Off-Road tours to Ala Archa, Song Kul and Suusamyr valley

  • Tour code

    1

  • Destination

    Kyrgyzstan

  • Type tour

    Group tour

  • Age range

    16 - 59

  • Language

    English

  • Cancel tour

    Yes/Free

Description

Month: May - September 
Exploration of Song-Kul and Kyzyl-Oi by horseback riding. 
Visiting historical place – Burana Tower. 
Experience nomadic life and feel the hospitality of Kyrgyz families.

 

Level of comfort: medium

Level of physical training: medium

HIGHLIGHTS:

  • Exploration of Song-Kul and Kyzyl-Oi by horseback riding
  • Visiting historical place – Burana Tower
  • Experience nomadic life and feel the hospitality of Kyrgyz families

Route: Airport - Bishkek - Burana Tower - Song-Kul – Kyzyl Oi village (Suusamyr valley)– Bishkek - Airport

Itinerary

Arrival in international airport “Manas”, transfer to the hotel. Rest, lunch and city tour. 

Bishkek – is the capital and industrial center of Kyrgyzstan, Bishkek is a city of wide avenues, handsome buildings, and Soviet heritage. The gesturing statue of Lenin can still be seen in the city’s vast central square, yet it is the permanently snowcapped Kyrgyz Ala-Tau mountain range which towers over Bishkek providing a quite stunning backdrop. 
We visit Manas Monument, the main national hero of the Kyrgyz people. Then excursion to the State History Museum and transfer to the main Ala Too Square to watch the ceremony of changing of the Guard of Honor, main governmental buildings, and finish at the Old Square with Parliament House. 
We drive to Victory Square to finish our excursion visiting ZUM department store for souvenirs.  

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch, dinner 


We drive to Ala-Archa National Park. It’s located in 40 km from Bishkek, which is a very popular area for having a picnic, trekking, horseback riding and making kebabs among Kyrgyz people. The national reserve is rich with great mountains, long rivers, pine forests growing on the slopes of the mountains and various fauna and flora. The main point is Ak-Sai waterfall (elevation is 2500m) cascades 25-30 meters down the hillside. The distance from the entrance to the waterfall is 2 hours. During the trekking, we can have a rest or have a picnic by enjoying good views of the canyon and Ala Archa river. Further, driving back to your hotel.

Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Lunch is near Ak-Sai waterfall (as a picnic)

On our way, we will visit Burana tower, an 11th-century minaret which is one of Kyrgyzstan’s best known archaeological sites. Burana is also home to a museum of important archaeological pieces that tell the history of the Silk Road and Kyrgyzstan’s place on it. Lunch will be in one of the cafes in Kochkor city on the way to Song-Kul. After arriving at yurt camp we will go horseback riding to the hills to watch the panorama of the lake.

 

Accommodation: yurt camp (no shower, the toilet is outside)

Meals:  Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Altitude: 3016m

 

Time to horse riding!  After breakfast, we will start our horse riding accompanied by an owner of a yurt camp in an hour. In the first part of a day, we will be riding near the shore of the lake till the mausoleum of a Kyrgyz hero – Olzhobolot uulu Andash who proudly fought in the battle against the offensive of Kazakhs Kenensary and Noruzbay in 1847. The distance is 1.5 hour one way. After coming back to the yurt camp you and horses have time to have a rest.  After having lunch we will ride to the mountains and see a small nice waterfall there. The main thing is not the waterfall itself, but the stunning nature on the way to it. The way is quite long, you will have several times to have a rest and take beautiful pictures of nature. It takes 2-3 hours to get to the waterfall. Further, we will ride up to the hill on our way back to the yurt camp in order to see the amazing panorama of Song-Kul lake.

 

Accommodation: yurt camp (no shower, the toilet is outside)

Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner

After breakfast, we drive to Kyzyl-Oi village. Kyzyl Oi is a unique village that was one of the few Kyrgyzstan silk road villages that existed pre-collectivization in the 1900s. Therefore, the village differs from other villages with the Central Asian flavor of its reddish clay houses. We will stay in a guesthouse and walk around the village to see the typical life of local people.

In the afternoon we go to the “Masar-Tash” sacred place. It is 2 km from the guesthouse. Staying there for 1-1.5 hours, further pass Chong-Suu valley within 3 hours where the yurt of a local family is. Lunch is in this local yurt. A nice local lady shows the process of milking a mare and making “Kymyz”, Kyrgyz national drink. Then, we return to the guesthouse by 17:00-17:30.

  Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner 

Transfer Kyzyl-Oi-Bishkek. 

Suusamayr valley 

Too-Ashuu  pass 

Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner  

Morning transfer from the hotel to the airport. Home flight.

Policy

Price included

INCLUSIONS:

  • All transfer
  • A driver with a car
  • Accommodations: yurt camp, homestay
  • Meals: breakfast, lunch, and dinner, except lunches in cafes
  • Horses
  • Mountainous guides for accompanying during the horse riding. 
  • A tour guide

Other terms

To book, a deposit is required, with the balance due 30 days before departure. Cancellations made over 30 days in advance are refundable minus a fee, while those within 30 days are non-refundable. Travel insurance is recommended but not included. Itineraries may change due to unforeseen conditions, and travelers must follow health and safety regulations. Luggage includes one checked bag and one carry-on; excess baggage may incur extra fees. Respectful behavior is required, and special requests should be made at booking, subject to availability.

Reviews

Overall rating

4.9

2,394 reviews
Excellent Score

Review summary

  • Transportation:
    4.5
  • Value for money:
    4.5
  • Support services:
    4.5
  • Organization:
    4.0

Recent reviews

2,394 reviews
Emily Smith (USA)

"An incredible journey through Noriva! From breathtaking mountain views to exciting water sports, every day was packed with adventure and beauty. A must-visit!"

February 9, 2023
Ariol Deep (France)

"Our trip to Noriva exceeded expectations. The mix of scenic hikes, relaxing lakeside days, and cultural experiences made for a perfect vacation. Will definitely return!"

February 9, 2023
Emma Ross (UK)

"I loved every moment of this Noriva tour. The guided hikes, serene lakes, and exploration of tropical forests were highlights. Excellent value and great memories!"

February 9, 2023
David Kane (Germany)

"Fantastic 5-day itinerary in Noriva! Enjoyed everything from mountain climbs to cultural experiences. Well-organized, beautiful scenery, and a truly memorable trip."

February 9, 2023