Best of Kyrgyzstan

Private tour

Price

from $1135

Availability

June – September

Duration

12 days

Difficulty

Middle

Tour type

Outdoor

Overview

This is a 12-day adventure through Kyrgyzstan’s scenic wonders! Start in Bishkek, visiting Ala Archa National Park and the city’s landmarks. Discover the ancient Burana Tower. Enjoy horseback riding in Chon-Kemin valley and walks in Kok-Moynok canyons. See ancient petroglyphs and ride horses in Karakol gorge. Experience yurt living by Issyk-Kul lake, marvel at Djety-Oguz Red Rocks, and relax in hot springs. Visit waterfalls and the famous Fairytale canyon. Explore Kel-Suu and Son-Kul lakes, witness eagle hunting in Ak-Sai canyons, and drive through the stunning Boom gorge before returning to Bishkek.

Highlights

Visit 3 famous canyons: Kok-Moynok, Fairytale(Skazka) & Ak-Sai canyons
Visit 3 famous lakes: Kel-Suu, Son-Kul & Issyk-Kul lakes
Horseback riding & Hiking during the trip
See eagle hunting show
Visit waterfalls
Stay in traditional yurts
Visit National parks
Try different traditional cuisines
Relax in hot springs

Itinerary

Day 1. Bishkek - Ala-Archa National park - Bishkek

Morning pick up from the airport or the place we agreed beforehand in Bishkek city (it can be a hotel, guesthouse, etc.)

Today, we’re going to Ala Archa National Park, known for picnics and easy walks, surrounded by 20 glaciers. You can take a calm stroll along the river or hike up the mountains for a beautiful valley view. We’ll also feed wild birds and squirrels there.

Later, we’ll return to Bishkek for lunch. After that, we’ll explore Bishkek, visiting places like the Manas, Kurmanjan Datka, and Lenin statues, Oak Park, the Opera and Ballet Theater, Victory Square, as well as important government buildings like the Parliament and the White House.

We’ll finish our day with dinner at a local restaurant.

Total Drive: 80 km / 2 hours
Meal: Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 2. Bishkek city - Burana Tower - Chon-Kemin valley

After breakfast, we’ll start our journey to visit the Burana Tower. This tower, along with grave markers, ancient earthworks, and the remains of a castle and three mausoleums, are all that’s left of the ancient city of Balasagun, founded by the Karakhanids between the late 11th and 13th centuries.

You’ll have the chance to explore a small museum there. Additionally, you’ll see Balbals, ancient stone markers used for graves.

After that, we’ll travel to the Chon-Kemin valley, where we’ll enjoy lunch at a guesthouse. Later, we’ll go horseback riding and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

Dinner and stay overnight in a guesthouse with a local family.

Total Drive: 160 km / 2.5 hours

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse

Day 3. Chon-Kemin valley - Kok-Moynok canyon - Petroglyphs Museum - Karakol town

After breakfast, we’re heading to Karakol town, situated at the eastern edge of Issyk-Kul lake. On our way, we’ll stop at Kok-Moynok canyons for a light hike lasting 1-2 hours, enjoying the stunning canyon views and taking some amazing photos.

We’ll also take a break in Cholpon-Ata to visit the Petroglyphs Open Space Museum, featuring ancient stone circles, tombs, statues called balbals, and numerous petroglyphs. These rock drawings date back to ancient times, ranging from the 2nd millennium BCE to the 4th century AD.

Upon reaching Karakol, we’ll dine at a local traditional restaurant and spend the night there.

Total Drive: 330 km / 4.5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Day 4. Karakol town - Djety-Oguz Red Rocks - Kok-Jaiyk valley - Karakol

Today, we’ll continue our journey to Djety-Oguz, where we’ll walk along the red rocks, hike up to a panoramic view of the stunning Seven Bulls Rocks, and capture some great photos.

Next, we’ll drive up to Kok-Jaiyk valley, following a mountain river through forested mountains. Upon arrival, we’ll have lunch at a yurt camp and then embark on a 2-hour hike to reach the waterfall. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery and the waterfall, we’ll drive back to Karakol, where we’ll have dinner and stay overnight.

Total Drive: 80 km / 1.5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Day 5. Karakol - Karakol gorge - Hot springs - Karakol

Today, we’ll start our journey to the Karakol gorge. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a one-day horseback riding tour through the Karakol gorge, soaking in the breathtaking views along the way.

Lunch will be a delightful wilderness experience, surrounded by forests, rivers, and mountains. After horseback riding, we’ll head to the Hot Springs in Ak-Suu. There, you can relax your muscles after a long, active day by soaking in a naturally warm water pool amidst the mountain scenery.

Later, we’ll drive back to Karakol, have dinner, and spend the night.

Total Drive: 50 km / 1 hour
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Day 6. Karakol - Barskoon waterfalls - Fairytale canyon - Kaji-Say village

Today, we’re heading out from Karakol to discover the untouched splendor of the south shore of Issyk-Kul lake. Our adventure begins at Barskoon valley, where we’ll hike to the waterfalls for about an hour, taking in the beautiful scenery and capturing memorable photos.

