Six days from Bishkek with 74 km ridden over two passes above 3,700 m to Kel-Suu — permit included, which saves a fortnight of paperwork.
At-Bashy to Kel-Suu through the Kok-Kiya Valley
Three days riding to the lake that drains into a mountain
At-Bashy district, Naryn province — the Kakshaal-Too range on the Chinese border · from At-Bashy (riding starts in the Kok-Kiya valley, over the Bosogo pass)
- Duration
- 6 days / 5 nights
- Distance
- ~74 km
- Max altitude
- 3,928 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Best months
- June to mid-September, with July and August optimal. Early June and late September are possible but snowy.
- Riding experience
- none
- Group size
- 5–10
- Price
- US$950 pp (~83,000 som) for the group departure, with a US$200 deposit. The border permit is included, which is unusual and worth about EUR 30 on its own.
- Permit
- Yes — Kyrgyz restricted border zone (Kel-Suu, Chinese frontier)
Chat with a real person — free
Seif and the team reply on WhatsApp 24/7 — trip questions, custom plans and booking help.
Ask Seif on WhatsAppAbout the At-Bashy to Kel-Suu through the Kok-Kiya Valley trek
Kel-Suu is the hardest of Kyrgyzstan's great lakes to reach, and this is the civilised way to do it: the border permit is handled for you, which on its own removes the main obstacle. Six days from Bishkek, of which three are ridden — 74 km through the Kok-Kiya valley over the Sazduu pass at 3,770 m and the Car pass at 3,791 m, topping out at 3,928 m, to a lake wedged between vertical walls at around 3,510 m in the Kakshaal-Too on the Chinese border. The other three days are driving, and long ones: 390 km in on day one, 260 km out on day five. No riding experience is needed, though about thirty minutes of walking on steep sections is required — confident riders can stay mounted. It is graded moderate to demanding depending on fitness. Things to know before you commit. Helmets are not included, so bring one. Sleeping bags are rentable, not supplied. There is no mobile reception at the Kel-Suu camps at all. A police checkpoint inspects permits on the road in. And the lake itself is not guaranteed: it drains seasonally into underground caves, so the water level varies and in some years it partly empties. Outside late June to mid-September expect snow and almost no facilities.
Day by day
| Day | Route | Hours | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bishkek → At-BashyBurana Tower and Silk Road sights en route. No riding. | 6-7 driving, 390 km | guesthouse |
| 2 | At-Bashy → Kok-Kiya valley over the Bosogo passGentle acclimatisation hike in the afternoon — take it, the riding starts high. | 2 driving, 110 km | guesthouse |
| 3 | Kok-Kiya valley → Lush valley via the Sazduu pass (3,770 m)First full day riding, +514 m / -414 m. Wildlife viewing. | 5-6 in the saddle, 13 km | tent or yurt |
| 4 | Lush valley → Camp under the peaks, via the Car pass (3,791 m) and Eshek Tor passThe highest riding day, +470 m / -488 m. | 6 in the saddle, 18 km | tent or yurt |
| 5 | Camp → Kel-Suu lake, then transfer to KochkorThe lake, then the long drive out. | 3 in the saddle, 12 km, then 6 driving | guesthouse in Kochkor |
| 6 | Kochkor → BishkekOptional eagle-hunting demonstration. | 3 driving, 200 km | tour ends |
Included
- round-trip transport from Bishkek
- English-speaking guide
- 5 nights accommodation — 3 guesthouse, 1 tent, 1 yurt
- horses and horseman
- all meals
- staff meals and equipment
- border permit
- Burana Tower entrance
Not included
- pre- and post-tour meals and hotels in Bishkek
- alcohol
- eagle-hunting show
- tips
- bottled water
- insurance
- sleeping bags (rentable)
- helmets
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for the At-Bashy to Kel-Suu through the Kok-Kiya Valley trek?
The best time is June to mid-September, with July and August optimal. Early June and late September are possible but snowy.. Outside the season the high passes are snowbound and the summer yurt camps are packed down, so most operators only run it then.
How long is the At-Bashy to Kel-Suu through the Kok-Kiya Valley trek?
It runs 6 days / 5 nights and roughly 74 km, reaching about 3928 m. Difficulty is moderate.
How much does the At-Bashy to Kel-Suu through the Kok-Kiya Valley trek cost?
US$950 pp (~83,000 som) for the group departure, with a US$200 deposit. The border permit is included, which is unusual and worth about EUR 30 on its own. Prices vary by group size, season and operator, so confirm current rates when you enquire.
Do you need riding experience?
No prior riding experience is needed — the Kyrgyz horses are calm and sure-footed and guides keep the pace gentle. You should be reasonably fit and comfortable spending several hours in the saddle.
Do you need a permit for the At-Bashy to Kel-Suu through the Kok-Kiya Valley trek?
Yes — this route enters a border zone and needs a permit (Yes — Kyrgyz restricted border zone (Kel-Suu, Chinese frontier)), which we arrange in advance. It takes a few days to issue, so book ahead.
How do you book the At-Bashy to Kel-Suu through the Kok-Kiya Valley trek?
Enquire on WhatsApp with your dates and group size, and we arrange the guide, horses, yurt nights and transfers. In July and August it's worth booking a day or two ahead.
Book the At-Bashy to Kel-Suu through the Kok-Kiya Valley trek
Tell us your dates and group, and we’ll arrange the guide, horses and yurt nights, plus the yurt stay at the end.
Chat with a real person — free
Seif and the team reply on WhatsApp 24/7 — trip questions, custom plans and booking help.
Ask Seif on WhatsApp