Classic Kyrgyzstan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Kyrgyzstan may not be your first thought for a getaway but, for the visionaries out there, this is a country instilled with a very real sense of adventure. From the peaks of the spectacular Tien Shan Mountains to the rural heartland of the Chon Kemin Valley, this is a land of old Silk Road folk tales and deep-rooted nomadic traditions.
It begins in Bishkek, the country’s dramatically located capital. After a chance to tour the city, lose yourself amongst the meandering stalls of ...
Kyrgyzstan may not be your first thought for a getaway but, for the visionaries out there, this is a country instilled with a very real sense of adventure. From the peaks of the spectacular Tien Shan Mountains to the rural heartland of the Chon Kemin Valley, this is a land of old Silk Road folk tales and deep-rooted nomadic traditions.
It begins in Bishkek, the country’s dramatically located capital. After a chance to tour the city, lose yourself amongst the meandering stalls of the Osh Bazaar and visit the nearby mountains of the Ala Archa National Park, you will head to the shores of Son Kul Lake. Here you’ll spend some time living amongst the local nomads, sharing their yurts and exploring the mountain landscapes on horseback.
Along the shores of Lake Issyk Kul, you’ll watch the nomadic Kyrgyz tradition of eagle hunting before travelling on to the stunning Jety-Oguz Canyon to trek and ride amongst its fir forests and fertile valleys. A visit to the town of Karakol then affords an opportunity to visit one of the country’s oldest Orthodox churches before exploring the Chon Kemin Valley en route back to Bishkek.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
DAY 1: ARRIVE BISHKEK: CITY TOUR
DAY 1: ARRIVE BISHKEK: CITY TOUR
Early this morning, arrive into the capital, splendidly set against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Your guide will be waiting to pick you up from the airport and, after a chance to check in and freshen up, will take you on a tour through the city. Highlights include the main square, the State National History museum and Bishkek's Osh Bazaar which is filled with aromas of freshly baked Kyrgyz bread.
DAY 2: BISHKEK: ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION
DAY 2: BISHKEK: ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK EXCURSION
Escape the city and enjoy a full day excursion to Ala Archa Canyon, part of the Ala Archa National Park. Here, you can walk one of the various routes into the mountains for amazing views over the pine and juniper-covered park. The national park is a favourite getaway of the citizens of Bishkek and you can follow their lead by hiking through its unspoilt nature and a stopping for a rest by a waterfall. There is also the opportunity to pre-arrange bikes for a cycling trip if preferred over hiking.
DAY 3: BISHKEK - BURANA TOWER - SON KUL LAKE
DAY 3: BISHKEK - BURANA TOWER - SON KUL LAKE
Leaving Bishkek, drive south through picturesque mountain gorges to Son Kul Lake via the Burana Tower and petroglyphs, said to date from between 500 BC to 100 AD. This evening will be spent in a yurt, the traditional home of the Kyrgyz nomads, where you can enjoy local hospitality surrounded by the fresh mountain scenery and scenic lake.
DAY 4: SON KUL EXCURSION
DAY 4: SON KUL EXCURSION
From your cosy yurt you'll be able to explore the striking nature around the lake via horseback or on foot. The meadows are dotted with other nomadic yurts and you will learn about traditional life in the Kyrgyz summer pastures. During your stay you are bound to be offered kumyz, the Kyrgyz national drink made from fermented mares' milk.
DAY 5: SON KUL LAKE - BOKONBAYEVO - JETY OGUZ CANYON
DAY 5: SON KUL LAKE - BOKONBAYEVO - JETY OGUZ CANYON
In the morning drive to Lake Issyk Kul, the second largest mountain lake after Titicaca in South America, passing along its southern shore. See an eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo village in which the hunters demonstrate the art of using these regal birds to catch hares and other small animals. Continue to a family run felt workshop where you will learn about this intrinsic craft in Kyrgyz culture. Witness the full felt making process and try your hand at some creative finishing touches. Next, drive to Jety-Oguz Canyon to see the magnificent Oguz-Bashi peak.
DAY 6: JETY OGUZ CANYON: HIKE OR HORSE TREK
DAY 6: JETY OGUZ CANYON: HIKE OR HORSE TREK
Enjoy a full day of horse trekking or hiking in this beautiful area dotted with green valleys, fir forests and high glaciers. Enjoy walking along pristine trails, following crystal-clear streams and taking in the breathtaking views.
DAY 7: JETY OGUZ CANYON - KARAKOL - CHON KEMIN VALLEY
DAY 7: JETY OGUZ CANYON - KARAKOL - CHON KEMIN VALLEY
Early this morning, drive to Karakol at the eastern end of the lake and visit one of the oldest Orthodox Churches in Kyrgyzstan along with a Chinese-style mosque in the Russian-style town; then drive to the Chon-Kemin Valley looping around the lake’s northern shore.
DAY 8: CHON KEMIN VALLEY: HIKE OR HORSE TREK
DAY 8: CHON KEMIN VALLEY: HIKE OR HORSE TREK
Spend the day hiking or horse riding through the beautiful Chon Kemin Valley, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch along the way. This afternoon drive for two and half hours back to Bishkek where you can enjoy a final local dinner in the capital.
DAY 9: DEPART BISHKEK
DAY 9: DEPART BISHKEK
Depending on your flight time, you may have an extra morning at leisure for some last-minute shopping or relaxation, before being transferred to the international airport in time for your onward flight where the tour ends.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Son Kul Lake Yurt Camp, Son Kul Lake
This authentic yurt camp provides the ultimate adventure experience, sleeping in traditional nomadic tents beside the beautiful Son Kul. Surrounded by roaming herds of cattle, horses and goats, the snow-capped peaks and an impressive alpine lake, the camp has an inspiring backdrop to the puffing yurt chimneys and nomadic life. The camp itself is comprised of ten cosy yurts with original décor and traditional Kyrgyz Felt carpets – each of which sleeps up to five people. With simple wooden beds, clean bed linen, blankets, pillows and a stove lit each night before dinner, your stay will be both warm and comfortable. Nearby there are two larger yurts used for dining where you can sample hearty local cooking and even fresh fish caught from the lake. After a full day’s activities, riding, walking and exploring the surrounding area, a session in the camp’s homemade, rustic sauna is a relaxing experience.
Jety Oguz Canyon Yurt Camp, Jety-Oguz Canyon
This authentic yurt camp provides the ultimate adventure experience, sleeping in traditional nomadic yurts in the remote countryside of Kyrgyzstan. Each yurt comprises traditional wool carpet, full standard beds and heating facilities. Typically, each yurt houses four to five guests and there are a number of camps set across the valley. Nearby is a larger dining yurt designed in national style where guests sit on small pillows to sample hearty local cooking from low set tables. Western facilities, including showers, are usually available in a nearby separate block. Jety Oguz is one of the most scenic yurt stays in Kyrgyzstan.
Ashu Guesthouse, Chon Kemin Valley
Lying in a village in the Chon Kemin Valley is the delightful Ashu Guesthouse, established by a local family who wish to share their beautiful surroundings and traditional rural lifestyle. All rooms, though compact, have en suite facilities and are furnished and decorated with locally made items and handicrafts including plenty of colourful embroideries and hand carved wood. Guests can relax on day beds in the large shady gardens after a long day hiking or horse-riding. The rest of the village is on your doorstep to explore and the fertile valley is a great provider for home cooked, locally-sourced meals on the terrace.
Navat Hotel, Bishkek
The Navat Hotel opened in April 2019 and provides a colourful ambience, reflective of Tajik style whilst providing modern comfort, an excellent central location and much more character than the Hyatt found opposite. The hotel is spread over three floors and houses just 14 rooms including one single room and one triple room. The warm, English-speaking staff complement the cosy environment created by warm wood, traditional felt interior and textiles. Rooms feel more modern, but with plenty of local charm and flavour, and come equipped with air-conditioning and standard three-star amenities. Bathrooms are contemporary and higher category rooms are very spacious. Tucked away amongst tall trees and vegetation, guests of the boutique-style property can enjoy all the benefits of its great location in the heart of the city, without feeling like they are. As well as having many dining options nearby, the hotel is also linked to a restaurant. This is the perfect option for those wanting a local experience in a modern boutique hotel, with a good location to boot.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
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Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
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