Kyrgyzstan
Discover the Land of Ancient Nomads
Sample Itinerary - 9 Days & 8 Nights
This Customizable Journey is Available Year-Round
Best Travel Seasons: March - May & August - October
Tour is led by a Licensed English Speaking Local Guides
Tour Introduction & Journey Map
Kyrgyzstan is a breathtakingly beautiful country that has not yet been spoiled by overcrowding or excessive tourism. Every fortification, tower, and petroglyph dotting the landscape serves as a reminder of the land's great past. Kyrgyzstan is breathtaking, with its profile defined by some of the mighty Tian-Shan Range's most magnificent peaks, not to mention glacial lakes, huge forests, lush grasslands, crystal clear rivers, and red-rock gorges. The country has long been regarded as one of the most tourist-friendly in Central Asia. Where else could you live with a nomadic family in an actual yurt, ride horses over mountains, whitewater raft through isolated valleys, and learn about ancient and Soviet history. Join us on this fascinating journey of discovery and adventure to explore the long-forged traditions, nomadic culture of the Kyrgyz people and ancient history.
Tour Itinerary
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Welcome to Kygyzstan! Arrive in Bishkek and proceed to Passport Control for immigration followed by baggage collection and clearing customs formalities. After baggage collection, walk towards the arrival lounge where you shall be met by our representative who will assist you while transferring to Navat 5-star Hotel or a similar for check-in and a little bit of rest after the Trans-Atlantic flight. Meet your guide to starting sightseeing in the capital of Kyrgyzstan. The highlights of our sightseeing today include Bishkek’s Osh Market, the State National History Museum, Kyrgyz National Philharmonic, the Statue of Manas, Ala-Too Square, and Victory Square. Enjoy an overnight at a comfortable 4-star Hotel.
Note: The hotel is available for check-in at 2-00 pm on day 1.
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After breakfast transfer to the Ala-Archa National Park (40 km). This park is a favorite getaway place for local people. You will be in a gorge where the fast-flowing Ala-Archa River flows. The gorge is surrounded by snow-covered peaks and amazing views over the pine and juniper-covered mountain slopes. Enjoy your leisure walk (3,5 km) from the alpine camp to the Ak-Sai waterfall via a path that winds through alpine meadows. We will return to the base camp and then take a ride back to Bishkek. Enjoy free afternoon at leisure and an overnight at a comfortable 4-star Hotel.
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After breakfast, we will meet our guide and start our drive to begin our adventurous loop around the Issyk-Kul Lake. First, we will make a stop at Burana Tower, which is located on the way to the historic city of Balasagun (11-13th centuries). Burana Tower is all that remains of Balasagun, the long-lost capital of the Karakhanid Empire in the 9th century. We will go to the site's local museum, which displays unique and interesting artifacts. After seeing Burana Tower, you will have the opportunity to witness a Kyrgyz national horse game in which two teams compete for domination over a goat carcass. We will be invited to eat with a Kyrgyz family. After our drive will continue to the resort town of Cholpon-Ata located on the shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Enjoy an overnight stay at the 3-star hotel near the lake.
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Today, we will go to the further eastern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul to visit the settlement of Karakol. On the way, we will stop to explore the highlights of Cholpon Ata. Our first stop is a museum of petroglyphs located just outside of the urban center. On the territory of 42 hectares of open-air museum, there are numerous stone circles, graves, balls, and petroglyphs. These petroglyphs were carved between the second millennium BCE and the fourth century AD. Continue driving to Karakol. The cattle market is a popular destination for tourists seeking a genuine Kyrgyz bazaar. Both the Dungan Mosque and the Orthodox church in Karakol attest to the region's diversity and history. We will do a city tour of Karakol and if time permits visit the Prjevalsky museum. Today, you will dine with a Uigur family while listening to Kyrgyz national folk music and singing. Overnight at the local guesthouse.
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After a hearty local breakfast, we will start our way to Kochkor, located on the way to Lake Son-Kul and Torugart Pass in the province of Naryn. On the way around 25 kilometers southwest of Karakol, we will stop by the unique and beautiful Jety-Oguz gorge which has a collection of red rock formations. The name is derived from the appearance of the rocks, which resemble seven bulls. We will enjoy our photo session. The rocks of Jeti-Oguz are a designated Nature Reserve. After lunch, transfer to picturesque Bokonbaevo village to view an eagle hunting performance. Falconers will exhibit hunting techniques for various species of eagles, hawks, and falcons. Enjoy one of the nicest views of Issyk-Kul Lake as you continue driving to Kochkor. Enjoy your meal with the Kyrgyz family. Overnight at a local guest house.
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We will enjoy our breakfast and start exploring Kochkor town known for its felt carpets, which are proudly woven at the local workshops around the city. We will have the opportunity to visit one of those felt carpet workshops and see the process of producing these national carpets. After we shall start our route to Son-Kul. The lake is situated in the Tien Shan gorges at an elevation of 3,016 meters above sea level. Son-Kul spans an area of 278 square kilometers. This is a remote mountain lake located on a treeless, mountainous plateau where shepherds bring their flocks in the summer and set up a camp with their yurts to dwell. In this amazing place, you may view hundreds of animals and several various yurts. Enjoy the beauty of the landscapes and your free time at leisure. Overnight in the yurt camp.
