The Best Of Kyrgyzstan In 10 Days
About this tour
This itinerary ‘The best of Kyrgyzstan’ provides you with the chance to experience the best destinations and activities in Kyrgyzstan. You will see diverse landscapes, try different cuisine of multi-ethnic culture, go horse riding in the picturesque mountains, stay in a yurt, get antiquated with the rich culture and meet local people. Because the country is 90% mountainous, you will get to experience different landscapes and different seasons just in one country and within a couple of weeks.
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 1: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Arrive in Bishkek, capital of Kyrgyzstan City tour in Bishkek During the city tour in Bishkek, we will learn the history of both Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan, as part of the Great Silk Road, more recent Soviet Union and get a glimpse of how it is shaping today. The city tour will tell how ancient civilizations thrived in Kyrgyzstan, medieval towns developed thanks to the trade routes, but then came to an end due to various factors. We will explore main sights such as Ala-Too square, White House, old square, colorful and busy Osh Bazaar, but also discover interesting places off-the beaten path. Meals: Lunch/Dinner Overnight in Bishkek
Day 2: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Kegeti, Kyrgyzstan
At 8 am we will start the trip from Bishkek to Kegeti Gorge. Hike to a beautiful mountain lake Kol-Tor at an altitude of 2,725 meters. It is located 86 kilometers away from Bishkek on the northern slopes of the Kyrgyz Range. The lake was formed as a result of an earthquake. Here you can enjoy walks in the fir forest and continuous thickets of mountain ash, honeysuckle, dog rose, raspberry and barberry which are later replaced by juniper shrubs and alpine meadows. In some places we will cross low streams. Then the ascent will become steeper. We have three steep parts. It is moderate to difficult hike, with some paths being steep, but we have the whole day to do the hike, we will go slowly to enjoy the changing views of various landscape and stop to take photos. Once we reach the lake we will have our well-deserved lunch. The water of the lake changes its colors depending on the weather and ranging from pale turquoise to steel gray. Three kilometers above the lake are moraines and large Kol-Tor and Anastasia glaciers, clearly visible from the lake. After exploring the area around the lake we will slowly go down to the valley and spend the night in a guesthouse. Walking route to the lake is about 8 kilometers one way. The path will take about 3-5 hours. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in Kegeti Gorge Driving distance: 86 km (2 hours)
Day 3: Kegeti, Kyrgyzstan to Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast we will continue the way to Issyk-Kul province, the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. On the way we will have a short visit to a medieval age tower-minaret “Burana Tower”, along the Great Silk Road which is left from ancient city Balasagun (11-13th cent). We will drive through a picturesque and narrow gorge Boam, and along the railway which was built during the WW2 by war prisoners. We will stop for lunch to have traditional Central Asian meal on the way. At the end of the Boam gorge, Issyk-Kul lake will open up. Issyk-Kul is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and second largest mountain lake in the world. The lake is located at the altitude of 1600 m above sea level. The whole lake is a biosphere reserve and resembles the Earth itself, surrounded by mountains in the north and south, having its own microclimate, its own water cycle and unique ecosystems. At around 16.00 we will arrive in Bokonbaev village which is located along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul and surrounded with beautiful nature. Here we will have a chance to witness an ancient nomadic tradition of eagle hunting which is passed over from generation to generation. We will learn the story of a local hunter and his well-trained eagle and witness their skills. In Bokonbaev village we will take a rest in a quiet village atmosphere. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in homestay or yurt camp in Bokonbaev village. Driving distance: 200 km (4-5 hours)
Day 4: Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan to Karakol, Kyrgyzstan
We will leave Bokonbaev village and head to Karakol town. In multiethnic Karakol we will have a city sightseeing walk and get acquainted with its architecture, different nations, cultures and their cuisines. We will see Russian traditional houses that were built after the great earthquake in the early 20th cent and destroyed previous buildings. We will also visit Wooden Orthodox Church, Dungan mosque built in a Chinese style without the use of a single nail. We will also visit nearby Yrdyk village for a dinner with a local family. It’s a village where Dungan minority group lives. The Dungans came to Kyrgyzstan after a conflict in China and have been living in this area since the 19th cent. Most Dungan people here speak fluent Russian and Kyrgyz in addition to their own language. They are great farmers and have rich traditions and cuisine. We will have a chance to learn about their interesting history, culture and explore their amazing cuisine. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in guest house in Karakol Driving distance: 134 km (2 hours)
Day 5: Karakol, Kyrgyzstan to Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan
