Your journey commences with a transfer from Bishkek city to the historic city of Naryn. Along the way South you’ll see the diverse landscapes Kyrgyzstan has to offer from immense mountain ranges to deserts and canyons. Upon arrival to Naryn, you’ll have lunch in a local restaurant and have a chance to look around the city. You may also choose to relax for the rest of the day and prepare for tomorrow’s ride at your guesthouse.

We’ll leave Ak-Sai Valley in the morning and head toward Kok Kiya with our horses. Kok Kiya Valley is inhabited by yak herders. These animals are well-adapted to high-altitude conditions and are commonly known as "grunting oxen" due to their unique vocalizations. Yaks are closely related to cattle but possess physical attributes that make them suitable for livestock in mountainous environments, such as thicker fur, a larger lung capacity, a stronger heart, and efficient oxygen utilization. The open vistas along the way provide a panoramic view of the surrounding colossal mountains, some in the distance reaching up to 5000 m. At the end of a long and tiring day, we will enjoy a hearty dinner at the yurt camp.

You'll be transported from Naryn to Bishkek. Contact us if you need transportation to a different part of the country.

After breakfast, we begin our journey with a transfer to Birinchi May village to meet our horses. You will receive essential riding instructions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trekking experience in the following days. Today, our path leads us towards the majestic Bogoshty Pass, ascending through a lush valley. As we make our way, we traverse the untamed rivers, nourished by the local glaciers. By the afternoon, we reach our destination and set up our tents, providing a comfortable resting place for the night.

This day allows us to savour every moment without haste. You’ll have a chance to immerse yourself in the morning routines of the nomads, observing their tasks of milking animals, baking bread and other such activities around the camp. Following a delightful breakfast, we mount our horses and embark on a scenic journey to Kel Suu Lake, tracing the path alongside a tranquil stream. Encircled by towering cliffs, reaching hundreds of meters in height, Kel Suu Lake stretches through a mountain gorge a few kilometres from the heart of Kok-Kiya. The lake remains relatively undiscovered, even during the peak tourist season in mid-August only a handful of tourists approach this region. It is a truly remarkable destination. Later, we return to the yurt camp, where we share a satisfying lunch and bid farewell to our hosts. Our horses will be taken back to Birinchi May and our journey continues to Chatyr-Kul Lake via a 4x4 drive. After setting up our tents, we’ll spend the night near the lake.

This day we reach the Ak-Sai Valley. Situated at an altitude of 3000 meters above sea level, Ak-Sai rests within the border zone between the At-Bashi ridge and the Torugart pass. The majority of this terrain is covered by low grass, which unique vegetation provides a suitable habitat for the mountain-dwelling Marco Polo sheep and the Siberian ibex. The valley also holds archaeological significance, with an ancient Neolithic settlement capturing the attention of researchers and history enthusiasts alike. A last interesting fact is that this region holds the distinction of recording the lowest temperature ever in the country, reaching an astonishing -56.3°C.

We’ll have time in the morning to look around Chatyr-kul, the third-largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. Within the boundaries of the Karatal-Zhapyryk State Reserve, Chatyr-Kul boasts vital wetland areas, serving as crucial habitats for countless migratory birds. Despite its ecological significance, the lake itself remains devoid of fish. While trees do not line its shores, the area thrives with abundant plant life, including numerous medicinal herbs. To further enhance your experience, nearby hot springs provide a tranquil retreat. Obtaining a special permit from the border guards is necessary to access Chatyr-Kul due to the reserve's resident population of esteemed snow leopards (Panthera uncia), red marmots (Marmota caudata), the Siberian ibex (Capra sibirica), the argali sheep (Ovis ammon), and other endangered wildlife. Furthermore, ongoing scientific research and monitoring efforts focus on the reserve's Red Book animals, wetland avifauna, and medicinal plants, reflecting a steadfast commitment to conservation. After looking around, we’ll start our journey back to Naryn, stopping by Tash Rabat on our way, a 15th-century stone caravanserai of the Silk Road. You’ll spend the night in one of Naryn’s guesthouses.