7-Day Kyrgyzstan Cultural Tour – Traditions of Nomads

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 near Tokmok, the last remnant of the 11th-century city of Balasagun. Climb its staircase for panoramic views and explore the nearby balbals, ancient stone grave markers.

Next, we head to Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest mountain lake, sitting at 1,600m and surrounded by the Tien Shan Mountains.

After lunch in Cholpon Ata, we visit the Open-Air Petroglyphs Museum, featuring ancient rock carvings with stunning lake views.

We then continue to Karakol for dinner and an overnight stay.

Total Drive: 6 hours

Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: 78 hotel 3* or similar

Today, we’ll do a city tour of Karakol, visiting the ancient Dungan mosque and the Russian Orthodox Church.

Then, 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 go horseback riding(optional) 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: 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 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 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. On the way, we’ll stop at Kok-Moinok Canyon, where we’ll hike to a breathtaking viewpoint showcasing its unique rock formations.

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: My hotel 3* or similar

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

Total Drive: 40 km / 40 min
Meal: Breakfast