This Kel-Suu horseback expedition is the long way to Kyrgyzstan’s most hidden lake. In 10 days you ride about 195 km through the central Tien Shan: over Archaly pass (3,935 m) onto the empty Ak-Say plateau, through the red Kok-Kiya canyons to Lake Kel-Suu near the Chinese border, and back north over Bogoshtu pass to the At-Bashy valley. Pack horses carry the camp, nights alternate between tents and yurt camps, and you get a full day at the lake. For riders with basic experience who want a real expedition. Short on time? The 6-day Kel-Suu trek via Bogoshtu pass reaches the same lake.
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.
Price on request — a private expedition for your group, any start date in July–August. Book at least 3 weeks ahead: we need this time to arrange the border permit for Kel-Suu. Included
Not included
Moments that stay with you
Booking and permit Lake Kel-Suu lies in the border zone with China. We arrange the permit for you, but it takes time — book at least 3 weeks before the start and send us a copy of your passport. Riding Kyrgyz horses are small, calm and sure-footed. You should be able to walk and trot and to mount and dismount on your own. Expect 5–8 hours in the saddle, river crossings and steep descents where you lead the horse on foot. Always follow the horseman, keep 1.5–2 m between horses and do not overtake. Season and weather July and August only — the rest of the year the passes are closed by snow. Days are 15–25 °C, nights near 0 °C, and it can snow on the passes even in summer. Most camps are at 2,800–3,500 m: move slowly and drink a lot in the first days. What to bring Warm sleeping bag with comfort −1 °C or lower (no sleeping bag? rent one from us for 10 $ per day), soft riding or hiking trousers, waterproof jacket, warm layers, hat and gloves, sunglasses and sun cream, head torch and a power bank — there is no electricity in the tent camps.
Yes, basic experience: you should be comfortable at walk and trot and able to mount and dismount on your own. The horses are calm and the horsemen stay with the group, but 7 riding days at altitude are hard for a complete beginner. If you have never ridden, start with a shorter trip.
Most camps are at 2,800–3,500 m and both passes are at about 3,935 m. In July and August days are warm and sunny, but nights drop to around 0 °C and snow is possible on the passes. A warm sleeping bag and layers are essential.
5 nights in tents, 3 nights in yurt camps and 1 night in a hotel in Naryn. On the trail there are no showers: you wash in rivers, and the camps have simple toilets or none.
It is a private expedition, so the price depends on the number of riders and your dates: larger groups pay less per person. You can also go alone or as a couple. Send us your dates and group size and we reply with an exact offer within 24 hours.
Yes. Lake Kel-Suu is in the border zone with China, so every traveller needs a border permit. We arrange it for you; it is included in the price. Book at least 3 weeks before the start and send a copy of your passport.
The 6-day trek rides in and out over Bogoshtu pass, about 72 km. This 10-day expedition rides about 195 km in a one-way crossing: in over Archaly pass and the Kok-Kiya canyons, out over Bogoshtu. Choose it if you have the time and want the full wilderness experience.
Tell us your dates and group size. You get a personal offer within 24 hours, no commitment.
