12-Day Best of Kyrgyzstan Tour – Lakes, Canyons, Horseback Riding & Yurts

When you arrive at the airport, you’ll be greeted by our guide and driver who will take you to Bishkek city, where you’ll check into a hotel at 2 pm(Early check-in can be included by request).

If you arrive early, after some rest and breakfast at the hotel, we’ll explore Ala Archa National Park. It’s a great spot for picnics and walking with 20 glaciers around. You can enjoy a leisurely walk by the river or hike up the mountains for an amazing view of the valley.

Afterward, we head back to Bishkek for lunch at a café. After lunch, if we have time, we’ll take a Bishkek city tour.

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

Total Drive: 2.5 hours
Meals: none;
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

After breakfast, we’ll head out to visit the Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient city of Balasagun built by the Karakhanids. Alongside the tower, you’ll see grave markers, ancient earthworks, and remnants of a castle and mausoleums. You will explore a small museum and view Balbals, ancient stone markers.

Next, we’ll journey to the Chon Kemin valley for lunch at a guesthouse with local family. Then, we’ll go horseback riding to enjoy the tranquility of the area.

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

Total Drive: 175 km / 2.5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house

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 Moinok canyon for a short hike, enjoying the stunning canyon views.

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
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Today, we’ll start our journey to the Karakol gorge. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a one-day hiking 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 hiking, 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
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

Today, we’ll continue our journey to Jeti 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 hike to reach the waterfall. After enjoying the breathtaking scenery and the waterfall, we’ll hike back to yurt camp, where we’ll have dinner and stay overnight.

Total Drive: 60 km / 1 hour
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

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.

Following that, we’ll venture to the mesmerizing Skazka canyon, renowned for its stunning natural beauty in Kyrgyzstan. After exploring the canyon, we’ll drive to Bokonbaevo village. There, we’ll meet local eagle hunter who will demonstrate his hunting skills with golden eagle.

Dinner and overnight stay in a yurt camp located on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, or guest house(optional).

Total Drive: 180 km / 3 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp / Guest house

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 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.

Also, you have the option to enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz horse games performance (optional; extra cost).

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: Hotel 3*

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: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel 3*

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: Hotel 3*

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
Meals: Breakfast