Kyrgyzstan Winter Tour
Accommodation, guides, transport included.
Kyrgyzstan Winter Tour Highlights
Discover Kyrgyzstan in winter on this 8-day group tour through snowy mountain valleys, Silk Road history and Issyk-Kul. It starts in Bishkek with a light walk in the Ala Archa natural park and a city tour around the snowy Ala-Too Square, then follows the Chuy Valley to the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower and on to a village guesthouse in the Chon Kemin valley, where you meet local families.
On the northern shore of Issyk-Kul you visit the open-air petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata with views over the lake and the snow-capped peaks. Then 4x4 jeeps take you through deep snow to a warm, comfortable yurt camp in the Karkyra Valley near the Kazakh border, with time for walks, ski touring or an optional snowmobile ride. In Karakol you see the Przhevalsky Museum, the pagoda-style Dungan Mosque and the wooden Holy Trinity Church, and ride a lift at the Karakol ski base to a panoramic viewpoint at about 3,000 m.
The way back passes the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and the southern shore of the lake to Bokonbaevo, where an eagle hunting demonstration shows the birds in their best shape for the winter hunting season. After a night in Kochkor and a visit to a women's felt cooperative, the tour returns to Bishkek past the frozen Orto-Tokoy Reservoir.
Difficulty: Easy Light walks in the snow (Ala Archa, Karkyra Valley, Jeti-Oguz) and a lift ride to about 3,000 m at the Karakol ski base. Daily drives of 2–5 hours (120–250 km), partly on snowy mountain roads by 4x4. Temperatures can drop to -25 °C in the mountains.
Tour Itinerary
Meeting at the airport with our local team and transfer to the city (early check-in at the hotel is not included). After a short rest in the hotel's breakfast area, the tour of Bishkek and its surroundings begins. First we drive to the Ala Archa natural park for a light walk, some relaxing time and a first meeting with Kyrgyzstan's winter nature. Back in Bishkek, a half-day city tour takes you around the snowy Ala-Too Square, the Kurmanjan Datka Monument, the main government buildings and the Old Square with the Parliament House and the Lenin Monument, finishing at Victory Square, dedicated to the Second World War. Overnight in a hotel in Bishkek. No meals are included today. The day's driving is about 120 km (2.5 hours).
Ala Archa, Bishkek, Bishkek Victory Square
- Manas International Airport → Bishkek (35 km)
- Bishkek → Ala Archa (40 km)
- Ala Archa → Bishkek (45 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
After breakfast we leave Bishkek and drive along the Chuy Valley, with snow-capped mountains alongside that set the mood for the trip. After about an hour you reach the Burana Tower near Tokmok, a UNESCO World Heritage site. After the visit, drive on to the Chon Kemin Valley and check in at a guesthouse. In the afternoon you can walk around the village, meet local people and play snowballs with the children. Optional activities at an extra cost: renting horses to ride up into the nearest mountains, traditional horseback games nearby, or setting up a yurt, the nomadic house. Dinner and overnight at the guesthouse. Today's drive is about 170 km (3 hours).
Burana Tower, Chon Kemin
- Bishkek → Burana Tower (80 km)
- Burana Tower → Chon Kemin (90 km)
Overnight: Chon Kemin (Guesthouse)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast, drive through the Boom Gorge to Issyk-Kul Lake and along its northern shore. Today's visits are the open-air petroglyph site with a panoramic view of Issyk-Kul and the snowy mountains, and the local history museum. After the excursions, check in at a hotel in the resort area on the shore of Issyk-Kul. Today's drive is about 180 km (3 hours).
Boom Gorge, Cholpon Ata petroglyphs museum, Cholpon Ata
- Chon Kemin → Cholpon Ata (180 km)
Overnight: Cholpon Ata (Hotel)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast
Continue along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul to the beautiful Karkyra area on the border with Kazakhstan. Our jeeps follow the mountain road through piles of snow into the Karkyra Valley, where we stay at a luxury warm yurt camp with private facilities. There is time to explore the area: walk up and down the canyon, climb the nearest hill for a panoramic view, or use the good local slopes for ski touring or a snowmobile ride with a driver (extra cost). The snow is usually 60 to 120 cm deep. Lunch and dinner at the yurt camp. Today's drive is about 200 km (3–4 hours).
Karkara base camp
- Cholpon Ata → Karkara base camp (200 km)
Overnight: Karkara base camp (Yurt camp)
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Transfer to Karakol, visiting the museum of the explorer N. M. Przhevalsky on the way. In Karakol, stop at the Dungan Mosque – a unique building in the style of a Chinese pagoda that still works as a mosque – and the wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church. Then take an excursion to the Karakol ski base and ride the lift up to a panoramic viewpoint at about 3,000 m to admire the landscapes of the Tup valley. Overnight in Karakol. Optional: a cooking master class. Today's drive is about 120 km (3 hours) plus about 15 km each way to the ski base.
