Kyrgyzstan is a country of high mountains and unique natural sites. From ancient times to the present day, nomads have moved from gorge to gorge over high, unspoilt mountain passes to the alpine pastures where they spend the summer enjoying the pure, clean air. Now you have the chance to explore the mountains, green gorges, and turquoise alpine lakes with them. Walk the same roads used by shepherds since ancient times. You will meet locals along the way and learn more about Kyrgyz culture and history.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Most flights arrive very early in the morning. You will transfer to the hotel and check in at the hotel with time to rest after your long flight, take a shower, and have breakfast.
At 11:00 am, meet your guide in the hotel lobby for welcome briefing followed by lunch.
Bishkek, the charming capital of Kyrgyzstan, is relatively young. It started as a Russian garrison named “Pishpek” in the late 19th century, and it was only during the Soviet period that it grew into a city. It is a very green place, with tree-lined boulevards and many parks.
In the afternoon, we will set out on an orientation tour of Bishkek. We will start at the National Historical Museum on the main square Ala Too, to get an introduction to the country’s history and nomadic culture. We will also explore main sights such as the Ala-Too Square, White House, Old Square, and Victory Square. Welcome dinner will be in a tasty local restaurant.
Hotel Freedom 3*, 800m altitude
After breakfast, we drive one hour (40 km) to Ala Archa National Park in the mountains to the south of the Bishkek. We will have an acclimatization hike to Ak Sai waterfall (4km, from 2200m to 2870m). You can enjoy beautiful views of the valley and the surrounding mountains along the way. After picnic lunch, we walk back down and return to the city.
Hotel Freedom 3*, 800m altitude
After breakfast, we will depart for the mountain village of Kyzart. Our first stop is Burana Tower near the town of Tokmok, 60km east of Bishkek. Burana’s 11th-century minaret is the only remaining building from the ancient city of Balasagun, once the capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire. You can walk up the winding staircase and enjoy a wide view of the scenic Chuy Valley. There is also a small open-air museum of balbals, carved stone figures often found around ancient burial mounds. We will then continue driving further into the mountains, crossing two small mountain passes (Kubaky – 2100m, Kyzart – 2660m) to reach our small hotel in the mountain village of Kyzart. We will have lunch on the way and dinner in the hotel.
Kyzart Hotel, c. 1800m altitude
Today we ditch our wheels for walking boots and start our two-day walk to the mountain lake of Song Kul. We will meet our local support crew after breakfast and set off on our hike to Kilemche. The first part of the walk crosses the Kyzyl-Kiya Jailoo, an enormous sea of flat grass which Kyrgyz shepherds take advantage of for summer grazing. We will continue on into the Chaar-Archa Valley where we will break for lunch beside the river. The holy Baba-Ata Mountain (4,450 m) will be our lunchtime backdrop. After lunch, we will cross the river at a natural ford and follow the trail over the verdant hills to Kilemche Jailoo (“jailoo” means summer pasture in Kyrgyz), where we will spend the night in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. Each yurt has room for two people in twin beds, and all bedding and pillows will be provided. A basic long-drop toilet is located a short distance from the yurts.
Yurt camp, c. 2,600m altitude
After a cosy night under traditional felt, we will continue our walk this morning, ascending and crossing the Jaldyz Karagai Pass (around 700 m of ascent) which takes us up and over the Song Kul Range and into the lake’s basin. The morning’s climb affords wonderful views over the Kilemche Jailoo in one direction, whilst in the other we get our first glimpses of Song Kul. As we descend the mountain slopes the lake looms larger and larger until we reach its shores and our campsite for the night. The yurt camp here is a more permanent affair, with the same twin-yurt set up but with fixed, western-style toilets. This afternoon has been left free to relax in the atmospheric surroundings; alternatively, further walking is available or you can try out some horse riding. The shore of Song Kul is about 3 km from the yurt camp.
Yurt camp, c. 3,000 m altitude
After breakfast we will have some more free time at Song Kul. Lunch at the yurt camp.After lunch, we will continue on to Kochkor, a village which is now synonymous with handmade felt carpets. Kochkor’s inhabitants have pledged to keep alive their regional traditions, and before dinner we will visit a woman’s cooperative which specialises in making shyrdak, a colorful, hand-woven felt carpet which is ubiquitous in the homes and yurts of Central Asia. We will spend the night in a small hotel.
Hotel Nomad Lodge, c. 1,800 m altitude
After breakfast we will continue our journey to iconic Issyk Kul, the lake quite-rightly dubbed “The Pearl of Kyrgyzstan”. We will trace our way alongside its southern shores to the village of Kyzyl Tuu, one of the centers for yurt production. Here we will learn more about this traditional nomadic dwelling. Further along, we will meet an eagle hunter, who will give a demonstration for us. Our next stop is Skazka or “Fairytale Canyon”, so-called due to its bizarre landscape of intriguing rock formations, where we will have a walk. In the late afternoon we arrive at the yurt camp in Tamga, near the shore of lake Issyk Kul. If you like, you may go for a swim before dinner.
Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.
Yurt camp, c. 1,700 m altitude
After breakfast, transfer to the start point of the hiking. Today we start our 5-day hike to Ala Kul lake and further to the gorge of Altyn Arashan, where we will be eventually rewareded with a dip in hot springs. Today’s first hiking day from Svetlaya Polyana to Jety Oguz gorge is quite easy. We hike gradually up from 2340m to the pass at 2800m altitude. From the pass, we will then walk down to the gorge of Jety Oguz on 2200m altitude. We meet our driver and transfer to the yurt camp.
Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp in Jety Oguz.
