Journey from lake to lake

Duration:12 Days Horse Trek
Season: July-September

The fascinating mountains of Kyrgyzstan stand as crowns around its magical mountain lakes. The two greatest lakes are Issyk Kul – “Pearl of the Tien-Shan” – and Son Kol, which attracts nomads from all the surrounding regions. This horse riding trek connects these two lakes. Along the way you will experience the paradoxical waters of the Tien-Shan – glaciers, and hot springs. Son Kol, in Kyrgyz, means “The Final Lake”. It will be your final destination. You will be welcomed by Kyrgyz shepherds hosting you in their yurts. You will take part in their simple lifestyle which is rich in culture and tradition.

Level: After an initial steep ascent opens out into flatter tracks. You will cross impressive 4000 m high passes, and cross many rivers. Hidden in the mountains are many jewel-like lakes.

Itinerary

Arrival in Barskoon Village situated near the Lake Issyk-Kul. Distance from Bishkek: 350 km. Time: 5-6 hours. Accommodation in a private home in Barskoon. Excellent traditional food.

Day 1 After breakfast we drive a short distance up to Barskoon Canyon. Distance: 5-6 km. After preparing and balancing the loads on horses, we begin to pick our way up through the forest along Sasyk Bulak valley. Ride from Sasyk Bulak to Kok Dobo. Overnight in tents along Tash Kechuu river. Distance: 15-20 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 2 From Tash Kechuu river our way continues slowly up to Altyn Kungoi pass (3400 km). All the way you will be impressed by the view of Issyk Kul lake. Overnight in tents along Tosor river. Distance: 25-35 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 3 This day your horse riding will pass from Tosor river to Tosor pass (3900 m) Kerege Tash. The wide Kerege-Tash valley with a backdrop of snowcapped mountain - all around 4000m altitude - truly magical scenery. Overnight in Uch Emchek valley (3400 m). Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 4 Today riding is easy but long. As we make our way gently downward along the wide Uch-Emchek valley, we will see the occasional yurts. We pass separate herds of yaks, horses, cows, sheep and goats - all the domesticated animals are here. From Uch-Emchek to Jyluu Suu hot spring through Uiri Suu gorge. Here we stop for taking hot spring bath. Overnight in tents at the Jyluu Suu hot springs. Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 5 Riding through Uiri Suu gorge along the river Balgart Suu. You will be astonished by fascinating scenery of snow capped mountains. Overnight near the Archaly bridge. Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 5-6 hours.

Day 6 We continue our riding from Archaly bridge along the river Kichi-Naryn Suu. Overnight in Oruk-Tam valley. It will start to appear some bushes and trees around this area. Distance: 35-40 km.Time 4-5 hours.

Day 7 In the morning we start horse riding from Oruk-Tam through the forest to Sary-Kungoi. You will be amazed by the changes of the scenery each time. You may also meet some shepherds if there are some. It is possible to make a fire here. Overnight in Oruk-Tam. Distance: 30-40 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 8 Riding from Oruk-Tam to Eki-Bala valley.You will be welcomed by the shepherds to their yurts and taste real kumuz. You will feel the difference of the taste between Naryn and Issyk-Kul regions’ kumuz, that depends on the technology of preparation and type of plants and herbs. You will have a chance to see camels near the shepherd’s places. Overnight near the shepherd’s yurt. Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 9 We start our horse riding along Ecki-Chat valley, you will see how the forest alternates with the field. Here you will cross the Chunkur-Suu river. Overnight in Baiduluu valley near shepherds place. The altitude is around 2900 m asl. Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 10 Riding through the Kok-Kaptal valley. On the way you will cross the road Balykchy-Naryn and come to Boruluu. You will stop and overnight near the shepherd’s winter stable in Boruluu. Distance: 35-40 km. Time: 4-5 hours.

Day 11 Next day you will pass the Korgoo pass (3020 m asl) and come down near the Terskei-Torpok pass. The valley is covered by the thick forest with lots of trees and bushes. Overnight at the foot of the Terskei-Torpok pass. The shepherd’s used to call this place as “thirty two”.

Day 12 Today you will ride over the Terskei-Torpok pass (3033 m asl) and come to Son-Kol lake. Overnight in Tash-Tulga near the shepherd’s place.

Day 13 You will spend one day in the Son-Kol lake walking and hiking around. Usually every year a Festival is used to be conducted in Son-Kol. You may participate in this festival.

During your horse riding trek we provide:
English speaking tour guide, cook, horseman, 3 meals a day, tents, cooking equipment, horses with all equipment, first aid, 4x4 vehicle accompanying the trek

Need to bring
Down jacket and warm sweater, warm sleeping bag, rain gears, silk blanked inside sleeping bag, 2-3 pairs of warm socks, trekking waterproof boots, gloves, sunglasses, suncream, flashlight, personal medicine, metal water bottle (0,75 litters),Term-A-Rest mats, riding chaps, micro pure (or any other water disinfections).