This 6-day Kel-Suu horse trek takes you the slow way to Kel-Suu Lake, one of the most remote lakes in Kyrgyzstan. From Birinchi May village near At-Bashy you ride 72 km in three days: over Bogoshtu Pass (3,934 m), down the wide Ak-Say Valley past nomad yurts, and through the Kok-Kiya Valley to the yurt camps at Kel-Suu. A full free day at the lake is included. Nights in a guesthouse, tents and a yurt camp; season July to September. Want more time in the saddle? The 10-day Kel-Suu horseback expedition reaches the same lake on a 195 km crossing over Archaly pass and the Kok-Kiya canyons.
The price is calculated individually: it depends on group size, dates and accommodation level. Send a request and we will prepare an offer for your group.
Private trek for your own group. The price depends on group size and dates: send us your dates and we will reply with an exact quote within 24 hours.
More horse treks: the 3-Day Horseback Adventure to Song-Kol Lake is a shorter ride for a first trip in the saddle.
Included
Not included
What to bring
Riding trousers or comfortable trekking trousers, sturdy boots with a heel, warm layers and a down jacket (nights below the pass can be close to freezing), rain gear, sun hat and sunscreen, headlamp, water bottle and personal medicine. A warm sleeping bag for the tent nights.
Border permit
Kel-Suu lies in the border zone. We arrange the permit: please send us a passport copy at least 2 weeks before the trip.
Yes. Every departure is a private booking, exclusively for your own group (up to 12 people) — never combined with strangers. Your itinerary, pace, and daily riding hours are arranged around your group alone.
It is a private trek, so the price depends on your group size and dates. Send us your dates by email ([email protected]) or WhatsApp (+996 706 363 738) and we will send an exact quote within 24 hours.
Most visitors reach Kel-Suu by 4×4, and in high season the lakeshore can feel busy. This trek takes the slow route: three days on horseback through the Ak-Say and Kok-Kiya valleys, past herding families living their seasonal life on the jailoo. You still get a full free day at the lake (day 5), but you arrive having earned it.
Suitable prior riding experience is required. You’ll be in the saddle for 4–6 hours most days, on mountain trails that include river crossings and a high pass, so this isn’t a first-time-on-a-horse trip. If you’re unsure your experience is sufficient, get in touch and we can advise honestly before you book.
The physical demand is moderate to challenging: consecutive days of riding, variable weather, and one high crossing at Bogoshtu Pass (3,900 m). No technical climbing or hiking skill is needed, but you should be comfortable with several days of sustained horseback travel at altitude.
A mix of guesthouse, yurt, and tent accommodation, matched to the location each night — comfortable at At-Bashy, traditional and simple in the mountains and at the Kel-Suu yurt camps.
Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) is included throughout, except Day 6, which covers breakfast and lunch only (you’ll be back in Bishkek by evening). Horses, wrangler/guide support, and camping or yurt accommodation en route are included as part of the trek.
The trek runs July through September, when high passes are clear of snow and jailoo pastures are in full summer use — which is also when herding families are up in the mountains, so it’s the best window to encounter them.
Since every trip is a private departure built around your group and dates, availability depends on guides and horses rather than a fixed calendar — reach out by phone or WhatsApp (+996 706 363 738) and we’ll confirm within 24 hours. Booking a few months ahead of your travel window is recommended, especially for July–August dates.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
