The heart of Kyrgyzstan Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included. 20% deposit, balance 30 days before tour starting date.
The heart of Kyrgyzstan Tour Highlights
This 9-day group tour from Bishkek shows you Kyrgyzstan’s best-known destinations and puts the focus on Kyrgyz culture along the way. You start at Issyk-Kul, one of the largest alpine lakes in the world, whose mountain valleys help you adapt to the altitude before you head up to Son-Kul Lake at 3,016 m in the Naryn region.
On the way you visit the Silk Road minaret of Burana Tower, share a lunch with a Dungan family, see the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata and walk in the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges. In Karakol you see the wooden Orthodox cathedral and the Dungan mosque, then continue to the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz, the waterfalls of the Barskoon Gorge and the colourful Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon.
Nomad culture is at the heart of the tour: you watch an eagle hunter with his golden eagle near Bokonbaevo, learn how yurts are made by hand in Kyzyl-Tuu village, spend a night in a yurt camp at Son-Kul and make your own small felt carpet in Kochkor, before a last night in the green Chon-Kemin Valley and the return to Bishkek.
Difficulty: Easy Only short, easy walks (about one hour at Jeti-Oguz, walks in the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges). One night in a yurt camp at Son-Kul Lake (3,016 m) after crossing the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,447 m), with outdoor toilets and shower. Drives of 140–300 km a day.
Guaranteed departures
Every date runs as scheduled. Same price on all departures.
Guaranteed tour dates 2027
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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| – Available | Mon – Tue | On request |
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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| – Available | Mon – Tue | On request |
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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| – Available | Mon – Tue | On request |
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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| – Available | Mon – Tue | On request |
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| – Available | Mon – Tue | On request |
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| – Available | Mon – Tue | On request |
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| – Available | Thu – Fri | On request |
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Tour Itinerary
Arrive in Bishkek, the vibrant capital of Kyrgyzstan, where your Central Asian adventure begins. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and check in from 14:00. The remainder of the time is at leisure, allowing you to relax after your journey or explore the city at your own pace. At 14:00, meet your guide and fellow travelers for a warm welcome and an introductory briefing. Learn about the exciting journey ahead, review the itinerary, and get acquainted with the travel plans for the coming days. Discover the charm of Bishkek on an introductory city tour, exploring the capital’s highlights and experiencing its unique blend of Soviet heritage, modern city life, and Kyrgyz culture. In the evening, enjoy a special welcome dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant. Savor authentic national cuisine and experience the rich culinary traditions and warm hospitality of Kyrgyzstan. Travel tip: We highly recommend booking an additional hotel night before the tour begins, as many international flights to Bishkek arrive late at night or in the early morning. This allows you to rest comfortably and start your journey refreshed.
Bishkek, Ala Too Square, Bishkek Victory Square, Bishkek Oak Park, Bishkek Central Mosque
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey with a visit to the historic Burana Tower, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most significant Silk Road landmarks. Located in the beautiful Chuy Valley, this ancient minaret is one of the last surviving remnants of Balasagyn, a medieval city founded by the Karakhanids in the 9th century. Explore the archaeological site, including ancient mausoleums, burial monuments, and the remains of the old settlement. Continue to Iskra village for a special lunch with a local Dungan family. Discover the fascinating heritage of the Dungan people, an ethnic group of Chinese Muslims who migrated from China to Central Asia, and enjoy their traditional homemade cuisine and warm hospitality. After lunch, travel to Issyk-Kul Lake, one of the world’s largest and deepest alpine lakes, surrounded by spectacular mountain scenery. Upon arrival, visit the open-air petroglyph museum, where ancient stone carvings, burial sites, and balbals reveal stories of the region’s early civilizations. The archaeological treasures date from the 2nd millennium BC to the 4th century AD. Spend the remainder of the day at leisure. Relax on the lakeshore, enjoy the peaceful mountain views, or take a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before settling into your lakeside hotel.
Burana Tower, Iskra, Cholpon Ata petroglyphs museum, Cholpon Ata
- Bishkek → Cholpon Ata (300 km)
Overnight: Cholpon Ata (Lakeside resort)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast at the hotel, explore the spectacular Grigoriev and Semenov Gorges, two of the most beautiful natural attractions in the Issyk-Kul region. Enjoy scenic mountain landscapes, fresh alpine air, and peaceful walks surrounded by forests and dramatic peaks. Lunch or a picnic will be arranged along the way. Continue to Karakol, the administrative centre of the Issyk-Kul region, known for its rich cultural heritage and diverse architecture. Visit the impressive Russian Orthodox Cathedral, a beautiful wooden church, and the unique Dungan Mosque, famous for its colourful Chinese-inspired design. In the evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before relaxing at your hotel.
