Adventure

Chong Kemin National Park and nomads of the Song Kul's lake

2 days trekking at Chong Kemin and a horseride day at Song Kul's lake

Duration
10 days
Travel window
Start day
1
Start month
End day
20
End month
Countries
Kyrgyzstan
Discover the journey
Kyzyl Korgon
Private field journal 10 chapters

The story

The journey

Programme court

A short program around the Kyrgyz range, with 2 days hike to the Kogur lake till the Issyk Kul lake; a stay with horseride at Song Kul's lake, heart of the nomadic life in Kyrgyzstan; visit of the great canyon of Kekemeren (Kyzyl Korgon and Kyzyl Oy).

Route map

The route

Day by day

The journey, day by day

10 chapters

Day 01 Arrival at airport Manas, rest and visit Bishkek city, the capital of Kyrgyzstan
Day 01

Arrival at airport Manas, rest and visit Bishkek city, the capital of Kyrgyzstan

Manas International Airport Bishkek

Early arrival in Bishkek where everyone will be picked up at the airport by our driver. Short transfer to your hotel in Bishkek city centre and resting time in the morning. Around midday, meeting at the reception desk with your guide for the general briefing, before enjoying a tasty Kyrgyz lunch. Then we stop at Ala Too Square where you will start a walking tour of Bishkek. You will be able to visit countless parks, the Osh Bazar and get to know your guide. Tonight, everyone will get to know each other at a welcome dinner with a mix of the best local dishes and drinks.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Manas International Airport
Day 02 From Bishkek to Chong-Kemin: Hot Springs, Silk Road & Nature
Day 02

From Bishkek to Chong-Kemin: Hot Springs, Silk Road & Nature

Bishkek Chong Kemin

In the morning, depart from Bishkek toward the scenic Issyk-Ata Valley, known for its natural hot springs and peaceful mountain setting. Take time to explore the gorge and enjoy the atmosphere of this historic spa area.

Continue to the archaeological site of Balasagun to visit the famous Burana Tower, a minaret dating from the 11th century and one of the most important Silk Road monuments in northern Kyrgyzstan. Walk among the ancient remains and petroglyphs scattered across the site.

In the afternoon, drive to Chong Kemin National Park, a beautiful protected valley of forests, rivers, and alpine pastures. On arrival, visit the Chabdan Batyr memorial park, dedicated to the Kyrgyz national hero and military leader.

In the evening, enjoy a cultural program organized by the regional ecotourism association in the village of Karol-Döbö, offering a warm introduction to local traditions and rural life.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Chon Kemin Winter
Day 03 Trek to lake Kel-Kogur - First day hiking of a 2 days trekking to Issyk Kul lake
Day 03

Trek to lake Kel-Kogur - First day hiking of a 2 days trekking to Issyk Kul lake

Chong Kemin Kel-Kogur lake

In the morning, after a short transfer by vehicle along the river canyon Chong Kemin, you will hike to lake Kongur at 2500m. alt. Slopes of this area are covered by fir forests. This mountainous lake has a unique trapezoidal shape. On the shore of the lake, we set up the camp and enjoy the wonderful sceneries around us. Dinner and overnight stay in a tent. (part of a minimum 2 days trekking program to Issyk Kul lake)

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kel-Kogur lake
Day 04 Hiking day through the Kungey Alatoo and the pass Koel Toer, then drive to Tamchy
Day 04

Hiking day through the Kungey Alatoo and the pass Koel Toer, then drive to Tamchy

Kel-Kogur lake Tamchy

In the morning, we pass the pass at 3350m. alt. and we go down with a magnificent view of Lake Issyk Kul and the chain of Terskey Alatoo rising to over 5200 meters. By late afternoon, we reach our vehicle and we go along the north shore of Issyk Koel, "warm lake", the second largest alpine lake after Titicaca is the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. We stop in Tamchy, to spend the night. Free time for swimming. Overnight in guesthouse or homestay.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kel-Kogur lake
Day 05 Drive to the north shore of the Song-Kul's lake and short hike
Day 05

