Trekking in Nomadic Lands

An early departure for the small town of Kochkorka, located on the main north-south route. We travel through the wide Chuy Valley, which forms the border with neighboring Kazakhstan. We stop at the bazaar to stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables. Then we depart for the Saralaa Saz Valley, where our trek begins. We hike near our camp.

Off we go for a beautiful day of hiking! Leaving behind the Kochkorka Jailoo (pastures where flocks of sheep and horses mingle), we ford the Buzulgan-Suu River. Then we follow the trail to the ridge, which forms the watershed between this river and the Kashka-Suu River. Along the way, we pass yurt camps set up by families. We spend some time with them. In the late afternoon, we reach our tent camp at the foot of the Boutchouc Pass, at 2400 meters.

Trek to the magnificent Eastern Seok Gorge via the Buchuk Pass (3400 m). It will take us a few hours to cross the pass and then descend. Quite an effort! Once we reach the valley floor, the going is easy. Only the heat might bother us. In fact, the vegetation, which was so lush and green, is now scorched by the sun. We reach the Soek River for our camp. Overnight in tents at 2550 m altitude.

In the morning, we ventured into the Saryk Gorge. We skirted the Sandyk massif, following the river to the Saryk Pass (3,540 meters). The ascent presented no particular difficulties. From the pass, heading due south across two ridges, on a clear day, we could see Lake Son-Kul, the destination of our trek. After the pass, we traversed a small gorge heading southeast to reach the foot of the Kyzart Pass, which separates two valleys—Kochkor and Jumgal. We descended towards the Jailoo of the Jumgal Valley, another grazing area where nomads live. Here, in a clearing beside a spring, we set up camp. The peaks of Song-Kul were now very close.

We cross the Chaek-Korchkor road, an east-west route, at the Kyz-Art pass (2664 meters). This is the only time we return to real life, even though the track is sparsely traveled. During the day, we will cross the Tcharatcha pass (3050 m). Further on, we'll transition to the gorge of the same name, traverse the massif, and descend along its banks to the wide and picturesque intermontane valley of Kelemche – the jailoo, a pasture prized by Kyrgyz nomads. We'll camp at the foot of the Tuiz Achou pass at 2500 m.

Today our goal: Crossing the Tuiz Achou Pass (3,300 m), from which a magnificent view opens up over Lake Song Kul (3,030 m). A 360-degree panorama, simply magical! Below, yurt camps, flocks of sheep, horses... A spirit of freedom pervades. Only the piercing cry of an eagle can interrupt the tranquility that reigns here. For the brave, a swim in the lake—the water is refreshing! Camp on the north shore of the lake.

A leisurely morning, at your own pace, to recover from the previous days of hiking. Emerald in the morning and evening, turquoise during the day, the lake is surrounded by vast grassy steppes where flocks of sheep, horses, and cows graze. A vibrant pastoral life thrives in the numerous yurt "villages" that spring up for the summer. We'll meet locals and discover the work of the nomads. We'll hike towards Tulpar, west of the lake. An unforgettable night in a yurt. Horseback riding is also an option.

A day's hike upstream from the lake along the ridges. The view is incredible. We enjoy this place, new encounters, new stories with the nomads... Night in a yurt
Horseback riding available

It's time to leave this beautiful place and head towards the village of Kyzyl Oy. Our vehicle, having reached the Karakeche Pass at 3450m, leaves the lake behind. Below, an impressive open-pit coal mine. We descend to the village of Chaek. In the center, the bustling bazaar. Kyrgyz people from the surrounding regions come here to stock up on supplies. Vegetables, fruits... the colors blend together. We follow the Kokomeren River, powerful with turquoise waters. The banks are lined with stunning ochre-colored canyons. Overnight stay with a local family in Kyzyl Oy, an oasis. A stroll through the village.

Overnight stay with a local family
5-hour transfer

A morning walk upstream from the village before heading to Bishkek. Views of the Kyzyl Oy oasis and the river. Our vehicle follows the river for about 30 km, then the landscape changes as we arrive on a high plateau. We stop in the village of Kojomkoul, known for a famous warrior. We gain altitude and cross the Tuy Ashu pass at 3500 m, then descend steeply into the Chuy Valley. Arrival in Bishkek and our guesthouse.

6-hour transfer
Walk 1-2 hours

Transfer to the airport and return flight to Europe