In the footsteps
of the Silk Road in Kyrgyzstan Tour
In the footsteps of the Silk Road in Kyrgyzstan Tour
Tour Details
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Period
May - September -
Tour length
12 days / 11 nights - Participants 2 - 10 pax
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Price from
720 USD / person
Tour Highlights
Following in the footsteps of the Great Silk Road, you get closer to the culture of Kyrgyz nomads. This tour goes really off the beaten track. The freshness of Kel Suu Lake and the snowy peaks of Tian Shan mountains will offer you unforgettable positive memories.
Kyrgyzstan Silk Road Tour Itinerary
Arrival at Manas Airport in Bishkek where our team will pick you up and will drive you to the capital (check-in at the hotel after 14:00).
We start our city tour in Bishkek. We will visit the heart of the city, Ala- Too Square. After we can enjoy a walk in Oak Park, one of the favorite places of local people. Bishkek is known as the greenest city in Central Asia thanks to its countless parks and alleys.
After lunch, we will have time to visit the local market Osh bazar. Here you can appreciate the creativity and talent of local artisans. Just as you step into the market, you plunge into the oriental atmosphere: an infinite flow of people, and a great variety of goods and colors.
In the evening, we can go to one of the best restaurants in Bishkek where you can taste delicious Kyrgyz national dishes.
Meals included: no meals included
Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Rixon Hotel or similar)
Breakfast in the hotel.
At the beginning of our journey, we will have to overcome the mountain pass Too Ashu. We cross the wonderful Suusamyr valley, a paradise for nomads.
Picnic or lunch at a small cafe along the way. Later we change the highway to the off-road. Our road will run along the Kokemeren river.
We get Kyzyl Oy, a mountain village located at an altitude of about 1800. Here you can take a picture of extraordinary landscapes of majestic mountains surrounding it.
Dinner in the guesthouse.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse (CBT Guesthouse or similar)
Breakfast in the guesthouse. Departure.
A winding mountain serpentine leads you to the gorge. We cross the pass and the coalmine Kara Keche to reach Son Kul lake. The lake is surrounded by green meadows, long used by nomads for grazing their animals.
When we arrive at the yurt camp in Son Kul, you can appreciate the hospitality of the nomads and get to know their lifestyle.
Dinner in the yurts.
Note: yurt capacity 4-5 people. But during the low season, you can be accommodated 2pax per yurt according to the availability. Toilets and sauna are outside.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Optionally: national horse games (100-200 USD per group), horse riding (10-13 USD per person horse rental + 10-25 USD horse guide). You can book and pay on spot
We continue our trip after breakfast in the yurt.
We keep our road towards Naryn, the administrative center of the region. This small city is located at an altitude of 2000 meters above sea level, on the bank of the biggest river in Kyrgyzstan.
When you arrive in Naryn, you take a shower and have a rest in the hotel. Before dinner in the restaurant, you can take a walk in the town.
Diner at the restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Khan Tengri Hotel or similar)
After breakfast, we head towards the Chinese border to reach Kel Suu lake. This mesmerizing mountain lake is located at an altitude of 3400 meters. Surrounded by steep rocks from all sides, it has many caves, grottos, and stone islands.
We arrive at the yurt camp, and after some rest, we will hike to the lake (2 h), or you can ride a horse (1h) (option).
Dinner in the yurt camp.
Note: yurt capacity 4-5 people. But during the low season, you can be accommodated 2pax per yurt according to the availability. Toilets are outside.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Optionally: horse riding (10-13 USD per person horse rental + 10-25 USD horse guide). You can book and pay on spot.
We will spend a whole day in the area of the mountain lake.
You can ride horses and explore this magical and beautiful place with breathtaking landscapes.
All the meals are served in the yurts.
Note: yurt capacity 4-5 people. But during the low season, you can be accommodated 2pax per yurt according to the availability. Toilets are outside.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Optionally: horse riding (10-13 USD per person horse rental + 10-25 USD horse guide). You can book and pay on spot
Breakfast in the yurt.
The goal is to reach Kochkor village. On the way, we pass the Kyrgyz summer pastures with yurts camps of local shepherds.
