In the footsteps of the Kyrgyz Silk Road Tour
Accommodation, transport included.
In the footsteps of the Kyrgyz Silk Road Tour Highlights
Follow the old Silk Road through Kyrgyzstan in 12 days, from Bishkek over high passes to the yurt camps of Song-Kol and Kel-Suu Lake. This tour goes far off the beaten track and brings you close to the culture of the Kyrgyz nomads. From Bishkek you cross the Too-Ashuu pass and the Suusamyr Valley to the mountain village of Kyzyl-Oy, then drive over the Kara-Keche pass to the summer pastures of Song-Kol, where you sleep in a yurt camp. Via the regional town of Naryn you head towards the Chinese border to Kel-Suu Lake, a mountain lake at 3,400 m surrounded by steep rocks, caves and stone islands, and spend two nights in a yurt camp with a whole day to hike or ride.
Back down, the snowy peaks of the Tian Shan rise above Issyk-Kul, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. You meet an eagle hunter in Bokonbaevo (optional), walk among the strange rock shapes of Skazka Canyon and the red "seven bulls" of Jeti-Oguz, see the Russian Orthodox cathedral and the Dungan mosque of Karakol and have a picnic by the lake in Grigoriev Gorge. The last night in the green Chon-Kemin valley is followed by the Burana Tower, all that is left of the ancient town of Balasagyn, on the way back to Bishkek.
Difficulty: Moderate Mostly road travel with several long days in the vehicle (up to about 300–320 km and 7 hours, partly on off-road tracks), three nights in simple yurt camps with outside toilets, including two nights near Kel-Suu Lake at about 3,400 m, and optional walks such as the 2-hour hike to the lake.
Tour Itinerary
Arrive at Manas International Airport, where our team meets you and drives you to Bishkek (about 30 km, 40 minutes). Check-in at the hotel is after 14:00. Start your city tour in the heart of the capital, Ala-Too Square, and continue with a walk in Oak Park, one of the favorite places of the locals. Bishkek is known as the greenest city in Central Asia thanks to its countless parks and alleys. After lunch there is time for the Osh Bazaar, where you can admire the creativity and talent of local artisans. As soon as you step into the market you plunge into its oriental atmosphere: an endless flow of people and a great variety of goods and colors. In the evening you can go to one of the best restaurants in Bishkek to taste delicious Kyrgyz national dishes. Overnight at the hotel in Bishkek.
Bishkek, Ala Too Square, Bishkek Oak Park, Osh Bazaar (Bishkek)
- Manas International Airport → Bishkek (30 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
After breakfast at the hotel, the journey starts with the Too-Ashuu mountain pass. You then cross the wonderful Suusamyr Valley, a paradise for nomads. Lunch is a picnic or a stop at a small café along the way. Later the highway gives way to an off-road track along the Kokemeren River. You reach Kyzyl-Oy, a mountain village at an altitude of about 1,800 m, surrounded by majestic mountains – a great place to photograph extraordinary landscapes. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse in Kyzyl-Oy.
Too-Ashuu Pass, Suusamyr Valley, Kyzyl-Oi
- Bishkek → Kyzyl-Oi (200 km)
Overnight: Kyzyl-Oi (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the guesthouse, a winding mountain road leads you up through a gorge. You cross the Kara-Keche pass with its coal mine and reach Song-Kol Lake, surrounded by green meadows that nomads have long used to graze their animals. At the yurt camp you experience the hospitality of the nomads and get to know their way of life. Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp at Song-Kol. Optional, booked and paid on the spot: national horse games (100–200 USD per group) and horse riding (10–13 USD per person for the horse plus 10–25 USD for the horse guide).
Kara-Keche Pass, Song-Kul Lake
- Kyzyl-Oi → Song-Kul Lake (180 km)
Overnight: Song-Kul Lake (Yurt camp)
- Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast in the yurt camp, the road continues to Naryn, the administrative center of the region. This small town lies at an altitude of 2,000 m on the banks of the Naryn, the biggest river in Kyrgyzstan. On arrival you can take a shower and rest at the hotel, and before dinner at a restaurant there is time for a walk in town. Overnight at the hotel in Naryn.
