We will pick you up in Bishkek and drive to Burana Tower, located near Tokmok city. The drive takes about 1.5 hours and offers scenic views of mountains, wide fields, and small villages along the way. It’s a relaxing start to the journey with plenty of chances to enjoy Kyrgyzstan’s natural beauty from the road.

At Burana Tower, we will explore the ancient minaret and walk around the historical site. You can climb to the top of the tower to enjoy panoramic views of the Chuy Valley. We will also visit the open-air field of balbals—stone warrior statues—and take time to see the small museum with local archaeological finds. It’s a short but rich cultural stop on our way to the mountains.

We will drive through Boom Gorge, a narrow canyon that connects the Chuy and Issyk-Kul regions. The gorge features stunning rock formations and follows the Chu River, offering impressive views as we pass through. It’s a dramatic change in landscape, showing the shift from open valleys to mountain terrain. Before entering the Naryn region, we’ll stop for lunch at a local kattama place in Chon-Kemin village.

After lunch, we’ll continue our journey and pass by the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, a peaceful body of water surrounded by rolling hills. It’s a great spot for a short stop to stretch, take photos, and enjoy the calm scenery. The reservoir is the first artificial lake built in Kyrgyzstan and adds a beautiful contrast to the rugged landscapes of the region.

We’ll drive over the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,400 m), offering stunning mountain views as we ascend to the high plateau. From there, we arrive at Song-Kol Lake, a serene alpine lake surrounded by wide pastures. You’ll have free time to relax or enjoy optional horse riding. In the evening, we’ll have dinner at a yurt camp and spend the night there, experiencing true nomadic hospitality.