Upon arrival in Kochkor, you can take a shower and have a rest in the guesthouse. Before dinner, you have free time to walk in the village.
Dinner and overnight in the guesthouse.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse (Mira Guesthouse)
Optionally: folk show
After breakfast, we go towards the biggest lake in the country Issyk Kul, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. We go by the south shore of the lake.
Along the way, in Bokonbaevo we meet an eagle hunter with his bird of prey (option). Eagle hunting is one of the ancient traditions of nomads.
Later, we visit Skazka canyons, which translates from Russian as Fairytale. There you can find rocks of surprising shapes and sizes. A real skyscraper or an animal may appear in front of you. You can do short hiking in the canyons.
When we get Tamga, you will try a Russian sauna.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse (U Pavla Guesthouse or similar)
Optionally: yurt show (45 USD per person), eagle hunting (45 USD per person). You can book and pay on spot
After breakfast, we go towards Jety Oguz gorge.
The name of the gorge is symbolic and means “seven bulls” in Kyrgyz because there are seven giant red-brown rocks resembling furious bulls standing together. You can take a walk here and enjoy the beautiful landscapes.
When we get to Karakol, we will visit its famous sights, such as the Russian Orthodox cathedral and Dungan mosque.
For dinner, you can order the typical dish of this region ¨ashlan fu¨, Dungan traditional cuisine.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3* (My Hotel or similar)
After breakfast, we go towards Grigoriev and Semenov gorge.
They are located on the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, 60 kilometers from Cholpon Ata.
These places are considered the most famous attractions in the Issyk Kul region. We can drive to the first lake at Grigoriev Gorge to have a picnic on the shore (if the weather is nice). You can take a walk and enjoy the wild nature around you.
In the evening, we get to Tarsuu village located in Chon Kemin valley famous for the diversity of flora and fauna.
Dinner in the guesthouse.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Guesthouse (Kemin Guesthouse or similar)
Optionally: horse riding (13 USD per person horse rental + 25 USD horse guide). You can book and pay on spot
Breakfast in the guesthouse. Transfer to Bishkek.
Along the way, we visit Burana Tower located about 80 km from the capital. The tower with funerary monuments, earthworks, remains of the castle, and three mausoleums – that’s all that last out of the ancient Balasagyn town founded by Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century.
Lunch at the cafe or the guesthouse.
When we arrive in Bishkek, we will have time to visit the local market and buy some souvenirs.
In the evening, dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant.
Meals included: breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel 3* (Rixon Hotel or similar)
Transfer to the airport. Departure.
Included
- All transfers in comfortable and air conditioned vehicle:
− 2-4pax: SUV
− 6-8pax: one minibus type Mercedes Sprinter
− 10pax: one minibus type
Mercedes Sprinter + car for baggage - English speaking driver (2-4pax)
- Russian speaking driver (6-10pax)
- Accommodation described in the program in twin/double room/yurt
- Breakfasts
- Visits described in the program
- Mineral water
- Permits for the border zone for Kel Suu Lake
- Our assistance 24/7
Not included
- International flights
- Personal expenses
- Single room supplement – 185 USD per person*
- Insurance
- Early check-in & late check-out**
- English speaking guide – 1170 USD per group (except for 4 pax)
- Lunches & Dinners – 310 USD per person
- Optional activities
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Alcohol
- Other services not mentioned as included
*Except the yurt camps **Check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00
Price per person:
| 2 pax | 3 pax | 6 pax | 8 pax | 10 pax |
| 1584 USD | 990 USD | 827 USD | 720 USD | 858 USD |
What to bring with you:
Comfortable walking/hiking shoes, warm clothes, rain clothes, sunscreen, cap for the sun and sun glasses, personal medications.
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 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 the convenience of utilizing debit or credit cards extends to major hotels, restaurants, expansive supermarkets, and selected museums in Bishkek and Osh and rarely even in taxis. However, outside these two prominent cities and Northern Shore of Issyk Kul, 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.
Other tours in Kyrgyzstan
Tour updated 3.10.2022