We will then head to one of the most beautiful valleys and most authentic areas called Jyrgalan. The valley is a hidden gem where you get the chance to experience the authentic rural life. Here we will explore the surrounding area, get acquainted with the locals’ lifestyle and traditions. We will start our day hike with one night in a tent. The level of this hike is medium with some parts being a little difficult. We will hike to a picturesque place not far from Jyrgalan village where we'll have a chance to enjoy the peacefulness of this alpine landscape. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in a tent Walking distance: 15-17 km Driving distance: 32 km (40 min)
Day 6: Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan
We will continue our hike in Jyrgalan valley. If the weather is good, we will try to climb higher to get panoramic views of mountains in Jyrgalan Valley. In the afternoon we will come back to Jyrgalan village and stay with a local family and enjoy authentic Kyrgyz village life with the view of mountains, river and animals. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in Jyrgalan village Walking distance: 15-17 km
Day 7: Jyrgalan, Kyrgyzstan to Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan
After breakfast we will drive to Jeti-Oguz Gorge. Jeti-Oguz Gorge is a lush, picturesque valley with some striking red sandstone rock formations, including the “Seven Bulls”. The name "Jeti-Oguz" (translated as "seven bulls") came from a chain of weathered red rocks, similar to bulls lying on the ground, and became a visiting card of the gorge. The local point of interest is the rock "Broken Heart", near which you can always make incredible photos. In the gorge at an altitude of 2200 m there is an interesting Soviet-era resort which used to be an attractive place in the past. Some people still stay in this resort for health treatment despite its poor infrastructure. We will spend enough time in this valley to explore the area, walk in the mountains and enjoy the nature. We will visit forests, pastures where semi-nomads spend summer time with their livestock. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in Jeti-Oguz Driving distance: 77 km (1,5 hours)
Day 8: Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan to Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan
After resting from a hike we will then drive to Skazka Canyon (“Fairy Tale”) for a short hike. The canyon, the beauty in the south of Issyk-Kul lake, was named after its bizarre rocky landscape, which for many years has been transformed by wind into various sculptures and formations. Some structures have been named for their similarity to the well-known objects and places. For example, one set of ridges in the canyon is called the "The Chinese Wall" due to its similarity to the Great Wall of China. Not only do the rocks have different shapes, but also various colors. Then we will drive to Kochkor, small town in Naryn province which is at the altitude of 1600m. Here we can attend an ancient nomadic tradition of making carpets from sheep wool and decorating it with traditional ornaments. Kyrgyz felt making culture is included in UNESCO heritage list as intangible cultural heritage. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in Kochkor Driving distance: 250 km (5 hours)
Day 9: Kochkor, Kyrgyzstan to Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan
Early morning drive to Kyzart village for horse riding towards Song Kul lake. In Kyzart village we will meet our horseman and horses. The horses are calm and know the routes well. If you have never ridden a horse before, our horseman will teach you first. So first we will practice riding horses. Then we will start our journey along Chaar-Archa valley and enjoy the beautiful scenery. We will stop for picnic in a yurt along the river. We will continue riding over Tuz-Ashuu pass (3300m) and we will be warmly welcomed by the local shepherd’s family who spend summer time here in their yurts for a cup of tea and local milk products. We will stay in a yurt at Son-Kul lake. Yurt is a traditional, environmentally-friendly dwelling of nomads. Yurt is made of wood, felt and other natural materials. Yurts can be dismantled, carried on animals or trucks and put together when nomads reach their destination. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in a yurt Horse riding time 5-6 hours Driving distance: 75 km (2 hours)
Day 10: Song-Kul, Kyrgyzstan to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
We wake up in a yurt and enjoy the surrounding environment of the lake. Son-Kul lake is an alpine lake located in a plateau at an altitude of 3016 m above sea level. Song-Kul is the second largest lake after Issyk Kul Lake, and the largest fresh water lake in Kyrgyzstan. Son-Kul is surrounded by wide, fertile meadows that have long been used by nomadic herders for their animals. In winter the lake surface freezes, the ice becoming as much as 1-1.2 m thick. The ice on the Song Kul begins to thaw in the middle or at the end of April, and completely disappears by late May. Today we ride our horses to Kyzart village through Kara-Kyia pass. On the pass, there is a panorama of not only Kyzart pass, but the whole Jumgal valley. Arrival in Kyzart pass and lunch in a house of local people. Drive back to Kochkor. Meals: Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner Overnight in Kochkor Horse riding time 4-5 hours Driving distance: 75 km (2 hours)
What's included
Insurance, medical expenses, drinks, souvenirs and other personal expenses are not included in the services
What to know
This tour can be customized. Please get in touch with me.
Route & locations
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan