The great crossing from Naryn to the shores of Issyk-Kol by trekking
In summary
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Sports
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Duration12 days
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LevelConfirmed
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DestinationAsia / Kyrgyzstan
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions223.34 kg CO2
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Type of stayIn a group
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Explore the wild lands of Kyrgyzstan on an exceptional hiking trip, linking the country's two gems: Lakes Son-Kul and Issyk-Kul . This high-altitude trek takes you to the heart of the Tian Shan , the "celestial mountains," where the vast steppes meet sparkling peaks.
Along this secluded route, you'll cross remote mountain passes and traverse verdant valleys where herds graze freely. The immersion is complete thanks to nights spent in yurts , bringing you closer to the culture of nomadic shepherds . Under the clear skies of Central Asia, you'll discover the legendary hospitality of the local people and their age-old way of life.
The magic unfolds at every turn: from the turquoise waters of Lake Son-Kul, nestled amidst its surrounding pastures, to the mythical shores of Issyk-Kul, a veritable inland sea. This adventure combines authenticity , accessible sporting challenges, and breathtaking landscapes. A truly immersive experience for lovers of wide-open spaces and genuine human connection, far from the beaten path.
The highlights
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An off-the-beaten-path, wild and very quiet route
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Mountain passes at over 4000m and spectacular panoramas of glaciers and steppes
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A complete adventure combining nature and well-being
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trek is suitable for experienced hikers in excellent physical condition, capable of undertaking several days of multi-day treks. The stages last an average of 5 to 7 hours per day, with elevation gains of up to 1000m. Some sections are off-trail, across varied terrain (steppes, scree slopes, river crossings) and at high altitude, with passes exceeding 4000m.
The route remains progressive and accessible to any well-prepared person, accustomed to walking in the mountains and to making an endurance effort over several consecutive days.
In figures
Horseback riding
- Average duration/day: 2h
Hiking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average daily elevation gain: 536 m
- Average daily descent: 443 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
You will be accompanied by a local French-speaking guide (or English-speaking guide for non-French-speaking travelers) throughout the trip, as well as a team of grooms who take care of the pack horses during the treks.
Program
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Arrival in Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 01h - 45km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Airport pick-up and transfer to your hotel. The day is dedicated to exploring the Kyrgyz capital: the History Museum, Ala-Too Square, Osh Bazaar, etc. Lunch and dinner at a restaurant. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 1 -
Route to Lake Son-Kol
- Transportation Minibus - 05h - 320km
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
(5-hour drive / +2200 m) Drive to Son-Kol, the country's second largest lake. En route, visit the Burana Tower, dating from the 11th century. Lunch with a Dungan family. Arrive at the lake in the afternoon and settle into a yurt camp.
Day 2 -
Lake Son-Kol – Naryn
- Transportation Minibus - 03h - 140km
- Activity Horseback riding
- Duration of the activity 2h
- Accommodation 2-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
(3-hour drive / -1000 m) Free morning at the lake: horseback riding available, relaxation and breathtaking scenery. Lunch at the camp, then drive to Naryn to enjoy comfortable accommodation before the 7-day trek. Dinner at a restaurant
Day 3 -
First day of hiking to Ken-Saz
- Transportation Minibus - 02h - 80km
- Activity Hiking
- Accommodation Yurt
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
(2 hours drive + 4 hours hike / +450 m) Early morning drive, then the trek begins. We leave Naryn and head towards the Eki-Naryn Valley where the driver drops us off and takes our belongings. We hike to the Ken-Saz pastures. We settle into our yurts. Dinner and overnight stay in the yurt.
Day 4 -
Hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 650 m
- Negative elevation 250 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Second day of trekking in a splendid alpine setting, between river, herds of nomads and traditional yurts. Night in a tent.
Day 5 -
Crossing the Jak-Bolot pass (3850 m)
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 700 m
- Negative elevation 1000 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascent of the Jak-Bolot pass (3850 m), then a long descent to a river frequented by herds of horses. Night in a tent.
Day 6 -
Hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 250 m
- Negative elevation 300 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Crossing vast steppes and crossing a river on horseback to reach the Balgart valley. Overnight in a tent.
Day 7 -
Hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Positive elevation gain 550 m
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A circuit around the Kara-Kaman mountain range, with superb panoramic views of the mountains already crossed. Ascent through a narrow valley to a large plain where several rivers converge. Overnight in a tent.
Day 8 -
Hiking
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Positive elevation gain 600 m
- Negative elevation 700 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Bivouac / Tent
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
A trek winds through streams and wetlands to reach a pass (3700 m), offering breathtaking views of the Kara-Kaman glaciers. Descend to the turquoise waters of Lake Teshik-Kol, then continue to the Jyluu-Suu Valley, famous for its hot springs. Set up camp and enjoy a dip in the thermal waters.
Day 9 -
Last day of hiking
- Transportation Car - 01h30 - 25km
- Activity Hiking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Negative elevation 850 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation B&B
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Ascent via the old Ton Pass road (4023 m) to cross the imposing Teskey mountain range, which borders the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kol. Meet your driver at the bottom of the pass, then transfer to the village of Bokonbaev. Check-in at a guesthouse.
Day 10 -
Back to Bishkek
- Transportation Minibus - 04h - 270km
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
In the morning, we watched an eagle hunting demonstration. Then, we drove to Bishkek. We arrived in Bishkek late in the day, checked into a hotel, and had dinner at a restaurant.
Day 11 -
Transfer to the airport
- Transportation Minibus - 00h45 - 35km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
Transfer to Bishkek airport according to your flight schedule. Have a good trip and see you soon for a new adventure!
Day 12
Accommodation
In yurt camps: basic comfort. Accommodation in shared yurts (2 to 4 people). Sanitary facilities are outside (dry toilets or standard toilets). Showers are generally unavailable or very basic. Electricity is limited, often provided by a generator only in the evening.
Access
The guide and driver will take you to the airport.
Go to the starting point
Airport to hotel return transfers are included.
Price details
The price includes
- The accommodations included in the program
- The stay will be supervised by a French-speaking Kyrgyz guide.
- Full board from lunch on Day 1 to breakfast on Day 12
- Transfers during the stay
- The services of stable hands during treks
- Renting packhorses
The price does not include
- International flights
- Alcoholic beverages and personal expenses
- Camping equipment: sleeping bag, tent, mattress, etc.
- Anything not listed under "Price includes"
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
Tents are provided for multi-day horseback or hiking trips when travelers do not wish to bring their own equipment.
Equipment to bring
- Small, lightweight sleeping bag (blankets are available in the yurts)
- Flashlight (or headlamp)
- Knife (remember to leave it in your checked luggage on the plane!)
- Toiletries, swimsuit and bath towel
- Wipes can be very useful
- A small sewing kit
- Sunglasses (lenses with high filtering power)
- Sunscreen
- Hat or cap
- Telescopic umbrella or poncho
- An alarm clock (a mobile phone serves as one)
- Small basic first aid kit (there is no communal first aid kit)
- If you wear glasses, a spare pair
- Photocopies of the first two pages of the passport were placed at the bottom of the bag.
- The fewest pieces of jewelry and valuables possible!
Clothing to bring
This route offers varying weather conditions depending on the altitude. Pack simple, comfortable clothing, including warm layers for nights at higher elevations where temperatures can drop close to 0°C. Examples include: lightweight cotton clothing, a sweater or fleece, a waterproof windbreaker, a scarf, comfortable walking shoes with ankle support, and flip-flops or casual shoes.
The Ilichbek team
Our local expert is the ideal partner for authentic, tailor-made adventures in Kyrgyzstan. Combining expertise and passion, he designs immersive experiences, from horseback riding and trekking to cultural encounters. With his professional team of French-speaking guides, he ensures seamless logistics and optimal safety. Each tour is carefully optimized to guarantee comfort and satisfaction, offering travelers a reliable and memorable stay.
