The Jailoo Journey

Highlights of the 14-Day Jailoo Journey

• Scenic Drives and Village Life: Begin your journey with a drive from Bishkek to the serene Chon Kemin Valley, where you'll enjoy village life, nature walks, and the warm hospitality of local guesthouses.

• Alpine Lake Songkul & Traditions: Marvel at the scenic beauty of Alpine Lake Songkul. Partake in a traditional Boorsok masterclass and enjoy horseback riding in the picturesque surroundings before heading to Naryn.

• Remote Wilderness of Keltor and Kelsuu: Experience the authentic nomadic lifestyle in a yurt at the Keltor Yurt Camp, complete with a hike to a secluded lake. Discover the remote, rugged beauty of Kelsuu with opportunities for trekking or horseback riding.

• Cultural Crafts and Canyons: Engage in a hands-on felt-making masterclass in Kochkor. Visit Kyzyl Tuu to learn the intricate art of yurt-making from a local family, and explore the stunning panoramic views of Aksai Canyon.

• Nomadic Heritage & Women Guardians: Meet local women who proudly preserve Kyrgyz traditions and heritage. Discover the history behind national attire and nomadic family dynamics before journeying to Jeti-Oguz and Jyrgalan.

• Deep Tien Shan Trekking Adventure: Embark on a thrilling 4-day trek through breathtaking alpine landscapes. Conquer the Terim-Too and Bozuchuk Passes, cross wild rivers, and sleep under the stars in remote yurt and tent camps.

• Karakol's Culture and Hot Springs: Explore Karakol's vibrant culture and local bazaar. Unwind after your long trek in the therapeutic natural hot springs of Ak Syy village, and enjoy a traditional Dungan dinner.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek to Chon Kemin

Begin your day by getting picked up from the hotel and starting the drive to Chon Kemin Valley. Once you arrive, check in at your guesthouse and start exploring the surroundings. Enjoy lunch at the guesthouse before exploring the nearby village and immersing yourself in nature. End your day with a relaxing dinner.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals: Lunch and dinner at the guesthouse

Drive Approx: 3 hours

Day 2: Chon-Kemin to Songkul

After breakfast, begin your drive to Alpine Lake Songkul. On the way, make a stop at the Kok Moinok Canyon, then head to the town of Kochkor for lunch and a visit to a lovely local carpet shop. Continue your journey to Songkul, arriving in the afternoon to settle in. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Boorsok masterclass followed by dinner.

Overnight: Yurt Camp

Meals: Lunch in Kochkor, dinner at the yurt camp

Drive Approx: 3 hours (with stops)

Day 3: Songkul to Naryn

Start your day with a delightful breakfast, followed by three hours of scenic horseback riding. Afterward, relish a meal at the yurt camp. Begin your journey to Naryn, taking the opportunity to stop at a charming small waterfall along the way. Conclude the day with a cozy dinner at a local home with your guide or at a local cafe.

Overnight: Homestay (optional) or Guesthouse

Meals: Lunch at the yurt camp, dinner at a local home/cafe

Drive Approx: 3 hours (with stops)

Day 4: Naryn to Keltor

At Keltor Yurt Camp, start your day with breakfast and lunch. After lunch, embark on an afternoon hike to a picturesque small lake. In the evening, return to the camp for a delightful dinner. (Please note: The yurt camp is simple, with no shower, an outside toilet, and traditional fire heating inside the yurt).

Overnight: Yurt Camp

Meals: Lunch and dinner at the yurt camp

Drive Approx: 3 hours (with stops)

Day 5: Keltor to Kelsuu

After an early breakfast, drive to the remote Kelsuu area (special border permits are required and provided). After lunch, begin your trek towards the magnificent lake, which takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours one way. If you prefer, you can opt to ride a horse instead of walking. After your adventure, head back to camp for a delightful dinner.