Yurt camp, c. 2,300 m altitude
After breakfast, we will set off for the Telety Valley. Our path will go along the river bank in a very narrow wooded gorge called Aiu Tor which will lead us to the alpine meadows. Here, on a carpet of flowers with beautiful views, we will have our picnic lunch. In the afternoon we will continue the trek to the foot of the Telety Pass. We will enjoy dinner together and spend the night in a tent camp.
Tent camp, c. 3,000 m altitude
After breakfast we will trek over the Telety Pass (3,770 m). It will be not very difficult and the trail leads through a narrow path with a slight ascent. There are only two rather steep sections which require some effort. From the top of the pass we will enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. The descent is fairly simple. We will go along a wide slope covered with talus, across alpine meadows with various herbs and flowers, and along the East Telety River. Later, we will hike through the forest along a trail covered with roots. We will have dinner and overnight in a tent camp in Karakol Gorge.
Tent camp, c. 2,600 m altitude
After a hearty breakfast, we will start our hike to Ala Kul. This lake is not far away in distance, but most of the route is a quite steep ascent. We will be in no hurry today, though, and will take plenty of breaks, capturing beautiful photos and catching our breath. Ala Kul is mountain lake more than 70 m deep, and it is of incomparable beauty. From the shore of the lake, you can see the glacier which is its source. Dinner will be served and we will overnight in a tent camp near the lake.
Tent camp, c. 3,600 m altitude
This morning after breakfast we will climb further up to the Ala Kul Pass (3,860 m) (about 4 km, 2-2.5 hours) and enjoy breathtaking views of Ala Kul Lake. Ala Kul means “Colorful Lake” in the Kyrgyz language, and from here you will understand why. Depending on the light, the water changes its color: it can be emerald green, turquoise with white clouds reflected in it, light green, dark grey, or even black. We will descend from the pass along a talus slope and then cross the picturesque Keldike Valley with its stunning landscapes and herds of cattle and flocks of sheep grazing. Going through a forest we will end up in the Altyn Arashan Valley. This place is famous for its hot springs, the temperature of which is 50 Celsius. You can enjoy the naturally heated thermal baths in old-fashioned Russian houses. After some rest, we will meet Russian Military trucks for the bumpy road that brings us to Karakol in about 2 hours. Dinner at the local restaurant and check-in at the hotel.
Hotel 78 or similar, c. 1,700m altitude
Karakol was founded as a Russian military outpost in 1869. It grew in the 19th century after explorers came to map the peaks and valleys separating Kyrgyzstan from China. In the 1880s Karakol’s population surged with an influx of Dungans, Chinese Muslims fleeing warfare in China. After breakfast, we will have a short tour of the town’s most interesting sights. The tour includes the Dungan Mosque, built in 1904; and the wooden Russian Orthodox Church, which has been standing since 1869. Afterwards, we depart from Karakol and drive along the northern shore of lake Issyk Kul back in the direction of Bishkek. About half an hour after leaving Issyk Kul, we drive into the mountain valley of Chon Kemin, where we spend the night in a comfortable guesthouse.
Kemin Guesthouse, c. 1,600 m altitude
Today morning, we spend some more time in Chon Kemin. You may go on a short hike or try out horse riding. We will also watch a performance of traditional Kyrgyz horse games. After lunch, we depart from Chon Kemin and drive back to Bishkek, where we arrive in the late afternoon. You will have a chance to do some shopping if you like or get packed. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
Hotel Freedom 3* or similar, 800 m altitude
Today it is time to say a fond farewell to Kyrgyzstan. Early in the morning you will transfer to Bishkek International Airport. We sincerely hope you will have enjoyed your trip and will return soon to explore more of Central Asia.
The Kyrgyz currency is called the Som (KGS). In the capital Bishkek and larger towns, there are many ATMs that you can find in shopping centers, supermarkets, or on the main streets. All of them accept Visa cards and some, like Kyrgyz Kommerts Bank, Demir Bank and Uni Credit accept other cards such as MasterCard. In the mountains and small villages, you better don't rely on ATMs. We also recommend that you bring some cash in new USD banknotes of denominations of at least 20 USD. There are many exchange offices, some working 24/7. Small and old-looking bank notes are harder to exchange. Paying directly with a credit card is still not possible everywhere. An emergency fund of around 500 USD in cash is always good to have during guided trips to Central Asia.
Kyrgyzstan is the most liberal and democratic country in the Central Asian region. The political situation in the country is calm and there is nothing to suggest that this situation might change. Guests and locals are treated with respect and the whole country can be regarded as a very safe destination for travelers. That said, you are advised to wear a money belt, watch your belongings, avoid dark streets at night, and only use official taxis. Your safety is our first priority at Kalpak Travel; we know and regularly assess all our Kyrgyz partners and we closely monitor political events.
Citizens of all Western countries do not need a visa for a stay of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. To be sure whether you need a visa or not you can contact us. Any special permits that you might need for access to places that will be visited during your tour, we will provide to you free of charge.
As soon as we receive your deposit payment, we will confirm your booking and send you an email with important pre-departure information. Please read it carefully as it contains important information on customs regulations for Kyrgyzstan.
The climate of Kyrgyzstan is continental and dry in the majority of the country, including the largest cities. In the Ferghana Valley in the south and in the capital Bishkek, summers are very hot with day temperatures between 30° and 40° Celsius. However, most of the country is situated more than 1500 meters above sea level, where temperatures are in the mid-20s during summer. At high altitudes of 3000 meters or more it may even snow overnight during the summer, so make sure you bring some warm clothes. The best season to visit for activity or jeep tours would be in summer and winter for skiing tours. Please note, the weather in some mountain areas may change quickly.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered, or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice either. Do not eat ice cream. Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. If you follow these basic rules, you are likely to avoid any health issues like traveler’s diarrhea. Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus are recommended vaccinations for Kyrgyzstan. Ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including repatriation. Medical services in Kyrgyzstan are basic at best.
