Kyrgyzstan
Kel-Suu: The Lake Behind the Rocks
- 4 daysDuration
- Jeep & horseActivity
- ActiveLevel
- NarynStarts in
- 2–6 peopleGroup size
About this tour
Kel-Suu is one of the most striking places in Central Asia: a narrow turquoise lake between vertical rock walls, close to the Chinese border. Getting there is part of the adventure — by 4×4 through the Kök-Kiya valley, then on horseback with local herders.
We arrange the border-zone permit for you.
Itinerary
Day01 Naryn to the Kök-Kiya valley
Drive through the At-Bashy valley and over a high pass to the herders’ camps of Kök-Kiya. Dinner and night in a yurt.
Day02 To the lake
Ride with herders to the first viewpoint above Kel-Suu, then walk down to the water. Free afternoon by the lake; night in a simple camp nearby.
Day03 Around Kel-Suu
Explore the shore and the caves in the cliffs, or climb to a higher lookout. Back to the Kök-Kiya camp in the evening.
Day04 Back to Naryn
Drive back to Naryn, arriving in the late afternoon.
What’s included
Included
- 4x4 vehicle and driver
- Guide
- Border-zone permit
- Yurt camp and guesthouse accommodation
- All meals
- Horses for the lake approach
Not included
- Sleeping bag (can be rented)
- Travel insurance
Pricing by group size
What travellers say
What an exceptional place! A gift shop is only the beginning. They have rooms available, the hosts are immeasurably kind, and they will make you a breakfast as well. Truly one of the best hidden gems in all of Naryn! Stay here, and get some of their incredible hand made items in the shop!
Nous sommes passés par leur intermédiaire pour le tour Naryn-Kel Suu-Tash Rabat-Naryn, le chauffeur était professionnel et on a passé un bon moment
Translated from FrenchWe booked the Naryn – Kel-Suu – Tash-Rabat – Naryn tour through them. The driver was professional and we had a great time.
I bought a lovely Shydrak here, they were very helpful and took me through all the sizes. The prices were fair.
Izat fais un travail magnifique. Et elle est adorable. Je recommande sans réserve.
Translated from FrenchIzat does a wonderful job, and she is lovely. I recommend her without reservation.
I think this is the only souvenir shop in Naryn. There you can find nice carpets, slippers, socks with kirgis prints, magnets, traditional hats and a lot of other stuff.
The best place to buy a traditional shyrdak in Kyrgyzstan. I am very happy with the carpet! Besides, they sell a lot of other nice products. All the products are of high quality.
Who is this tour for?
- Travellers looking for somewhere truly remote
- People comfortable with simple camps and long drives
- Photographers
Difficulty & safety
Active. The lake is at about 3,500 m and the road is rough. You should be in good health and able to ride or walk for 2–3 hours. Weather can close the road after heavy rain — we keep a spare plan.
What to bring
- Warm layers — nights in the mountains are cold even in July
- Waterproof jacket
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sunglasses, hat and sunscreen
- Personal medicine
- Passport (and a copy)
FAQ
What do you need for the permit?
A scan of your passport at least 30 days before the trip.
Can we walk instead of riding?
Yes, the approach can be done on foot — it takes a little longer.
Is there phone signal?
No. Our driver carries a satellite messenger for emergencies.
Cancellation policy
Free cancellation up to 30 days before the start. Between 30 and 14 days we keep 30% of the price, later than 14 days 50%. If we have to cancel because of weather or road closures, you get a full refund or a new date.
