Bishkek - Kel-Suu lake

We depart from Bishkek early in the morning, heading south on the Bishkek–Kashgar road. The first part of our journey takes us through the Boom Gorge, where the Chu River winds between towering rock formations. After crossing the gorge, we reach the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, a vast artificial lake shimmering in the sunlight, before continuing to the town of Kochkor. Here, we take a short break—perhaps for a cup of tea or a visit to a local handicraft workshop known for its traditional felt-making.

Back on the road, we drive through open steppe landscapes, following the broad valley towards Naryn city, where we stop for lunch. From Naryn, we continue south along the At-Bashi Valley, passing vast pasturelands where nomadic herders graze their animals against the backdrop of rugged mountains.

Leaving the main road, we drive towards Kaindy Pass, ascending through the high-altitude grasslands of Bosogo. Soon, we approach a military checkpoint, marking our entry into the controlled border zone near China. The road becomes more rugged as we enter Ak-Say Valley, a remote and wind-swept plateau where few settlements exist. 

Beyond the checkpoint, we cross the vast Ak-Suu Valley, where the emptiness and isolation of the landscape are striking. By late afternoon, we arrive in Kök-Kyia Valley, where Meder and his family welcome us. Depending on the season, we spend the night in a traditional yurt (summer) or in a cozy house or wagon (winter), enjoying a warm meal and a well-earned rest after a long day of travel.

Winter Route Note: If Kaindy Pass is closed due to snow, we take an alternative route via Torugart Pass.