot shower) except the yurt camp accommodations (basic toilet conditions).
Kyrgyzstan has a free-visa entry for many countries.
For more information about Kyrgyzstan visa link to http://mfa.gov.kz/en/visa/index
Respect local culture, traditions, and religion.
Support the local economy by buying regional products.
Agree on fair prices for accommodation and services.
Remove your shoes when entering houses or yurts.
Smoking is not allowed inside houses.
Communicate your food and accommodation preferences.
Always ask permission before photographing people.
Be friendly and open when interacting with locals.
Be cautious in the evenings and in large crowds.
Keep a close eye on your documents, money, and valuables.
Beware of pickpockets in bazaars and on the streets.
If someone claims to be the police, ask to go to the police station with them.
Never give your personal belongings to strangers.
Wear sturdy hiking boots for outdoor activities.
Bring warm and waterproof clothing, even in summer.
Bring a flashlight, sunscreen, and insect repellent.
Do not drink very cold water from unknown sources.
Alcohol consumption at high altitudes can pose health risks. Mountaineering
If you don’t like the food, try a small portion and thank the server politely.
After eating, drink hot tea instead of cold water.
Wear warm clothing in the mountains.
Bring personal medications and a first-aid kit.
If you have any problems, contact your guide, host, or tour leader.
Take your trash with you and avoid littering.
High-altitude vegetation is fragile—protect nature.
If there are no toilets, stay 40–50 meters away from water sources and bury any waste.
Leave only footprints—take unforgettable photos.
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.
Perfect for culturally curious travelers who want more than a standard sightseeing trip. Ideal for those who want a balanced combination of nature, authentic nomadic life, UNESCO heritage cities, and real Silk Road history — all in one seamless journey across three countries.
