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Kel-Suu Lake 2-Day Expedition from Naryn
A long, narrow lake at 3,514 m between cliffs in the Kakshaal-Too range, close to the Chinese border. It sits in a border zone, so it needs a permit. We arrange it; you send us your passport details in time.
Photo: Калачев Сергей · CC BY 3.0Kel-Suu lakeKok-Kiya valley
Photo: HaSe · CC BY-SA 4.0Inside a yurton foot or on horseback to the lake
the road south from Naryn
Why this trip
Kel-Suu (also written Kol-Suu or Köl-Suu) fills a narrow gorge in the Kakshaal-Too range, in the At-Bashy district of Naryn region, a short distance from the Chinese border. Steep rock walls drop straight into the water. The trip is simple in shape: drive south from Naryn through At-Bashy into the Kok-Kiya valley, sleep in a yurt camp, and walk or ride the last stretch to the lake.
Where it starts. This trip starts and ends in Naryn. That is what makes two days honest: from Naryn it is around five hours by 4x4 to the yurt camps, longer after rain. From Kochkor or Bishkek you need either a very early start or an extra night in Naryn; we arrange either on request.
The permit. Kel-Suu is inside the border zone. You need a permit issued in advance, checked with your passport at a checkpoint on the way in. We apply for it; you send a passport scan at least three weeks before your trip.
The water. Kel-Suu drains underground and its level changes from year to year. In 2019 it emptied almost completely. We cannot promise the view in the photos, and we would rather say so here.
The price is published below, and the trip is planned by Ilgiz, our lead guide from Kochkor, with more than 15 years of guiding travellers.
Planning it yourself first? Read our Kel-Suu lake guide.
Transparent pricing
Per person, in USD. What is included is listed below and confirmed in writing with your quote.
| Group size | Price / person |
|---|---|
| Group of 4 | $395 per person |
| Solo, pair and larger groups | In our reply |
Solo, pair and larger groups: exact price in our reply within 24 hours.
Day by day
Sample itinerary — Ilgiz confirms the exact route and camps for your dates.
-
Day 1
Naryn → At-Bashy → Kok-Kiya valley → Kel-Suu
Early start from Naryn. South through At-Bashy, then rough 4x4 track to the border-zone checkpoint, where permits and passports are checked, and on into the Kok-Kiya valley. Lunch at the yurt camp, then walk or ride to the lake: roughly 10–12 km each way, about three hours on foot, less on horseback. Back at camp for dinner and the night. It is a long day.
≈ 5 h drive≈ 6 h walking round tripYurt camp -
Day 2
Kok-Kiya valley → Naryn
Breakfast in the valley and a slow morning, then the drive back out past the checkpoint to Naryn, arriving in the afternoon. Onward transfer to Kochkor or Bishkek on request.
≈ 4–5 h driveNaryn drop-off
What's included
Our standard plan for this trip. Your written quote confirms every line before anything is charged.
Included in $395
- Border-zone permit, applied for by us
- 4x4 with driver, Naryn – Kok-Kiya valley – Naryn
- English-speaking guide — we tell you who before you commit
- 1 night in a yurt camp, with dinner and breakfast
Not included
- Horse for the lake section — tell us if you want one
- Boat trips on the lake, offered locally when the water allows
- Transfers to or from Naryn, and nights in Naryn (on request)
- Travel insurance with medical and evacuation cover
- Tips for guide and driver (optional)
Meet your guide
Ilgiz — founder & lead guide
Ilgiz is from Kochkor, in the same Naryn region as Kel-Suu, and has guided travellers for more than 15 years. He plans this trip, and our team handles the permit application. When you enquire, we tell you which guide is assigned to your dates before you commit to anything. More about Ilgiz
Questions about this tour
What do you need from me for the border permit, and when?
A clear scan of your passport photo page, at least three weeks before your trip. Processing usually takes one to two weeks, and the permit is a paper document that travels with the group. At the checkpoint the guards check it against your original passport, so bring the same passport you sent us. Without a valid permit you are turned back.
Why does the trip start in Naryn?
Because that is what makes two days honest. From Naryn it is around five hours by 4x4 to the yurt camps, which leaves the afternoon for the lake. Starting from Kochkor or Bishkek adds several hours of driving each way. We can arrange that transfer, or a night in Naryn, on request.
Will the lake be full when I go?
We cannot promise it. Kel-Suu drains underground, and its level changes from year to year; in 2019 it emptied almost completely. Ask us about the current level when you enquire and we will tell you what we know.
How hard is the walk to the lake?
Moderate. Expect roughly 10 to 12 km each way over uneven ground at around 3,500 m, with a steeper final section, about three hours each way on foot. A horse makes it faster and easier; tell us if you want one.
More planning: Kel-Suu lake guide · Best time to visit Kyrgyzstan · All travel guides
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