Complete Kyrgyzstan
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
Home to spectacular snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes and rolling summer pastures, one of Kyrgyzstan’s major draws is undoubtedly its untouched nature. For this mountainous country, more time to explore it provides the opportunity to reach its seldom-explored, remote corners.
Beginning in the Kyrgyzstan capital, you’ll have a chance to soak up some of the contrasts and correlations between its soviet past, ancient history and present-day traditions. The first few days of travel ...
Home to spectacular snow-capped peaks, mountain lakes and rolling summer pastures, one of Kyrgyzstan’s major draws is undoubtedly its untouched nature. For this mountainous country, more time to explore it provides the opportunity to reach its seldom-explored, remote corners.
Beginning in the Kyrgyzstan capital, you’ll have a chance to soak up some of the contrasts and correlations between its soviet past, ancient history and present-day traditions. The first few days of travel then takes you through mountainous landscapes, high-altitude passes and a stop-over at Chychkan Gorge to reach the magnificent UNESCO reserve of Sary Chelek and its striking lake. Swapping altitude and alpine for walnut forest, you will continue on to the pretty village of Arslanbob. A few longer drives then allows you to explore the remote village of Kazarman, breathtaking natural beauty in the foothills of the Tien Shan Mountain Ranges and the Tash Rabat caravanserai ruins before arriving at the great Lake Issyk Kul.
The next few days will be spent exploring the wonderful canyons, valleys and villages of the lesser-trodden southern shore of the lake. There will also be opportunities to meet the local villagers and nomads and learn the skills and trades that provide them livelihoods and keep their culture and traditions alive. The trip finally winds down by journeying past the lake’s more developed northern shore and exploring the peaceful Chon Kemin Valley before heading back to the capital.
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, often filled with aromas of freshly baked Kyrgyz bread.
DAY 2: BISHKEK: ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK
DAY 2: BISHKEK: ALA ARCHA NATIONAL PARK
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 the option to pre arrange for a day's cycling if preferred to hiking.
DAY 3: BISHKEK - SUUSAMYR VALLEY - CHYCHKAN GORGE
DAY 3: BISHKEK - SUUSAMYR VALLEY - CHYCHKAN GORGE
Leaving the capital today, it is not long before we get into the mountain scenery for which Kyrgyzstan is so rightly famed. The route traverses two mountain passes: the dramatic Tuu Ashuu (3,586m) and the Ala Bel (3,184m) which in Kyrgyz means “colourful pass”. Travelling through the Suusamyr Valley, there will be several stops for some short acclimatisation walks and opportunities to hopefully meet some of the nomads who are often found here in the summer herding the sheep and mare milking by their traditional yurts. Upon arrival at Chychkan Gorge there should also be time to explore some of the surrounding area.
DAY 4: CHYCHKAN GORGE - SARY CHELEK
DAY 4: CHYCHKAN GORGE - SARY CHELEK
An early departure from Chychkan aims to arrive at Sary Chelek by mid-afternoon. This is one of Kyrgyzstan’s least visited but most striking locations which was included in the list of UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves in 1978. Centred around a spectacular lake (1,873m), Sary Chelek is almost alpine in appearance and provides some of the finest scenery in Central Asia, which you will be lucky enough to have as your base for the next two nights.
DAY 5: SARY CHELEK: LAKE HIKE
DAY 5: SARY CHELEK: LAKE HIKE
Armed with a picnic lunch, today you will head out for an exhilarating walk around two of the lakes. Being home to over 1000 species of plant, 160 species of bird and 34 different types of mammal, you can never be sure of exactly what you might see but the views all around are spectacular.
DAY 6: SARY CHELEK - ARSLANBOB VILLAGE
DAY 6: SARY CHELEK - ARSLANBOB VILLAGE
Leaving Sary Chelek this morning, head south towards Arslanbob village. Considered to be one of the country’s most attractive villages, it not only sits in the middle of a vast walnut forest, but it is also interestingly predominantly inhabited by ethnic Uzbeks. On arrival, you can visit the local bazaar and settle into your community-based homestay.
DAY 7: ARSLANBOB: WALNUT FOREST HIKE
DAY 7: ARSLANBOB: WALNUT FOREST HIKE
You have the whole day to explore the surrounds of Arslanbob on foot and to see its famous walnut forests, as well as some of the waterfalls and streams which dot the region. The walnut forests are believed to pre-date the 11th century and may even date back to the times of Alexander the Great. In fact, legend has it that Alexander brought back large quantities of the nuts from Central Asia but had to give them up once he reached Greece as payment to the boatmen who transported his troops. While this may just be the stuff of legend, what is certainly true is that Central Asian walnuts regularly formed part of the goods that were transported along the Silk Road, branches of which ran close to Arslanbob. Those preferring a less active day can take shorter walks and relax amidst the beautiful scenery of this small village.
DAY 8: ARSLANBOB - KALDAMA ASHUU PASS - KAZARMAN
DAY 8: ARSLANBOB - KALDAMA ASHUU PASS - KAZARMAN
A long drive today takes you through the country’s interior and the central ranges of the Tien Shan, over the Kaldama Ashuu Pass (3,062m) to Kazarman. This remote town sits on the Naryn River, one of the major tributaries of the Syr Darya River which was known to Alexander and the ancient Greeks as the Jaxartes.
DAY 9: KAZARMAN - MOLDO ASHUU PASS - SON KUL LAKE
DAY 9: KAZARMAN - MOLDO ASHUU PASS - SON KUL LAKE
Leaving Kazarman this morning, you will drive over the Moldo Ashuu Pass (3,660m), cross the Naryn River and head for Son Kul, a spectacular 3,000m-high mountain lake, to stay in a nomadic yurt camp. Arriving in late afternoon, there will be the chance to venture out and meet the local nomads who spend their summers here.
DAY 10: SON KUL LAKE: HIKE OR HORSE TREK
DAY 10: SON KUL LAKE: HIKE OR HORSE TREK
Today provides opportunities for full or half day walks (or horse rides) up into the hills to enjoy the mind-blowing views over this amazing lake. Alternatively, those wishing to can, just hang out at the yurt camp and enjoy some down time. If in luck, there may be a game of kok buru (perhaps better known by its Afghan name buzkashi) for some entertainment, in which riders compete to place a headless goat in a goal.
DAY 11: SON KUL LAKE - TASH RABAT
DAY 11: SON KUL LAKE - TASH RABAT
This morning sees another beautiful drive to Tash Rabat, the famous ancient Silk Road caravanserai, which will be home for the next two nights. Settle into your yurt and enjoy nomadic hospitality.
DAY 12: TASH RABAT: HIKE OR HORSE TREK
DAY 12: TASH RABAT: HIKE OR HORSE TREK
Today is free to explore the stunning mountain surroundings. The walking in this area is wonderful and those wishing to ride also have the chance do so. There may be the option to head up to the 3,500m Tash Rabat Pass or follow another scenic circuit. This valley, just 35km as the crow flies from the Chinese border, is lush and green, groaning with horses, yaks and sheep and the nomads who live by them.
DAY 13: TASH RABAT - KHADJY SAI (LAKE ISSYK KUL)
DAY 13: TASH RABAT - KHADJY SAI (LAKE ISSYK KUL)
A long drive today of around five hours brings you to the lakeside village of Khadjy-Sai on the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul, the largest mountain lake in the world after Lake Titicaca in South America.
DAY 14: LAKE ISSYK KUL SOUTHERN SHORE EXCURSION
DAY 14: LAKE ISSYK KUL SOUTHERN SHORE EXCURSION
Today may be a real highlight of your trip as you explore the many wonderful spots and meet the fascinating residents of the lesser explored southern shores of Lake Issyk Kul. Start the day meeting with a local eagle hunter and the Golden Eagles he has raised and trained, considered one of the Central Asian people's most cherished nomadic traditions. Continue on to a family-run felt workshop in Bokonbayevo where you will learn about this intrinsic craft and witness the full felt making process. This afternoon, head out to explore the colourful, sandstone cliffs of Skazka Valley, known in Russian as the Fairytale Canyons and take some short, easy hikes for fantastic views over the lake. The day concludes with a trip to the village of Barskoon (1,700m) in the Barskoon Valley where the main activity is hiking to one of three waterfalls. Alternatively, if feeling tired, you can instead opt to relax or stroll around the valley looking for some local nomads to spark up conversation with.
DAY 15: KHADJY SAI (LAKE ISSYK KUL) - JETY OGUZ CANYON - KARAKOL
DAY 15: KHADJY SAI (LAKE ISSYK KUL) - JETY OGUZ CANYON - KARAKOL
This morning, continue your drive along the south shore of Issyk Kul Lake until you reach Jety Oguz gorge. This picturesque gorge is named after the red rocky sand formations covered with forests of Tien Shan spruces. Hike up the main gorge along the winding Jety Oguz mountain river, perhaps bumping into local nomadic families along the way. Afterwards drive on to Karakol, a quaint Soviet-style town for a tour of its Holy Trinity cathedral, brightly coloured Chinese Dungan Mosque and backstreets full of Russian-style cottages each shaded by white poplar trees.
DAY 16: KARAKOL: ALTYN ARASHAN EXCURSION
DAY 16: KARAKOL: ALTYN ARASHAN EXCURSION
There’s a real adventure in store today as you pick up your Russian UAZ and head to Altyn Arashan Gorge. After manoeuvring the rocky road for two hours, you’ll reach the alpine valley area (3,000m) with views to Palatka Peak(4,260m) that form part of the Arashan State Nature Reserve, home to about 20 snow leopards and a handful of bears (although these have seldom been spotted). After a short walking exploration, you can relax in the hot mineral springs of which Altyn Arashan (Golden Spring) is named after. Natural hot water flows into a series of concrete pools here, each enclosed in a wooden shed lockable from the inside. Return to Karakol mid-afternoon and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.
DAY 17: KARAKOL - CHON KEMIN VALLEY
DAY 17: KARAKOL - CHON KEMIN VALLEY
Early this morning you will continue to follow the lake’s shore around to its northern side to your guesthouse in the peaceful Chon-Kemin Valley.
DAY 18: CHON KEMIN - BISHKEK
DAY 18: CHON KEMIN - BISHKEK
The first half of the day will be spent horse riding (or alternatively walking) through the beautiful Chon Kemin Valley, stopping for a scenic picnic lunch along the way. Get back on the road this afternoon for the two-and-a-half-hour-drive back to the capital, which begins along the river through the valley with the hills on either side eventually flattening out to areas of agricultural land. Enjoy a final evening at leisure in the capital.
DAY 19: DEPART BISHKEK
DAY 19: 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
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.
Matsunoki Guesthouse, Karakol
Found in central Karakol, the Matsunoki makes a great base for exploring the city's main sights on foot and providing a bit of comfort before or after a challenging trek towards the Tien Shan. The family-run guesthouse offers a welcoming and homely stay with a notably personable and helpful service. A wonderful home-made breakfast is included and there are restaurants within walking distance for other meals of the day. The guesthouse is set in a quaint building made with wooden support beams, doors and flooring, and there is also a large wooden sun terrace. Rooms are simple yet well done, modern and comfortable, offering lots of light. En suite bathrooms are compact, modern and come with standard amenities. The dining area is bright and airy, overlooking and allowing access to the back porch that leads out into some green space in the garden, which makes for an ideal spot to rest in the summer.
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.
Tash Rabat Yurt Camp, Tash Rabat
Tash Rabat Yurt Camp is in the perfect location for learning more about the historic caravanserai while exploring the surrounding valley. The 15 yurts are set up in the summer months to welcome visitors to the valley. The yurts are decorated in a traditional style and are comfortable and cosy, each containing simple wooden beds, basic electricity and an oven that heats the yurt twice a day. There are shared toilet facilities and a sauna.
Kazarman Village Homestay, Kazarman
Epic mountains and lush green fields provide an impressive backdrop to the rural village of Kazarman. As part of the CBT initiative, you will have the chance to experience the hospitality of local families who provide a private room for guests along with authentic home-cooked meals. Comfortable beds, shared washing facilities and electricity are a welcome respite after a long day on the road.
Art Hotel Al Hayat, Khadjy Sai Village
Al Hayat is a small guesthouse with rooms set around a colourful garden. The friendly hosts help support local artists by providing space for local meetings and workshops, as well as providing them with a gallery to showcase their work. The lovely courtyard, terrace bar and large dining area are wonderful spots for the owner's locally sourced meals (lunch and dinner can be prepared but must be booked in advance). We recommend the traditional plov, made from a family recipe.
Arslanbob Homestay, Arslanbob Village
Support local families by staying at their home run guesthouses and homestays in Arslanbob. Most are set amongst lush vegetation and fruit orchards, offering the perfect environment to relax after a full day exploring the walnut forests. All have a maximum of eight rooms and delicious home-cooked meals provide a great opportunity to sample some traditional Kyrgyz dishes around a communal table. A typical breakfast may include pancakes, omelettes and homemade raspberry jam. Rooms and washing facilities will be basic but there are lovely communal areas offering beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks and poplar trees which surround the valley.
Oson Motel, Chychkan Gorge
The two-star Oson Motel is located in a beautiful setting by the Chychkan River, half-way between Bishkek and Arslanbob village. The hotel comprises two separate cottages, a restaurant and a bar. All rooms are simply decorated but clean and feature en suite facilities. As well as yurt stays, the hotel can also arrange horseback riding, hikes and fishing.
Sary Chelek Homestay, Sary Chelek
Staying in Sary Chelek is an opportunity to experience a rural Kyrgyz family home. This homestay is located on the village river with an outside dining area to enjoy your home cooked meals. Rooms and washing facilities will be basic and shared. Hot water is provided but should be used sparingly. Both a latrine and Western-style toilet can be found in the garden along with a sink. A no frills but a charmingly authentic experience.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
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.
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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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