5-Day Kyrgyzstan Cultural Tour – Kyrgyz Heritage & Highlands

Pick-up will be at 9:00 am from your designated location in Bishkek, such as a hotel.

Today, 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

Today, we’ll drive towards Issyk Kul lake. Along the way, we’ll make a stop at Ak Sai canyon and hike to a panorama with breathtaking views of Issyk Kul Lake and the canyons.

Then, we’ll meet a local eagle hunter who will demonstrate his hunting skills with a golden eagle and share insights about the tradition.

Next, we’ll drive to Skazka canyon, where you can take a short hike to a panoramic viewpoint and capture photos.

Dinner and overnight in guest house or yurt camp by the Issyk Kul lake.

Total Drive: 240 km / 4-5 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Guest house or Yurt camp

After breakfast, we’ll journey to a beautiful Barskoon gorge for a hike to one of the waterfalls.

Next, we’ll visit Jeti Oguz, where we’ll go 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 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: 220 km / 3-4 hours
Meal: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Yurt camp

After breakfast, we’ll begin our trip to the Karakol gorge. Once we arrive, we have an enjoyable activity planned: one-day horseback riding to Karakol valley. The views from these spots are truly breathtaking, and you’ll be amazed by what you see.

Later, we’ll come back to Karakol for lunch. Then, we’ll tour Karakol, visiting places like explorer Prjevalsky’s memorial, a Dungan mosque, and a Russian Orthodox church.

Afterward, we’ll visit a Dungan family for a traditional food show and dinner. The Dungans are Chinese Muslims who migrated from China in the 1800s. We’ll stay overnight in Karakol.

Total Drive: 80 km / 2 hours
Meal: Breakfast
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

After breakfast, we’ll start our journey back to Bishkek.

On the way, we’ll visit the Open-Air Petroglyph Museum in Cholpon-Ata, home to ancient rock carvings dating from the 8th century BC to the 2nd century AD. From there, we’ll enjoy a stunning view of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Next, we’ll drive to Kok-Moinok Canyon, where we’ll hike to a breathtaking viewpoint showcasing its unique rock formations.

Finally, we’ll arrive in Bishkek for a farewell dinner, hoping to see you again in the future!

Total Drive: 440 km / 6-7 hours
Meal: Breakfast