A 12-day fully supported expedition featuring expert guides, horseback trekking, traditional yurt stays, and a small group of like-minded adventurers.
Dates
29-06-26
Duration
12 days
Group Size
Max 12 people
Physical level
Comfort level
Remoteness
Expedition type
Active exploration, cultural trip, round trip
This journey takes you deep into the wild heart of Kyrgyzstan, from mountain trails around Jyrgalan to horseback routes toward Song Kul. Over 12 days, we combine remote hikes, yurt stays, nomadic culture and sweeping alpine landscapes into one small-group adventure. We hike through dramatic valleys, share meals with locals, and trade paved roads for highland tracks. From the first trail to the final night by the lake, this is Kyrgyzstan at its most raw, open and unforgettable.
From local cooking to handicrafts and eagle hunting traditions
Spend three days on the trails around Jyrgalan
Ride from Kyzart into the highlands toward Song Kul
With a small group and curated route, this journey feels more personal, more immersive, and far from standard group travel.
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Your journey begins with your flight from Amsterdam to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This is a travel day, giving you time to settle into the rhythm of the expedition ahead and prepare for the wild landscapes still to come.
After arriving in Bishkek, we leave the capital behind and drive east toward Jyrgalan, a quiet mountain village surrounded by wide valleys and alpine scenery. This transfer takes us from urban Kyrgyzstan into a much wilder and more remote setting, where the adventure truly begins.
Today eases us into the mountains with a half-day hike around Jyrgalan. It is a chance to stretch the legs, take in the first big views, and get a feel for the terrain before the longer hiking days ahead. Later, we slow things down with a local cooking experience, offering a first deeper connection to Kyrgyz culture beyond the landscapes.
Today we head deeper into the mountain landscapes around Jyrgalan. Trails lead us through open valleys, forested slopes, and highland scenery that feels far removed from everyday life. This is the first full hiking day of the trip and marks the real beginning of our time on the trail.
Our second hiking day takes us further into the alpine surroundings of Jyrgalan. Expect a full day of movement through Kyrgyzstan’s raw mountain terrain, with changing views, quiet trails, and a growing sense of immersion in the landscape.
We complete our third day of hiking in the Jyrgalan region, making the most of our final full day in these mountains. In the evening, the atmosphere shifts from trail to tradition with a folklore performance, adding a cultural layer to the adventure and offering a glimpse into local heritage.
Today we leave the mountains around Jyrgalan and make our way to Karakol. Along the way, the day opens up space for a more cultural rhythm, with sightseeing and a handicrafts workshop that offer insight into local life, craft traditions, and the region’s character beyond the trail.
This is a transition day through changing landscapes as we travel toward Kyzart, the gateway to Song Kul. On the way, we stop at Fairytale Canyon and experience an eagle hunting demonstration, connecting the journey not only to Kyrgyzstan’s striking scenery, but also to its nomadic traditions.
Today we trade vehicles for horses and ride into the highlands. Leaving Kyzart behind, we follow traditional routes into a more open and pastoral landscape, gradually moving deeper into Kyrgyzstan’s nomadic heart. By the end of the day, we arrive at our first yurt camp, where the mountains and steppe set the pace.
We continue our horseback journey through the highlands toward Song Kul Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most iconic alpine destinations. This is a day of vast views, open space, and a strong sense of remoteness as we move through landscapes shaped by wind, grasslands, and nomadic life.
After our time in the highlands, we leave Song Kul behind and begin the journey back toward Bishkek via Kochkor. This is a long but scenic return day, carrying us from remote alpine landscapes back toward the capital. It offers time to reflect on the contrast between the wild heart of the journey and the return to city life.
Our final day in Kyrgyzstan is a softer landing after the adventure. Depending on timings, there may be time to rest or enjoy a last moment in Bishkek before heading to the airport for the return flight home. The journey ends, but the people, landscapes and culture stay with you
Arrival in Aktau at midnight, Transfer to a 3–4* hotel, check-in, and morning rest
Arrive in the coastal city of Aktau for a relaxing day at the beach or a scenic stroll along the Rock Trail before the real expedition begins.
Leave civilization behind and venture into the Valley of Balls (Torysh), where we set up camp amidst thousands of mysterious giant stone spheres for an unforgettable night under the stars.
Journey past the lion-shaped Sherqala mountain and the fairytale castles of Airaqty to the blinding white salt flats of Tuzbaiyr, camping at the edge of the void where the earth mirrors the sky.
After restocking at a local market in the oil city of Zhanaozen, we head south to the colorful "Tiramisu Canyon" of Qyzylkup for a sunset hike amidst glowing layers of red and white chalk.
Venture deep into the wilderness to admire the ship-like Mount Boqty before hiking beneath the towering limestone "Fangs" of Bozjyra in the shadow of the Dragon Crest.
