Kyrgyzstan is the country of high Mountains and unique nature. The ancient and present nomads moved from gorge to gorge over high untouched mountain passes to the alpine pastures to spend the summer in the quiet, among the mountains with pure, clean air. Now you have the chance to explore the mountains, green gorges, and turquoise alpine lakes. Walk the same roads the shepherds have passed since ancient times and feel as if you are the first explorer. Meet locals along the way and learn more about the Kyrgyz culture and history.
Welcome to Central Asia! Transfer to the hotel and early check in at the hotel. You can have a rest after your long flight, take a shower and have breakfast.
In the afternoon we will have a city tour in Bishkek. The tour includes Osh Bazaar, Panfilov Park, Ala-Too Square with the National History Museum, and monuments to national hero Manas, writer Chingiz Aitmatov and another Kyrgyz hero Baatyr Kozhomkul. Dinner in a nice local restaurant.
Asia Mountains Hotel or similar
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the National Park of the valley of Chon Kemin to the starting point of the trek to the gorge Tory-Aigyr. The first stop after 80km is at Burana Tower. The minaret was built in the 11th century in the medieval town of Balasagun, capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire. You can climb up the winding staircase to enjoy a nice view of the Chuy Valley. There is also an open-air museum featuring a collection of ancient balbals, carved stone figures used as monuments. We then continue driving to Chon Kemin to meet with support staff, including horses for luggage. Start the trekking on a delightful light ascent to Tory-Aigyr (+350m elevation gain). Here you can see a unique spectacle – meadows, full of edelweiss.
Overnight in tents, ca. 2400m altitude
Our path takes us to the pass Tor-Aigyr (2400m). Then we will cross another small unnamed pass at about 2900m. Trekking towards the mountain lake Kol-Kogur. The lake is a magnificent spectacle in the bright sunshine. It looks like a sapphire set amongst a vast array of silver, snow-covered mountains. Stay overnight in tents by the lake.
Overnight in tents, ca. 2400m altitude
After breakfast at the shore of the lake we hike over pass Kol-Kogur (3250m). The path passes through alpine meadows, where we are likely to meet locals spending their summer with their families and livestock. We have a picnic near the pass and then descent to a nice place by a river, where we set up our tents.
Overnight in tents, ca. 2400m altitude
Today we trek down to the mouth of the Kol-Tor valley, where we have picnic for lunch. At the end of the valley we will meet our car and transfer to Cholpon-Ata on the northern shore of lake Issyk Kul (ca. 40km). Free time for swimming in the lake. Optionally it is possible to do motor boat excursion during 1 hour on the lake. It is the second largest mountain lake after Titicaca and referred to as the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan”. Accommodation in the hotel on the shore of the lake.
Hotel Raduga or similar, 1600m altitude
Free time in the morning. After lunch transfer to Jergalan village in the mountains to the East of lake Issyk Kul. On the way we visit an open-air museum of ancient petroglyphs. Upon arrival to Jergalan village we have dinner and overnight in the family guesthouse.
Simple family guesthouse (single room not guaranteed, shared western toilet and shower), ca. 2300m altitude
After breakfast we start trekking from the guesthouse. First we follow an asphalt road and then shepherd trail to the foot step of Pass Terim Tor Bulak. Along the Jyrgalan Gorge we enjoy panoramic view and will see the legendary Tulpar Tash stone. After we turn from the main Eki Chat Valley to Terim Tor Bulak gorge and arrive at the tent camp.
Overnight in tents, ca. 2900m altitude
From our tent camp we start ascent to Pass Terim Tor Bulak (3470m), go over it and come down to Turgon Ak-Suu gorge (2660m).
Overnight in tents, ca. 2660m altitude
Today we cross one more pass – Boz Uchuk Pass (3360m). We the hike down to Boz Uchuk gorge, where we have a picnic for lunch and meet our driver and car. Transfer to the town of Karakol, administrative center of Issyk Kul region. Dinner with an Uighur family (small Muslim nation that migrated from China). Overnight in the hotel.
Hotel Amir or similar, ca. 1800m altitude
After breakfast we have a short tour of the town, including the wooden Orthodox Church, the colorful wooden Dungan Mosque and the History Regional Museum.
We then transfer along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul to Tosor village. On the way, we will visit the canyon “Skazka” translated as “Fairytale” due to its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into fabulous sculptures and formations. We will go for a short hike at the canyon and have picnic there for lunch. In Tosor we will have dinner and be staying at a Yurt camp. Upon arrival there is some time to go swimming in the lake before dinner.
Overnight in yurt – 2-4 people in a yurt, facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water)
After breakfast we depart towards another mountain lake – Song Kul. On the way we stop in the village of Kochkor to visit a workshop where local women produce goods of felt. You can even make your own little carpet if you like. We will have lunch there.
In the afternoon we drive up to Song Kul lake, to the starting point of our next trek. Lake Song Kul is a mountainous lake on the altitude of 3016 meters above the sea level. The nomads pass their summer on the “jailoo” (summer pasture) with their animals. You can see herds of horses and sheep grazing on meadows full of edelweiss.
Overnight in tents, ca. 3000m altitude
A 3-days trek through the Moldo Too mountain range takes you along a trail used by ancient nomads. The path goes through valleys and passes from 3400 m to 3700 m above sea level, through flower-covered meadows and mountains inhabited by Lammergeyer vultures, where herds of horses, cows and sheep graze around the yurts of people who spend their summer on the jailoos. Meet the car at the beginning of Ak kuduk valley. Picnic. After transfer to Naryn (80 km). Family run accommodation in Naryn. (5-6 hours of trekking every day). For each overnight you will be staying by the river side.
Overnight in tents during trekking and in family guesthouse in Naryn (shared western toilet and shower)
Transfer to Bishkek. The road goes via Dolon Pass (3000m). Upon arrival in Bishkek free time and then farewell dinner.
Asia Mountains Hotel or similar
Today it is time to say a fond farewell to Kyrgyzstan. Early morning transfer to Bishkek International Airport. We sincerely hope you 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 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 or Maestro card. Outside of Bishkek, we don’t recommend relying on ATMs as there are so few of them. 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 at most places, except for high-end restaurants, hotels and a small number of international stores. 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. For the last seven years, the political situation in the country has been 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 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 most 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 check on www.thevisamachine.com. 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 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 the 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, weather in some mountain areas may be very changeable.
Do not drink water, unless it is bottled, filtered or boiled. Do not use tap water for brushing 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.
