8 day | Off-road expedition: Song-Kul, Terme & Kol-Ukok lakes

Your adventure begins upon arrival at Manas International Airport. Your local guide will meet you and, depending on your flight time, offer two options for the day:

• Option 1: Transfer to Ala-Archa National Park (1,800–2,200 m). Enjoy a scenic hike surrounded by dramatic gorges, alpine meadows, and pine forests.
  • Moderate Hike Option: 7.5 km round trip to Ak-Sai Waterfall (2,665 m) – panoramic views and crisp mountain air.
  • Easy Walk Option: 3 km round trip along the Ala-Archa River, ideal for a light stroll.
• Option 2: Late arrival? No problem – we’ll offer a short city tour of Bishkek instead.

Finish the day with a traditional Kyrgyz dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in a hotel in Bishkek (not included in tour price).

This morning, transfer to the Naryn region (200 km, approx. 4–5 hours). Arrive in Kara-Suu village, have lunch, and begin your trek:

• Kol-Ukok Lake Drive:
  • Duration: 2-3 hours
  • Elevation gain: +800 m
  • Terrain: Sloping pastures, grazing animals, alpine flora

Arrive at the high-altitude lake (3,200 m) and settle into a traditional yurt camp. No electricity – this is your chance to disconnect and enjoy mountain silence. Dinner by candlelight under a sky full of stars.

After breakfast, continue your adventure with a short hike to another hidden lake:

• Kol-Tor Lake (above Kol-Ukok):
  • Distance: Approx. 3 km round trip | Duration: 1.5–2 hours
  • Elevation: ~3,500 m
  • Highlights: Pure alpine solitude, dramatic cliffs, ideal photography spot

Return to camp for lunch, relax in nature, enjoy dinner, and overnight again in the yurt.

Trek back down to Kara-Suu village. Enjoy a cultural workshop:

• Participate in a traditional felt-making masterclass (ala-kiyiz) led by local artisans
• Learn how Kyrgyz carpets and textiles are handcrafted

Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse (shared facilities).

We are going to Terme lake, the alpine lake 3640m above sea level! In 2 hours you will get to Oro-Bashi village through Boom gorge, where the horse guide’s with his family will welcome you at their home and prepare the horses to ride. Further, we will start our horse riding. 

Duration of horseback riding: 3-3,5 hours. Difficulties of riding: easy to moderate. Distance to the lake: ~25-30 km. Altitude of the lake: 3640 m 

Lunch and dinner will be in a tent. Overnight: a tent.

After having breakfast, hiking to Terme lake - 2-2,5 hours of hike. Rest with a view of the lake and then we will go back down to our horses. Riding back to Oro-Bashi village. After having lunch, we will head to Kyzart village to overnight. Duration of driving: 2,5-3 hours.

Overnight: a homestay at Uluk and Aijamal. Meals: included.

Today’s highlight is the crossing of the famous Tuz-Ashuu Pass to reach Song-Kul Lake:

• Distance: 16 km | Duration: 4–5 hrs
• Elevation gain: +1100 m
• Terrain: Steep paths, panoramic ridges, wildflowers
• Destination: Song-Kul (3,016 m), a wide alpine lake surrounded by yurts and pastures

Dinner and overnight in a yurt camp by the lake.

After breakfast, return to Bishkek (250 km, 4–5 hrs). Lunch en route. Transfer to the airport for your flight home on your request.