Drive to the north shore of the Song-Kul's lake and short hike

Tamchy Tuz Ashuu (Song Kul)

Begin your journey by driving to lake Song-Kul via Kyzart pass, passing through Kyzart village. After lunch, we will reach Kilemche valley and proceed to the lake via Tuz Ashuu pass. Enjoy a walk down to the lake's shore before spending the night in a traditional yurt. Optional activities include horseback riding or hiking (4-5 hours) from Kilemche to Tuz Ashuu yurt camp.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tamchy
Day 06 Horseback riding on the shore of Lake Song Kul to the pastures of Tulpar Tash
Day 07 We leave the Song Kul lake and we drive to the red canyon of Kyzyl Korgon
Day 07

We leave the Song Kul lake and we drive to the red canyon of Kyzyl Korgon

Tulpar Tash (Song Kul) Kyzyl Korgon

In the morning we drive towards the pass Kara Ketche, we stop to walk in the direction of the pass and back down to the coal mine, we take our vehicle to go down even lower. Picnic. In the afternoon, we reach the main road of Djumgal Valley. Then we drive to the small village of Kyzyl Korgon. Free time for hiking. Overnight in tents.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

nomadic Kyrgyz yurt camp in the middle of green meadows nearly the shore of the Song Kul lake at 3000 m. alt.
Day 08 Exploring the losted Ak-Koel lake and drive to Kyzyl Oy village
Day 08

Exploring the losted Ak-Koel lake and drive to Kyzyl Oy village

Kyzyl Korgon Kyzyl Oy

Morning, we drive up to the Ak-Koel lake, a losted lake in the Moldo Too range. Picnic, then drive into the colorful canyon of the Kekemeren river, confluent of the great Naryn river. Night in homestay. (CBT Kyzyl Oy).

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Kyzyl Korgon
Day 09 Drive to Bishkek
Day 09

Drive to Bishkek

Kyzyl Oy Bishkek

In the morning, departure towards Bishkek through stunning mountain landscapes. We first follow the Kekemeren River, flowing through a colorful canyon. As we exit the canyon, we reach the high valley of Suusamyr, where we stop in the village of Kojomkul, named after a legendary Kyrgyz hero. 

We then pass through the main villages of this vast valley, located at over 2,500 meters above sea level. We cross the Too-Ashuu tunnel, which cuts through the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, before descending into the Chuy Valley. Arrival in Bishkek, transfer to the hotel, and free time for last shopping or personal exploration of the capital.

Meals Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Memorial of Kojomkul at the Bishkek's Sport Palace
Day 10 Transfer from Bishkek to Manas International Airport
Day 10

Transfer from Bishkek to Manas International Airport

Bishkek Manas International Airport

Depending on your flight time, your guide will join you to the airport and help you check in for your flight.  If your flight is later in the day your guide will show you more places in Bishkek before your flight. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Kyrgyzstan and we hope you come back again to explore other counties in Central Asia with us. 

Manas International Airport

Further reading

More from this journey

Practical information

Prepare for the journey

Reviews of Nomad's Land

Travelers, in their own words

Published reviews of our team and service.

“One word: THANK YOU! Two fabulous weeks experiencing nomadic life up close. Bakyt, without you, the journey would not have been the same. Thank you for your kindness and energy! Thanks to Youri, our amazing driver! In short, highly recommend this agency 100%.”

Laure Facebook

“"Visit to Kyrgyzstan = Nomad’s Land" Our stay in the country boils down to this. An unforgettable experience! The whole team is very competent and responsive. The country is amazing. We did 17 days and visited incredible and untouched corners. I recommend the nights with nomadic shepherds. Magical moments!”

Yann Décaillet

“An attention and a treatment of 10. Highly recommended. Kyrgyzstan, an unforgettable experience. I will return if you do !!!”

David Suarez Garcia

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