Embark on a captivating trekking journey through the stunning landscapes of the Issyk-Kul region, from Bokonbaevo to Naryn. This adventure takes you through remote jailoos, scenic mountain passes, and the rich culture of Kyrgyz shepherds.
Duration: 8 days
Level of Difficulty: Moderate (2 passes ASL 3 800 m)
Category: Trekking/ Horseback riding tour
Best season: July – August
Accommodation: Overnights in tents or shepherd’s yurt
Group size: best size from 1 to 8
Requirements: weatherproof warm clothing, trekking boots, hat, sleeping bags and mats.
Jailoos are the traditional summer pastures where Kyrgyz shepherds take their flocks to graze in the lush mountain meadows. For an authentic and immersive experience, journey through the remote valleys of Orto-Syrt and Bokonbaevo village in the Issyk-Kul region via Tong Pass. Discover the rich culture, warm hospitality, and breathtaking landscapes as you move from jailoo to jailoo, staying with shepherd families in peaceful meadows far from the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy homemade jams, fresh cream, warm bread, and the finest kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) for an unforgettable experience.
Day 1: Begin your journey with early morning transportation from Bokonbaevo village towards the Tong mountain range. Stop at the small village Tuura Suu to meet your guide team and start trekking to Kok Bulak Jailoo. Enjoy a hearty lunch before continuing your trek. Dinner and accommodation in the first shepherd’s yurt. Trekking time: 4.5-5 hours. Horseback time: 3.5–4 hours.
Day 2: After breakfast, continue trekking up along the Kok-Bulak river towards Tong Pass. Conquer Tong Pass (4,016 m) over the Terskey Mountain range, reaching Orto Syrt mountain valley (over 3,000 m). Enjoy a picnic at the top, then descend to an old sanatorium where you can take a rejuvenating hot spring bath. Dinner and overnight in a tent. Trekking time: 6-7 hours. Horseback time: 5.5–6 hours
Day 3: Spend the next morning trekking through Jyluu Suu gorge to reach Keruu Jailoo. Here, you will be warmly welcomed by a local shepherd in his yurt. Enjoy a delicious lunch and overnight stay in a yurt camp. Trekking time: 3-4 hours. Horseback time: 3.5–4 hours
Day 4: After a fresh breakfast from the shepherd’s yurt, continue west along the mountain river “Balgard” to the place Kuzgun Uya. Overnight in a tent. Trekking time: 5-6 hours. Horseback time: 4–5 hours
Day 5: Travel into the southern part of Orto Syrt valley, where the jailoos belong to Naryn region. Stop for lunch at a Naryn shepherd’s yurt. Walk up to Jakbolot Pass and sleep at the foot of the pass in a tent. Trekking time: 6-7 hours. Horseback time: 5.5–6 hours
Day 6: Cross Jakbolot Pass (3,841 m) and reach Keng-Say Jailoo, where you will stay in a shepherd’s yurt or tent. Enjoy a picnic on the way, followed by dinner and breakfast in the shepherd’s tent. Trekking time: 6-7 hours. Horseback time: 6 hours
Day 7: After breakfast, trek down to the valley of Eki-Naryn to Jailoo “Chyrpykty,” where you will spend the night in a shepherd’s yurt. Trekking time: 6-7 hours. Horseback time: 6 hours
Day 8: On your final day, relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere at Chyrpykty Jailoo. Participate in the daily life of shepherds—milking mares, making traditional milk products like kymyz, and tending to livestock. After a delightful lunch, transfer to Naryn city with a scenic 2-3 hour drive. End of the trek. Horseback time: 2.5-3 hours