The landscapes & culture of Kyrgyzstan

Airport - Bishkek

Tag 1: Welcome to Kyrgyzstan!

You will be greeted by your driver upon arrival at Manas International Airport in the capital city of Bishkek, who will drive you to your hotel. 

Your introduction to Kyrgyzstan begins as soon as you've checked-in, freshened up, and eaten a good breakfast. Join your local guide for a tour of Bishkek. Begin at Ala-Too Square, the cultural center of the city. Here you can visit the State Historical Museum. 

Later, take a stroll beneath the towering trees of Oak Park. You will encounter many of the local residents, who come here to enjoy the green serenity of this delightful city. 

After lunch, head over to the Osh Bazaar, Bishkek's bustling market. Browse the stalls featuring local handicrafts and encounter a colorful oasis of sights and sounds. 

A national dish at one of the city's best restaurants awaits you tonight. 

Bishkek - Burana - Cholpon Ata

Tag 2: Begin Your Journey into Nature at Issyk-Kul Lake

Leave city life far behind and venture into the natural paradise that makes up the bulk of this dazzling Central-Asian country. 

Today you will visit Burana Tower, a historic landmark on the northern coast of Issyk-Kul Lake. A former settlement dating from the 9th century, this area features the remains of a castle, mausoleums, and funerary monuments. 

Later, continue on to Cholpon-Ata, a complex of churches and temples constructed to promote religious harmony. Here you can find structures devoted to a variety of religions. 

Enjoy a good night's sleep tonight at a comfortable resort hotel on Issyk Kul Lake. 

Cholpon Ata - Grigoriev & Semenov Gorge - Karakol

Tag 3: Picnic at a Tranquil Lakeside Setting

The natural wonders of Lake Issyk-Kul await you today. You will have the chance to explore two natural highlights of the lake: Grigoriev Gorge and Semenov Gorge. 

Relax beside tranquil waters that reflect evergreen groves and enjoy a pleasant picnic lunch. Take in the enchanting scenery of this gentle oasis as you shed the stress of daily life and gently slip into vacation mode.

Stroll along the shoreline or venture up into the surrounding hills. When you're ready, head to the town of Karakol for the night. 

Karakol - Altyn Araschan - Karakol

Tag 4: Enjoy an Adventurous Drive into the Mountains

Enjoy breakfast at your guesthouse today before setting out on an exciting drive into the nearby mountains. As your driver navigates the rugged terrain of these exciting mountain roads, hold on tight and take in the extraordinary scenery that passes by. 

You will spend the day exploring the magnificent landscape of Altyn Arashan where striking mountain peaks rise up against blue skies. Rushing rivers flow through rocky ravines to hot springs where you can take an enriching soak. 

In the evening, encounter the picturesque sights of Karakol. An option for dinner is dining with a local family. 

Karakol - Jety Oguz - Barskoon - Tamga

Tag 5: Venture to a Verdant Valley

Today's itinerary takes you to the Jety Oguz Valley, a singular landscape marked by fascinating rock formations. At the entrance to the gorge, you will see one such geological structure known as "Broken Heart."  The most famous sites here are the seven red cliffs that rise up like fiesty bulls, giving the region it's name Jety Oguz, which translates to "Seven Bulls." 

Continue on to the beautiful Barskoon Gorge. Walk along the river that runs through the verdant valley at the foot of the mountain, and keep an eye out for yurts. Kyrgyzstan's nomadic tribes build their camps here during the summer months. You may even get the opportunity to taste their traditional drink.

In the evening you will arrive in Tamga, where you can enjoy a Russian bath (banya) before settling in for the night.

Tamga - Fairy Tale Canyon - Bokonbaevo - Kochkor

Tag 6: Explore a Fairytale Terrain

Just when you thought the Kyrgyzstan landscape couldn't get any more spectacular, you arrive at the Skazka Canyons.

This fanciful, otherworldly place seems to come from a fairytale. Shaped by centuries of ice, water, and wind erosion, whimsical structures rise from the gold-hued rock. Explore these arid, craggy peaks and let your imagination run wild. 

Later, you will have the chance to meet an eagle hunter, who practices this millennia-old tradition with his magnificent bird of prey. 

Finally, arrive in Kochkor for the night, where you will witness local women crafting products from handmade felt. Listen to local musicians playing traditional folk instruments, and enjoy a wonderful meal in this enchanting village. 

Kochkor - Son Kol Lake

Tag 7: Spend the Night in a Nomad Yurt Camp

A visit to a yurt camp, where you will spend the night, is one of the highlights of today's adventure. Another highlight is getting there! 

Set out after breakfast on a journey through the Kalmak Ashuu mountain pass. Son Kul Lake slowly comes into view as you make your way down the winding roads. On the banks of this tranquil lake, you will find a nomad camp. Here, a wandering tribe of Kyrgyzstan people has set up a charming village of their tent-like structures. 

You will have the opportunity to encounter the hospitality of these warm people firsthand. Learn about their customs and simple way of life as you enjoy a meal with them, and settle into your comfortable bed in the yurt's cozy interior. 

Son Kol Lake - Kyzyl Oy

Tag 8: Visit a Mountain Village Encircled by Glorious Peaks

The extraordinary nature of Kyrgyzstan continues to reveal its many facets today as you venture to the mountain village of Kyzyl-Oi. 

Situated 1,800 meters above sea level in the Valley of the River Kekemeren, this charming village is surrounded by stunning mountain ranges. Their faces glow with the color of the red clay that coats their surfaces. Once used to construct houses in the village, the remnants of these clay structures can be seen as you stroll around the region.

Enjoy the evening within the peaceful environs of a local guesthouse.

Kyzyl Oy - Bishkek

Tag 9: Return to the Capital City

On your last full day in Kyrgyzstan, soak up the atmosphere as you venture back along the road to Bishkek.

Your route will take you through the Suusamyr Valley and the Too-Ashuu Mountain Pass, where you can get an outstanding view of the entire valley stretching out below. Look out for the soft brown coats of horses grazing in the vivid green pastures. 

Upon arrival in the capital city, you can enjoy lunch at one of the many restaurants followed by a shopping excursion to the local market.

Manas Airport

Tag 10: Farewell, Kyrgyzstan!

It's hard to believe that it's time to return to reality. We hope these last 10 days in Kyrgyzstan have been a sensational experience that you will never forget. 

At the appropriate time, you will be driven to Manas International Airport to catch your onward flight. We wish you pleasant travels.