Erkin

Erkin.

Local Tour Company in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Written by Indy Guide from Erkin's trips and guest reviews

About this host

Erkin runs a small tour company based in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and still drives most trips himself. He left office and NGO work in 2018 to turn his love of exploring the country into a full-time job, and he still builds new, less-travelled routes into his tours.

His focus is overland trips across northern Kyrgyzstan and into southern Kazakhstan: Issyk-Kul, Song-Kul and the remote Kel-Suu lake, the canyons around Karakol, Charyn Canyon and Kolsay lakes, plus horse riding, hiking (including the Ala-Kul pass and Uchitel peak), eagle hunting shows and yurt stays. He also arranges border-zone permits and off-road trips further afield, including the Pamir Highway.

Guests consistently describe him as an attentive, safety-conscious driver on difficult mountain roads, with deep local knowledge and connections along the way. Reviews also mention his flexibility in adjusting itineraries on request and his attention to small details, from food to equipment.

Erkin drives a Toyota Land Cruiser and works with a small, growing team of travel managers and occasional guides who help with planning, communication and some tours. Group sizes are typically small, and itineraries can be customized or booked as scheduled group departures.

Tours & Activities

18 Listings

Kz-kg - 7 Lakes: The Ultimate Central Asia Road Trip
Tours & Activities
9 Days
Kz-kg - 7 Lakes: The Ultimate Central Asia Road Trip
Starts in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan - The Ultimate Central Asia Road Trip. 9 Days of Wonder. - Spots for visiting: Almaty, Altyn-Emel National Park, Jarkent, Charyn canyon, Kolsay lakes, Karakol, Issik-Kul South Shore, Jety-Oguz redrocks, Aksay and Skazka canyons, Kelsuu, Chatyr-Kol and Song-Kol lakes, Tash-Rabat, Burana, Bishkek. - The itinerary could be reversed - The tour program includes: meals, tickets, overnights in yurts and guesthouses, horse riding and eagle hunting show. - Booking the tour means i will personally conduct it. The program can be customized and during the trip we can be flexible and i try fulfill with some gems, which I don’t open in public programs. - Total distance ~ 2980 km (200km inside Altyn Emel NP). ADDITIONAL lOCATIONS: • Enilchek ghost town (320km, +1 extra day) • Altyn Arashan (+1 extra day) • Ara-Bel plateau on 4000 asl (160km, + 6 hours) • Tosor Pass and Glacier on 3900 asl (+1 extra day) • Chong-Kemin gorge (+80km, +4 hours) • Ak-Tuz abandoned uranium factory • Kol-Ukok (+1 extra day) • Kol-Kogur (+1 extra day) • Big Almaty Lake, Medeo and Shymbulak Ski Resort (+1 extra day) • Ala-Archa National Park (+80km, +4 hours) • Assy plateau and cosmic station (+1 extra day) • Bayankol village, Tekes waterfall and Tuzkol lake (+1 extra day) • Narynkol gorge (+1 extra day)
Kz-kg - Altyn Emel & Sonkol: Hidden Gems Of Ala-too
Tours & Activities
7 Days
Kz-kg - Altyn Emel & Sonkol: Hidden Gems Of Ala-too
Starts in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan tour with Altyn Emel National Park and Song-Kol lake for 7 days. - Spots for visiting: Almaty, Altyn-Emel National Park, Jarkent, Charyn canyon, Kolsay lakes, Karakol, Issik-Kul South Shore, Jety-Oguz redrocks, Aksay and Skazka canyons, Song-Kol lake, Bishkek. - The itinerary could be reversed - The tour program includes: meals, tickets, overnights in yurts and guesthouses, horse riding and eagle hunting show. - Booking the tour means i will personally conduct it. The program can be customized and during the trip we can be flexible and i try fulfill with some gems, which I don’t open in public programs. - Total distance ~ 2380 km (200km inside Altyn Emel NP). ADDITIONAL lOCATIONS: • Enilchek ghost town (320km, +1 extra day) • Altyn Arashan (+1 extra day) • Ara-Bel plateau on 4000 asl (160km, + 6 hours) • Tosor Pass and Glacier on 3900 asl (+1 extra day) • Chong-Kemin gorge (+80km, +4 hours) • Ak-Tuz abandoned uranium factory • Kol-Ukok (+1 extra day) • Kol-Kogur (+1 extra day) • Big Almaty Lake, Medeo and Shymbulak Ski Resort (+1 extra day) • Ala-Archa National Park (+80km, +4 hours) • Assy plateau and cosmic station (+1 extra day) • Bayankol village, Tekes waterfall and Tuzkol lake (+1 extra day) • Narynkol gorge (+1 extra day)
