10-Day Nomad’s Trail Kyrgyzstan Tour – Lakes, Canyons, Yurts & Culture

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: None
Accommodation: My hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we drive to Burana Tower, a 11th-century minaret near Tokmok, offering panoramic views of the Chuy Valley. Visit the nearby open-air museum with balbals, ancient stone burial markers.

Next, we head to Chon Kemin Valley for lunch at a guesthouse. In the afternoon, explore the village, or enjoy a short horse-riding tour in the hills.

Optionally, you can attend a traditional Kyrgyz horse games performance (extra cost). Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse.

Total Drive: 3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house

After breakfast, we drive to Karakol, located on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest mountain lake in the world. Along the way, we’ll stop at the scenic Semenovka and Grigorievka gorges, enjoying breathtaking views. Lunch will be served in yurts, surrounded by nature, followed by some free time to explore or relax.

In the late afternoon, we arrive in Karakol, check into our hotel, and have dinner at a national café to sample local cuisine.

Total Drive: 330 km / 6 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll drive along Issyk-Kul’s southern shore to Bokonbaevo village. First, we’ll visit Jeti Oguz Gorge, famous for its red sandstone formations known as the “Seven Bulls.” We’ll take a short hike to explore the area.

Next, we visit Kok Jaiyk Valley, where we’ll hike to the Lady’s Plat waterfall. Afterward, enjoy lunch in a yurt camp.

Then, we’ll head to Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, known for its unique rock formations sculpted by wind and rain. After a short hike, we’ll continue to Bokonbaevo, where we’ll check into a yurt camp by the lakeshore or guest house(optional). Optional swim in Issyk-Kul Lake.

Dinner will be in the yurt camp / guest house, followed by a folklore show(optional; extra cost).

Total Drive: 180 km / 3.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp / Guest house

After breakfast, meet a local eagle hunter who will demonstrate the traditional art of eagle hunting and explain its significance.

We then 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 short 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: 255 km / 6 hours
Meals: 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.

After lunch at the yurt camp, we’ll drive to Naryn, stopping at scenic spots along the way. Upon arrival, we’ll check into a hotel and have dinner at a restaurant.

Total Drive: 150 km / 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Khan Tengri Hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the remote Kok Kiya valley, near Kel Suu Lake. The journey takes time due to road conditions, so we’ll arrive in the late afternoon. Check into a yurt camp and have lunch.

Kel Suu lake, located near the Chinese border, stretches over 10 kilometers through a mountain gorge. Its name, meaning “incoming water,” reflects its seasonal nature, as the lake sometimes disappears into underground caves.

You’ll have free time to explore the Kok Kiya area before dinner. Also, optionally you can go for a horse riding in the valley.  Overnight stay in the yurt camp.

Total Drive: 150 km / 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house or Yurt camp

After breakfast, we’ll hike (2.5 hours one way) to explore Kel Suu Lake. Enjoy the serene beauty of the area, have a picnic lunch by the lake, and take in the breathtaking scenery.

In the late afternoon, we’ll return to Naryn town. Check into a hotel and have dinner at a local restaurant.

Total Drive: 150 km / 5 hours
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Khan Tengri Hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll head back to Bishkek. On the way, we’ll stop in Kochkor Village to visit a women’s cooperative where artisans make felt products. You’ll watch a demonstration of felt production and learn about this traditional craft.

Try Kyrgyz national food called “Kattama” for lunch in local village. Upon arrival in Bishkek, we’ll visit a souvenir shop and check into the hotel. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

Total Drive: 320 km / 5 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: My hotel 3* or similar

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

Total Drive:  45 minutes
Meals included: Breakfast