Full Kyrgyzstan Highlights tour From Osh
Full Kyrgyzstan Highlights tour starting from Osh
TOUR DETAILS
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Period
May - September -
Tour length and Participants
11 days (10 nights), 1 or more participants -
Price from
660 $ / person
TOUR HIGLIGHTS
This highligts tour to Kyrgyzstan will reveal you almost every part of the Kyrgyz land, from the south to the north. The tour program also includes the largest alpine lakes, such as Issyk-Kul, Sary-Chelek and Son-Kol. In addition, it offers beautiful canyons, pastures, high mountains, rivers and waterfalls. You will learn more about the lifestyle, traditions and culture of the locals.
The southern part of the journey allows you to see more oriental traditions, closer to Uzbek culture and values and in the north you will see a different Kyrgyz culture, shaped more by the western and Russian/Soviet/Kazakh cultures. If one part of the trip shows the form of local civilization, then in the other half of the trip you can feel like a nomad person, practicing a nomadic way of life. On this long journey, you will be able to see different landscapes and all the four seasons, as the weather is different in each province and in the different altitude levels, regardless of the season.
Tour Itinerary
This tour will introduce you with the natural beauty and nomadic traditions of Kyrgyzstan. Distinct Kyrgyz culture is rooted in proud nomadic traditions. Kyrgyzstan was also an essential part of the Great Silk Route and three branches of the route: Pamir-Alay, South, and North routes, that all pass through Kyrgyzstan.
This trip will allow you to plunge deeply into the life of nomadic Kyrgyz and to feel the harmonious beauty of Kyrgyz nature. You will experience high mountains, long and narrow valleys, cold rivers, noble lakes and herds of horses, sheep and even yak in wild pastures between the high peaks and yurts dotting the scenery.
Osh city (Sulaiman-Too, Central bazar, local food)
Transport from the airport/border checks to the hotel. Osh is one of the multi-cultural cities with its 3000 years history and it is confirmed as a cultural city of Turkic language people.
City tour in Osh: the first destination will be the sacred Sulayman-Too mountain which is located in the city center of Osh and is considered the main cultural heritage in the region. Afterward, you will walk in the Central Bazar of Osh, which was a famous marketplace during the heyday of the Silk Road.
For lunch, you will have the possibility to enjoy the symbolic food of Osh called “Samsy”. For the dinner, the most popular food of Kyrgyzstan called “plov”, will be offered for you on the behalf of our company.
Accommodation: Hotel in Osh
Old tower, walnut forest, waterfalls, extreme drive with Soviet jeeps.
After breakfast, we will drive from Osh to Arslanbob town (3 – 4 hours). On thee way, we will visit a historical tower Uzgen, called “Munara” which was a strategic centre during the Karkhanids (9-13th century). After the arrival to Arslanbob, we will have a delicious food in a local guest house with a panoramic view of the whole Arslanbob forest mountain area. After lunch we will have an extreme drive with old Russian jeeps to the small and big waterfalls. Then we drive to the largest natureal walnut forest in the world, covering about 700 hectares.
Dinner and accommodation in hotel a local guesthouse
(Kara Kamysh lake, Naryn river, Sary Chelek national park)
After breakfast, we start the transfer to Sary-Chelek national park. On the way, you will see the beautiful lake Kara-Kamysh and Naryn river which is the longest river in the country.
We will arrive at the hotel in Sary-Chelek in the afternoon. We will have a walk in the area and some free time. The hotel is located among the mountains and a river.
Dinner and accommodation in hotel in Sary Chelek
Spend day in Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve
In the early morning after breakfast we drive to the main lake of Sary-Chelek. Then we will have a whole day trekking for 7 lakes of the area.
Every lake has its own beauty as they are untouched wild lakes with flowers and untouched nature around them. In the last lake we have opportunity to swim and have a picnic in the nature. Trekking will last till about 17:00.
Dinner and accommodation in hotel Sary Chelek
Two tunnels on a high mountain, Kyrgyzstan’s largest water reserve (Toktogul), beautiful gorges, rivers and valleys, Son-Kol lake
In the early morning, we drive from Sary-Chelek to Sol-Kol lake which is one of the largest alpine lakes in the world. Road takes us the whole day.
On the way we will see the most amazing parts of Kyrgyzstan. “Chychkan” gorge is famous with its long zig-zag roads and the river always following the road. Later we will be in valley called Suusamyr which will surely surprise you with its high altitude and nomadic people who live with their thousands of animals. In this valley we will get a glimpse of the still very active Kyrgyz nomad lifestyle.
