# Song-Kul & Kel-Suu in a Week - 7 Days Seven fast days. Ride from Kyzart to Kilemche and on to Song-Kul, drive to Tash-Bashat and walk to Kel-Suu, then follow the south shore of Issyk-Kul back towards Bishkek. Two nights each in yurts, guesthouses and hotels. - Duration: 7 days - Type: Combined - Best season: May to October - Starts and ends in: Bishkek - Pace: Fast-paced - Activities: Horse riding - 2 days - Accommodation: 2 nights at guesthouse, 2 nights at hotel, 2 nights at yurt - Total driving: 1550 km - Price: on request (depends on group size, season and options). Free quote, no prepayment to enquire. - Group: small group or fully private, with a local English-speaking guide - Page: https://azattours.com/tours/song-kul-kel-suu-in-a-week-7-days/ ## Highlights - Two days riding from Kyzart to Song-Kul - The walk to Kel-Suu lake - The south shore of Issyk-Kul ## Itinerary ### Day 1: Drive to Kyzart & horse-ride to Kilemche We set out by road to Kyzart Village, in the hills below Song-Kul. A home-cooked lunch waits at a family homestay, and before you mount up your guide walks you through the basics so you feel settled in the saddle. The afternoon ride follows the Chaar-Archa River through wide, open valleys to Kilemche, an easy trail to start on. By evening you reach a herder family's yurt camp, with the slopes and the quiet all to yourself before dinner. - Transfer: 280 km · 4 h - Activity: Horse riding · 21 km · 4-5 h - Meals: Lunch at guesthouse, dinner at yurt - Overnight: Yurt (2700 m) ### Day 2: Horse-ride to Song-Kul Lake After breakfast the trail climbs toward Jalgyz-Karagai Pass at 3300 m, a steeper morning's riding than the first day. From the top Song-Kul spreads out below, a wide blue lake ringed by summer pasture. You drop down past yurts and grazing herds, reaching the lakeside camp by midday. The rest of the day is for resting, walking the shore, and watching the stars come out over the water. - Activity: Horse riding · 17 km · 4 h - Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner at yurt - Overnight: Yurt (3100 m) ### Day 3: Drive to Tash-Bashat Village Following the lakeshore, we climb the serpentine Terskey-Torpu Pass at 3300 m before dropping toward Naryn, where we stop to rest and have lunch. The road carries on to Tash-Bashat Village. In the evening you can explore the village or settle in for a bonfire under the stars at the hotel. - Transfer: 170 km · 4-5 h - Meals: Breakfast at yurt, lunch at restaurant, dinner at hotel - Overnight: Hotel ### Day 4: Visit Kel-Suu Lake An early start takes us into the Kok-Kiya Valley over the Kyndy Pass at 3200 m, deep in the borderlands near China. After lunch at a guesthouse, you trek along the river to Kel-Suu, a hidden lake held between sheer rock walls. A short boat ride lets you slip in among the cliffs before the walk back. The night is spent at the guesthouse, far from anywhere. - Transfer: 180 km · 4-5 h - Activity: Trekking · 14 km · 4 h - Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch and dinner at guesthouse - Overnight: Guesthouse (3200 m) ### Day 5: Drive to Issyk-Kul Lake This is the longest day on the road. We retrace the route through Naryn, then cross the Dolon Pass at 3030 m and pass through Kochkor on the way north. A short stop at the Ak-Say Canyons shows off their wind-carved rock before we reach Bokonbaev Village on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. The evening is for resting and dinner at the guesthouse. - Transfer: 390 km · 7-8 h - Meals: Breakfast and dinner at guesthouse, lunch at restaurant - Overnight: Guesthouse ### Day 6: Along the south shore of Issyk-Kul The day begins with an eagle hunter and his bird, then a walk through the Fairy-Tale Canyons and their strange, glowing rock. Lunch is at the home of a veteran mountaineer in Tamga Village. From there we visit the Barskoon Waterfalls and the red ridges of Jety-Oguz before arriving in Karakol. There is time in the evening to explore the town at your own pace. - Transfer: 150 km · 3-4 h - Meals: Breakfast and lunch at guesthouse, dinner at restaurant - Overnight: Hotel ### Day 7: Drive back to Bishkek We follow the northern shore of Issyk-Kul on the way home, stopping in the Kyrchyn Valley, the green meadow that hosts the World Nomad Games. Lunch is in Cholpon-Ata. From there it is a steady drive back to Bishkek, where the journey comes to a close. - Transfer: 420 km · 6-7 h - Meals: Breakfast at hotel, lunch at restaurant ## Common questions **How long is this tour?** It runs 7 days, starting and ending in Bishkek. **When is the best time to go?** The season runs May to October. June to September brings the warmest days, and the high-pasture yurt camps are open. **How fit do I need to be?** It's fast-paced, with 2 days Horse riding. Good general fitness is enough, and there is no technical climbing. **Do I need horse-riding experience?** No. Our guides match each horse to your level and keep the first day gentle, so complete beginners ride this route every season. **Where will I stay?** A mix over the trip: 2 nights at guesthouse, 2 nights at hotel, 2 nights at yurt. ## How to book Send your dates and group size and we confirm availability and a tailored price within 24 hours: https://azattours.com/tours/song-kul-kel-suu-in-a-week-7-days/#book - WhatsApp and phone: +996 502 888 001 (https://wa.me/996502888001) - Email: azatbeyshenaliev1@gmail.com - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azattourskg/ - Enquiry form: https://azattours.com/#plan - Based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan