8-day cultural culinary tour in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek - Ala-archa - Bishkek

Tag 1: Welcome to Kyrgyzstan's Capital City!

As you exit arrivals at Manas International Airport in Bishkek you will be greeted and driven to your hotel.

Freshen up and enjoy breakfast before setting out for the National Park of Ala-Archa, 30 km outside the city.

Within this picturesque setting, you will enjoy your very first cooking class of the tour. 

Meet local Uzbek people who will teach you how to prepare plov, a national dish of Uzbekistan, over an open fire.

While the food is cooking, you can wander around the beautiful gorge and take in the sensational alpine setting complete with snow-covered peaks, pine forests, and rushing streams.

Later tonight, you will get the chance to taste shashlyks, a traditional grilled dish at one of Bishek's best restaurants.

Bishkek - Burana - Chon-kemin

Tag 2: Witness the Kyrgyz Tradition of Lamb Preparation

After breakfast at your hotel this morning, journey to  Chon-Kemin National Park, first stopping at the historic Burana Tower. 

This ancient minaret was constructed by the Karakhanids in the 9th century and it offers a fascinating glimpse at the region's past.

Upon your arrival in Chon-Kemin, you will experience an important Kyrgyz tradition, the preparation of lamb for cooking. The Kyrgyz people have placed great importance on this process since ancient times. This revered tradition is deeply embedded in the Kyrgyz culture. You will learn all about this fascinating custom today and later taste the traditional Kyrgyz lamb dishes kurudak and besh barmak.

Spend the night at a local guesthouse. 

Chon Kemin - Cholpon-ata - Karakol

Tag 3: Learn a Local Family's Favorite Recipe

Today's adventure takes you to the shores of breathtaking Issyk-Kul lake.

Take in the spectacular views as we make our way across the lake's northern shoreline. We will stop in the town of Cholpon Ata for a delicious seafood lunch before continuing on to the city of Karakol. 

A crossroads of cultures and cuisines, in Karakol you will meet the Doungan family, who will invite you into their home to enjoy dinner together as a group.

You will have the chance to taste Karakol's most famous dish, ashlan-fu and even learn how to prepare it yourself.

Karakol - Jety-oguz - Tamga

Tag 4: Encounter Russian Jam-Making Techniques

Today's itinerary includes a lesson on preparing homemade jam from various berries. But first, as we venture from Karakol to Tamga we will stop in the Jety Oguz valley.

Here, you can gaze upon the magnificent rock formation whose name means "Seven Bulls." These feisty animals seem to be carved into the reddish brown stone here, presiding proudly over the fertile valley below.

Upon arrival in the village of Tamga you will take a jam-making lesson with a local Russian family.

Before settling in for the night at your guesthouse, soak in the healing waters of a traditional Russian bath known as a banya.

Tamga - Fairy Tale Canyon - Bokonbaevo - Kochkor

Tag 5: Learn to Make Traditional Manty Dumplings

This morning will be filled with exciting encounters with nature as we venture along the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul.

Stop to see the fairytale formations of the Skazka Canyons, where surprising sculptures, shaped by ice, wind, and water, rise up from the rocky terrain.

A stop in Bokonbaevo will showcase a demonstration of the eagle hunt.

Meet a local eagle hunter and learn about this ancient Kyrgyz tradition. 

Upon arrival in Kochkor, you will meet a local Kyrgyz family, who will show you how to prepare a type of dumpling known as manty. Stuffed with meat and boorsok, a traditional fried bread, the dish is a specialty of this region.

Kochkor - Song-kul Lake

Tag 6: Spend the Night at a Nomad Yurt Camp

Get ready to delve into the pristine nature of Kyrgyzstan today.

First, journey through the Kalmak Ashuu mountain pass and continue down the winding mountian roads until you reach Son-Kul Lake. 

You will spend the night at a Nomad yurt camp on the shores of this tranquil lake.

Upon your arrival, encounter a friendly, welcoming tribe of Kyrgyzstan Nomads, who will invite you to partake in their lifestyle and their customs.

Watch, as kymyz, a dairy beverage made from mare's milk and kurut, a local cheese, is prepared.

Later, ride Kyrgyz horses across the vast meadows of this spectacular region. These calm, gentle horses offer a peaceful, enjoyable ride for all levels.

Tonight you will sleep on the soft felt blankets of a traditional Nomad yurt.

Son Kul Lake - Bishkek

Tag 7: Journey Back to Bishkek

Today you will venture back to the capital city of Bishek. Take in all the magnificence of the passing landscape as you journey through this splendid country. 

In Bishkek, you can do some shopping at the local markets. Browse the stalls of traditional handicrafts, such as wood carvings, feltwork, and perhaps pick up some Kyrgyzstan pottery in which to serve your new recipes. 

Tonight we will all enjoy a grand farewell feast together at a restaurant in the city.

Bishkek - Manas Airport

Tag 8: Farewell, Kyrgyzstan!

Enjoy one final breakfast at your hotel. 

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

We hope you have had an unforgettable culinary tour in Kyrgyzstan and wish you safe travels!