Kyrgyzstan is a fascinating country with a strong nomadic heritage in the heart of Central Asia. This is your opportunity to experience the itinerant way of life, witnessing how people live hand in hand with nature and continue customs that have been passed down through many generations.
This trip will lead you on a 9-day tour of Kyrgyzstan. You will discover the country’s highlights, from the rural lakeshore of Issyk Kul to the sublime alpine pastures of Song Kul, and Kyrgyzstan’s green capital, Bishkek. You will be immersed in the ancient nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz, including their equestrian traditions.
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.
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.
B-Hotel or similar
After breakfast, we depart from Bishkek. 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 to a guesthouse in the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Upon arrival, we will have lunch, and in the afternoon you can walk in the village, observe the life of the local people, or opt for a short horse riding tour into the surrounding hills. Before dinner, we will watch a performance of traditional Kyrgyz horse games in the local stadium. Dinner will be at the guesthouse, where we will spend the night.
Kemin Guesthouse
Before breakfast, we will learn how boorsok is made (traditional Kyrgyz fried bread). You can then taste it for breakfast. This morning we will transfer to Karakol, the largest town and administrative center of the Issyk Kul region. Issyk Kul is the second-largest mountain lake in the world, after Titicaca in South America. Located at an altitude of 1,600m, Issyk-Kul is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains. We will drive the entire length of the lake’s northern shore but make a stop halfway, near Cholpon Ata, to visit an open-air site with many ancient petroglyphs (artworks carved into the rock). We will have lunch in Cholpon Ata.
By late afternoon we will reach Karakol, where we check in at the hotel. Dinner in Uighur Family.
Hotel 78 or similar
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 tour 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. We will also visit the museum of Russian explorer Przhevalsk and the town’s local market.
Meet with a representative of the “One Village One Product” cooperative, learning to produce one of their products. Optionally, visit Aksu-Kench hot springs in the evening. Dinner at a local restaurant.
Hotel 78 or similar
Breakfast. Transfer along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul to the village of Tamga. En route, we will first visit the gorge of Jety Oguz, which is a lush valley with some striking red sandstone rock formations (the “seven Bulls” from which the valley takes its name). Easy hike in the gorge. Next, we visit Barksoon Gorge. You can see a nice mixture of fir trees and different colored bushes of barberry, mountain ash, sea-buckthorn, currant, raspberry, dog rose, and honeysuckle. In addition, you will enjoy a wonderful view of Issyk-Kul Lake as well as different peaks. There are two interesting monuments along the road – a bust of Yuri Gagarin, who holidayed on the South shore of Issyk Kul after his historic first manned space flight. From Barskoon – if the weather is nice – we will drive further up toward Kumtor Gold mine, to the beautiful Arabel plateau at almost 4000m altitudes. After, we drive back down to the main road and continue to Tamga, where we spend the night in a yurt camp near the shore of Issyk Kul Lake. Those who like can go swimming at the beach nearby. Before dinner, together with the chef of the yurt camp, you will cook a local dish called «Manty». During dinner, we will watch a folklore show with traditional Kyrgyz music.
Overnight in yurt camp – facilities are outside (Western toilet and shower)
After breakfast, we drive further along the southern shore of lake Issyk Kul to the village of Kochkor. Our first stop after just about half an hour is at Skazka Canyon. Skazka means “fairytale” and it’s a reference to the bizarre rocky landscape, which has been formed by wind and rain into fabulous sculptures and formations. We will go for a short hike here. Not far from Skazka we will also meet an eagle hunter, who will his eagle and make a demonstration for us. Later, we stop in the village of Kyzyl Tuu, where we will meet a yurt maker and learn more about this traditional nomadic dwelling. Many people in this village are involved in yurt-making business. Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse in Kochkor.
Hotel Nomad Lodge or similar
After breakfast, we will visit a workshop where local women produce traditional shyrdak carpets from felt. The workshop is a women’s cooperative. Today we will depart from Kochkor towards another mountain lake, Song Kul. The lake is not too far from Kochkor, but due to the bad road conditions, it will still be quite a long and bumpy ascent. Song Kul is at an altitude of 3,016m above sea level. The nomads pass their summer on the jailoo (summer pasture) with their animals. You will see herds of horses and sheep grazing on meadows full of Edelweiss. If you like, you can go for a short horse ride. Accommodation and dinner will be in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt. You can taste kymyz (mare’s milk) and watch the shepherd’s wife preparing bread and cheese. It is possible to go hiking or optionally horse riding. Lunch and Dinner in the Yurt camp.
Overnight in yurt –facilities are outside (Western toilet, shower with heated water)
After breakfast, we must return to Bishkek. We will arrive in the late afternoon. Upon arrival, you can have some free time for rest or shopping. Farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
B-Hotel or similar
Transfer to Bishkek Airport for your flight back home. We hope you will have enjoyed your trip to Kyrgyzstan and will return soon to discover more places in this beautiful part of the world!
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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.
