Kyrgyzstan
High Lakes Circuit: Song-Kol, Chatyr-Kol and Kel-Suu
- 7 daysDuration
- Jeep & horseActivity
- ActiveLevel
- NarynStarts in
- 2–8 peopleGroup size
About this tour
Our favourite week in Naryn region: three very different mountain lakes, a Silk Road caravanserai and nights with herding families. Song-Kol is wide and open, Chatyr-Kol is wild and full of birds, and Kel-Suu hides in a canyon of rock.
The group is small and the pace flexible — we change the order of days depending on the weather.
Itinerary
Day01 Naryn to Song-Kol
Over the Moldo-Ashuu pass to a family yurt camp on the south shore.
Day02 Song-Kol
Horse ride or walk along the lake; afternoon with the family.
Day03 Down to the At-Bashy valley
Back through Naryn and south to Tash-Rabat for the night.
Day04 Chatyr-Kol
Day trip across the plateau to Chatyr-Kol and its bird-filled shallows.
Day05 To Kök-Kiya
Off-road drive to the herders’ camps below Kel-Suu.
Day06 Kel-Suu
Ride and walk to the lake; afternoon on the shore.
Day07 Back to Naryn
Drive back to town for a farewell dinner.
What’s included
Included
- Transport in a comfortable car or minivan
- Local English-speaking guide
- Accommodation as described
- Meals as described
- Border-zone permits
- Horses at Song-Kol and Kel-Suu
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Transfer from Bishkek (can be added)
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 who want the best of Naryn region in one trip
- Those who enjoy long scenic drives and yurt nights
- Reasonably fit people happy at altitude
Difficulty & safety
Active. Most nights are between 3,000 and 3,500 m. The first days at Song-Kol help you adjust before the higher lakes. Roads are gravel for long sections.
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
Can you pick us up in Bishkek?
Yes, we can add a transfer day from Bishkek at the start and the end.
What if it rains?
We swap days around — the route is flexible.
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.
