Private road trip · 14 days
Grand loop: Issyk-Kul, Naryn, Kel-Suu, Tash-Rabat, Song-Kol, 14 days
A high-country circuit joining Issyk-Kul, Kel-Suu, Tash-Rabat and Song-Kol by private car.
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Duration
14 days
Start / finish
Bishkek → Bishkek
Season
June–September
Difficulty
Moderate; the Altyn-Arashan hike is the most active section
Group
Private tour
Stays
Hotels, guesthouses, family homestay and yurt camps
Day by day
The route
Driving and walking times are practical estimates. Weather and road conditions can change the rhythm of a mountain day.
- Day 1
Arrival and Bishkek
Meet your driver-guide at Manas International Airport in Bishkek and settle into the city. If arrival time allows, take an easy first look around before resting.
- Day 2
Ala-Archa and Osh Bazaar
Spend the morning in the alpine valley of Ala-Archa, choosing a walk to suit the group. Back in Bishkek, visit Osh Bazaar and prepare for the road east.
- Day 3
Kegety, Burana and Chon-Kemin
Leave the city for the Kegety area, then continue to the Burana Tower. The day ends among the fields and foothills of Chon-Kemin.
- Day 4
Chon-Kemin to Karakol
Follow the road around the north shore of Issyk-Kul to Karakol. Stops are paced around the group, leaving time for the city’s wooden cathedral and Dungan mosque on arrival or the next morning.
- Day 5
On foot to Altyn-Arashan
Drive to the trailhead near Ak-Suu and hike up the valley to Altyn-Arashan. The path follows the river into a broad mountain basin, ending near the hot springs.
- Day 6
Descent, Jeti-Oguz and Skazka
Walk down from Altyn-Arashan and meet the car again. Continue past the red cliffs of Jeti-Oguz and the eroded ridges of Skazka Canyon to Bel-Tam on Issyk-Kul’s south shore.
- Day 7
Across the interior to Naryn
Turn away from Issyk-Kul and cross the open interior towards Naryn. This is a road day, with pauses for views and meals along the way.
- Day 8
Naryn to the Kel-Suu valley
Travel south into the border zone and the broad Ak-Sai valley. We arrange the required border permit in advance and continue to a yurt camp used as the base for Kel-Suu.
- Day 9
Kel-Suu and back to Naryn
Reach the lake on foot or horseback, depending on conditions and preference. A boat ride on Kel-Suu can be arranged when available, then the route returns to Naryn.
- Day 10
Tash-Rabat
Drive into the At-Bashy mountains to Tash-Rabat, a stone caravanserai set in a high valley. Explore the building and spend the night close to the site.
- Day 11
Mountain roads to Song-Kol
Cross a long sequence of valleys and passes to reach Song-Kol. The final approach brings you back onto the high jailoo beside the lake.
- Day 12
Song-Kol to Kyzyl-Oy
Spend the morning around Song-Kol before descending towards Kyzyl-Oy. The landscape changes from open pasture to a narrower valley on the way to the village.
- Day 13
Kyzyl-Oy to Bishkek
Follow the mountain road back to Bishkek, with stops chosen around weather and the pace of the group. Arrive in the capital for the final evening.
- Day 14
Departure
Transfer from Bishkek to the airport at the time needed for your flight. The tour finishes at the terminal.
The practical details
Included and not included
The final quote lists every stay, meal and activity agreed for your version of the tour.
Included
- Private car with an English-speaking driver-guide
- Fuel and all driving described in the program
- Help booking guesthouses and yurt camps
- Help arranging the Kel-Suu border-zone permit
Not included
- Personal expenses
- Optional activities unless they are added to your quote
- Anything not listed in your confirmed itinerary and quote
Private tour price
Price on request
Tell us your dates and group size for a tailored quote.