Naryn
- Song-Kul Lake → Naryn (150 km)
Overnight: Naryn (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you head towards the Chinese border to reach Kel-Suu Lake. This mesmerizing mountain lake lies at an altitude of 3,400 m; surrounded by steep rocks on all sides, it has many caves, grottos and stone islands. After some rest at the yurt camp, you hike to the lake (about 2 hours) or ride there on horseback (about 1 hour, optional). Dinner and overnight in the yurt camp. Optional, booked and paid on the spot: horse riding (10–13 USD per person for the horse plus 10–25 USD for the horse guide).
Kel-Suu Lake
- Naryn → Kel-Suu Lake (160 km)
Overnight: Kel-Suu Lake (Yurt camp)
- Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
Meals: Breakfast
A whole day in the area of the mountain lake. You can ride horses and explore this magical place with its breathtaking landscapes. Meals are served in the yurts. Overnight in the yurt camp. Optional, booked and paid on the spot: horse riding (10–13 USD per person for the horse plus 10–25 USD for the horse guide).
Kel-Suu Lake
Overnight: Kel-Suu Lake (Yurt camp)
- Toilet: Outdoor (pit / drop toilet)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast in the yurt camp, a long drive (about 300 km, 7 hours) takes you to the village of Kochkor. On the way you pass the Kyrgyz summer pastures with the yurt camps of local shepherds. In Kochkor you can take a shower and rest at the guesthouse; before dinner there is free time for a walk in the village. An evening folk show can be arranged as an option. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse in Kochkor.
Kochkor
- Kel-Suu Lake → Kochkor (300 km)
Overnight: Kochkor (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you head for Issyk-Kul, the biggest lake in the country and the pearl of Kyrgyzstan, and follow its south shore. In Bokonbaevo you can meet an eagle hunter with his bird of prey (optional) – eagle hunting is one of the ancient traditions of the nomads. Later you visit Skazka Canyon – "skazka" means fairytale in Russian – with rocks of surprising shapes and sizes: a skyscraper or an animal may suddenly appear in front of you. Short hikes in the canyon are possible. In Tamga you can try a Russian sauna. Overnight at the guesthouse in Tamga. Optional, booked and paid on the spot: yurt show (45 USD per person) and eagle hunting demonstration (45 USD per person).
Issyk-Kul Lake, Bokonbaevo, Skazka Canyon, Tamga village
- Kochkor → Bokonbaevo (128 km)
- Bokonbaevo → Skazka Canyon (27 km)
- Skazka Canyon → Tamga village (15 km)
Overnight: Tamga village (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you drive to the Jeti-Oguz gorge. Its name means "seven bulls" in Kyrgyz, after the seven giant red-brown rocks that stand together like furious bulls. Take a walk and enjoy the beautiful landscapes. In Karakol you visit the town's famous sights, the Russian Orthodox cathedral and the Dungan mosque. For dinner you can order ashlan-fu, a typical dish of the region from the Dungan cuisine. Overnight at the hotel in Karakol.
Jeti Oguz, Karakol, Karakol Orthodox cathedral, Karakol Dungan Mosque
- Tamga village → Jeti Oguz (115 km)
- Jeti Oguz → Karakol (35 km)
Overnight: Karakol (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, you drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to the Grigoriev and Semenov gorges, among the most famous attractions of the Issyk-Kul region. If the weather is nice, you drive up to the first lake in the Grigoriev gorge for a picnic on the shore and a walk in the wild nature around you. In the evening you reach the village of Tarsuu in the Chon-Kemin valley, famous for the diversity of its flora and fauna. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse in Chon-Kemin. Optional, booked and paid on the spot: horse riding (13 USD per person for the horse plus 25 USD for the horse guide).
