10-day self-drive: the heart of Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek

Day 1: Welcome to Bishkek

Upon arrival at Manas Airport in Bishkek, you will be picked up and driven  to the capital to check into your hotel.

Visit Ala- Too Square, the heart of the city, for a first glimpse of your destination, followed by a walk in the Oak Park, a local favorite. Bishkek is known as the greenest city in Central Asia thanks to its countless parks and alleys that make the city a great place to live.

After lunch, you will have time to visit Osh bazar, the local market. Here, you can appreciate the creativity and talent of local artisans. Just as you step into the market, you are plunged into the oriental atmosphere: an interminable stream of people as well as a big variety of goods and colors.

Bishkek - Kyzyl-oi

Day 2: Journey from Bishkek to Kyzyl-Oy

After breakfast, you'll pick up your car and start your self-drive tour. At the beginning of your journey, you will have to overcome the mountain pass Too Ashu. crossing the wonderful Suusamyr valley, a paradise for nomads.

Later, you'll leave the highway and venture off-road along the Kokemeren river. Reaching Kyzyl Oy, a mountain village located at an altitude of about 1800 m, you can enjoy stunning views of extraordinary landscapes surrounded by majestic mountains.

Kyzyl-oi - Son Kul

Day 3: Winding roads to Son Kul

After breakfast you'll journey along a serpentine road, then cross a mountain pass and the Karakeche coal mine, to reach Son Kul lake at 3,016m. The lake is surrounded by green meadows, long used by nomads for grazing their animals. Arrive at the yurt camp in Son Kul, where you'll be embraced by the warm hospitality of the nomads and get to know their lifestyle. Rest up here with an overnight stay.

Son Kul - Tash Rabat

Day 4: Visit an authentic caravanserai

After breakfast in the yurt, continue your trip towards the caravanserai Tash Rabat, journeying en-route through the Moldo-Ashu mountain pass at 3,400m above sea level. Tash Rabat is a historical monument founded by monks in the 10th century. During the time of the Silk Road, it lost its religious significance, and the monastery became a stopover for caravans and travellers passing through.

Tash Rabat - Eki Naryn - Kochkor

Day 5: The natural beauty of Eki Naryn

After breakfast in the yurt camp, you'll drive towards the valley of Eki Naryn, 45km east of the city of Naryn, at an altitude of about 2,250m. On the way, you'll observe the confluence of two rivers, the Big and Small Naryn. Eki Naryn itself is one of the country's most beautiful places, where the cleanest air and boundless forests and mountains await. From here you'll travel on to Kochkor village, enjoying beautiful landscapes along the way. Upon arrival, enjoy some time relaxing at your guest house.

Kochkor - Bokonbayevo - Tamga

Day 6: The pearl of Kyrgyzstan

Following breakfast, head towards Issyk Kul, the pearl of Kyrgyzstan. It is the country's biggest lake and you'll be driving along its south shore on today's route.

Later, visit Skazka canyons, whose name means "fairytale" in Russian. There, you can find rocks of surprising shapes and sizes: a real skyscraper or an animal may appear in front of your eyes. Take the opportunity to go on a short hike in the canyons to fully explore their beauty.

Finally, you'll overnight in Tamga village before continuing your journey.

Tamga, Barskoon - Jeti Oguz - Karakol

Day 7: Seven bulls & city sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Barskoon Gorge. Along the way, you’ll pass fascinating and even whimsical monuments, including a bust of Yuri Gagarin, the famed cosmonaut who once came to the shores of Issyk-Kul to rest after his historic flight. 

The gorge’s true highlight is its waterfalls, bearing poetic names such as Tears of the Leopard and Champagne Jet. Continue to the Jety Oguz Gorge, whose name means “Seven Bulls” in Kyrgyz, inspired by seven striking red rock formations. Enjoy a walk amid the stunning scenery. 

In Karakol, visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque before a dinner of Ashlan Fu, a traditional Dungan dish.

Karakol - Tar-suu

Day 8: Scenic landscapes abound

After breakfast, today you'll head to the gorges of Grigoriev and Semenov, both on the northern shore of Issyk Kul lake. These two areas are considered the most famous attractions in the Issyk Kul region, and for good reason. Take a lovely walk and soak up the wild natural scenes that abound all around you.

Then, head to the village of Tar-Suu, located in Chon-Kemin Valley. Known for its beauty and rich diversity of animals and plants, here you can enjoy scenic walks as well as explore the lifestyle of the local people. Overnight in a guest house.

Tar-suu - Burana - Bishkek

Day 9: The remains of an ancient Balasagun town

After breakfast, set off to visit Burana. Here, witness an intriguing snapshot of history as you encounter what's left of an ancient Balasagun town, founded by the Karakhanids at the end of the ninth century - notably, spend some time marvelling at its three mausoleums and old castle remains.

You'll then carry on with an 80km drive back to Bishkek, where you can visit the local market and stock up on souvenirs. By 5pm, return your rental car before heading back to your hotel or exploring the city more at your leisure.

Bishkek

Day 10: Home-bound

It's time to end your trip today, with a final transfer to the airport where your return flight awaits.