Over three incredible days, you’ll explore a stunning array of destinations, including Issyk Lake, Bear Waterfall, Asy Plateau, Aul Tumar, Charyn Canyon, and the breathtaking Kolsai and Kaindy Lakes. This journey promises an immersive experience of Kazakhstan’s most iconic landscapes.
DAY 1
Our tour begins in Almaty, where we set out for Lake Sonkel, passing through the Karasu border post and the scenic Boom Gorge. Along the way, we'll refuel and enjoy a quick lunch, before reaching the shores of Sonkel by evening. Here, we’ll take a relaxing walk along the lake’s edge, soaking in the views as the sun sets. Our guides will prepare dinner at the campsite, where we’ll spend the night in tents under the stars.
Our tour begins in Almaty, where we set out for Lake Sonkel, passing through the Karasu border post and the scenic Boom Gorge. Along the way, we'll refuel and enjoy a quick lunch, before reaching the shores of Sonkel by evening. Here, we’ll take a relaxing walk along the lake’s edge, soaking in the views as the sun sets. Our guides will prepare dinner at the campsite, where we’ll spend the night in tents under the stars.
DAY 3
On the third day, we enjoy breakfast by the Aksai River before crossing the river and continuing our trek through the Kok Kya Valley. After lunch, we’ll reach the shores of the secluded Kel-Suu Lake, one of Central Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The day ends with dinner by the lake and an overnight stay in tents.
On the third day, we enjoy breakfast by the Aksai River before crossing the river and continuing our trek through the Kok Kya Valley. After lunch, we’ll reach the shores of the secluded Kel-Suu Lake, one of Central Asia’s most breathtaking natural wonders. The day ends with dinner by the lake and an overnight stay in tents.
DAY 4
The fourth day is a slower-paced one, allowing time to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of Kel-Suu. After breakfast, we’ll take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoying its serene beauty. After lunch, we’ll break camp and make our way back to the village of Naryn for dinner and another night spent in tents.
The fourth day is a slower-paced one, allowing time to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of Kel-Suu. After breakfast, we’ll take a leisurely walk around the lake, enjoying its serene beauty. After lunch, we’ll break camp and make our way back to the village of Naryn for dinner and another night spent in tents.
DAY 6
Day six brings an ascent into the Barskoon Gorge, where we climb to an altitude of 4,000 meters, reaching the Suyek Pass. The high plateau of Arabel offers stunning panoramic views, where we will stop for lunch before descending back towards Issyk-Kul. In the afternoon, we visit the Zhety Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red cliffs and the “Devichye Kosy” waterfall, before continuing toward the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border for our final overnight stop.
Day six brings an ascent into the Barskoon Gorge, where we climb to an altitude of 4,000 meters, reaching the Suyek Pass. The high plateau of Arabel offers stunning panoramic views, where we will stop for lunch before descending back towards Issyk-Kul. In the afternoon, we visit the Zhety Oguz Gorge, famous for its striking red cliffs and the “Devichye Kosy” waterfall, before continuing toward the Kyrgyzstan-Kazakhstan border for our final overnight stop.
DAY 2
The next day begins with an early breakfast, after which we descend through the winding “33 Parrots” pass, stopping to visit the Kazherty Waterfall. After a brief pause in Naryn village to refuel and pick up supplies, we’ll continue toward our main destination: the remote Kel-Suu Lake. This stretch of the expedition offers stunning vistas of the Kok Kya Valley. After a hearty lunch, we cross the border zone and set up camp in the Aksai Valley for the night.
The next day begins with an early breakfast, after which we descend through the winding “33 Parrots” pass, stopping to visit the Kazherty Waterfall. After a brief pause in Naryn village to refuel and pick up supplies, we’ll continue toward our main destination: the remote Kel-Suu Lake. This stretch of the expedition offers stunning vistas of the Kok Kya Valley. After a hearty lunch, we cross the border zone and set up camp in the Aksai Valley for the night.
DAY 5
On the fifth day, after breakfast, we drive towards the southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, with a stop at the enchanting Fairy Tale Canyon. The day will be spent relaxing by the lake’s pristine waters, with plenty of time for swimming and soaking in the natural beauty. After dinner, we settle into our tents for another peaceful night under the Kyrgyz sky.
On the fifth day, after breakfast, we drive towards the southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, with a stop at the enchanting Fairy Tale Canyon. The day will be spent relaxing by the lake’s pristine waters, with plenty of time for swimming and soaking in the natural beauty. After dinner, we settle into our tents for another peaceful night under the Kyrgyz sky.
DAY 7
The last day of the tour takes us across the border, stopping briefly in the scenic Karkara Valley before enjoying lunch in Bayseit village. We then continue on a relaxed drive back to Almaty, where our adventure concludes.
