Lauren Mackenzie • Kyrgyzstan • 25th Jul-3rd Aug 2027

Welcome to Bishkek! We’ll meet you at the airport and transfer into the city for a relaxed welcome lunch and introductions with your fellow SideQuest adventurers. In the afternoon, we’ll head into Ala-Archa National Park for an easy acclimatisation walk surrounded by towering peaks and alpine scenery. After the hike, we’ll return to Bishkek, check into our hotel, and enjoy a relaxing dinner and evening to recover from our travels.

After breakfast and a briefing with our local guides, we’ll begin the scenic drive to Karakol. Along the way, we’ll stretch our legs with a hike through Kok-Moynok Canyon (0.5h, 2km, flat) before continuing into the lush Semenov & Grigoriev Gorges. Expect wide valleys, forests, and dramatic mountain backdrops. We’ll arrive in Karakol in the evening, enjoy dinner at a traditional restaurant, and check into our hotel.

Today we head deeper into the Tien Shan. After breakfast, we’ll transfer to Ak-Suu village, where our trek into Altyn Arashan Gorge begins (5h, 12km, 600m gain). The 12km hike follows a river through pine forests and alpine terrain, with lunch by the water along the way. By afternoon, we’ll reach Altyn Arashan (2500m) and settle into our guesthouse before soaking in amazing radon natural hot springs (nothing better after a big hiking day).

We’ll wake up surrounded by mountains and begin our trek toward one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular sights: Ala-Kul Lake (7h, 15km, 1400m gain, 800m loss). The hike steadily climbs into high-alpine terrain and will take up to 3900m. After a picnic lunch on the trail, we’ll reach the turquoise waters of Ala-Kul. After spending some time here we will descend to Sirota Camp to enjoy a peaceful evening surrounded by mountains and stars.

After breakfast, we’ll begin our descent into Karakol Gorge (4h, 10km, 500m loss). The trail is straightforward, simple, and incredibly scenic - featuring mountain views and horses gazing as we walk through the gorge. After lunch, our ride will be waiting to transport us back to Karakol city. Where we’ll check into our guesthouse, and enjoy a well-earned dinner and rest.

Today is a relaxed exploration day around Issyk-Kul Lake. After breakfast, we’ll visit the striking red sandstone formations of Djety-Oguz Gorge, followed by a walk to waterfalls in Barskoon Gorge. After lunch at a local guesthouse, we’ll finish the day watching the sunset in the surreal Fairytale Canyon before checking into our guest complex for dinner and rest.

After breakfast, we’ll witness a traditional eagle hunting demonstration and learn about this ancient nomadic practice. Then we’ll drive to Kyzart village, enjoy lunch, and receive horse-riding instructions before setting off on our horseback journey (4h, 15km, 600m gain). We’ll ride through open valleys and mountain passes to Kilemche, where we’ll spend the night in a yurt camp and enjoy dinner under the stars.

After breakfast in the mountains, we’ll continue our horse trek toward Song-Kul Lake (4h, 15km, 400m loss). The landscape opens into vast rolling plains, dotted with yurts and grazing livestock. Upon arrival at Song-Kul, we’ll enjoy lunch, settle into our yurt camp, and spend the afternoon relaxing, walking the lakeshore, or simply soaking in the silence of the high plateau.

Enjoy a slow morning at Song-Kul before we begin our final horsehide back to Kyzart (via Kara-Kyya pass). After lunch, our private transport will take us back to Bishkek, where we’ll get ready for our final group dinner and reflect on this unforgettable journey we’ve had together.

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your onward journey. Say our goodbyes (or see-you-laters) to a group of strangers turned friends and maybe start planning the next SideQuest.