Secret of Kyrgyzstan 2025

Arrival in Bishkek. Upon landing at Manas International Airport, our guide will meet you at the arrival gate. Transfer to Bishkek will take 30-40 minutes. Hotel check-in is at 2:00 PM (early check-in is not included). After check-in, you’ll have time to rest from your long flight.

In the afternoon, we’ll start a sightseeing tour of Bishkek. The city, relatively young, began as a Russian garrison called “Pishpek” in the 19th century and grew into a city during the Soviet era. Bishkek is known for its tree-lined streets and parks.

We will visit Ala-Too Square, the White House, Oak Park, Victory Square, the city center, and a souvenir shop.

Welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

Meals included: None
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

After breakfast, we leave Bishkek and drive to Burana Tower near Tokmok, about 60 km from Bishkek. This 11th-century minaret is the only surviving structure from the ancient city of Balasagun, the former capital of the Karakhanid Empire. You can climb the winding staircase for panoramic views of the Chuy Valley. Nearby, visit the open-air museum of balbals, stone figures marking ancient burial sites.

We then continue to the north shore of Issyk Kul lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world, surpassed only by Lake Titicaca in South America. Situated at an altitude of 1,600 meters, Issyk-Kul is a slightly saline lake with no outlet, surrounded by the majestic Tien Shan Mountains.

Lunch in Cholpon Ata. Then, we’ll visit the Open Air Petroglyphs Museum in Cholpon Ata. These ancient rock carvings were made between the 8th century BC and the 2nd century AD. There we can see a stunning view of the lake.

Continue to Karakol town, where we’ll have dinner in a traditional cafe. Overnight in a hotel.

Total Drive: 6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

After breakfast, we’ll start our day with an off-road trip and hike to the Altyn-Arashan mountain valley.

From Karakol, an off-road vehicle will take us to Altyn Arashan. When we get there, we’ll relax in the hot springs and have a tasty lunch.

The area is beautiful, with big mountains, a river, and green forests all around.

After lunch, we’ll hike back to Karakol. The trek is about 16 km and takes 4-5 hours. We’ll spend the night in a hotel and eat dinner at local cafes.

Total Drive: 2 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Today, we’ll head out to the Jeti-Oguz valley. Once there, we’ll be greeted by the stunning views of the Seven Bulls Rocks and the Broken Heart. We’ll take some photos and go on a short walk near the Red Rocks and up to panorama.

Next, we’ll drive further into the Kok-Jaiyk valley. There, we’ll hike to the Devichy Kosi (Lady’s Braid) waterfall, which is a beautiful spot in the valley.

After lunch in yurts, you can optionally go horseback riding around the area, taking in the breathtaking nature.

We’ll stay overnight in a Kyrgyz yurt, which is a traditional Kyrgyz home. It’s a unique experience to live like the locals in their traditional housing. Dinner in yurt camp.

Total Drive: 1.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

After breakfast, we’re driving to explore the natural beauty of the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Our first stop is Barskoon valley, where we’ll walk up to the waterfall, enjoying the picturesque surroundings and capturing memorable moments with our cameras.

Lunch with local family.

Next, we’ll visit the captivating Skazka(Fairytale) Canyon, known for its breathtaking scenery in Kyrgyzstan. We can hike up to a panoramic view, or just explore by walking in the area.

Next, we’ll drive to Bokonbaevo village, where we’ll meet a local eagle hunter who will demonstrate the traditional art of eagle hunting and explain its significance.

Dinner and spend night in guest house, followed by a folklore show(optional; extra cost).

Total Drive: 3.5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast, we depart for Son Kul Lake, located at an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level.

Along the way, we’ll visit unique Ak Sai canyons, where we’ll do a hiking to the panoramic view of the entire canyons, mountains, and the lake.

On the way, we’ll stop for lunch.

At Son Kul, you’ll experience nomadic life firsthand, seeing herds of sheep and horses grazing on the pastures. You’ll also have the chance to taste kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) and observe how shepherds’ families prepare bread and cheese.

Dinner and overnight stay in a traditional yurt.

Total Drive: 5-6 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

After breakfast, you’ll have free time to hike or take an optional horse ride around the lake or into the nearby mountains. Explore the lifestyle of nomads and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Then, we’ll drive to Bishkek city, stopping at scenic spots along the way.

Try traditional Kyrgyz food “Kattama” for lunch.

Upon arrival, we’ll check into a hotel and have dinner at a restaurant.

Total Drive: 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

After breakfast, we’ll transfer you to the airport for your departure flight.

Total Drive:  45 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast