A five-day loop from Kochkor that stays high on the summer pastures rather than camping on the lake, returning over the Oiurma pass.
Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit
Five days on the jailoo, and never the same valley twice
Kochkor district, Naryn province, over the Kyzart pass into the Kilemche jailoo · from Kochkor (road transfer to the Kyzart pass trailhead)
- Duration
- 5 days / 4 nights
- Max altitude
- 3,400 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Best months
- June to September; mid-May and late September carry snow on the passes
- Riding experience
- none
- Group size
- 1–8
- Price
- US$780-1,450 pp (~68,000-127,000 som) by group size: 2 people $1,450 each, 3 people $1,100, 4-5 people $950, 6-8 people $850, 9-10 people $780. A shorter 3-day Kilemche-Song-Köl package from another operator is published at $475 pp. Locally booked equivalents in Kochkor run 15,000-20,000 som, so agency and village pricing differ by roughly threefold — choose accordingly.
- Permit
- No
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 Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit trek
This is the pasture version rather than the lake version, and it suits people who want the riding more than the postcard. Five days out of Kochkor, over the Kyzart pass into Kilemche, across the Jalgyz-Karagai pass at 3,400 m, then three more days working along the high jailoo through Kyr Jol, the Sook Kolot summer camp and the Uzun-Bulak valley before dropping back via the Kindick. Nights are in yurts throughout, including one at a named shepherd's camp. Riding is roughly five hours a day at a walk or light trot — there is no galloping on this terrain — which makes it genuinely approachable for beginners despite the length. Two things to plan for. Helmets are not supplied on this itinerary, so bring your own if you want one; nor are sleeping bags. And note the temperature: while you may see night-time figures as high as 10 to 20°C quoted, the norm at these altitudes is 3 to 8°C, so pack for the colder figure. The final day is a two-hour ride followed by five to six hours in a vehicle, so budget a full travel day at the end rather than planning anything for that evening.
Day by day
| Day | Route | Hours | Sleep |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kochkor → Kilemche jailoo via the Kyzart passRoad transfer from Kochkor to the trailhead is included. | 5 in the saddle | yurt at 2,500 m |
| 2 | Kilemche → Kyr Jol via the Jalgyz-Karagai pass (3,400 m)The high crossing of the trip, with a picnic lunch on the pass. | 5 in the saddle | yurt at Tuz-Ashuu, 3,000 m |
| 3 | Kyr Jol → Sook Kolot summer campStays high on the jailoo rather than dropping to the lakeshore — this is a pasture trip, not a lake trip. | 5 in the saddle | Mirlan's yurt, about 3,000 m |
| 4 | Sook Kolot → Uzun-Bulak valley via the Oiurma passBegins the descent line back toward Kochkor. | 5 in the saddle | yurt camp, about 2,800 m |
| 5 | Uzun-Bulak → Kochkor via the Kindick valleyA short final ride, then a long road transfer out. | 2 in the saddle, then 5-6 driving | not included |
Included
- 4 nights in a yurt
- transport from Kochkor to the trek start and back
- English-speaking guide
- horseman and horses
- all meals except dinner on the last day
- gas for tea
Not included
- hotel and meals in Bishkek and Kochkor
- Bishkek-Kochkor transport
- bottled water
- insurance
- tips
- sleeping bags
- riding gear including helmets
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for the Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit trek?
The best time is June to September; mid-May and late September carry snow on the passes. 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 Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit trek?
It runs 5 days / 4 nights, reaching about 3400 m. Difficulty is moderate.
How much does the Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit trek cost?
US$780-1,450 pp (~68,000-127,000 som) by group size: 2 people $1,450 each, 3 people $1,100, 4-5 people $950, 6-8 people $850, 9-10 people $780. A shorter 3-day Kilemche-Song-Köl package from another operator is published at $475 pp. Locally booked equivalents in Kochkor run 15,000-20,000 som, so agency and village pricing differ by roughly threefold — choose accordingly. 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.
How do you book the Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit 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 Kochkor and Kilemche Jailoo Circuit 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