Please note that while the itinerary is carefully planned, it may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or other external factors. The group leader may adjust the route accordingly to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the participants.
The last day of the tour takes us across the border, stopping briefly in the scenic Karkara Valley before enjoying lunch in Bayseit village. We then continue on a relaxed drive back to Almaty, where our adventure concludes.
Please note that while the itinerary is carefully planned, it may be subject to changes due to weather conditions or other external factors. The group leader may adjust the route accordingly to ensure the safety and enjoyment of the participants.
Expedition Itinerary
Discover the hidden gems of Northern Kyrgyzstan with Nomad Outfitter KZ. Conquer a 4,000-meter mountain peak, witness the tranquil isolation of Kel-Suu, one of Central Asia’s most breathtaking lakes, and dive into the pristine waters of the legendary Issyk-Kul Lake.
This tour is designed to showcase the region’s most awe-inspiring natural attractions. This tour provides a rich and informative itinerary, beginning in Almaty, crossing the border at Korday, and returning through the stunning Karkara mountain valley.
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TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
ITINERARY
Day 1: Almaty to Son-Kul Lake
07:00 - Early departure from Almaty towards the Kazakhstan-Kyrgyz border checkpoint (220 km)
09:30 - Border crossing (please verify visa requirements between your country and Kyrgyzstan prior to the trip)
13:00 - Lunch at a roadside café (120 km)
14:00 - Continue the journey to Son-Kul Lake (150 km), passing through scenic mountain passes and picturesque valleys
17:00 - Arrive at Son-Kul Lake. Guests can enjoy a walk around the lake while drivers set up camp and prepare dinner
19:00 - Dinner and overnight stay in tents by the lake (elevation: 3,000 meters)
09:30 - Border crossing (please verify visa requirements between your country and Kyrgyzstan prior to the trip)
13:00 - Lunch at a roadside café (120 km)
14:00 - Continue the journey to Son-Kul Lake (150 km), passing through scenic mountain passes and picturesque valleys
17:00 - Arrive at Son-Kul Lake. Guests can enjoy a walk around the lake while drivers set up camp and prepare dinner
19:00 - Dinner and overnight stay in tents by the lake (elevation: 3,000 meters)
Day 2: Son-Kul Lake to Naryn and the Kyrgyz-China Border
07:30 - Breakfast at the campsite
08:30 - Departure for Naryn, the administrative center of the Naryn region (140 km)
10:00 - Visit the 33 Parrots Mountain Pass, with a short trek to Kazherty Waterfall
13:00 - Lunch and a shower break in Naryn at a local guesthouse
14:30 - Depart for the Kyrgyz-China border area (100 km towards Kel-Suu Lake). Cross two border checkpoints (please note, we cross checkpoints but do not enter Chinese territory).
Important: Guests must have the necessary Kyrgyz permits to enter the border area, which we will arrange in advance.
19:00 - Dinner prepared by drivers, overnight in tents in the Aksay River Valley (elevation: 3,000 meters)
08:30 - Departure for Naryn, the administrative center of the Naryn region (140 km)
10:00 - Visit the 33 Parrots Mountain Pass, with a short trek to Kazherty Waterfall
13:00 - Lunch and a shower break in Naryn at a local guesthouse
14:30 - Depart for the Kyrgyz-China border area (100 km towards Kel-Suu Lake). Cross two border checkpoints (please note, we cross checkpoints but do not enter Chinese territory).
Important: Guests must have the necessary Kyrgyz permits to enter the border area, which we will arrange in advance.
19:00 - Dinner prepared by drivers, overnight in tents in the Aksay River Valley (elevation: 3,000 meters)
Day 3: Kelsuu Lake Exploration
07:30 - Breakfast at the campsite
08:30 - Departure for Kel-Suu Lake (25 km), traveling across the stunning Kyrgyz alpine swamps, known as "Sazy."
15:00 - Enjoy light snacks and tea
16:00 - Take a walk along the eastern shore of Kel-Suu Lake
19:00 - Dinner prepared by drivers, overnight in tents (elevation: 3,500 meters)
08:30 - Departure for Kel-Suu Lake (25 km), traveling across the stunning Kyrgyz alpine swamps, known as "Sazy."