Grigoriev Gorge, Semenov Gorge, Karakol, Karakol Orthodox cathedral, Karakol Dungan Mosque
- Cholpon Ata → Karakol (200 km)
Overnight: Karakol (Hotel)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast, depart from Karakol to explore the spectacular Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for its dramatic red sandstone cliffs and the iconic Broken Heart rock formation. Enjoy a leisurely one-hour walk surrounded by breathtaking mountain scenery and fresh alpine air. Continue to Barskoon Gorge, renowned for its beautiful waterfalls and lush natural landscapes. Discover the enchanting Tears of the Snow Leopard waterfall and visit the monument dedicated to Yuri Gagarin, the first human to travel into space, set against the stunning mountain backdrop. Enjoy a day of unforgettable scenery, local legends, and the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. In the evening, continue to Tamga for dinner and an overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Jeti Oguz, Barskoon Valley, Tamga Gorge
- Karakol → Tamga Gorge (160 km)
Overnight: Tamga Gorge (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake toward Kochkor village. Along the way, explore the fascinating Skazka Canyons, also known as the Fairy Tale Canyons, where colourful rock formations create extraordinary shapes resembling castles, animals, and towering skyscrapers. Continue with a memorable encounter with a traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunter. Witness the impressive speed, precision, and agility of the golden eagle, while discovering the ancient hunting traditions passed down through generations of nomadic people. Enjoy lunch at a local guesthouse or café before visiting Kyzyl-Tuu village, famous for its skilled yurt makers. Meet a local family and learn how these traditional nomadic homes are crafted by hand using techniques preserved across generations. In the afternoon, continue to Kochkor village, where you will enjoy a traditional dinner and experience the warm hospitality of a local guesthouse.
Skazka Canyon, Bokonbaevo, Kyzyl-Tuu village, Kochkor
- Tamga Gorge → Kochkor (170 km)
Overnight: Kochkor (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, travel through breathtaking mountain landscapes toward Son-Kul Lake, crossing the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass at 3,447 metres above sea level. Enjoy panoramic views of rolling alpine pastures, rugged peaks, and the lake’s stunning turquoise waters. Upon arrival, settle into a traditional yurt camp and experience the authentic lifestyle of Kyrgyz nomads. Discover their centuries-old traditions, warm hospitality, and deep connection to the surrounding highlands. As evening falls, enjoy a hearty dinner before spending a memorable night in a traditional yurt beneath the star-filled sky. Note: 4 people per yurt. Toilets, shower and sauna are outside.
Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, Song-Kul Lake
- Kochkor → Song-Kul Lake (140 km)
Overnight: Song-Kul Lake (Yurt camp)
- Shower: No
- Toilet: Outside WC (toilet seat and water)
- Internet: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Spend the morning enjoying the breathtaking scenery of Son-Kul Lake before departing for the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Along the way, stop in Kochkor village to discover Kyrgyzstan’s rich heritage of traditional felt making. Join skilled local artisans for a hands-on workshop and create your own miniature ala-kiyiz, a colourful patterned felt carpet that has been part of Kyrgyz nomadic culture for generations. Take a leisurely stroll through the village, admire the surrounding mountain views, and experience authentic local life. In the evening, enjoy a freshly prepared traditional dinner before relaxing in the peaceful atmosphere of Chon-Kemin Valley.
Song-Kul Lake, Kochkor, Chon Kemin
- Song-Kul Lake → Chon Kemin (300 km)
Overnight: Chon Kemin (Guesthouse)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Travel through the picturesque Chuy Valley toward Bishkek, enjoying views of rolling hills and distant mountain peaks along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, enjoy free time to explore at your own pace. Browse lively local markets, discover charming souvenir shops, and find unique gifts to remember your Kyrgyzstan adventure.
Chon Kemin, Bishkek
- Chon Kemin → Bishkek (200 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast
Enjoy a last breakfast at the hotel. Check-out is at 12:00, and you can leave for the airport at any time – the tour ends here. Airport transfers are not included in the tour price; we can arrange one for 50 USD per person (one way).
Bishkek
Meals: Breakfast
Download the itinerary
Tour Price
Group Tour Price
Single room supplement: $290
Optional extras
Airport transfer (one way, per person): $50 per person
Extra night in Bishkek: double/twin room $120, single room $90
What's included
Included
- Transportation for the group throughout the tour
- English-speaking guide
- Accommodation as listed in the itinerary (8 nights)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: 8 breakfasts, 5 lunches and 5 dinners
- Bishkek city tour: Ala-Too Square, Victory Square, Oak Park and the Central Mosque
- Visit to the historic Burana Tower
- Traditional lunch with a Dungan family in Iskra village
- Visit to the Cholpon-Ata petroglyph open-air museum
- Walks in the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges
- Karakol city tour: the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque
- Jeti-Oguz Gorge and the Seven Bulls rock formation
- Barskoon waterfalls
- Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon
- Eagle hunting demonstration
- Yurt-making demonstration in Kyzyl-Tuu village
- Hands-on felt-making workshop in Kochkor
- Visit to Son-Kul Lake with a night in a traditional yurt camp
- Free time in the Chon-Kemin Valley
Not included
- International flights
- Airport transfers (50 USD per person, one way)
- Extra night in Bishkek (120 USD per double/twin room, 90 USD per single room)
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance
- Services not mentioned as included
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
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Night 1
Bishkek
My Hotel or similar
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Night 2
Cholpon Ata
Caprice Lakeside Resort or similar
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Night 3
Karakol
Hotel 78 or similar
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Night 4
Tamga Gorge
Pavel Guest House or similar
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Night 5
Kochkor
Traveler Guest House or similar
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Night 6
Song-Kul Lake
Baiysh Yurt Camp or similar
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Night 7
Chon Kemin
Kemin Guesthouse or similar
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Night 8
Bishkek
My Hotel or similar
Good to know
- Group size: 4–12 travelers.
