Kyrgyzstan: Tian Shan Grand Expedition
"A private 4x4 slow travel journey across high-altitude alpine lakes, ancient Silk Road valleys, Martian canyons, and natural thermal springs."
Tour Highlights
Song-Kul Lake (3,016 m)
Overnight stay in traditional heated yurts, horseback riding along the shore, and archery under starry night skies.
Secret Kel-Suu Lake (3,500 m)
Journey into a lost border valley and motorboat deep inside a narrow fjord canyon with 300-meter sheer cliffs.
Yurt Building Masterclass
Interactive immersion into nomadic craft with a master artisan family in Kyzyl-Tuu village.
Golden Eagle Hunting Show
Demonstration of ancient nomadic falconry by a 3rd-generation Berkutchi eagle hunter in Bokonbaevo.
Martian Canyons & Hot Springs
Explore Skazka and Ak-Say red clay labyrinths, Jeti-Oguz gorge, and soak in open-air thermal radon springs in Altyn-Arashan.
Detailed Day-by-Day Route
Bishkek ➔ 33 Parrots Pass ➔ High Alpine Song-Kul Lake (3,016 m)
Morning: Morning pickup from your Bishkek hotel by your personal driver and guide. Depart towards the inner Tian Shan mountains through the dramatic Boom Gorge.
Lunch: National Kyrgyz cuisine in Kochkor village.
Afternoon: Ascend the winding '33 Parrots' mountain pass (3,133 m) with stops at mountain waterfalls and panoramic viewpoints.
Evening: Arrive at Lake Song-Kul. Check-in to cozy, heated nomadic yurts. Traditional dinner and sunset watching over the lake.
Nomadic Life at Song-Kul ➔ Naryn ➔ At-Bashy Village
Morning: Leisurely morning overlooking alpine pastures. Activities: coastal horseback riding, traditional archery, and photo sessions.
Lunch: Full set lunch at the yurt camp.
Afternoon: Descend from Song-Kul via the scenic Ak-Tal pass offering sweeping views of the meandering Naryn River.
Evening: Dinner in Naryn town followed by a short drive to the peaceful rural village of At-Bashy.
Wild High-Altitude: Secret Kel-Suu Lake (3,500 m)
Morning: Drive across the rugged, remote Ak-Say high-altitude valley (border zone permits included).
Lunch: Arrival at the mountain camp near Kel-Suu; hearty lunch.
Afternoon: Horseback ride or trek to the hidden couloir lake Kel-Suu. Take a motorboat tour inside the canyon between towering 300-meter cliffs.
Evening: Hot dinner in camp and stargazing under pristine, light-pollution-free high-altitude skies.
Nomadic Crafts & Eagle Show ➔ South Shore of Issyk-Kul
Morning: Depart Ak-Say valley towards the southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Lunch:
Afternoon: Stop at Kyzyl-Tuu village for an interactive yurt-assembly masterclass with a master craftsman followed by home-cooked lunch. Continue to Bokonbaevo for an exclusive eagle hunting demonstration.
Evening: Arrive at your guesthouse along Issyk-Kul's southern shore; relax by the water.
Martian Canyons ➔ 4x4 Mountain Transfer to Altyn-Arashan
Morning: Hike through the red clay labyrinths of Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon and view the Seven Bulls & Broken Heart rocks in Jeti-Oguz.
Lunch: Lunch at an ethno-restaurant in Karakol town.
Afternoon: Transfer into an all-terrain ZIL-131 or UAZ 4x4 vehicle for a thrill-filled ascent through the gorge up to the alpine valley of Altyn-Arashan (2,600 m).
Evening: Check-in and soak in outdoor hot thermal radon springs beneath mountain peaks.
Alpine Day in Altyn-Arashan & Horse Ascent to Ala-Kul Pass
Morning: Full mountain relaxation day. Guided horseback excursion through the alpine valley towards Ala-Kul Pass surrounded by glaciers and 4,000m peaks.
Lunch: Outdoor picnic box in the mountains.
Afternoon: Return to camp and soak again in the natural hot thermal baths to unwind.
Evening: Cozy dinner by the fireplace/campfire.
Karakol City Tour ➔ Transfer to Bishkek
Morning: Descent from Altyn-Arashan. Cultural city tour of Karakol: visit the wooden Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the unique wooden Dungan Mosque.
Lunch: Tasting of Karakol's famous culinary icon — Ashlan-Fu.
Afternoon: Transfer to Bishkek along the scenic northern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.
Evening: Arrival in Bishkek (drop-off at hotel or airport).
Price & What's Included
All-Inclusive Features
- •Private Transport: Comfortable 4x4 Crossover (Subaru Forester) for the entire route
- •Team: Dedicated experienced driver + professional guide
- •Accommodation: All 6 nights (ethnic yurt camps, rural guesthouses, and mountain lodges)
- •Full Board Meals: All breakfasts, lunches, and dinners as specified in program
- •Cultural Activities: Yurt building workshop, eagle show, archery, and photo shoots
- •Active Experiences: Horse riding at Song-Kul & Ala-Kul pass, Kel-Suu motorboat ride, thermal baths
- •Special Mountain Transfers: 4x4 ZIL/UAZ mountain transfer to/from Altyn-Arashan
- •Permits & Fees: Border permits for Kel-Suu, national park entries, and canyon passes
- •Bottled drinking water provided in vehicle throughout trip
Not Included
- •International flights to/from Bishkek
- •Personal travel and medical insurance
- •Personal expenses, souvenirs, alcoholic beverages
Reserve Your Expedition
Get in touch with our expedition team to secure your private dates.