Kungey Ala-Too Lakes on Horseback — 8 Days
About this tour
A chance to live like a nomad for a few days in the saddle in the Kungey Ala-Too mountains, on hardy, sure-footed herders' horses.
On the way you visit six high-mountain lakes, see Issyk-Kul from the passes and ride through wild forests of juniper, barberry and blue spruce. You can also touch the stones of the San-Tash kurgan, which legend says was piled up by the warriors of Tamerlane's army. The trip ends with a rest day on the Issyk-Kul shore at Cholpon-Ata.
Highlights
- Six high-mountain lakes, one with trout, over the Kurmenty pass (3,800 m)
- Forest lake of Kel-Sai and the Sary-Bulak pass (3,500 m)
- Panoramic views of Issyk-Kul — 'the pearl of Kyrgyzstan'
- Rest day on the beach at Cholpon-Ata
- About 800 km by car and 120 km on horseback
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
Bishkek – Karakol
Arrival in Bishkek and drive to Karakol. Night in a guesthouse.
02
Day
Karakol – Kurmenty
Drive to the start of the trek in Kurmenty village and ride into the Kurmenty gorge (5–6 hours). Night in tents.
03
Day
Kurmenty pass
About 3 hours to the Kurmenty pass (3,800 m); beyond it lies a beautiful high lake with trout. Descent to 2,800 m (about 2 hours). Night in tents.
04
Day
Kurmenty – Kel-Sai
About 3 hours' ride to two mountain lakes in the Kel-Sai gorge. Night in tents.
05
Day
Kel-Sai lake
Five hours to Kel-Sai lake, surrounded by forest full of mushrooms. Night in tents at 2,200 m.
06
Day
Kel-Sai – Sary-Bulak
Ride towards the Sary-Bulak pass (6–7 hours). Night in tents.
07
Day
Sary-Bulak – Cholpon-Ata
Cross the Sary-Bulak pass (3,500 m) with a magnificent view of Issyk-Kul, descend to Kurmenty (5–6 hours) and drive to Cholpon-Ata. Night at a lakeside resort.
08
Day
Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek
Morning on the Issyk-Kul beach, afternoon drive to Bishkek. Night in Bishkek.
09
Day
Departure
Transfer to the airport.
What's included
Included
Private transport for the whole route (car for up to 3 travellers, minibus for larger groups)
English-speaking guide
3 nights in hotels, guesthouses or yurt camps (shared twin rooms)
5 nights camping: tents, camp kitchen and a cook
Breakfast and dinner every day
Picnic lunches on trekking, riding and walking days
A horse for each traveller and your guide, with local horsemen
Pack horses with a horseman for the luggage and camping gear
Entrance tickets and park fees
Not included
International flights
Visa fees (if you need a visa)
Travel insurance
Single room supplement: $90 (3 nights × $30), if you prefer a room of your own
Lunch on travel days
Sleeping bag and mat (ask us if you need to rent one)
Drinks and snacks
Tips for your guide, driver and horsemen
Personal expenses
Who is this tour for?
- Riders with average fitness and some riding experience — expect 5–6 hours in the saddle on riding days
- Travellers who want to sleep in yurts and live a few days like nomads
Difficulty & safety
The highest point of the route is about 3,800 m. Drink plenty of water, go slowly on the first days and tell your guide about any headache or dizziness. Riding days are 5–7 hours at a walking pace with an experienced horseman; mountain weather changes fast, so keep a warm layer and rain jacket at hand.
What to bring
Warm clothes — nights in the mountains are cold
Hiking boots or sturdy shoes
Rain jacket
Sunscreen and sun hat
Sleeping bag
Pricing by group size
FAQ
Can we fish on the way?
One of the lakes beyond the Kurmenty pass has trout — tell us if you would like to bring fishing gear.