- Yurt night: At Son-Kul Lake you share a yurt with up to 4 people; toilets, shower and sauna are outside. The single room supplement does not apply to the yurt camp.
- Arrival: Many international flights arrive in Bishkek late at night or early in the morning, so we recommend booking an extra hotel night before the tour (120 USD per double/twin room, 90 USD per single room).
Kyrgyzstan travel information
Practical essentials for travelling in Kyrgyzstan. Open a topic to read more.
Visa policy
Find your country from the list and check possible visa requirements for Kyrgyzstan before booking.
The official currency is the Kyrgyz som (KGS). Bishkek has plenty of ATMs, but outside the larger towns and the northern shore of Issyk-Kul cash is how almost everything is paid.
ATMs and cards
Some ATMs in Bishkek dispense US dollars as well as som. Beyond the capital, ATMs are found in the few largest towns but mostly not in smaller ones, except on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Mastercard works in all ATMs, but Visa is still the more widely accepted card. Demirbank's red ATMs have lately been the best option for foreign cards, with moderate fees.
Exchanging money
Exchange offices in the major cities change US dollars, euros and roubles into som. Notes must be clean, fresh and without any signs of wear. Exchange offices prefer larger notes from 50 USD and 50 EUR, and sometimes give a better rate for them.
Paying by card
Cards are accepted in major hotels, restaurants, large supermarkets and some museums in Bishkek and Osh, and occasionally even in taxis. Elsewhere, apart from the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, paying by card is not practical.
Kyrgyzstan is generally safe for travellers and tourism is growing fast, but the usual precautions matter.
Documents
Always carry your passport or a notarised copy. Without proper identification you can be detained by the police.
In towns
- Robberies, some of them violent, and thefts happen especially in crowded places such as the bazaars. Take care after dark.
- Sexual harassment has been reported on public transport. Avoid walking or travelling alone, especially at night.
- Book taxis in advance from established services.
- Stay away from crowds and demonstrations.
- Watch where you step: some streets have large holes and pavements are often uneven.
Laws and customs
- Respect local traditions, customs, laws and religious practices.
- Possessing or using narcotics is strictly prohibited.
- Do not photograph anything related to the armed forces or security services.
- Same-sex relationships are legal but not widely discussed or publicly recognised.
Border areas
Smuggling makes the southern border zones with Uzbekistan and Tajikistan unstable and best avoided.
Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for travellers from many countries. Others can apply for an electronic visa or through an embassy.
Visas
For a tourist visa, most passport holders need an invitation letter from a tourism company. Kyrgyzstan has had an electronic visa system since 1 September 2017.
Border regions
Visiting border regions requires a special permit.
The best times to visit Kyrgyzstan's lower areas are May–June and September. In the high mountains, July and August are best.
Lower areas: May–June and September
In late spring and early autumn the valleys, Issyk-Kul's shores and the towns are green or golden, days are pleasant rather than hot and there are fewer visitors.
High mountains: July and August
This is when the high pastures, yurt camps and mountain passes are open, and trekking and horse-riding routes that are under snow the rest of the year can be reached. Days in the valleys can reach about 30°C, and nights at altitude can still be close to freezing. Summer is also the time of festivals celebrating Kyrgyz traditions.
Winter
Winters in the highlands are long and close the high passes, but it is still a captivating season. Hiking, horse riding and skiing are all possible, and yurt stays are available too.
Healthcare in Kyrgyzstan is basic and medical facilities are scarce, so comprehensive medical and travel insurance is essential.
Medicines
If you rely on regular medication, bring enough for the whole trip: it can be hard or expensive to find locally.
Insurance
Arrange comprehensive medical and travel insurance before you arrive. A serious accident or illness may mean emergency air evacuation to a neighbouring country.
Food and water
Treat tap water and other local water as contaminated and boil it before drinking; bottled water is the safest choice throughout your stay. Be careful with unpasteurised dairy and other animal products.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations against polio and tuberculosis are recommended before entering the country, and others may also be advisable. Ask your doctor or travel clinic.
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