15:00 - Enjoy light snacks and tea
16:00 - Take a walk along the eastern shore of Kel-Suu Lake
19:00 - Dinner prepared by drivers, overnight in tents (elevation: 3,500 meters)
Day 4: Trekking and Kelsuu Lake Exploration
08:30 - Breakfast at the campsite
09:30 - Embark on a trek to a nearby mountain gorge or enjoy free time walking around Kel-Suu Lake
12:30 - Lunch at the campsite
13:30 - Depart for the Kok-Kiya Valley (35 km), with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint over the Kok-Kiya River
19:00 - Dinner at the Aksay River Valley, overnight in tents (elevation: 3,000 meters)
09:30 - Embark on a trek to a nearby mountain gorge or enjoy free time walking around Kel-Suu Lake
12:30 - Lunch at the campsite
13:30 - Depart for the Kok-Kiya Valley (35 km), with a stop at a panoramic viewpoint over the Kok-Kiya River
19:00 - Dinner at the Aksay River Valley, overnight in tents (elevation: 3,000 meters)
Day 5: Issyk-Kul Lake and Fairy Tale Canyon
07:30 - Breakfast at the campsite
08:30 - Departure to Naryn town (110 km)
11:30 - Shower and lunch at a guesthouse in Naryn
13:00 - Continue towards Issyk-Kul Lake (270 km)
17:00 - Visit Fairy Tale Canyon
18:30 - Proceed to “Quiet Bay” (12 km)
19:30 - Dinner prepared by drivers, overnight in tents by the lake (elevation: 1,650 meters)
08:30 - Departure to Naryn town (110 km)
11:30 - Shower and lunch at a guesthouse in Naryn
13:00 - Continue towards Issyk-Kul Lake (270 km)
17:00 - Visit Fairy Tale Canyon
18:30 - Proceed to “Quiet Bay” (12 km)
19:30 - Dinner prepared by drivers, overnight in tents by the lake (elevation: 1,650 meters)
Day 6: Mountain Passes and Zhety-Oguz Gorge
07:30 - Breakfast at the campsite
08:30 - Depart for the Suek Mountain Pass (70 km)
10:30 - Visit the Sary Moinok Mountain Pass (3,450 meters) with a short walk
11:30 - Continue to the Arabel Plateau (3,800 meters) and Suek Mountain Pass (4,000 meters)
13:00 - Lunch at Barskoon Mountain Pass
14:00 - Depart for Zhety-Oguz Mountain Gorge (105 km)
16:00 - Short trek to the “Girl’s Braids” waterfall (1.5 km)
17:30 - Depart for Karakol town (25 km)
18:00 - Dinner in Karakol
19:00 - Travel to the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake (40 km). Overnight in tents (elevation: 1,600 meters)
08:30 - Depart for the Suek Mountain Pass (70 km)
10:30 - Visit the Sary Moinok Mountain Pass (3,450 meters) with a short walk
11:30 - Continue to the Arabel Plateau (3,800 meters) and Suek Mountain Pass (4,000 meters)
13:00 - Lunch at Barskoon Mountain Pass
14:00 - Depart for Zhety-Oguz Mountain Gorge (105 km)
16:00 - Short trek to the “Girl’s Braids” waterfall (1.5 km)
17:30 - Depart for Karakol town (25 km)
18:00 - Dinner in Karakol
19:00 - Travel to the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake (40 km). Overnight in tents (elevation: 1,600 meters)
Day 7: Return to Almaty via Charyn Canyon
07:30 - Breakfast at the campsite
08:30 - Departure for the Karkara border checkpoint (Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border, 90 km)
11:00 - Border crossing
13:00 - Visit the Lunar Canyon near the Charyn Canyon area (70 km)
14:30 - Lunch at a roadside café in Baiseit village (85 km)
15:30 - Depart for Almaty (140 km)
18:00 - Arrival in Almaty
08:30 - Departure for the Karkara border checkpoint (Kazakhstan-Kyrgyzstan border, 90 km)
11:00 - Border crossing
13:00 - Visit the Lunar Canyon near the Charyn Canyon area (70 km)
14:30 - Lunch at a roadside café in Baiseit village (85 km)
15:30 - Depart for Almaty (140 km)
18:00 - Arrival in Almaty
Additional Information
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Duration7 Days - Route DifficultyStandard and suitable for individuals with average physical fitness.
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PrecautionsIt is mandatory to bring a sun hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent (especially during the spring period). -
Identity DocumentsYou should have your identity documents. -
When to goJuly - August - 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
- Eco-fees for National Parks
- All necessary camping equipment (chairs, tents, sleeping bags)
- Camp meals prepared by the guides
- Required permits for entering frontier zones
- Eco fees for Kyrgyzstan’s national parks
- 1.5 liters of drinking water per guest per day
- Personal expenses
- 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
$665 USD per person (equivalent to $95 USD/day) for a group of 3
$665 USD per person (equivalent to $95 USD/day) for a group of 3
5 People
4 People
$665 USD per person (equivalent to $95 USD/day) for a group of 3
$665 USD per person (equivalent to $95 USD/day) for a group of 3
3 People
Solo Tour
$665 USD per person (equivalent to $95 USD/day) for a group of 3
$665 USD per person (equivalent to $95 USD/day) for a group of 3
2 People
Join the Adventure
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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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