Kyrgyzstan Winter Tour
Winter tour Kyrgyzstan
TOUR DETAILS
-
Tour length
8 days -
Participant
2 - 12 pax -
Price
$1160 / per person -
Meal
Full board (B,L,D)
SCHEDULED DATES IN 2025
12 – 19 January
9 – 16 February
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
This 8-day adventure through Kyrgyzstan offers an unforgettable blend of nature, culture, and history. Begin your journey in Bishkek, exploring the vibrant city centre and the stunning Ala Archa, before heading to the Chon Kemin Valley to experience the warmth of local hospitality. Explore the ancient Burana Tower and marvel at the open-air petroglyphs overlooking Issyk-Kul Lake. Enjoy the luxury yurt camp in Karkyra Valley, surrounded by snow-covered peaks.
TOUR ITINERARY
Meeting at the airport with local team and transfer to the city. Early check-in is not included.
Little rest at the breakfast area and start tour in Bishkek and surroundings.
Firstly, we drive to the natural park Ala Archa for light walk, relaxing and meeting Kyrgyzstan winter nature. After walk transfer back to Bishkek and have a half day city tour.
Walk around snowy Ala-Too Square, Kurmanzhan Datka Monument, main governmental buildings, Old Square with Parliament House and Lenin’s Monument. Finish at the Victory Square dedicated to WWII.
Overnight in a hotel.
(No meal included today)
After breakfast, we leave Bishkek and drive along the Chui valley. Snow-capped mountains on the side look fantastic and inspire for the trip with positive emotions.
One-hour drive to Burana Tower (UNESCO site) near Tokmok town.
After excursion, drive to Chon Kemin valley. Upon arrival, get accommodated in a guest house.
Options to do:
1) Walking around the village and meet local people. Play snowballs with children.
2) Renting horses and ride up to the closest mountains (extra cost).
3) Horseback riding games nearby (extra cost).
4) Setting up yurt (nomadic house) (extra cost).
Dinner and overnight at the guest house.
(Breakfast – hotel, dinner – guest house)
After breakfast, drive to Issyk-Kul Lake via Boom gorge and to the Northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Here we have several visits:
1) Open air Petroglyphs site with panoramic view on Issyk-Kul lake and snow mountains.
2) Local historical museum.
After excursions, drive to the hotel and get accommodated in the resort area on the shore of Issyk-Kul lake.
(Breakfast – guest house)
Continue drive along the north shore of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Today we reach beautiful area at the border with Kazakhstan – Karkyra. Our jeeps go along the mountain road, through piles of snow and reach Karkyra region.
Here we stop at the luxury warm yurt camp with private facilities.
Time to explore the area walking along the canyon up and down, climb up closest hill to see panoramic view or use local good areas for ski touring and/or snowmobiling (with driver). The level of snow covers from 60 to 120 cm.
Lunch and dinner in Karkyra camp.
(Breakfast – resort, lunch – yurt camp, dinner – yurt camp)
Transfer to Karakol town.
Visit Museum of N. M. Przhevalski on the way to Karakol. Then inside Karakol stop by Dungan mosque – a unique building in a style of the Chinese pagoda which is functioning as mosque up to now and Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church built of wood.
Excursion to the Karakol ski base to take funicular to the panoramic view and admire landscapes of the Tup valley from 3000 m asl.
Accommodation in a guest house. Overnight.
Optionally: cooking master class.
(Breakfast – yurt camp)
After breakfast, drive to Djety Oguz gorge to admire the landscapes and to take some photos.
At the beginning of the gorge we face with famous “Broken Heart Rock”. Walking up further to panorama to see those famous Seven Red Bulls rocks in white colors around.
Drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul to Bokonbaev village. Arrival and lunch in a local family house.
Here you meet the eagle hunter to see demonstration of hunting with birds of prey. Such demonstration during winter time has unique sharm as birds are in their best shape for the hunting season and feel themselves very good.
After continue drive to Kochkor village.
Arrival and accommodation in a guest house. Dinner and rest.
(Breakfast – hotel, lunch – local family, dinner – guest house)
In the morning we visit local women cooperation and see products they produce and sell. Souvenir shop-museum is one of the most popular in our country.
Drive back to Bishkek city via Kuvaky pass and spectacular view to the frozen Orto Tokoi water reservoir.
Arrival to Bishkek. Visit the main mall for the last shopping (if necessary), accommodation in a hotel and ready for the last dinner.
(Breakfast – guest house)
Early breakfast. Today in Bishkek your trip concludes.
(Breakfast – hotel)
TOUR INFORMATION
Services included:
Services not included:
|
The trip cost for the winter of 2025 per person in USD:
Cost per person on double/twin base – 1160 US dollars
Cost per person on single base only in hotels – 1290 US dollars
Suggested Accommodation
City | Hotel | nights |
Bishkek | My Hotel 3*/Bridges 3* or similar | 2 |
Chon Kemin | Ashuu GH | 1 |
Cholpon Ata | Karven 4* / Raduga or similar | 1 |
Karkara | VIP yurt glamping (2 pax in one yurt) | 1 |
Karakol | Matsunoki/Green Yard 3* or similar | 1 |
Kochkor | Guest house | 1 |
Total | 7 |
The single supplement does not include individual accommodation in yurts and in a local family houses.
Extra payment per person for SGL accommodation in yurt per night – 25 USD (if yurts are available)
Early check in in Bishkek hotel 3* for extra night – SGL – 65 USD per room; DBL/TWN – 90 USD per room
What to take
Clothes and equipment:
Please take into consideration that in winter time the temperature in Bishkek city reaches up to +10 C and in the mountains, the temperature decreases to -25 oC. Be prepared for unexpected changes of the weather and severe cold experience.
Recommended:
- Rain-coat
- Sweater/fleece
- Wind-stopper
- Enough t-shirts
- Thermal underwear
- Warm winter clothes (pants and jackets)
- Winter warm hat and gloves
- Scarf
- Sun-screen cream (30 or higher)
- Good waterproof trekking boots for easy hikes in the mountains
- Walking warm shoes for the city walks
- Personal first aid kit (most likely problems: blisters, sunburns, allergy, diarrhea, sore muscles after hikes. Take painkillers, anti-histaminic, antibiotics of general action, and anything you need for your usual medical conditions).
- Personal hygiene kit
- Hygienic lipstick
- A towel
- Swimming suit (for hot springs or sauna in Karkara)
- Sunglasses
- Photo camera
- Notepad and a pen to make notes as you travel
- A smaller backpack, except for your normal suitcase.
- Flash light (torch)
Money exchange – if you plan to exchange dollars /euro/ to KGS, we recommend to take the notes of 50, 100 USD without stamps, inscriptions and other any damage, because damaged banknotes are not accepted by banks and exchange offices.
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 the tour operators.
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 Kyrgyzstan Group tours
Page updated 9.11.2024