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After having our organic breakfast, we will spend the day exploring Son Kul Lake. You will see with your own eyes how Kyrgyz people continue to live in yurts, the classic Central Asian nomadic tents. Every yurt is constructed with wooden poles and numerous layers of felt which are obtained from the finest fur of the sheep. We can take a horseback riding excursion, go hiking, or spend time with welcoming Kyrgyz families and see the day-to-day activities. Try homemade items such as ayran (fermented cow’s milk) and kymys (fermented mare's milk), the national drink. Also, there are a few yurt camps maintained particularly for guests so you can rest or enjoy reading a book. On the high plains surrounding the lake, there are native trees, herbs, and plants with medicinal powers. Every year, thousands of birds, such as falcons and golden eagles, reside in and migrate through Son-Kul. Overnight in the yurt camp.
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In the morning, after a hearty traditional breakfast, you will head back to Bishkek. Upon arrival in Bishkek check-in into a comfortable 4-star hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
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After breakfast in the morning, transfer to the airport for the flight returning to home. End of the service.
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We offer Tailor-Made Itineraries & Custom Quotes for Your Journey to Kyrgyzstan
All itineraries can be tailored to match your interests and budget for a truly personalized experience. Pricing is based on solo or double occupancy. The pricing listed below is for 2025 travel dates and may vary depending on your preferred itinerary and seasonality. Contact our travel consultant today to receive a personalized quote and begin designing your ideal Kyrgyzstan journey!
Land Tour Price Only (International airfare, taxes & fuel surcharges are not included)
Solo Traveler: From $3,550 (Single Room Occupancy)
Two Travelers: From $2,400 per person (Double Room Occupancy)
Single Room Supplement: $200 per person (Applies to all nights of the tour for those opting for a single room.)
Tour Includes:
One-on-one virtual tour briefing prior to the tour.
The final documents packet will be mailed before the trip.
Transfers between airports, train stations, and hotels at the tour destination for tour participants as per itinerary.
Four (4) nights of accommodation at 4* - 3* hotels as per itinerary.
Four (4) nights of accommodation at guesthouses & yurt camps.
Air-conditioned transportation for sightseeing days as per itinerary.
Service of a licensed local English-speaking guide throughout the itinerary.
Entrance fees to all mentioned sites are as per the itinerary.
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner).
Local taxes for hotels, meals, and tour services overseas.
Mineral Water during the tour.
Tour Does Not Include:
International air.
Expenses due to excess baggage charges, flight delays or schedule changes, strikes, bad weather, or other reasons.
Visa and immigration fees on arrival.
Personnel expenses such as laundry, alcoholic beverages, photo/video camera fees, telephone, laundry bills, &, etc.
Any expense for a’ la carte meal items not included in preplanned menus.
Travel Insurance (highly recommended).
Refunds for hotel accommodations, meals, or any other tour services not used.
Baggage handling at airports in the US and overseas destinations.
Increase in tariffs or dollar exchange rate after publication.
Porterage at the hotels.
Tips to the local guides, drivers and waiters.
Tour Fitness Level:
Moderate: Suitable for travelers of all ages in good health, with a moderate level of fitness and a spirit of adventure. The tour will include some long walking days and periods of standing while exploring various sites. Some attractions may involve walking on uneven terrain or navigating steep staircases. Expect a few elevation changes, a well-paced but busy schedule, and several long overland drives. If you have any questions or would like more details about the trip, we’re happy to discuss it with you.
Lodging Level:
Comfortable (3/4-stars): Lodges and hotels that provide a decent size room & an ensuite bathroom. A limited range of enhanced services, some of the onsite amenities, and a level of service that is acceptable by international standards. Guest Houses/Yurts (1/2-stars): To have access to scenic landscapes & local cultures, simple & basic but clean guesthouses or yurt camps with shared overnight space & shared bathroom facilities will be required during the tour.
Visa & Passport:
U.S. citizens don’t require a Kyrgyzstan visa. Further details related to the visa application process will be sent out sixty (60) days before the trip. Ensuring that correct & valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client. Your passport must be valid for at least six (6) months from the last day of the trip & include empty pages for visas.
What to Expect on This Journey:
This journey through Kyrgyzstan will take you across a breathtaking landscape of alpine lakes, rolling pastures, colorful bazaars, and charming mountain villages. You’ll experience both traditional nomadic culture and the vibrant energy of modern Bishkek. Travel between destinations will be by comfortable, air-conditioned vehicles along well-maintained roads, though some areas in the countryside may have uneven or unpaved sections.
Daily sightseeing typically includes 2 to 3 miles of walking through city centers, open-air markets, nature parks, and historic sites like the Burana Tower and the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata. Terrain may range from paved urban streets to grassy paths and light gravel trails, particularly in natural areas like Ala Archa National Park and around Son-Kul Lake. We recommend sturdy walking shoes, sun protection, and layered clothing to adapt to varying temperatures.
Kyrgyzstan’s climate is generally continental, with warm days and cooler evenings, especially at higher elevations. Some days may involve early departures or longer drives, such as the transfer from Son-Kul back to Bishkek. The tour features guided sightseeing with experienced local guides and provides free time to relax, explore local crafts, or enjoy traditional hospitality. Highlights include traditional Kyrgyz felt-making workshops, eagle hunting demonstrations, family-hosted meals, and overnight stays in authentic yurt camps.
Participants should be in good physical health, comfortable with flexible travel schedules, and ready for a culturally immersive experience. While we strive to keep the itinerary seamless, adjustments may occasionally be necessary to accommodate local conditions. In rare cases of Force Majeure, changes may be made to prioritize your safety and comfort. By joining this tour, you confirm that you have reviewed and understood the terms and conditions and are ready to embrace Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking landscapes, deep traditions, and legendary nomadic spirit.
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