Discover Kyrgyzstan: Horse Treks, Alpine Lakes & Nomadic Life

Most flights arrive in Bishkek early, so we’ll arrange your airport pick-up and include accommodation for the night before the trip officially begins.

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The journey starts with a welcome lunch, followed by a city tour led by our expert female guide. In the evening, we’ll get to know each other over dinner while enjoying a traditional folklore concert.

Travel from Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake in style aboard a luxury train, winding your way through the mountains.

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From there, a short drive brings us to a women-owned guesthouse in Bokonbayevo, where our hosts welcome us like family. That afternoon, we’ll witness the centuries-old tradition of eagle hunting before tucking into a family-style dinner.

We’ll bid farewell to our Kyrgyz hosts and step into another world at Fairytale Canyon, where Mars-like red rock formations create a truly magical landscape.

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After a short hike, we’ll continue to Jeti Oguz for lunch before making our way to Karakol. In the evening, dinner is in our own hands as we join an Ashlyam Fu cooking class to learn how to prepare the cold noodle soup that has become a Karakol specialty.

Karakol, Kyrgyzstan’s fourth-largest city, is rich in culture and history. We’ll explore its highlights with visits to the Dungan Mosque and the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church before climbing aboard a Soviet GAZ 66 military truck bound for the stunning Altyn Arashan Valley.

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Known for its natural hot springs, alpine meadows, and sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, it’s the perfect place to unwind. We’ll soak in the hot springs and end the day with dinner surrounded by mountain scenery.

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Today, you can choose your own adventure. Opt for a gentle hike and picnic to take in the views of Altyn Arashan, or challenge yourself with a 7–8 hour trek to Ala Kul Lake at 3,560m.

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The effort is rewarded with sweeping views from Ala Kul Pass, where a brilliant turquoise lake lies framed by snow-capped peaks, a sight you won’t forget.

We’ll ride the Soviet UAZ back to Karakol before continuing to Kochkor. Here, we’ll experience the trip’s Wild Women Moment with a felt-making workshop hosted by a local women’s cooperative. We’ll learn the stories behind traditional Kyrgyz patterns, symbols, and colours, explore their sewing techniques, and of course, try the craft for ourselves.

From Kyzart, we begin our journey on horseback through the mountains toward Song Kul, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes.

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Our first day in the saddle takes us on a three-hour ride to a traditional yurt camp, where we’ll spend the night. No riding experience is required – you’ll quickly get to know your horse along the way.

Wake up to sweeping mountain views and the sound of horses outside your yurt. Today we ride to Song Kul, a high-altitude lake at 3,016m. The journey takes another 3–4 hours on horseback, with breathtaking scenery all around.

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Once we arrive, you can settle into camp, take a refreshing swim in the lake, and learn about the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the families who call this place home.

We begin a steep descent as we leave Song Kul behind and ride back toward our starting point. By now, you’ll probably be feeling the hours in the saddle, but the endless, breathtaking views should distract you from that.

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After saying goodbye to our horses, we’ll board the bus back to Bishkek, where we’ll share a final dinner together.

It’s time to say goodbye to your awesome tour guide, fellow travellers turned new friends, and the wonderful country of Kyrgyzstan. We’ll drop you off at Manas International Airport in Bishkek, ready for your flight home. 

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