Complete Kyrgyzstan
Example 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 unspoilt nature. For this mountainous country, more time to explore it provides the opportunity to reach its seldom-explored, remote corners.
Beginning in the Kyrgyz 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 unspoilt nature. For this mountainous country, more time to explore it provides the opportunity to reach its seldom-explored, remote corners.
Beginning in the Kyrgyz 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 takes you through mountainous landscapes, high-altitude passes and a stop-over at Chychkan Gorge to reach the magnificent UNESCO reserve and striking lake of Sary Chelek. 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, with 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, travelling past the lake’s more developed northern shore for some time in the peaceful Chon Kemin Valley before heading back to the capital.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
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Example Itinerary
This is an example itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes and budget, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 Arrive Bishkek: City Tour
Early this morning, you’ll arrive in the capital splendidly set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Your Kyrgyz guide will meet you at the airport, ready to take you straight to your hotel where early check-in has been arranged and a comfy bed and shower waiting for you after your flight. After some time to rest and refresh, you’ll head out on an afternoon tour through the city visiting its highlights like the main square, the State History Museum and the Osh Bazaar filled with aromas of freshly baked Kyrgyz bread.
Day 2 Bishkek: Ala Archa National Park
Escape the city and enjoy a day trip 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. Ala Archa is a favourite getaway of the citizens of Bishkek and you can follow their lead hiking through its unspoilt nature and a stopping for a picnic at one of the many scenic spots, perhaps under a cooling waterfall.
Day 3 Bishkek – Suusamyr – Chychkan Gorge
Leaving the capital today, it’s not long before you 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 sheep and mare milking by their traditional yurts. Upon arrival at Chychkan Gorge there’ll be time to explore some of the area before dinner.
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 during your homestay.
Day 5 Sary Chelek: Lakeside Hiking
Armed with a picnic lunch, today you will head out for an exhilarating hike around two of the lakes. Being home to over 1,000 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 always spectacular.
Day 6 Sary Chelek – Arslanbob
Departing from Sary Chelek this morning, you’ll continue 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 Exploration
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. Central Asian walnuts regularly formed part of the goods that were transported along the Silk Road, branches of which ran close to Arslanbob. As well as hiking through the forests, less active options include taking a jeep out to a nearby waterfall or enjoying strolls around the agricultural fields and taking in life in this small rural village.
Day 8 Arslanbob – Kaldama Ashuu Pass – Kazarman
A long day of driving today takes you through some of the country’s most eye-catching interior scenes, over the Kaldama Ashuu Pass (3,062m) and through the central ranges of the Tien Shan 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. Arrive at your next homestay with some time to freshen up and rest before dinner.
Day 9 Kazarman – Moldo Ashuu Pass – Son Kul Lake
Leaving Kazarman this morning, you will drive over the Moldo Ashuu Pass (3,660m), across 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: Explore Life Around the Lake
Today provides opportunities for full or half day walks up into the hills to enjoy the impressive views over this peaceful lake. Alternatively, you can 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) going on for some entertainment, in which riders compete to place a headless goat in a goal.
*There is also the option to explore the area via horseback, renting horses from some of the local nomads.
Day 11 Son Kul Lake – Naryn – Tash Rabat
This morning sees another beautiful drive to Tash Rabat, the famous ancient Silk Road caravanserai. A former ancient Silk Road staging post, you’ll stop for a tour of Naryn along the way, visiting its modern mosque, central square and an art gallery. Your home for the next two nights will be a remote yurt camp set up near the caravanserai in the summer.
Day 12 Tash Rabat: Ancient Silk Road Caravanserai
After breakfast at the yurt, walk over to the ancient caravanserai, captivating for its well-preserved condition; size, being one of the largest of its kind in Central Asia; and location, set at 3,200m in isolated territory close to the Chinese border. Its interior caverns served as a resting place for merchants, ambassadors and travellers along the Silk Road between the 11th and 15th centuries. The day is free to explore the stunning mountain surroundings. The walking in the area is wonderful and options include heading up to the 3,500m Tash Rabat Pass or hiking along other scenic routes around the lush green valley sprinkled with roaming horses, yaks, sheep and the nomads who tend to them.
*There is also the option to explore the area via horseback, renting horses from some of the local nomads.
Day 13 Tash Rabat – Khadjy Sai (Lake Issyk Kul)
A long drive today of around six 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. The beautiful drive is broken up by stops at a couple of villages along the way, firstly to meet a group of ladies producing felt. The women’s cooperative is made up of master felt makers who will gladly let you in on some trade secrets before letting you try your hand at some creative touches. Later you’ll call in to another small village to see a yurt frame being made. After more than a week of yurt camps and homestays, this evening you’ll check into a characterful little hotel.
Day 14 Khadjy Sai (Lake Issyk Kul): Eagle Hunter & Fairytale Canyons
Today may be a real highlight of your trip as you explore some of the many wonderful spots around 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. This afternoon, head out to explore the colourful, sandstone cliffs of Skazka Valley, known in Russian as the Fairytale Canyons, taking the short, easy hikes up for fantastic views over the lake. The day concludes with a trip to the village of Barskoon (1,700m) in the Barskoon Valley where you can hike 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
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. Then, head over to the home of a local Dungan family for a cooking demonstration of one of their traditional dishes before sitting down to enjoy it.
Day 16 Karakol: Altyn Arashan Excursion
There’s a real adventure in store today as you pick up your Russian UAZ vehicle 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 (though 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 for. 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 – Cholpon Ata – Chon Kemin Valley
Depart early this morning continuing to follow the lake’s shore around its northern side to your next guesthouse in the peaceful Chon Kemin Valley. Stop at the open-air museum of petroglyphs just outside the lakeside town of Cholpon Ata en route to explore ancient stone carvings, some of which are believed to date back to the 2nd millennium BCE.
Day 18 Chon Kemin Valley – Bishkek: Horse Riding in the Valley
Spend the morning exploring the beautiful Chon Kemin Valley the local way - on horseback. Venture as far as you like, spending as little or as long as you feel, upon your sturdy steed with the option to take a packed lunch for longer journeys or head back to your guesthouse for a homemade lunch following a shorter, leisurely horse ride. In the afternoon, you’ll transfer from the rural alpine countryside, along the valley river with the hills on either side eventually flattening out to agricultural land, arriving back to the busy capital for your final evening.
Day 19 Depart Bishkek
Depending on your flight time, you may have the morning free for some last-minute shopping or sightseeing, before you’re taken back to the international airport where your Kyrgyz adventure comes to an end.
EXAMPLE 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.
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.
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.
Arslanbob Homestay, Arslanbob Village
Support local families by staying at their family-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 private rooms, often with shared bathroom facilities, and delicious home-cooked meals, providing a great opportunity to sample traditional Kyrgyz dishes around a communal table. Rooms and washing facilities will be simple but there are lovely communal areas with beautiful views of the snow-capped peaks and poplar trees surrounding the valley.
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.
Green Yard, Karakol
In the centre of Karakol, this small family-owned hotel offers nicely decorated rooms with modern facilities including flat screen televisions and en suite bathrooms. The warm and welcoming atmosphere is felt throughout the property, including its 28 rooms which are spread across the pretty gardens. There are communal sitting rooms and a nice outside terrace in which to relax, as well as a dining room where a good home cooked breakfast is served each morning. We recommend the Luxe rooms for their views over the garden.
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.
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.
My Hotel, Bishkek
Located a short drive to the central Ala Too Square and other downtown highlights, My Hotel offers a great value-for-money option in Bishkek. The hotel is stylish, mixing modernity with rustic elements and each of the 22 rooms is cosy and simply styled with a typical Tush Kyiz “wall embroidery” adorning the wall. The hotel features a bar, terrace and a restaurant and café, selling a variety of sweet dishes, and all standard three-star amenities that one would expect to be included in your stay.
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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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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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.
Positive Impact of this Trip
Making a Difference
Community Tourism
People and local communities have always been at the heart of Wild Frontiers and the travel experiences we offer. Through community tourism we have the opportunity to generate real positive impact, supporting people we visit through sustainable local development, and in turn help to alleviate poverty and protect culture and environments in often more vulnerable destinations. While doing so, our clients gain richer travel experiences and more meaningful connections with the people they meet.
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As a travel company, we hold a responsibility to minimise our environmental footprint and contribute to sustainability, and work closely with local communities to support their efforts. By implementing initiatives such as carbon measuring, tree-planting, reducing single-use plastic and promoting eco-friendly practices, we can help mitigate the negative impacts of tourism on fragile ecosystems and local communities. Additionally, prioritising conservation efforts helps preserve natural habitats and wildlife, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy the wonders of our planet.
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The Wild Frontiers Foundation aims to provide a platform to create awareness, raise money and deliver funding to projects in countries where we operate as a travel company. Through the foundation, we are able to channel money into grass roots projects, which we have either established ourselves or support through charity partners. These include initiatives focused around education, the empowerment of local people and community conservation.
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Natalie is our Central Asia expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Natalie by calling
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OTHER ITINERARIES IN KYRGYZSTAN
Check out our group tours in Kyrgyzstan
As well as private tailor-made trips, we also offer small group tours (max size 12) to Kyrgyzstan. Led by an experienced tour leader, travel with a group of like-minded people on one of our award-winning group tours.
View Group Tours in Kyrgyzstan