Kel-Suu and Ala-Kul – 13 Days across Kyrgyzstan

It lies at 3,500 m, in a place you cannot normally reach by car – the last stretch is done on horseback. The lake is surrounded by high rock walls, which you see from the boat, and there is a cave near the shore. We also visit the less accessible, quieter part of the lake.

On day nine we drive via the Kalmak-Ashuu nature site to Naryn for lunch and on into the Kok-Kiya mountain valley (3,300 m), where we camp right in the valley. On day ten we ride to Lake Kel-Suu and head back to Naryn later in the afternoon for the night.

No. These tireless, peaceable little horses are an inseparable part of Kyrgyz history, and in Altyn-Arashan there is a short ride with a local guide so you can get used to them. After that comes the trek to Ala-Kul, the afternoon ride on Son-Kul and the journey to Kel-Suu.

We run these programmes in summer. By Issyk-Kul (1,650 m) it is warm and you can swim, but at the yurt camp at 3,000 m the nights can be cold even in summer – which is why the yurts have warm woollen blankets. We recommend layers, sturdy shoes, sun cream and swimwear for the thermal springs.

Depending on the programme we travel by car from 3 people, or by minibus from 8–10 people – the price per person depends on which. You agree the dates directly with Beka. If there are fewer of you, write anyway: he may be able to put you together with other travellers.

Yes. You join the group that comes together for those dates. Rooms are usually shared as doubles by arrangement; if you would rather have your own, the single supplement is 7,100 CZK. It does not apply to the yurt and the mountain nights, where 2–4 people sleep together.

Citizens of the Czech Republic and most EU countries can enter Kyrgyzstan without a visa for a short stay, and your passport should stay valid for several months after you return. The rules change, so check them before you fly with your own ministry of foreign affairs.

Insurance is not included and we do not recommend travelling without it. It should cover medical expenses and time spent hiking at high altitude – the highest point of these programmes is the Ala-Kul pass at almost 3,920 m – and, on the tours with horses, riding as well. Cancellation cover is worth having. Elimtour is a Kyrgyz tour operator, not a Czech travel agency under Czech Act No. 159/1999 Coll.; see the Terms page for the details.

Kyrgyzstan is a calm and hospitable country. The usual common sense applies, as anywhere: documents on you, valuables in the safe, an eye on your pockets at the bazaar. A local guide who speaks Czech and knows the local customs is with you the whole time, and in the mountains local guides accompany you on horseback.

A yurt is shared by 2–4 people: you sleep on mattresses under warm woollen blankets. The facilities are shared and are outside the yurt. On the nine-day programme this is one night; the longer programmes add a mountain hut and a camp. Every other night you sleep in a 3–4* hotel. We recommend bringing a head torch, wet wipes and warm layers for the night.

From central Europe you fly to Bishkek with a change, most often via Istanbul. Flights are not included; we are happy to help you choose connections that fit the start and end of the programme.

Traditional cooking is meat-heavy – lamb with noodles, manty (steamed dumplings), fresh bread, fruit and vegetables from the bazaar and dairy products; kumys is served in the yurt. By the lake you eat fish from Issyk-Kul. Vegetarian food can be arranged – just tell us when you enquire.

Prices are set in euros; the koruna amounts on this site are only an indicative conversion. You agree the deposit and the balance directly with Beka; you get the exact deadlines and the cancellation terms in writing and they are on the Terms page – you pay nothing until you have them.