Afternoon, we will go along the “Kokomeren” river which has a very strong flow and great views. Through a few villages and valleys, we will finally reach Son-Kol lake.
Dinner and accommodation in a yurt in Son Kul
Son-Kol lake (Amazing landscape, horse riding, trekking)
We will have another day in Son Kol lake as there are many things to enjoy. The lake is located on 3016 meters from the sea level and is surrounded by the rare flowers called edelweiss.
After having a breakfast, we take us to another side of the lake which has its own uniqueness. Afternoon we can ride a horse and go around the lake or have trekking. In the evening we see sunset on the top of a hill. It is also possible to swim in the lake.
Dinner and accommodation in yurt Son Kul
Son Kol – Issyk Kul (Long drive through different landscapes, camels, water reserve, Yssyk Kol)
In the early morning, we leave Son Kol and start the way toward Issyk Kol. On the way, we stop in a local house where we can admire amazing hand-made carpets and horse saddles, and many other hand-made traditional items.
Later we can see one more water reserve and camels around it. Afternoon, we arrive to Issyk Kol lake which covers most of the same-named province with its massive length of 150 km. We stop in yurt camp along the lake and enjoy views of the lake or you can swim and enjoy the beach.
Dinner and accommodation in a yurt camp in Issyk-Kul
Tamga – Barskoon – Karakol (Waterfalls, green pastures, canyons)
In the morning we go to Barskoon waterfall and have a short trek up to the mountain. Later we will arrive to the most popular canyon in the country.
Afternoon, we visit Zety Oguz (Seven bulls) town which was a famous sanatorium during the Soviet Union. Here we see waterfalls and valley covered with spruces. In the evening we arrive to Karakol city which is one of the touristic cities of Kyrgyzstan and the center of winter sports.
Accommodation: Guest house in Karakol
Karakol-Cholpon Ata (Kyrchyn and Grigorovskiy gorges, alpine lake and beach in Issyk Kul lake)
In the early morning, we drive to Cholpon Ata town by the northern beach of Issyk Kul lake. On the way, we visit gorge “Kyrchyn” which is the place for popular national holidays, games and marathons and other national sports. In this gorge Kyrgyzstan has hosted 3 World Nomad Games.
Afterwards we continue to another gorge called Grigorevskiy and see a beautiful mountain lake and with some luck horses and other animals as well. In the evening we arrive to the beach of Issyk-Kol where we can swim in the cool waters of the lake (Even though Issyk Kul translates as a hot lake)
Accommodation: Hotel in Cholpon Ata
Cholpon Ata-Bishkek (Bishkek, city tour, central market)
In the last day of our trip we will reach the capital city Bishkek and have a city tour. After arrival to Bishkek in the afternoon, we will go to “Osh Bazar” where we can buy local foods, dry fruits and souvenirs. Then walking in the main street “Chuy” where we can see main buildings and city monuments.
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Departure from hotel to the Manas International Airport, end of tour.
TOUR INFORMATION
INCLUDED
- Accommodation according to itinerary
- All transportation inside Kyrgyzstan
- Local English speaking guide
- Program activities
- Breakfast & Dinners (except in Karakol, Cholpon Ata, and Bishkek),
NOT INCLUDED
- International traveling (air tickets etc.)
- Travel insurance
- Visa services
- Lunches on the way
- Dinners in Karakol, Bishkek, and Cholpon-Ata
- Alcohol and other drinks
Price per person
| 1 – 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 – 6 pax | 7 – 10 pax | 10 – 15 pax |
| Ask for price | 1,015$ | 900$ | 870$ | 825$ | 660$ |
What to bring with you:
Comfortable walking/hiking shoes, warm clothes, rain clothes, sunscreen, the cap for the sun and sunglasses, personal medications.
Start & Finish
From Osh in Southern Kyrgyzstan & In Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan
Requirements
This tour requires normal physical condition. There will be some walking in easy and moderate terrains.
CHECK VISA POLICY
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan
Book your tour here
If you would like to customize your tour please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are happy to organize a custom tour or to provide a modified itinerary based on one of the tours provided by us or our cooperatives.
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Money & costs
Safety
Entry & exit
Best time to go
Health
Money & costs
Money & costs
The official currency utilized is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). In the capital, Bishkek, an abundance of ATMs can be found, some of which dispense US dollars in addition to local soms. Beyond the city limits, ATMs are increasingly prevalent in few largest towns but are mostly not available in smaller towns except at the northern shore of Issyk Kul.
Mastercard is universally accepted at all ATMs but Visa is still the more widely accepted card of choice in Kyrgyzstan. Maestro or other cards might be accepted in few select machines. Demirbank with their red colored ATMs has been the best option lately for all foreign cards with moderate fees.
Currency exchange services are readily accessible in major cities, ensuring seamless exchange of rubles, US dollars, and euros into soms. It is imperative that foreign currency banknotes remain pristine, fresh, and devoid of any signs of wear. Larger banknotes from 50 USD and 50 EUR are favored by the cash exchange services and are sometimes the prerequisite for a better exchange rate.
While credit cards face limited acceptance nationwide, starting from 2023, the convenience of utilizing debit or credit cards extends to major hotels, restaurants, expansive supermarkets, and select museums in Bishkek and Osh and rarely even in taxis. However, outside these two prominent cities, the practicality of card payments remains unfeasible.
Safety
Safety
Kyrgyzstan is generally considered safe for travelers, but adherence to standard precautions is crucial. The country is experiencing an active surge in tourism. Key recommendations encompass:
- Always have your passport or a notarized copy with you, as lacking proper identification may lead to arrest by the police.
- Incidents of robberies, some of which can be violent, and thefts are commonplace especially in crowded places like the bazars. Caution is advised, particularly when venturing out after dark. Instances of sexual violence and harassment have been reported in public transportation.
- Steer clear of crowds and demonstrations to ensure personal safety.
- Show respect for local traditions, customs, laws, and religious practices at all times.
- The possession or use of narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Photography of anything related to the armed forces or security services is not allowed.
- While same-sex relationships are legal, they are not widely discussed and lack public recognition.
- Avoid solitary walks or travels, especially during nighttime.
- Utilize established taxi services in advance to ensure reliability.
- The southern regions are susceptible to smuggling activities, rendering the security situation unstable and hazardous along the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan.
- Mind where you step in the cities as there are sometimes large holes on the streets and the pavements are not in pristine condition on the pedestrian areas.
Entry & exit
Entry & exit
Kyrgyzstan extends a visa-free arrangement to travelers from 69 countries. Alternatively, others can opt for the electronic visa system or submit applications through the embassy. Comprehensive information about visas is available here. For a tourist visa in Kyrgyzstan, a majority of passport holders require an invitation letter from a tourism company. Since September 1, 2017, Kyrgyzstan has introduced an electronic visa system. Special authorization is mandated for visits to border regions in Kyrgyzstan.
Best time to go
Best time to go
The optimal time to experience Kyrgyzstan is during the summer months of July and August. Despite the temperatures reaching approximately 30°C, this period witnesses the liveliest bazaars in the country. It is also the perfect season to delve into the mountainous landscapes and trekking routes that may be inaccessible during other times of the year. In July and August, you have the opportunity to explore Kyrgyzstan’s mountains either on foot or horseback, immersing yourself in traditional yurt accommodations with local families. Additionally, this time of the year hosts annual festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
While the winters in the highlands are prolonged, limiting passage through the elevated mountain passes, it presents a captivating season for exploring Kyrgyzstan. Engaging in various activities, akin to those enjoyed in summer (with the exception of rafting), such as hiking, horseback riding, or skiing in the mountains, allows for a unique experience. Accommodations in traditional yurts are also available during this season.
Health
Health
The overall state of healthcare in this country is recognized as relatively subpar, prompting a strong recommendation for travelers reliant on regular medications to carry ample supplies. Locating necessary drugs locally might pose challenges or incur significant costs. Medical facilities are anticipated to be scarce, underscoring the importance of securing comprehensive medical and travel insurance prior to arrival. In the event of a serious accident or illness, emergency air evacuation to a neighboring country may be necessary.
It is imperative to treat tap water and other local water sources as contaminated, necessitating thorough boiling before consumption. Opting for bottled water throughout the entire duration of stay in the country is a prudent choice. Exercise particular caution when consuming unpasteurized dairy products or animal products that may be susceptible to contamination.
Before entering the country, obtaining additional vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis is recommended, and other vaccinations may also be deemed necessary. Malaria poses a risk in the country, predominantly in the southern regions.
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Tour updated 7.7.2022
