Ala-Kol Pass & Song-Kol Lake Tour — 7 Days
About this tour
A compact week packed with Kyrgyzstan's best: a first hike in Ala-Archa National Park, the drive past the Grigorievka and Semenovka gorges to Karakol, a big day hike from Altyn-Arashan to the Ala-Kol pass (3,900 m) with a natural hot shower afterwards, the canyons of the south shore, an eagle hunting demonstration with archery, and a night in a yurt at Song-Kol.
Highlights
- Hike in Ala-Archa National Park
- Day hike to the Ala-Kol pass (3,900 m) and a natural hot shower in Altyn-Arashan
- Barskoon waterfall, Jeti-Oguz and Skazka canyon
- Eagle hunting demonstration and archery
- Yurt night and horse riding at Song-Kol
- Kok-Moinok canyon and Burana Tower
Group departures
Join a group on one of these dates, or propose your own. A departure is guaranteed once 2 travellers have joined, and the price per person drops as the group grows.
Join a group: choose your date
Publish your dates and other travellers can join you. They go live as soon as you confirm your email.
- Guaranteed from 2 travellers
- Price drops as people join
- Set your own group limit
Itinerary
01
Day
Arrival – Ala-Archa National Park
We meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. After a rest and lunch we drive to Ala-Archa National Park, where you can hike up the marked trails; your guide meets you afterwards and takes you back to the city.
Overnight: Bishkek (meals not included).
02
Day
Bishkek – Boom gorge – Karakol
Drive to the Issyk-Kul region with lunch in the Boom gorge, past the Grigorievka and Semenovka gorges, to Karakol (about 6 hours of driving).
Overnight: guesthouse in Karakol (dinner included).
03
Day
Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Ala-Kol pass hike
A Soviet 'Bukhanka' 4x4 takes us 16 km up the rough road to Altyn-Arashan (2–3 hours). Then a big day hike to the Ala-Kol pass (3,900 m) and back, about 8 hours, with views of Palatka peak (5,000 m). A natural hot shower afterwards. No phone signal here.
Overnight: guesthouse in Altyn-Arashan.
04
Day
Altyn-Arashan – Barskoon – Jeti-Oguz – Skazka – Bokonbaevo
To the south shore of Issyk-Kul: the Barskoon valley and its waterfall, Jeti-Oguz and the Skazka canyon with its wind-carved rocks (about 6 hours of driving).
Overnight: homestay in Bokonbaevo.
05
Day
Bokonbaevo – Kochkor – Song-Kol
Morning eagle hunting demonstration — and a chance to try archery. Lunch and a handicraft workshop in Kochkor, then over the Kalmak-Ashuu pass (3,400 m) to Song-Kol, where hundreds of semi-nomadic families spend the summer.
Overnight: yurt camp, Song-Kol.
06
Day
Song-Kol – Kok-Moinok – Burana – Bishkek
A 2-hour horse ride along the lake shore. Lunch in Kochkor, the Kok-Moinok canyon in the Boom gorge, and the Burana Tower (10th century) on the way to Bishkek.
End of the tour program in Bishkek.
07
Day
Departure
Transfer to the airport (no meals).
What's included
Included
All transportation and fuel
English-speaking guide-driver
Accommodation in hotels/guesthouses/yurts (except in Bishkek)
Meals as per the program
Eagle show and archery in Bokonbaevo
Natural hot shower in Altyn-Arashan
Park and museum tickets
Mineral water
UAZ 'Bukhanka' to Altyn-Arashan
Not included
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $150 (5 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Accommodation in Bishkek
Meals not listed in the program
Air tickets
Visa
Alcohol
Bank fees
Additional services not mentioned in the program
Who is this tour for?
- Fit travellers who can manage one long day hike (about 8 hours)
- Visitors with one week who want mountains, lakes and nomad life
Difficulty & safety
The Ala-Kol pass hike reaches about 3,900 m — start slowly, drink plenty of water and turn back if you feel unwell. Song-Kol lies at about 3,000 m.
What to bring
Trekking boots
Warm layers — mountain nights are cold even in summer
Rain jacket
Comfortable hiking shoes
Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
Personal medicine
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Is the price the same for bigger groups?
Yes — from 3 people the price is $850 per person (minibus for 5–10 people).