Kz-kg & Song-kol: Legends Of The Tien Shan
Tours & Activities
5 Days
Kz-kg & Song-kol: Legends Of The Tien Shan
Starts in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan tour with Song-Kol lake for 5 days. - Spots for visiting: : Almaty, Charyn canyon, Kolsay lakes, Karakol, Issik-Kul South Shore, Jety-Oguz redrocks, Aksay and Skazka canyons, Song-Kol lake, Bishkek. - The itinerary could be reversed - The tour program includes: meals, tickets, overnights in yurts and guesthouses, horse riding and eagle hunting show. - Booking the tour means i will personally conduct it. The program can be customized and during the trip we can be flexible and i try fulfill with some gems, which I don’t open in public programs. - Total distance ~ 1720 km. Additional Locations: • Enilchek ghost town (320km, +1 extra day) • Altyn Arashan (+1 extra day) • Ara-Bel plateau on 4000 asl (160km, + 6 hours) • Tosor Pass and Glacier on 3900 asl (+1 extra day) • Chong-Kemin gorge (+80km, +4 hours) • Ak-Tuz abandoned uranium factory • Kol-Ukok (+1 extra day) • Kol-Kogur (+1 extra day) • Big Almaty Lake, Medeo and Shymbulak Ski Resort (+1 extra day) • Ala-Archa National Park (+80km, +4 hours) • Assy plateau and cosmic station (+1 extra day) • Bayankol village, Tekes waterfall and Tuzkol lake (+1 extra day) • Narynkol gorge (+1 extra day)
Kz-kg & Altyn Emel: The Great Steppe Expedition
Tours & Activities
6 Days
Kz-kg & Altyn Emel: The Great Steppe Expedition
Starts in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan tour with Altyn Emel National Park for 6 days. - Spots for visiting: Almaty, Altyn-Emel National Park, Jarkent, Charyn canyon, Kolsay lakes, Karakol, Issik-Kul South Shore, Jety-Oguz redrocks, Aksay and Skazka canyons, Bishkek.. The itinerary could be reversed. - The itinerary could be reversed - The tour program includes: meals, tickets, overnights in yurts and guesthouses, horse riding and eagle hunting show. - Booking the tour means i will personally conduct it. The program can be customized and during the trip we can be flexible and i try fulfill with some gems, which I don’t open in public programs. - Total distance ~ 2020 km (200km inside Altyn Emel NP). ADDITIONAL lOCATIONS: • Enilchek ghost town (320km, +1 extra day) • Altyn Arashan (+1 extra day) • Ara-Bel plateau on 4000 asl (160km, + 6 hours) • Tosor Pass and Glacier on 3900 asl (+1 extra day) • Chong-Kemin gorge (+80km, +4 hours) • Ak-Tuz abandoned uranium factory • Kol-Ukok (+1 extra day) • Kol-Kogur (+1 extra day) • Big Almaty Lake, Medeo and Shymbulak Ski Resort (+1 extra day) • Ala-Archa National Park (+80km, +4 hours) • Assy plateau and cosmic station (+1 extra day) • Bayankol village, Tekes waterfall and Tuzkol lake (+1 extra day) • Narynkol gorge (+1 extra day)
Kz-kg Express Tour: Canyons And Mountain Lakes
Tours & Activities
4 Days
Kz-kg Express Tour: Canyons And Mountain Lakes
Starts in Almaty, Almaty, Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan express tour for 4 days. - Spots for visiting: Almaty, Charyn canyon, Kolsay lakes, Karakol, Issik-Kul South Shore, Jety-Oguz redrocks, Aksay and Skazka canyons, Bishkek. - The itinerary could be reversed - The tour program includes: meals, tickets, overnights in yurts and guesthouses and eagle hunting show. - Booking the tour means i will personally conduct it. The program can be customized and during the trip we can be flexible and i try fulfill with some gems, which I don’t open in public programs. - Total distance ~ 1300 km. Additional Locations: • Enilchek ghost town (320km, +1 extra day) • Altyn Arashan (+1 extra day) • Ara-Bel plateau on 4000 asl (160km, + 6 hours) • Tosor Pass and Glacier on 3900 asl (+1 extra day) • Chong-Kemin gorge (+80km, +4 hours) • Ak-Tuz abandoned uranium factory • Kol-Ukok (+1 extra day) • Kol-Kogur (+1 extra day) • Big Almaty Lake, Medeo and Shymbulak Ski Resort (+1 extra day) • Ala-Archa National Park (+80km, +4 hours) • Assy plateau and cosmic station (+1 extra day) • Bayankol village, Tekes waterfall and Tuzkol lake (+1 extra day) • Narynkol gorge (+1 extra day)
North Kg: The Main Gem Of Kyrgyzstan
Tours & Activities
3 Days
North Kg: The Main Gem Of Kyrgyzstan
