The Nomad Way
Eight days through central Kyrgyzstan — from Song-Kul to Kel-Suu, through passes, waterfalls, and nomadic summer camps.
One departure only · July 2026 · Limited places
HORSE TREKKING · 8 DAYS · 7 NIGHTS · NARYN REGION
This is the longest and most ambitious tour we run — eight days through the wild centre of Kyrgyzstan, the part of the country most travelers never reach. You'll cross alpine passes on horseback, sleep in yurt camps beside two of Central Asia's most spectacular lakes, drink tea in the gardens of Kyrgyz families, and end the journey in a forested mountain village where Asiatic red deer still roam free. It's a tour for travelers who want the country in full — landscapes, culture, distance, and time.
Itinerary:
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Arrive in Bishkek and meet your guide. A short orientation walk through the city, beyond the main avenues into the markets and neighbourhoods locals actually use. The day ends with a welcome dinner together, where your guide will brief you on the journey ahead.
Accommodation: Bugu Hotel or simmiliar · Meals: Dinner
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An early morning transfer to Kyzart village. Lunch at a local guesthouse, a riding briefing from your horsemen, and you're on horseback. The trek begins through wide mountain landscapes and fresh alpine air, climbing toward Kilemche Valley. Evening at a shepherd's yurt — observe nomadic life up close, eat dinner with your hosts, and sleep in a traditional yurt under the stars.
Accommodation: Shepherd's yurt, Kilemche · Meals: Lunch, dinner
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After breakfast, ride toward Song-Kul. The route climbs to Jalgyz Karagai Pass at 3,325m — and the moment Song-Kul appears below you, vast and still, is one you won't forget. Descend to the lakeshore. The afternoon is yours: walk by the water, watch the horses graze, do nothing at all. Dinner at the yurt camp followed by stargazing — Song-Kul has some of the clearest night skies in Central Asia.
Accommodation: Muras yurt camp at Song-Kul · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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Morning visit to a kok-boru match — Kyrgyzstan's national equestrian sport, sometimes called "horse polo" though it's far older and rougher. Two teams on horseback compete to carry a goat carcass to the opposing goal. It's intense, traditional, and unlike anything you'll see anywhere else. Afterwards, drive south toward At-Bashi. On the way, stop at a Kyrgyz family's home for a traditional lunch in their garden. Evening check-in at a comfortable guesthouse in At-Bashi village.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in At-Bashi · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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After breakfast, drive to the trailhead for Shar Waterfall — one of the highest waterfalls in Central Asia. A full-day horse trek takes you through alpine forests and meadows where yaks graze, and shepherds move their herds across the slopes. The waterfall itself is the destination, but the journey is the point. Evening transfer to Naryn city for the night.
Accommodation: Guesthouse in Naryn · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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An early transfer south toward the Chinese border, into one of Kyrgyzstan's most remote and protected regions. Kel-Suu sits within a border zone — visitors need a special permit issued by the Kyrgyz Border Service, which we arrange for you in advance using your passport details. Around midday, arrive at the yurt camp, have lunch, and saddle up. A short ride takes you to the lake itself — turquoise water cradled between sheer cliffs. Park the horses and explore on foot, or take an optional boat ride across the water. Return to the yurt camp for dinner with the nomadic family who hosts the camp. Night under stars in one of the most isolated landscapes you'll ever sleep in.
Accommodation: Yurt camp at Kel-Suu · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
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After breakfast, transfer north to Tash Bashat — a village set into the forested slopes of a national park where Asiatic red deer (known locally as maral) still roam. Check into a beautifully situated village hotel. The afternoon is yours to rest and reflect on the past week. Walk through the forest, watch for deer at dusk — with luck, you'll see them and may even be able to feed them at the breeding centre. A farewell dinner closes the day and the journey.
Accommodation: Village hotel, Tash Bashat · Meals: Breakfast, lunch, farewell dinner
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A final breakfast in the mountains before the transfer back to Bishkek. We'll drop you at the airport for your departure flight. If you'd like to stay an extra night in Bishkek, we can arrange a separate airport transfer for the following day.
Meals: Breakfast
SUMMER 2026 · LIMITED PLACES
This expedition runs once per year — in July, when the high-altitude meadows are at their warmest, and the passes are clear. Confirmed dates: July 25-August 1st. Maximum 12 travelers.
Frequently Asked Questions
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No prior experience is necessary. On Day 2 your horsemen will give a full riding briefing and instruction before the trek begins. Our horses are calm and experienced with riders of all levels. That said, if you have ridden before, let us know in the booking form — we'll match you with an appropriate horse.
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Yes. Solo travelers are welcome and will be placed with a group of like-minded travelers. If you'd prefer a fully private departure just for yourself, contact us, and we'll arrange that separately.
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This is a moderately demanding trip. You'll spend multiple days on horseback, reach altitudes up to 3,400m, and cover varied terrain. You don't need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable with long active days outdoors. If you have any health conditions or concerns about altitude, please consult your doctor before booking and let us know in your enquiry.
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Kok-boru is Kyrgyzstan's ancient national equestrian sport — two mounted teams compete to carry a goat carcass to the opposing goal. It predates modern sports by centuries and remains a central part of Kyrgyz cultural identity. Watching a match is unlike anything you'll see anywhere else in the world.
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Kel-Suu Lake sits within a restricted border zone near the Chinese frontier. All visitors require a permit issued by the Kyrgyz Border Service. We arrange this for you in advance using your passport details — no extra steps needed on your part. This is why we ask for your passport information when you confirm your booking.
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July is the warmest and most stable month for high-altitude travel in Kyrgyzstan — the passes are clear, the jailoos are green, and days are long. That said, mountain weather is always unpredictable. Temperatures at Song-Kul and Kel-Suu can drop significantly at night, even in summer, and afternoon thunderstorms are possible. We'll provide a full packing list when you confirm your booking.
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A mix of traditional yurt camps, family-run guesthouses, and a village hotel — chosen for comfort, authenticity, and location. Yurt camps provide bedding, heated in the evenings, and are warmer than you might expect. Guesthouses have private or shared rooms with basic amenities.
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We do our best to accommodate unforeseen circumstances. If someone needs to leave the group mid-tour for any reason, we'll arrange transport to the nearest town or city. Travel insurance that covers trip interruption is required for this reason — please ensure your policy covers this before booking.
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We'll send a full detailed packing list when you confirm your booking. In the meantime, essentials include: warm layers (including for cold nights at altitude), waterproof jacket, sturdy walking or riding boots, sunscreen, sunglasses, a headtorch, and any personal medication.
Contact us to book this expedition.