Overnight: Yurt Camp

Meals: Lunch and dinner at the yurt camp

Drive Approx: 4 hours (with stops)

Day 6: Kelsuu to Kochkor

After breakfast, begin your drive to Kochkor town. Take a break along the way for a late lunch. Following lunch, you will participate in an authentic felt-making masterclass and have the opportunity to explore the natural surroundings of the town. This is designed as a restful day to recharge.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals: Lunch and dinner at the guesthouse

Drive Approx: 4 hours (with stops)

Day 7: Kochkor to Bokonbaevo

Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then embark on a drive to Kyzyl Tuu village, where you'll discover the art of yurt-making and enjoy lunch with a local family. Following this, head to Aksai Canyon for a brief hike to take in the stunning panoramic views. You’ll have the opportunity to swim in the lake before heading to your guesthouse for dinner.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals: Lunch with a local family, dinner at the guesthouse

Drive Approx: 3 hours (with stops)

Day 8: Bokonbaevo to Karakol

After breakfast, meet a local falconer to delve into the ancient tradition of eagle hunting. Following that, embark on a journey to meet local women who serve as the guardians of Kyrgyz heritage. They will share fascinating history regarding national attire, family dynamics, and child-rearing practices. Finally, travel to the famous Jeti-Oguz Valley for exploration, ending the day in Karakol.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals: Lunch at a local home, dinner at a cafe

Drive Approx: 4 hours (with stops)

Day 9: Trekking to Terim-Too Pass (Day 1 of Trek)

Drive from Karakol to Jyrgalan to begin your deep mountain trek. You can start walking directly from Jyrgalan village (16 km distance), or drive halfway and walk the remaining 8 km to the camping site. You will spend the night resting before tomorrow's ascent.

Distance: 8–16 km

Overnight: Yurt Camp or Tent (Altitude: 3000m)

Day 10: Crossing Terim-Too and Bozuchuk Passes (Day 2 of Trek)

Go over Terim-Too Pass (3400m) and cross the Turgon-Aksuu river. From the Turgon-Aksuu valley to the Bozuchuk valley, you will need to carry enough drinking water as sources are limited. Ascend over Bozuchuk Pass (3362m) and take in the stunning views of the Bozuchuk lakes (3600m) on your way to the campsite.

Distance: 19 km

Overnight: Camp Site (Altitude: 3400m)

Day 11: Trekking to Jergez (Day 3 of Trek)

Leave the campsite and walk towards Ailanysh Pass, passing by the beautiful Ailanysh Lake (3432m). Continue your descent through the alpine wilderness until you reach your next campsite in the Jergez area.

Distance: 15 km

Overnight: Camp Site in Jergez (Altitude: 3300m)

Day 12: Descent to Karakol (Day 4 of Trek)

Leave the Jergez campsite and hike down to Jergez village. You will be picked up from the village and transferred back to Karakol. Check into your guesthouse, enjoy a much-needed hot shower to refresh, and head out for a celebratory traditional Dungan dinner.

Distance: 15 km

Overnight: Guesthouse in Karakol

Trek Difficulty: 3/5 (Physically challenging) | Max Elev: 3671m | Min Elev: 1875m

Day 13: Explore Karakol and Aksuu

Explore the culture and history of Karakol town and visit the bustling local bazaar. After lunch, travel to Ak Syy village to visit a local mill and private museum. Spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing and rejuvenating your muscles in the natural hot springs.

Overnight: Guesthouse

Meals: Lunch and dinner at a local cafe

Drive Approx: 40 mins

Day 14: Karakol to Bishkek

Conclude your journey with a scenic drive back to Bishkek. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the route. Upon arrival, check into your hotel for a well-deserved rest, followed by a farewell dinner in a local cafe.

Overnight: Hotel in Bishkek

Meals: Picnic lunch, dinner at a cafe

Drive Approx: 6 hours

What's Included

Included:

• Driver

• English-speaking guide

• Accommodation on a twin-sharing basis with breakfast (except during trekking days)

• Meals (as specified in the itinerary)

• Border permits

• Horses for the trek to carry luggage

• Horses for riding in Kelsuu

• Activities mentioned in this itinerary

Not Included:

• Flights

• Visa

• Single supplement

• Travel and medical insurance

• Tips

• Alcohol and drinks at cafes

• Boat fee in Kelsuu

• Personal expenses

• Anything not mentioned in the "Included" section