Starts in Bishkek, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- Spots for visiting: Issik-Kul lake. Aksay, Kok-Moynok and Fairy Tale (Skazka) canyons. Karakol, Balykchi and Cholpon-Ata cities. Jety-Oguz, Barskoon and Kyrchyn gorges. Burana tower, Church and Mosque of Karakol. - Activities and shows: Hiking, Eagle hunting. - Accommodations: Traditional Kyrgyz yurts, Hotels and guesthouses. - Inclusions: Transportation, accommodations, meals, entrance fees, eagle hunting show. - Additional Details: Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be arranged upon request. We use spacious 4x4 vehicles with 3rd row of seats and can fit 6 persons. - Total distance: - ~1100km.
Han-Tengri Peak View From Sary-Jaz Valley
Tours & Activities
5 Days
Han-Tengri Peak View From Sary-Jaz Valley
Starts in Bishkek, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Tour to the most wild and picturesque places of Kyrgyzstan - Sary-Jaz valley and Enilchek Ghost town. Deep inside the Tyan-Shan mountains, observing the Khan-Tengri peak. During this tour you would get the strongest impression from mountains of Kyrgyzstan, i bet and make guarantee. Issik-Kul region is a heart of Tien Shan mountain system, no doubts. The program includes hikings, hotsprings, national cuisine and meet with the original culture. Our rout is like a stretched circle through Chuy and Issik-Kul region. We will visit most popular places - Sary-Jaz and Karkyra valleys, the Chon-Ashuu pass (4000 m. asl), Enilchek ghost town, Jety-Oguz, Kyrchyn and Chon-Ak-Suu (Georgievskiy) gorges, Barskoon, Fairy Tale Canyons. The tour program includes visiting of historic places and museums, meeting with local people and culture, bathing in hot springs, overnight in yurt and homestay, hiking in the mountains, skitour at wintertime and etc.
North Kg: Three Unique Lakes - One Epic Journey
Tours & Activities
9 Days
North Kg: Three Unique Lakes - One Epic Journey
Starts in Bishkek, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- About this tour: Discover the best of Kyrgyzstan on a 9-day adventure through its three most unique lakes – Issyk-Kul, Son-Kul, and Kel-Suu. This journey perfectly balances iconic destinations with remote, untouched landscapes where few travelers venture. Experience breathtaking mountain scenery, authentic nomadic culture, hiking, horseback riding, and boat trips while exploring the country's incredible diversity. Three lakes, three different worlds – one unforgettable journey. - Spots for visiting: Issik-Kul, Song-Kol and Kel-Suu lake. Aksay, Kok-Moynok and Fairy Tale (Skazka) canyons. Karakol, Balykchi and Cholpon-Ata cities. Jety-Oguz, Barskoon and Kyrchyn gorges. Burana tower, Church and Mosque of Karakol, Kalmak-Ashuu and Teskey-Torpu (33 Parrots) pass. - Activities and shows: Hiking, Horse riding, Kel-Suu boating, Yurt building show, Kyrgyz national music band and Eagle hunting. - Accommodations: Traditional Kyrgyz yurts, Hotels and guesthouses. - Inclusions: Transportation, accommodations, meals, entrance fees, horses, Kel-Suu lake boats, music and yurt show, eagle hunting. - Additional Details: Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be arranged upon request. We use spacious 4x4 vehicles with 3rd row of seats and can fit 6 persons. - Total distance: - ~2100 km.
North Kg: Hiking Adventure To Glacier Lakes
Tours & Activities
7 Days
North Kg: Hiking Adventure To Glacier Lakes
Starts in Bishkek, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
- About this tour: Two days of tour pretty intense hiking and horse riding with climbing to 4000 m. asl pass of Ala-Kul lake. If you are adventurous and fit, this option for you. The main part of tour is a good balance of exploring nomad culture, history and landscape. - Spots for visiting: Issik-Kul and Song-Kol lake. Altyn-Arashan gorge and Ala-Kul lake hiking (4000 m. asl). Aksay, Kok-Moynok and Fairy Tale (Skazka) canyons. Karakol, Balykchi and Cholpon-Ata cities. Jety-Oguz, Barskoon and Kyrchyn gorges. Burana tower, Church and Mosque of Karakol, Kalmak-Ashuu pass. - Activities and shows: Hiking and mountain climbing, horse riding and Eagle hunting. - Accommodations: Traditional Kyrgyz yurts, Hotels and guesthouses. - Inclusions: Transportation, accommodations, meals, entrance fees, horse riding and eagle hunting show. - Additional Details: Vegetarian and gluten-free meals can be arranged upon request. We use spacious 4x4 vehicles with 3rd row of seats and can fit 6 persons. Total distance: - ~1600km.
Reviews
4.8
★★★★★
45 Reviews
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0

