General Information
Nestled in the Naryn region of the Kyrgyz Republic, Lake Kelsuu sits at an impressive altitude of 3,500 meters. Its waters fill a basin formed by a natural blockage between towering rock formations, creating a scene of dramatic beauty. Interestingly, the water levels fluctuate, and in the summer of 2018, we had the unique opportunity to witness the lake when it had temporarily drained.
This journey includes two nights of camping near the lake, providing ample time to savor the highland atmosphere, enjoy short treks, and perhaps even take a refreshing dip in the lake's icy waters.
This journey includes two nights of camping near the lake, providing ample time to savor the highland atmosphere, enjoy short treks, and perhaps even take a refreshing dip in the lake's icy waters.
Explore Lake Kelsuu, one of Central Asia's most stunning alpine lakes, set at an altitude of 3,500 meters amid dramatic rock formations.
Spend two nights camping near the lake, surrounded by pristine nature, with opportunities for short treks, swimming in icy waters, and enjoying campfire evenings.
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
Enjoy a scenic drive through the Boom Gorge and the Aksai River valley, with stops in Naryn and the border zones for an unforgettable road trip adventure.
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ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty - Lake Kelsuu
01:45 - Pick up from the hotel.
02:00 - Departure towards the Kordai border crossing (210 km)
05:00 - Cross the state border between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan
06:00 - Enjoy a light homemade snack before departing towards the Boom Gorge (130 km)
08:00 - Breakfast at a roadside café in Boom Gorge, followed by refueling of the SUVs
09:00 - Continue your journey through Boom Gorge to the city of Naryn (170 km)
11:30 - Arrive in Naryn and obtain passes for the Kyrgyz Republic’s border zone with China. Refuel the SUVs
12:30 - Depart Naryn, passing through the Akmuz village en route to Lake Kelsuu (120 km)
15:00 - Lunch en route with boxed meals
16:00 - Pass through two border control points
17:00 - Traverse the scenic Aksai River valley as you approach Kelsuu
20:00 - Arrive at the vicinity of Lake Kelsuu. Set up camp and prepare for dinner
21:30 - Dinner at the camp
23:00 - Overnight stay in tents
02:00 - Departure towards the Kordai border crossing (210 km)
05:00 - Cross the state border between the Kyrgyz Republic and the Republic of Kazakhstan
06:00 - Enjoy a light homemade snack before departing towards the Boom Gorge (130 km)
08:00 - Breakfast at a roadside café in Boom Gorge, followed by refueling of the SUVs
09:00 - Continue your journey through Boom Gorge to the city of Naryn (170 km)
11:30 - Arrive in Naryn and obtain passes for the Kyrgyz Republic’s border zone with China. Refuel the SUVs
12:30 - Depart Naryn, passing through the Akmuz village en route to Lake Kelsuu (120 km)
15:00 - Lunch en route with boxed meals
16:00 - Pass through two border control points
17:00 - Traverse the scenic Aksai River valley as you approach Kelsuu
20:00 - Arrive at the vicinity of Lake Kelsuu. Set up camp and prepare for dinner
21:30 - Dinner at the camp
23:00 - Overnight stay in tents
Day 2: Lake Kelsuu Exploration
08:00 - Breakfast at the camp
09:00 - Begin a 3 km trek to the shores of Lake Kelsuu
10:30 - Arrive at the lake and enjoy free time to explore, relax, or swim
13:00 - Lunch by the lake, with boxed meals provide
15:00 - Return trek to camp (3 km)
19:00 - Dinner at the camp
20:00 - Relax around the campfire, sharing stories and experiences
23:00 - Overnight stay in tents
09:00 - Begin a 3 km trek to the shores of Lake Kelsuu
10:30 - Arrive at the lake and enjoy free time to explore, relax, or swim
13:00 - Lunch by the lake, with boxed meals provide
15:00 - Return trek to camp (3 km)
19:00 - Dinner at the camp
20:00 - Relax around the campfire, sharing stories and experiences
23:00 - Overnight stay in tents
Day 3: Return to Almaty
07:00 - Breakfast at the camp
10:00 - Depart from the valley towards the village of Akmuz
15:00 - Lunch with boxed meals and refuel
16:00 - Continue the drive towards the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border at Kordai (300 km)
20:00 - Cross the border
21:00 - A quick snack stop
21:30 - Depart from Kordai to Almaty (210 km)
00:30 - Arrive back in Almaty
10:00 - Depart from the valley towards the village of Akmuz
15:00 - Lunch with boxed meals and refuel
16:00 - Continue the drive towards the Kyrgyz-Kazakh border at Kordai (300 km)
20:00 - Cross the border
21:00 - A quick snack stop
21:30 - Depart from Kordai to Almaty (210 km)
00:30 - Arrive back in Almaty
Additional Information
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Duration3 Days - Route DifficultyIt is essential that participants do not have any chronic health conditions that could be aggravated by extended exposure to altitudes between 2,700 and 3,500 meters above sea level.
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PrecautionsIt is mandatory to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent (especially during the spring period). -
When to goFrom mid-June to mid-September. -
ChildrenNot suitable with children.
Price List
Included in the tour price
All our tours are private, offering a personalized experience tailored to your group.
Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group.
Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group.
6 People
- Comfortable SUV transportation
- Services of an English/Chinese/Russian-speaking guide
- Overnight accommodation in triple tents (two guests per tent)
- Rental of camping equipment (tables, chairs, washbasins, tents, mattresses, sleeping bags)
- Three meals a day, excluding breakfast on the first day, dinner on the second day
- 1.5 liters of drinking water per guest per day
- Personal expenses
- Rent a separate tent for an individual overnight stay for an additional $20
- Pet-Friendly Travel: Bringing your furry friends (dogs and cats) along is welcome! A fee of $10 per day applies.
Not included in the tour price
Tour price on request
Tour price on request
5 People
4 People
Tour price on request
Tour price on request
3 People
Solo Tour
Tour price on request
Tour price on request
2 People
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Recognized by Lonely Planet as a leading outdoor provider in Almaty, Nomad Outfitter team has established itself as a premier choice for outdoor adventures. Since joining the Kazakhstan Tourist Association in 2018, our commitment to exceptional service and local expertise has been consistently strengthening. TripAdvisor has honored us with the "Traveler's Choice" award for five consecutive years (2020-2024), highlighting our dedication to providing unforgettable experiences based on traveler reviews.
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