Ascend to the upper plateau for a breathtaking panoramic lunch and cliffside hike overlooking the alien landscape of the ancient Tethys Ocean, before descending back to the comfort of our valley camp.
Bid farewell to the Mars-like scenery with a final morning hike, then enjoy a scenic drive back to Aktau for a celebratory dinner and a well-deserved night in a comfortable hotel.
Transfer to the airport for your flight home, looking back on a once-in-a-lifetime expedition through the heart of Mangystau.
Kyrgyzstan is a land of wide valleys, high mountain passes and remote highlands. While parts of this journey take us far from everyday infrastructure, the expedition is designed with reliable logistics, experienced local support and a clear focus on safety, pacing and preparation.
Meike is a rare breed of explorer. From Yemen and Mauritania to navigating Bangladesh and Pakistan, she has mastered the art of "hardcore" travel. Currently crossing India on her motorcycle with just a tent and her camera. Despite her "hardcore" adventures, Meike is known for her calm and caring nature. She has a natural ability to bring peace to any situation, ensuring every group member feels seen and supported.
See what's included in our price
What’s included?
All accommodation
All meals – excluding the meals in Bishkek
Online photo album
Dutch tour leader
Local expertise
Satellite connection
Guide for Karakol sightseeing
Kyrgyz coocking class
Folklore Show
Handicrat workshop
Eagle hunting meeting and demonstration
What’s not Included?
International flight – Approximately between €450 and €850 euros, depending on season
Travel insurance – Can be booked through us.
Personal expenses
Tips
Cancellation insurance – Can be booked through us.
Fairytale canyon entrance fee (only 50 som)
To confirm your spot, a deposit is required (€450,-)
The next 50% is due three month before departure, and the remaining 50% one months before departure
Once everything is checked and ready, the adventure begins.
All payments are made directly to Cold Ember in euros.
You’ll receive a confirmation after each payment and an invoice upon request.
A full refund is available within 72 hours of making the deposit.
After this period, your spot is confirmed and non-refundable, as we begin securing permits, staff, and logistics.
Travel insurance is mandatory. We can arrange this for you. Your policy must include emergency evacuation and medical treatment.
If the expedition is cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances on our side, you receive a full refund or the option to move to a new date.
Booking is simple.
Choose your desired period, add extra add-ons if desired, fill in your details and secure your spot with the deposit after checkout.
You’ll then receive:
a confirmation email
the pre-expedition information pack
access to the participant WhatsApp group
We’re here to help at every step, if you have questions before booking, just reach out.
You should have a good basic level of fitness and enjoy active travel. This journey includes several hiking days in the mountains, time on horseback, and long overland transfers. You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be comfortable being active for multiple days in a row.
No prior horse-riding experience is required, but you should be comfortable around horses and open to spending meaningful time in the saddle. The horseback section is a real part of the journey, not just a short activity.
This trip combines different styles of accommodation depending on the region. Expect a mix of simple mountain stays, local guesthouse-style accommodation, and traditional yurt stays during the Song Kul section. Comfort is good for an adventure trip, but this is not a luxury journey.
We believe in "Wilderness Comfort." In the cities, we stay in comfortable hotels (shared rooms). During the trek, we camp in high-quality tents. Our expedition crew includes a private chef who prepares fresh, warm meals daily, and we even provide a generator in remote camps so you can keep your gear charged.
No you don't need a visa for this trip.
This is an adventure journey through a mountainous country. Minor changes to timing, order of activities, or local logistics can happen. If needed, we make adjustments on the ground in the interest of safety, group experience, and overall trip quality.
As a pioneer, your input is invaluable. During the trip, we will have brief, informal check-ins to discuss the route, the pace, and the bottlenecks. At the end of the expedition, we’ll ask you for a more detailed review. This isn't a formal test; it’s a collaborative effort to make the next edition perfect. And who knows, you will lead the next edition ;).
A general feeling of uncertainty is not automatically a valid reason for a free cancellation. As long as the trip destination remains operational and the official travel advice for the actual travel area does not materially worsen, the trip is scheduled to go ahead. If the official travel advice for our travel area changes in a way that directly affects the trip, we will review the situation and communicate the options available under our booking conditions. Please also check your own cancellation and travel insurance carefully.
Expect variety. In the mountains, weather can change quickly: sunny and warm during the day, but much cooler in the mornings, evenings, and at higher altitude. Around Song Kul, nights can feel cold even when daytime conditions are pleasant. Layering is essential.
Most travelers handle this route well, but parts of the journey take place at higher altitude, especially around Song Kul. We pace the trip in a way that helps your body adjust gradually, but it is important to stay hydrated, listen to your body, and arrive in good general condition.
Phone signal and internet are often limited or unavailable during the remote parts of the journey. We do carry a Starlink system as an emergency communication backup when needed.
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