It was the perfect first trip to Kyrgyzstan for our family! We saw and experienced so much in just one week, all thanks to how thoughtfully Erkin, Nurpeiil, and Oljas tailored the itinerary to our request. We wanted an experience focused on nature rather than time in the city, and they truly delivered—we got to see so many breathtaking places in a short time. Everything went smoothly from start to finish. We thoroughly enjoyed every part of the journey, including the scenic drives and great conversations with Oljas. Oljas speaks fluent English, is an exceptionally knowledgeable local guide, and was fantastic with our two kids (aged 8 and 11), keeping the trip fun and engaging for them throughout. The vehicle was sturdy, very comfortable, and ideal for our family of four. Erkin and his team did a wonderful job looking after us all week. They were flexible, professional, and helpful at every turn. We usually prefer to drive and organize our own trips, but choosing Erkin's team was hands-down the best decision. Having them take care of the driving and logistics allowed us to sit back and truly take in the beauty and wonder of this incredible country. We can’t wait to return and explore more new places with them! Highly recommended!

Keer
October 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0

Erkin organized our border permits incredibly quickly, which was a huge help as we were in a hurry. The whole process was very straightforward and everything went smoothly. On top of that, Erkin was very friendly and helpful throughout the process.He took care of everything and made sure we didn’t have to worry about a thing.

Jonas Krug
September 2026
★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5.0

Ok where do I even start….We’ve had an amazing 5 day trip to Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan with Erkin! My husband and I usually travel on our own, but this time we decided to take a guided tour with Erkin, and it turned out to be the best decision ever. Even though Erkin seems to have been practically everywhere in the Northern Kyrgyzstan, he makes the trip feel unique. He is super flexible, takes special requests into account, and is genuinely great at planning and time management - for instance, we really wanted to see the Arabel Pass, and Erkin managed to incorporate it into the trip without sacrificing anything else. He also struck a perfect balance between time on the road and time to enjoy each location, which is impressive considering how large the distances really are - we crossed almost 2000 km, and not all the roads were exactly smooth. Erkin is very attentive to detail - he carefully selects accommodation and places to eat and has a lot of supplies with him (for example, water, coffee, cookies, napkins and even foldable chairs). By the way, we were really well fed, and Erkin’s food recommendations were always better than the dishes we chose ourselves - so please always listen to him ;) Erkin genuinely loves his job, people, traveling and exploring - he will tell you a lot and will do it in a lively and engaging way - you will certainly not have a feeling that you are listening to a wikipedia article copypaste. Last but not least, he is simply a lovely person and a nice conversation partner. By the end of the trip, we felt like we were traveling with a friend and were even a bit sad that the tour came to an end. Erkin, thank you for the great trip and hopefully we will see you again soon on our next trip to Central Asia ;).

Sofia
September 2026
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Erkin
Erkin
★ Superhost
Erkin
Local Tour Company · Kyrgyzstan
4.8
Rating
45
Reviews
6h
Response
18
Listings
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