Przhevalsky Museum, Karakol, Karakol Dungan Mosque, Karakol Orthodox cathedral, Karakol ski base
- Karkara base camp → Karakol (120 km)
- Karakol → Karakol ski base (15 km)
- Karakol ski base → Karakol (15 km)
Overnight: Karakol (Hotel)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, drive to the Jeti-Oguz gorge to admire the landscapes and take photos. At the entrance of the gorge you see the famous Broken Heart rock, and a short walk up to a viewpoint shows the well-known Seven Bulls red rocks surrounded by snow. Drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul to Bokonbaevo village for lunch with a local family. Here you meet an eagle hunter for a demonstration of hunting with birds of prey. In winter the demonstration has a special charm, as the birds are in their best shape for the hunting season. Continue to Kochkor village and check in at a guesthouse for dinner and a rest. Today's drive is about 250 km (5 hours).
Jeti Oguz, Bokonbaevo, Kochkor
- Karakol → Kochkor (250 km)
Overnight: Kochkor (Guesthouse)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Shared (indoor)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
In the morning, visit a local women's cooperative to see the felt products they make and sell – its souvenir shop and museum is one of the most popular in the country. Drive back to Bishkek over the Kuvaky Pass, with a spectacular view of the frozen Orto-Tokoy Reservoir. On arrival in Bishkek there is time for some last shopping at the main mall if you wish, then check in at the hotel and get ready for a last dinner in the city. Today's drive is about 200 km (4 hours).
Kochkor, Orto Tokoy Reservoir, Bishkek
- Kochkor → Bishkek (200 km)
Overnight: Bishkek (Hotel)
- Shower: Yes
- Toilet: Private (in the room)
- Internet: Wi-Fi
Meals: Breakfast
Early breakfast and transfer to Manas airport (35 km, 40–45 minutes). Your winter trip in Kyrgyzstan ends here.
Bishkek
- Bishkek → Manas International Airport (35 km)
Meals: Breakfast
What's included
Included
- Accommodation in double/twin rooms – 7 nights (hotels, guesthouses and a yurt camp)
- Meals as listed in the itinerary: 7 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 3 dinners
- Transport from arrival to departure in 4WD Toyota Land Cruiser Prado jeeps or similar, including airport transfers
- English-speaking tour escort guide (except on the last day)
- Entrance and ecological fees for the whole tour
- Eagle hunting demonstration in Bokonbaevo
- Lift ride to the panoramic viewpoint at the Karakol ski base
- Drinking water (1 liter per person per day)
Not included
- International flights
- Single supplement (130 USD per person, hotels only)
- Single accommodation in the yurt camp (25 USD per person per night, if available)
- Early check-in or extra night in Bishkek (3* hotel: 90 USD per double/twin room, 65 USD per single room)
- Snowmobile excursion in the Karkyra Valley (from 100 USD per person)
- Optional activities: horse riding, horseback games and yurt set-up in Chon Kemin, cooking master class in Karakol
- Meals not listed in the itinerary
- Photo and video fees at museums
- Alcoholic drinks
- Tips for the guide and driver
- Personal expenses
Nargiza is the office manager of Central Asia Guide and mostly responsible for multi country "Stan" tours.
Where you'll stay
-
Night 1
Bishkek
My Hotel or similar
-
Night 2
Chon Kemin
Ashuu Guesthouse or similar
-
Night 3
Cholpon Ata
Karven Issyk-Kul or similar
-
Night 4
Karkara base camp
Yurt glamping in the Karkyra Valley or similar
-
Night 5
Karakol
Green Yard Hotel or similar
-
Night 6
Kochkor
Family guesthouse in Kochkor or similar
-
Night 7
Bishkek
My Hotel or similar
Good to know
- Winter weather: In winter the temperature in Bishkek reaches up to +10 °C, while in the mountains it can drop to -25 °C. Be prepared for sudden changes in the weather and severe cold.
- Single rooms: The single supplement covers single rooms in the hotels only. It does not include single accommodation in the yurt camp or in local family houses; a single yurt costs 25 USD per person per night extra, if yurts are available.
- Optional activities: Horse riding, horseback games and setting up a yurt in Chon Kemin, a snowmobile excursion with a driver in the Karkyra Valley (from 100 USD per person) and a cooking master class in Karakol can be added at extra cost.
- Money exchange: If you plan to exchange US dollars or euros into Kyrgyz som, bring 50 and 100 USD notes without stamps, writing or any damage – damaged banknotes are not accepted by banks and exchange offices.
What to bring
- Clothing: a rain coat, a sweater or fleece, a windproof jacket, enough t-shirts, thermal underwear, warm winter trousers and jacket, a warm winter hat and gloves, a scarf
- Footwear: good waterproof trekking boots for easy walks in the mountains and warm walking shoes for the city
- Health and hygiene: sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), lip balm, sunglasses, a personal hygiene kit, a towel and a personal first aid kit (for blisters, sunburn, allergies, stomach upsets and sore muscles: painkillers, antihistamines, a broad-spectrum antibiotic and any medicines you usually take)
- Other: a swimsuit for the hot springs or sauna in Karkyra, a camera, a notepad and pen, a flashlight, and a small backpack in addition to your normal suitcase
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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