Following that, we’ll venture to the mesmerizing Fairytale Canyon, renowned for its stunning natural beauty in Kyrgyzstan. After exploring the canyon, we’ll drive to Kaijy-Say village. There, we’ll enjoy dinner and spend the night in a yurt camp located on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Total Drive: 180 km / 3 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 7. Kaji-Say village - Ak-Sai canyon - Naryn

Today, we’ll explore the Ak-Sai Canyons, also known as the Canyon of Forgotten Rivers. We’ll hike up to a panoramic spot that offers an incredible view of Issyk-Kul Lake, backed by majestic mountains and endless canyons. Additionally, we’ll have the unique opportunity to meet an Eagle Hunter, who will share his story about life with eagles and treat us to a captivating eagle show.

Later on, we’ll drive to Naryn town via the picturesque Dolon Pass. Dinner and accommodation will be provided at a hotel or guesthouse in Naryn.

Total Drive: 270 km / 4 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Day 8. Naryn town - Kel-Suu lake

Today, we’ll begin our journey to Kok Kyia valley and Kel-Suu lake, passing through the dry Ak-Sai valley. We’ll enter a controlled area near the China border, where we’ll need to cross a military checkpoint. Don’t worry, we’ll take care of getting the necessary permits for you. This area offers fantastic opportunities for evening photography, especially capturing the sunset, mountains, and river. We’ll end the day with dinner and accommodation at a yurt camp.

Total Drive: 5 hours

Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 9. Kel-Suu lake - Naryn town

Today, we’ll hike from the camp to reach Gorgeous Lake Kel-Suu, which was formed thousands of years ago by the destruction of the mountain massif. The hike will take about 1-2 hours one way. We’ll enjoy the breathtaking views, capture hundreds of pictures, and then hike back to the yurt camp. Afterward, we’ll drive back to Naryn for dinner and accommodation at the hotel or guesthouse.

Total Drive: 5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse/Hotel

Day 10. Naryn - Son-Kol lake

In the morning, we’ll set off for Son-Kul Lake, passing through the scenic 33 Parrots Pass. The lake sits at an altitude of 3016 meters and is surrounded by vast summer pastures and mountains. Son-Kul Lake is a unique place where you can witness the traditional nomadic lifestyle. Men spend their days riding horses and tending to cattle gathered from nearby villages, while women take care of household chores like cleaning, cooking, baking bread, and making dairy products from cow and horse milk.

During the summer, the pasture provides natural, local food such as meat, milk, butter, and airan (local yogurt). You’ll see many horses grazing freely and breeding on their own in this natural environment. It’s a breathtaking setting to experience. We’ll have dinner and stay overnight in yurts, immersing ourselves in this traditional nomadic way of life.

Total Drive: 140 km / 2 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 11. Son-Kol lake – Bishkek city

In the morning, we’ll enjoy activities by the lake such as horse riding (optional with extra payment) or leisurely walks to immerse ourselves in the local nomadic culture. Later, we’ll drive through the stunning Boom Valley on our way to Bishkek city. Once in Bishkek, we’ll have dinner at a traditional restaurant and spend the night there.

Total Drive: 300 km / 4.5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel

Day 12. Bishkek city - Airport

After breakfast, we’ll meet at the hotel and then head to the airport. It’s time to say goodbye, and we hope to see you again soon!

Total Drive: 40 km / 1 hour
Meal: Breakfast

Prices

Number of people	2	3	4	5	10
Price per person (USD)	1965	1665	1330	1295	1135

To get prices for other group sizes, please Request the Tour or Get in Touch with Us.

Included / Excluded

Accommodation – as per program
English speaking driver/guide
Meals – as per program
Entrance fees
Transport services during all the tour
Eagle hunting show
Drinking water
All activities

Personal expenses
Single room supplement*
Alcohol and soft drinks
International airfares
Travel insurance
Tips for driver and guide(optional)

*Except the yurt camps

Map

Gallery

Additional info

Clothes & Equipment

You can bring everything you need. Remember that in the summer, Bishkek can get as hot as 40 degrees Celsius, and it can be as cold as minus 5 degrees Celsius in the mountains. Be ready for sudden changes in the weather.

Recommended:

Rain-coat
Waterproof pants
Sweater/fleece
Wind-stopper
Enough t-shirts and other underwear (think of taking smth with long sleeves to avoid sunburns)
Power bank (to charge devices)
Hat (remember – the sun can be violent)
Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
Insect repellent (skin + clothes)
Good, waterproof trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains.
Walking shoes (don’t need heavy ones) for the city walks
Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhoea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
Personal hygiene kit (disinfection gel is highly recommended) + some toilet paper.
A small towel
Swimming suit (for Issyk-Kul)
Sunglasses
A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
Flash light (torch)
Walking poles if needed