Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Most flights arrive very early in the morning. Transfer to the hotel and early check-in. You can have a rest after your long flight 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 a monument to national hero Manas. Dinner in a nice local restaurant with folklore show
Hotel Navat or similar
Transfer to Ala Archa National Park, in the mountains, just 30km outside of Bishkek. We start there our winter light trek with snowshoes (if the weather allows) to the frozen waterfall. Lunch as a picnic in fresh air. In the afternoon transfer to the hotel. Dinner in the local restaurant with New Year performance. Overnight in the hotel.
Notes: for trekking you need normal hiking shoes, as it is in wintertime be sure that they are waterproof.
Hotel Navat or similar
After breakfast we depart from Bishkek. First stop is Burana Tower near the town of Tokmok, 60km east of Bishkek. The minaret from the 11th century is the only remaining building from the ancient town of Balasagun, once capital of the mighty Karakhanid empire. You can walk up the winding staircase and enjoy a nice view of the Chuy valley. There is also a small open-air museum with “balbals”, carved stone figures used as monuments.
We then continue driving further into the mountains to a guesthouse in the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Upon arrival we have lunch at the guesthouse. In the afternoon we go for a light trek to the panorama view or optionally rent horses and do horse trek for about 2-3 hours. In the evening before dinner, you can learn how “Boorsok” (deep-fried, typical Kyrgyz bread) is made. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.
Ashu Guesthouse (single/ twin room with private bathroom)
After breakfast transfer to Karakol along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Lake Issyk Kul is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, after Titicaca. Located at an altitude of 1600m, it is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded completely by the Tien Shan Mountains.
We drive along the entire northern shore of the lake and make a stop halfway, near Cholpon Ata, to visit an open-air site with many ancient petroglyphs, i.e. stone drawings.
By late afternoon we arrive in Karakol and start our city tour. We will visit Russian Orthodox Church made of wood and Muslim Mosque in Dungan Style. In the evening, you will experience how to cook “Lagman” (Central Asian dish of pulled noodles, meat, and vegetables), with Uighur family in Karakol. Overnight in the hotel.
Green Yard Hotel or similar
After breakfast, transfer to Nature Park Ak-Suu (20 km). We start with an excursion in Dendra Park with the many different trees from all over the world. After we go trekking with snowshoes in the Nature Park during 4-5 hours (about 12-13 km of the hike). You will cross Kara-Beltek pass 2606 m and come down to Karakol town. As an alternative to hiking, you may choose to go skiing. The car will be waiting for us to transfer back to Karakol. In the evening celebration of the New Year with the Kyrgyz family. Overnight in the hotel.
Green Yard Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we drive along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul to the village of Bokonbaevo. On the way we visit Jety Oguz Valley with the famous red rock formations “Seven Bulls” and the “Broken Heart”. Your guide will tell you the legends of how the rocks got these names. The next stop is 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 go for a short hike.
Finish the day in Almaluu yurt camp. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp.
After breakfast, transfer to Bishkek, along the southern shore of Issyk- Kul Lake. Optionally, in Kyzyl – Tuu village visit one of the families who produce wooden parts of a yurt, nomad dwelling house. We will get to know all the secrets of yurt making and see its process of making. On the way, we stop at Konorchok Canyons. If the weather allows, we can do a light hike for about 3 hours. Upon arrival to Bishkek, check into the hotel and enjoy free time, before the farewell dinner. Overnight in the hotel.
Hotel Navat or similar
Transfer to the airport for departure flight back home.
Currently there are no planned trips. Please contact us if you would like to know about the availability of this tour in the future.
The Kyrgyz currency is the som (KGS). In the capital, Bishkek, and in larger towns, ATMs are widely available in shopping centers, supermarkets, and along main streets. Most ATMs accept Visa cards, and some—such as Kyrgyz Commercial Bank, Demir Bank, and UniCredit—also accept other cards, including MasterCard. In the mountains and small villages, however, it’s best not to rely on ATMs. We recommend bringing some cash in new, clean USD banknotes, as they are easier to exchange. There are many currency exchange offices, some operating 24/7. Small or worn banknotes can be more difficult to exchange. Paying directly by credit card is possible in most shops and restaurants in cities and larger towns.
Kyrgyzstan is widely regarded as the most open and democratic country in Central Asia, offering a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere for visitors. The political situation is stable, and everyday life is calm and peaceful. Travelers are warmly received, locals are respectful and hospitable, and the country is considered a very safe destination to explore. As with travel anywhere in the world, we recommend taking simple precautions such as wearing a money belt, keeping an eye on your belongings, avoiding poorly lit streets at night, and using official taxis. At Kalpak Travel, your safety is always our top priority. We work closely with trusted local partners across Kyrgyzstan and continuously monitor local conditions to ensure a safe, smooth, and enjoyable journey.
Citizens of many developed countries do not require a visa for stays of up to 60 days in Kyrgyzstan. If you are unsure whether you need a visa, please feel free to contact us. Any special permits required to access locations included in your tour will be arranged by us free of charge.
Kyrgyzstan boasts a continental climate that is mostly dry across the country, including its largest cities. In the Ferghana Valley in the south and in the capital, Bishkek, summers can be very hot, with daytime temperatures ranging from 30° to 40°C (86°–104°F). Most of the country, however, sits high in the mountains—over 1,500 meters (4,920 feet) above sea level—where summer temperatures are more moderate, typically in the mid-20s°C (mid-70s°F). At elevations of 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) or higher, it can even snow overnight during the summer, so packing some warm layers is essential.
The best time for trekking and jeep tours is summer, when the mountains are accessible and the landscapes are breathtaking, while winter is perfect for skiing adventures. Keep in mind that in some mountain areas, weather can change quickly, adding a touch of excitement and unpredictability to your journey.
When traveling in Kyrgyzstan, it’s best to stick to bottled, filtered, or boiled water, and avoid using tap water for brushing your teeth or making ice. To stay healthy, enjoy only well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot, and choose cooked vegetables or peeled fruit. Following these simple precautions will help you avoid common travel ailments like traveler’s diarrhea, so you can focus on enjoying your adventure.
We also recommend staying up to date with vaccinations for Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, and Tetanus, and ensuring you have full medical insurance, including coverage for emergencies and repatriation. While medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are basic, being prepared ensures peace of mind so you can fully enjoy the country’s breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences.
