Discover the stunning natural beauty, rich culture, and nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan on this 17-day adventure. Starting and ending in Bishkek, this combined tour by 4x4 vehicle takes you through alpine national parks, ancient Silk Road landmarks, high mountain lakes, scenic canyons, and remote valleys.

Experience authentic Kyrgyz life through yurt stays with local shepherds, hike to breathtaking spots like Ala-Kol and Kel Suu Lakes, soak in natural hot springs, and witness a traditional eagle hunting show. The journey includes moderate trekking, cultural experiences, and visits to iconic sites such as Burana Tower, Tash-Rabat Caravanserai, and Fairy Tale Canyon.

Ideal for nature lovers and adventure seekers, this immersive tour offers a perfect balance of trekking, sightseeing, and cultural encounters. Prepare for an unforgettable journey through Kyrgyzstan’s mountains, gorges, and nomadic heritage.

Tour duration: 17 days

Difficulty: Moderate. Some trekking required

Best time to travel: June to September 

Category: combined 

Type of transport: 4x4 car

Requirements: To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience, please pack weatherproof warm clothes, trekking boots, sleeping bags, hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.

Locations: 

Bishkek – Ala-Archa National Park – Burana Tower – Kochkor – kyzart village – Song-Kol lake – Tash-Rabat caravanserai – Kel-Suu lake – Naryn – Ak-Sai canyon – Bokonbaev – Skazka (fairy tale) canyon – Barskoon gorge – Zheti-Oguz gorge – Karakol – Ala-Kol lake – Altyn- Arashan – Kyrchyn gorge (Semyonovka and Grigorevka) – Cholpon-Ata – Chong-Kemin – Bishkek.

Tour itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek 

Upon your arrival in Bishkek, we will pick you up and transfer to the city. After a brief rest and some tea, begin a fascinating sightseeing tour that includes Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the Philharmonic Hall, Victory Square, and the vibrant Oriental market – Osh Bazaar and other sights. Following lunch, journey to the breathtaking Ala-Archa National Park (40 km). This alpine gorge, with its fast-flowing Ala-Archa River, tall snow-covered peaks, and fir-forested slopes, sets the stage for a delightful hike from the Alpine camp (2200 m) to the majestic "Ak-Sai" waterfall (35 m) at an elevation of 2700 m above sea level. Conclude the day with a transfer back to Bishkek and an overnight stay at the hotel. Dine at a local restaurant. 

Meals: Breakfast

Day 2: Bishkek – Kyzart village – Song-Kol lake

Have breakfast and transfer to Kyzart village. On the way to visit the historic Burana Tower architectural complex, dating back to the 10th-11th century. This important site was a key point on the Great Silk Road. Arrive to the village, have lunch at the guesthouse and start the trekking. It takes about 5 hours of trek and you reach to the shepherd’s yurt camp in the valley of Kilemche. Dine and overnight in the yurt.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 3: Kilemche – Zhaman-Echki 

After breakfast at Kilemche, spend the morning climbing to Jalgyz Karagai pass (3400 m), over the Son-Kul Mountains and into the lake’s basin. The morning climb offers wonderful views of Kilemche jailoo, and the pass itself is rocky and exciting. Continue to the lakeshore where you will have lunch. You will be greeted by the warmth and hospitality of a Kyrgyz shepherd family. Dine and overnight in yurt camp. Trekking time 5 hours.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 4: Zhaman-Echki – Ozbek ashuu 

This day we follow the western shore of Song-Kol lake. You can see the cattle grazing on the hills, the nomadic life of local people and enjoy the views. Delicious lunch upon arrival. Spend the rest of the day walking around, interacting with family members and watching the sunset. Dine and overnight in the yurt. Trekking time 4-5 hours. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 5: Ozbek ashuu – Kyzart village – Naryn 

Following breakfast, we cross the Ozbek pass 3300m and descend to Kyzart village, that takes around 5 hours of trekking. Replenish your energy with a tasty lunch in Kyzart and transfer to Naryn city. Check in to the guesthouse and have dinner. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 6: Naryn – Tash-Rabat – Panda pass – yurt camp Tash-Rabat

Early morning today we will head to Tash-Rabat, an ancient caravanserai, simple dwelling historically designed to accommodate merchants of the Great Silk Road. Upon arrival to the yurt camp, leave your staff and start trekking to Panda pass. 3-4 hours of trekking and you reach the top of the pass where you can see another beautiful lake Chatyr-Kol. Enjoy the panoramic view, have picnic and trek back. Dine and overnight in yurt. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 7: Tash-Rabat – Kel Suu lake

After breakfast, start driving towards to the next treasure of Kyrgyzstan – Kel Suu lake. Lunch en route (picnic). The distance is relatively short, but the conditions of the road delay the arrival. Arrive to Kel Suu in the late afternoon. Some free time in the evening to explore the area before dinner. Remote even by Kyrgyzstan standards, the magnificent Kel Suu lake stretches over 10 km through a sheer mountain gorge that reaches nearly to the Chinese border. Kel Suu means “incoming water” in Kyrgyz, and indeed, sometimes the lake disappears, flowing into underground caves and grottoes. Dinner and overnight in yurts. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 8: Kel Suu lake - Naryn city 

Morning hiking to the magical Kel Suu Lake. It takes about 3 hours of trekking from the camp to the lake. You will be amazed by the views of the lake! Picnic lunch on the shore of the lake. Trek back to the camp, grab our gears and start driving to Naryn town. Evening arrival, accommodation at hotel. Dine at the hotel or in a local restaurant. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch

Day 9: Naryn – Bokonbaev village

Have breakfast and drive to Yssyk-Kol, one of the beautiful lakes in the world. Lunch en route in a café. On the way visit Ak-Say canyon on the southern shore of the lake. Hike to the top and enjoy the panoramic views of the canyon and the lake. Upon arrival to Bokonbaev village, see how eagle hunters train their eagles. (Eagle hunting show). Dine and overnight at a local guesthouse.

Meals: Breakfast/Dinner

Day 10: Bokonbaev – Zheti-Oguz – Karakol

Today we visit the main highlights of the region. They are another beautiful canyon called Skazka (Fairy tale canyon), Barskoon goprge, where we trek to the waterfalls and Zheti-Oguz (Seven Bulls red stones) gorge for a short hike. Lunch en route in a local café. Arrive in Karakol city; check in to your hotel. Dine in a local restaurant.

Meals: Breakfast

Day 11: Karakol – Sirota hut

Transfer to the point of departure, from Karakol town to Karakol gorge until the first bridge, where we start our hiking tour until “Sirota” hut.  Karakol gorge is located 9 km to the south from Karakol city with total length 40 km and cuts the slopes of Terskey Ala-Too. Picnic en route. On the way to Alps Camp in several hours, you will proceed from the steppe foothills to mountain forests, woodlands, to subalpine and alpine meadows and even to the realm of eternal snow with bare rocks and glaciers. Dine and overnight in a yurt. 5-7 hours of trekking, 11 km, +600m.

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 12: Sirota hut – Ala-Kul lake – Keldike gorge

We continue hiking to Ala-Kul Lake (3533m). Ascent from Sirota hut to the lake takes approximately 2-3 hours. Have picnic on the shore of the lake. Go further up toward the pass (3860m), from which you will have an amazing view of Terskey Ala-Too mountain peaks chain. The descent from the pass by the rocky path and continue along the coast to the waterfall, flowing from the lake. Dinner and camping at yurt in Keldike gorge. (3200m). 9 km, +850m, 5-7 hours of trekking. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 13: Kelgike valley – Altyn-Arashan valley

We descend the gorge to the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan (2500m). It takes 3-4 hours of trekking depending on the pace. Upon arrival, we will enjoy a relaxing soak in the hot springs. Dinner and overnight in guesthouse. 11km, -1100m, 3-4 hours of trekking

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 14: Altyn-Arashan - Karakol - Cholpon-Ata, 

Final day easy walking down to Ak-Suu village for 3 hours. 10km, -450m, 3-4 hours of trekking. Descent to the finish point and transfer to Karakol city. Have lunch at local cafe and drive to Cholpon-Ata via northern shore of the lake. On the way visit Kyrchyn gorge (Semenov) where you can enjoy the sweet smell of pines, green mountain slopes and the sound of mountain rivers. Lunch en route. Arrive the town and visit an open-air museum of petroglyphs, dating from 500 BC to 100 AD. The depictions include wolves, long-horned ibex, goats, horses, snow leopards, sacrifices, and hunting scenes. Dine and overnight at a local guesthouse. 

Meals: Breakfast

Day 15: Cholpon-Ata – Chong-Kemin 

After breakfast, leave for Chong-Kemin Valley, a scenic journey of approximately 2.5 – 3 hours. Check in at the cozy guesthouse, where you will be warmly welcomed. Have delicious lunch and take the opportunity to explore the beautiful surroundings of Chon-Kemin. Optionally you can go for horseback riding. Dine and overnight in a guesthouse. 

Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner

Day 16: Chong-Kemin – Bishkek 

Today we can enjoy the time before heading to Bishkek city. Upon arrival check in to your hotel and have some free time. In the evening, gather for a farewell dinner at Kyrgyz ethno style restaurant. 

Meals: Breakfast

Day 17: Bishkek – Airport

Conclude the Highlights of Kyrgyzstan tour with a transfer to the airport (30 km) for departure, carrying cherished memories of Kyrgyzstan's culture, history, valleys and mountains. 

Inclusions:

• Transportation 4x4 car for the whole trip
• English speaking guide 
• Accommodations: guesthouses, 
• Meals – as stated in the program
• Entrance fees to sights according to the program
• Border permission to Kol-Suu lake
• Eagle hunting show;
• Mineral water 

Exclusions

• Travel insurance.
• Flight tickets.
• Accommodation in Bishkek
• Alcoholic beverages.
• Bank transfer fees.
• Additional services out of the program.

Standart tour price 

• 4 people = US$ 1900 per person