Explore Kyrgyzstan

Early arrival in Bishkek where everyone will be picked up at the airport by our driver. Short transfer to your hotel in Bishkek city centre and resting time in the morning. Around midday, meeting at the reception desk with your guide for the general briefing, before enjoying a tasty Kyrgyz lunch. Then we stop at Ala Too Square where you will start a walking tour of Bishkek. You will be able to visit countless parks, the Osh Bazar and get to know your guide. Tonight, everyone will get to know each other at a welcome dinner with a mix of the best local dishes and drinks.

The road takes up the valley of Chuy, to arrive at the lake Issyk Kul, the 2nd biggest mountain's lake to the world after Titicaca. The road passes by the south bank of the lake Issyk Kul, very authentic and surprising landscapes between forests and desert. Installation at the inhabitant in Bokonbaeva or under yurt by the lake.

On the way, visit of Burana tower site, on the ruins of the ancient Karakhanid’s capital, Balasagyn. Lunch in Boom gorge and then short walk (2h) in Konorchek canyon to admire the red rocks structures.

Other options: rafting in the river of Chuy or Chong Kemin, visit of the ancient cities: Ak-Beshim, Navekat ; meeting with a hunter provided with an eagle; visit of the producers of yurts of the village of Kyzyl Tuu.

Day active or day of rest, relaxation, swimming in the waters of Lake Issyk Kul. Overnight in yurts the all year-around on the shore of the lake.

Options included : hiking on the Boz Alkyn pasture, hiking Skazka canyon "fairy tale",

Options non included : eagle training, visit of holy springs of Manjili Ata, visit of Ak-Say canyon, visit of Kyzyl Tuu village and yurt makers,

Depending on your wishes, the options can be combined in advance with your trip designer or with your guide once there.

After breakfast, we begin our journey along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake with a meaningful cultural encounter. In the village of Kyzyl Tuu, we meet Kurmanbek and his family, renowned craftsmen who have been building traditional yurts for generations. He introduces us to the art and symbolism of yurt construction, a true emblem of the nomadic cultures of Central Asia, and shares the ancestral techniques used to create these remarkable portable homes.

We then continue toward Bokonbaevo, where we meet a traditional eagle hunter and his trained hunting bird. During this fascinating demonstration, he explains the deep bond between hunter and bird, revealing the secrets of training and caring for these majestic predators — a practice rooted in Kyrgyz heritage.

Our route then leads us to the village of Kochkor, a center of Kyrgyz handicraft traditions. Here, we visit a local felt cooperative where artisans demonstrate the delicate and ancient process of felt making, an essential skill in nomadic life. Lunch is served in a welcoming guesthouse or cozy café, offering a chance to relax and experience local hospitality.

In the afternoon, we leave the villages behind and drive toward the highlands of Song Kul Lake, crossing the scenic mountain pass of Kalmak-Ashuu (3,447 m). From the pass, breathtaking panoramic views open over the vast alpine landscapes, inviting frequent photo stops.

By late afternoon, we arrive at our yurt camp in Batay Aral, located at 3,016 meters above sea level, at the foot of the surrounding mountains. Upon arrival, there is time to explore the peaceful surroundings, meet nomadic families, observe daily activities such as gathering livestock or milking cows, or simply admire the changing colors of the lake and steppe. Horse riding is also possible for those wishing to explore the nearby hills and enjoy stunning viewpoints over Song Kul.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional yurt, immersed in the tranquility of the Kyrgyz high pastures.
 

One-day walking on the horses in the Son-Kul. We will discover nomad’s life. We will walk around the yurts and go up high mountains with shepherd... Coming back to the yurts camp. We will spend the night and have a dinner in the yurt.

We leave at 8 am to Moldo-Ashuu pass. Glimpsing Song Kul for the last time, we start driving and discover the Naryn river valley. It is still the beginning of the mighty Syr-Daria, known as Iaxartes by the ancient Greeks, irrigating Central Asia with his sibling Amu-Daria.
We continue driving across Tien Shan Mountains. Visit of 18th and 19th centuries mausoleums. Lunch in Baetov’s oasis. We cross the mountains thanks to MELS pass.
Arrival in the valley of At Bashy at Jackshylyk, a farmer from the region who welcomes us to his house in the last Kyrgyz village before China, on the ancient Silk Road.
Overnight in the homestay.
 

We begin a horse ride that will lead us from Chatyr-Kul to Tash-Rabat through a 4104 m high pass along the trails of caravans from the times of the Great Silk Road. From the pass you will see neighboring China!

We spend the night in a yurt with a local shepherd near the caravanserai.

NOTE. If you wish, you can go for a walk instead of horse riding.

We start a horseback ride that will take us from Chatyr Kul to Tash Rabat crossing a high mountain pass 4104 m high on the caravan tracks of the Silk Road period. From the pass, you can see China!

We spent the night in the family yurt of a nomadic shepherd near the caravanserai.

NOTE: Instead of riding, it is possible to walk if you prefer

Before leaving, we will have time to inspect the caravanserai from the inside
Long road to Bishkek. Arrival in Bishkek in the afternoon, time for the last shopping.

Depending on your flight time, your guide will join you to the airport and help you check in for your flight.  If your flight is later in the day your guide will show you more places in Bishkek before your flight. We hope you enjoyed your trip to Kyrgyzstan and we hope you come back again to explore other counties in Central Asia with us.