Victory Square
Bishkek
Song-Kul
Yurt near Song Kul
Issyk Kul
Issyk Kul
Petroglyph Museum of Cholpon-Ata
Jeti Oguz
Burana Tower
Balbals
Kyrgyzstan is a breathtaking Central Asian gem dominated by the majestic Tian Shan mountains, offering untouched alpine meadows, pristine lakes, and a rich nomadic heritage.
Your journey begins in the vibrant capital of Bishkek, before venturing into the stunning wilderness. You will head to Son-Kul Lake, a remote high-altitude alpine lake at 3,013 meters where traditional nomadic shepherds still pasture their livestock in yurts. After returning to Bishkek, you will loop back to Son-Kul to deeply experience this peaceful pastoral lifestyle before traveling to Kochkor, a cultural hub famous for traditional felt carpet craftsmanship.
Continuing your adventure, you will reach the legendary Issyk-Kul Lake, the second-largest alpine lake in the world, whose warm, mineral-rich waters never freeze. Nearby lies the dramatic Jeti-Oguz Gorge, renowned for its striking red sandstone rock formations like the "Broken Heart" and "Seven Bulls."
Moving onward, Karakol offers a unique blend of cultures, featuring a wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church and a Chinese mosque built without nails. Skirting the northern shores of Issyk-Kul lake, you will arrive at the lush Chon-Kemin Valley, a protected national park filled with pine forests and rushing rivers, perfect for horseback riding and hiking. Finally, your unforgettable circuit concludes back in Bishkek.
Arrival in Bishkek.
Pick-up at the airport and transfer to Bishkek city (33 km).
Sightseeing tour around Bishkek, including the main squares in the city centre: square Ala-Too with the Historical Museum, Victory Square. The square is the heart of Bishkek, where major celebrations and events take place. Located right here, the State Historical Museum houses numerous exhibits reflecting the rich history of Kyrgyzstan from ancient nomadic times up to the independence era.
Manas monument, situated in front of the Historical Museum, this majestic equestrian statue dedicated to Manas, the hero of the Kyrgyz epic poetry cycle, symbolizing national unity and pride.
Oak Park, one of Bishkek's oldest and most serene green spaces, shaded by centuries-old oak trees, featuring an open-air sculpture museum, the historic St. Nicholas Church, and other landmarks,
bazaar etc.
Lunch and dinner at the restaurant.
Overnight in the hotel.
Breakfast at the yurt.
Free day at the lake. Today you can ride horse or go for a short hike. In this magnificent place you can see hundreds of herds and a lot of different yurts, where you for sure will be invited to have kymyz with a traditional bread, diverse very tasty milk products and jam.
Dinner and overnight in the yurt.
Breakfast in the yurt camp.
Free day in the gorge. Here in alpine meadows you can ride horses or have easy trek to the thrilling panorama of the glaciers. On the way you can observe real life of shepherds. Because of the variety of mountain flowers the place is called Glade of Flowers.
Dinner and overnight in the yurt.
Breakfast in the yurt.
9:00 Drive to Karakol (50km).
Lunch in a cafe.
City tour around Karakol: Dungan mosque built in Chinese style. Built between 1907 and 1910 by the local Dungan community (Chinese Muslims who migrated to Central Asia), this unique wooden structure was constructed entirely without using a single nail.
Russian Orthodox Church, this striking wooden cathedral serves as one of Karakol's main historical landmarks.
Przevalsky Museum, located just outside the city, this museum is dedicated to Nikolai Przhevalsky, a famous 19th-century Russian geographer and explorer who studied the geography, flora, and fauna of Central Asia.
Dinner and folk show in Dungan family.
Accommodation in CBT home stays with local families.
Breakfast in the CBT home with local families.
9:00 Drive to the unique mountainous lake Issyk-Kul, a stunning mountain lake nestled at an altitude of 1,600 meters above sea level. Famed for its crystal-clear, slightly saline water that never freezes, it is often called the "Pearl of Central Asia."
Accommodation in a hotel (sanatorium). During this day spend the rest of your day unwinding on the sandy beaches, swimming in the invigorating mountain air, or renting a boat to take in panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped Tian Shan mountains.
Overnight and full board in the hotel.
Breakfast in the hotel.
In the morning excursion to the petrogliphs – collection of stones with ancient drawings dated 2000 B.C.
Transfer to Chon-Kemin nature park, that is a stunning protected area in northern Kyrgyzstan known for its rich biodiversity and picturesque landscapes. Spanning a lush valley surrounded by towering snow-capped peaks of the Tian Shan mountains, the park features a mix of dense pine forests, alpine meadows, and the roaring Chon-Kemin River. It is a premier destination for eco-tourism, offering fantastic opportunities for horseback riding, hiking trails through the gorges, and trekking. Additionally, the area is dotted with traditional villages where visitors can experience authentic Kyrgyz hospitality through community-based tourism homestays.
Stay in a traditional guest house with local family.
Breakfast in the guest house with local family.
After breakfast you’ll spend the whole day in the typical Kalmak-Ashu village. Here one always admires unique nature of Kemin valley and experience life style of a village. You can ride in horse chart, or to hike in mountain fur-tree forests or to walk in a village and communicate with people. In the evening, unwind with a cozy dinner featuring delicious homemade Kyrgyz cuisine. Gather around to share stories of the day's adventures or simply relax and enjoy the peaceful, star-filled mountain night before settling in for a comfortable overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Overnight in a traditional guest house with local family.
Breakfast in the guest house.
9:00 Drive to Bishkek (140 km).
On the way visit Burana tower, is a large historic minaret located in the Chuy Valley in northern Kyrgyzstan. Dating back to the 9th to 11th centuries, it is all that remains of the ancient city of Balasagun, which was once a major capital of the Karakhanid Khanate along the Silk Road. Originally standing at around 45 meters tall, a major earthquake in the 15th century destroyed the top half, reducing its current height to about 24 meters. Built of fired brick, it features intricate geometric patterns and an internal spiral staircase that visitors can climb for sweeping views of the surrounding valley. Near the base of the tower lies a collection of balbals—ancient stone gravestones and monuments carved by early nomadic Turkic tribes to depict fallen warriors, often adorned with facial features, weapons, and jewelry.
Free time in the afternoon. Farewell dinner in the evening.
Accommodation in the hotel.
Departure.
Breakfast and free time, then checking out in the hotel, if time allows excursion to one of the biggest Osh bazaar to do shopping.
Transfer to the airport. Departure to the next destination.
The end of the tour.
8 days, from: $947
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5 days, from: $765
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1 days, from: $150
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7 days, from: $0
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1 days, from: $150
Season: all the year round
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