Semenov Gorge, Grigoriev Gorge, Chon Kemin
- Karakol → Semenov Gorge (110 km)
- Semenov Gorge → Grigoriev Gorge (25 km)
- Grigoriev Gorge → Chon Kemin (185 km)
Overnight: Chon Kemin (Guesthouse)
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast at the guesthouse, you transfer to Bishkek. On the way you visit the Burana Tower, about 80 km from the capital. The tower, with funerary monuments, earthworks, the remains of a castle and three mausoleums, is all that is left of the ancient town of Balasagyn, founded by the Karakhanids at the end of the 9th century. Lunch at a café or the guesthouse. Back in Bishkek there is time to visit the local market and buy some souvenirs, and in the evening you can have dinner at a traditional Kyrgyz restaurant. Overnight at the hotel in Bishkek.
Burana Tower, Bishkek
- Chon Kemin → Burana Tower (120 km)
- Burana Tower → Bishkek (80 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
Meals: Breakfast
Transfer to Manas International Airport (about 30 km, 40 minutes) for your departure flight.
- Bishkek → Manas International Airport (30 km)
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What's included
Included
- All transfers in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle: SUV for 2–4 travelers, Mercedes Sprinter minibus for 6–8 travelers, Mercedes Sprinter minibus plus a car for the luggage for 10 travelers
- English-speaking driver for 2–4 travelers, Russian-speaking driver for 6–10 travelers
- Accommodation as described in the program in twin/double rooms and yurts – 11 nights: 3* hotels in Bishkek (2 nights), Naryn and Karakol, guesthouses in Kyzyl-Oy, Kochkor, Tamga and Chon-Kemin, yurt camps at Song-Kol (1 night) and Kel-Suu Lake (2 nights)
- Breakfasts
- Visits as described in the program
- Mineral water
- Border zone permit for Kel-Suu Lake
- Our assistance 24/7
Not included
- International flights
- Single room supplement – 185 USD per person (not available in the yurt camps)
- English-speaking guide – 1,170 USD per group (except for groups of 4)
- Lunches and dinners – 310 USD per person
- Optional activities (booked and paid on the spot)
- Early check-in and late check-out (check-in after 14:00, check-out before 12:00)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Alcohol
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Other 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
Rixon Hotel or similar
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Night 2
Kyzyl-Oi
Guesthouse in Kyzyl-Oi or similar
-
Night 3
Song-Kul Lake
Yurt camp at Song Kol or similar
-
Night 4
Naryn
Khan Tengri Hotel or similar
-
Nights 5–6
Kel-Suu Lake
Yurt camp at Kel-Suu or similar
-
Night 7
Kochkor
Mira Guesthouse or similar
-
Night 8
Tamga village
Pavel Guest House or similar
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Night 9
Karakol
My Hotel Karakol or similar
-
Night 10
Chon Kemin
Kemin Guesthouse or similar
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Night 11
Bishkek
Rixon Hotel or similar
Good to know
- Vehicles and drivers: SUV for 2–4 travelers, Mercedes Sprinter minibus for 6–8 travelers and a Mercedes Sprinter minibus plus a car for the luggage for 10 travelers. The driver speaks English for groups of 2–4 and Russian for groups of 6–10; an English-speaking guide can be added for 1,170 USD per group (except for groups of 4).
- Meals: Breakfasts are included. The lunches and dinners mentioned in the program can be added for 310 USD per person.
- Yurt camps: A yurt sleeps 4–5 people; in the low season you may get a yurt for 2 people, depending on availability. Toilets (and the sauna at Song-Kol) are outside. The single room supplement (185 USD per person) does not apply in the yurt camps.
- Hotels: Check-in is after 14:00 and check-out before 12:00; early check-in and late check-out are not included.
- Optional activities (booked and paid on the spot): national horse games at Song-Kol (100–200 USD per group); horse riding at Song-Kol and Kel-Suu (10–13 USD per person for the horse plus 10–25 USD for the horse guide) and in Chon-Kemin (13 USD plus 25 USD); yurt show and eagle hunting demonstration on day 8 (45 USD per person each); folk show in Kochkor.
- Permit: The border zone permit for Kel-Suu Lake is included.
What to bring
Comfortable walking or hiking shoes, warm clothes, rain clothes, sunscreen, a sun cap and sunglasses, and your personal medications.
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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