Day 2 - Horse Riding at Chon-Kemin and Kok-Boru Game

We set off at 10:00 a.m. after breakfast and drive to the Chon-Kemin National Park, leave our belongings at a guesthouse then meet our horses and guides. After lunch we take a gentle ride into the mountains and nature reserve, then return to the village where local horsemen demonstrate Kyrgyz equestrian games—the highlight is Kok-Boru, a fast, physical team sport played on horseback using a sheep carcass, with riders battling to score into large cauldrons. 

Accommodation: Chon-Kemin Guest House (Twin or Triple Per Room)

Day 3 -Drive to Naryn Hotel

After a leisurely breakfast we depart Chon-Kemin and drive toward Naryn, stopping along the way for lunch. Naryn is the last major town before our journey to Kel-Suu. On arrival we check into a hotel to rest and recover, visit the local ice rink to pick up skates for the frozen lake, and those who wish can relax in a Russian sauna (banya). In the evening we gather for dinner at a local restaurant. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Naryn (Twin per room)

Day 4 - Drive to the Kelsuu and Ice-Skating on The Lake

After breakfast we make a long 4–6 hour off-road push through the At-Bashi range to Kel-Suu (3500m), passing the border checkpoint en route (permits prepared). The route crosses remote, snowbound highlands with no settlements, and winter temps can drop to –40 °C. We travel in well-prepared 4×4s (winter tires, recovery gear, shovels/spades, traction boards, tow straps, radios), and our team is ready for drifting snow and small slide sections that may require digging and slow convoy driving. On arrival we settle in, warm up, and—if conditions allow—head onto the frozen lake. The ones who are able can go ice-skating .  We may see many wild animals, foxes, ibex and potentially wolves. One time we have encountered a brown bear in this truly remote region. In the evening we stay at the only guesthouse open in the winter who look after Yaks. We will have dinner here and a little Karaoke session if people are willing.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Kelsuu (Twin beds per room)

Day 5 - Free Time at Kelsuu Then Back to Naryn 

If we reached the lake the previous day, we’ll spend the morning exploring the surrounding valley; if not, we’ll head out early to visit the lake itself. Conditions here are extremely cold—so much so that icicles form on eyebrows—but our guesthouse is warm and cozy, providing a safe retreat. After lunch we begin the long return drive to Naryn, arriving by evening. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant before settling in for the night. 

Accommodation: Hotel in Naryn (Twin per room)

Day 6 Drive to South Shore of the Issyk-Kul and an Eagle Show

After breakfast we leave Naryn and set out toward the south shore of Issyk-Kul, driving through dramatic mountain passes and wide open valleys. Along the way we stop for lunch before continuing to Bokonbaevo, a lakeside village known for its traditions. In the afternoon we attend an eagle hunting demonstration, where a local berkutchi (eagle hunter) showcases the ancient art of hunting with golden eagles. Afterward there’s time to walk along the lake’s shore and take in the scenery before dinner. Approximately 5 hours of Driving from Naryn.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Bokonbaevo (Twin or Triple per room)

Day 7 Drive to Abandoned Soviet Town - Enilchek

After breakfast we set off on a long drive of 6–7 hours, following winding roads through the Tian Shan mountains of Chon-Ashuu Pass (3800m) toward Enilchek. The road takes us deep into remote valleys with sweeping views, glaciers in the distance, and almost no signs of modern life.

 By late afternoon we arrive at the abandoned Soviet mining town of Enilchek—once home to thousands during the Soviet era, but now reduced to only a handful of families who remain among the crumbling buildings and empty streets. This eerie, atmospheric place offers a rare glimpse into Kyrgyzstan’s Soviet past.

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Enilchek (Twin or Triple per room)

Day 8 Enilchek Hot Springs

We spend the morning wandering through the eerie ruins of Enilchek, once a thriving Soviet mining hub and now a near-empty ghost town. In the afternoon we visit a wild hot spring set on the side of a cliff—a vast, natural pool of steaming mineral water surrounded by snow. Here we can soak and relax while taking in the mountain scenery. The brave can even try a plunge into the snow for a cold dip before returning to the warmth of the spring. In the evening we head back to our guesthouse dinner and rest. 

Accommodation: Guesthouse in Enilchek (Twin or Triple per room)

Day 9 Drive to Karakol

After breakfast we leave Enilchek and drive ~5 hours to Karakol via mountain passes, check in, and spend the afternoon exploring. There are a variety of options: Dungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral, Karakol Bazaar (ashlan-fu tasting), Przhevalsky Museum, lakeshore walk, or the Karakol Ski Base. Dinner will be in town. 

Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel in Karakol (Twin or Triple per room)

Day 10 Drive back to Bishkek

After the breakfast at the guesthouse we will drive to Bishkek and drop-off people at the airport or their hotels, we wish you a safe and wonderful flight. We hope you had a lovely holiday, and would be happy to have you back should you wish to join us again!

Important Information

• Extreme Cold (Kel-Suu & Enilchek): Temperatures can drop to –40 °C. Bring serious winter gear: insulated boots, thermal base layers, fleece/down mid-layer, waterproof shell, warm hat, neck gaiter, two pairs of gloves (liner + insulated), sunglasses/goggles, hand/foot warmers.

• Remote, Border Zones: Both areas are near the China border and require permits. Email passport scans at least 14 days in advance. Bring your original passport on the trip.

• Road & Weather Reality: Tracks are rough and conditions change fast. Despite our preparation, we cannot control weather or force majeure. Delays, reroutes, or itinerary changes may occur for safety.

• Convoy & Contingencies: We travel with two well-equipped 4×4 vehicles and recovery gear. If we get stuck, we’ll work the problem—digging out, waiting for a window, or, in rare cases, overnighting in vehicles. We only push as far as we judge safe.

• Horse Riding: Beginners welcome. We provide helmets and a safety briefing; pace is tailored to ability. (We carry a first-aid kit.)

• Risk Acceptance: You will be asked to sign a waiver acknowledging the inherent risks of travel in remote, high-mountain environments. We run these trips every year, but anything can happen.

• Travel Insurance (Required): Purchase comprehensive travel insurance before arrival that covers medical evacuation, high-altitude/remote travel, winter conditions, and adventure activities.

• Health & Altitude: Expect full days outdoors at elevation. Let us know of any medical conditions. Bring personal meds and any specialist items you need.

• Packing Light but Smart: Soft bags preferred; limit hard suitcases. We’ll send a detailed kit list on booking.

Price List

-  PRICE: £1250 -  €1420 - $1650 (All Inclusive)  per person for an all included roundtrip (transport, food, stay, horses, guides, entrance fees etc).

- 2 Riding days. Galloping in Ala-Archa and trail riding in Chon-Kemin. Kok-Boru and Nomadic horse games demonstration

- £350 deposit to reserve a spot on the tour

- Flights to and from Kyrgyzstan are not included.

- If you have specific requests about the places you wish to visit or activities to you would like to engage in let me know! We will try to fit it in.