- Stay in a traditional yurt at the stunning Song-Kol Lake and experience authentic Kyrgyz hospitality.
- Explore Besh-Tash and Ak-Kol Lakes – hidden gems.
- Optional horseback riding – a great way to experience nomadic life.
- Explore remote, unexplored valleys and mountain landscapes by car.
Day 1. Road trip to Talas region
• Today you will explore Kyrgyzstan on a scenic drive to Talas region following the country’s main Bishkek–Osh highway. The journey begins through quiet villages before ascending to the breathtaking Too-Ashuu Pass (3600m), offering panoramic mountain views.
• After crossing the pass, you descend into the wide Suusamyr Valley, a summer pasture for Kyrgyz nomads. Here you will stop at a shepherd’s yurt for lunch and rest, experiencing traditional highland life. Continuing the drive, you cross Otmok Pass (2900m) and enter the Talas region.
• Before reaching your accommodation, you visit the Manas Ordo Complex to learn about Manas, the legendary hero of the Kyrgyz people. In the evening, arrive at a local homestay in Kok-Tokoi village near Talas City for a home-cooked dinner shared with the host family.
Transfer:
Total: 300 km – 5-6 h.
Asphalt: 300 km
Dirt road: 0 km
Meals:
lunch at yurt,
dinner at homestay
Overnight: homestay
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 2. Visit Besh-Tash Lake
• This morning you visit the alpine Besh-Tash Lake in Besh-Tash National Park. The road follows a picturesque gorge lined with alpine trees, summer yurts, and grazing animals. Upon reaching the lake, enjoy a walk along the shore and take photos of this serene mountain setting.
• You then return to Talas for lunch and some rest. In the afternoon, the journey continues toward the Toktogul region on a scenic drive via Ala-Bel Pass (2800m) and through the beautiful Chychkan Gorge. Surrounded by forests and rivers, the drive offers stunning natural views.
• By evening, you arrive in Kara-Suu village near the Toktogul Reservoir. After checking into a local homestay, head to the shore for a cup of tea while enjoying the peaceful reservoir views. The day concludes with a warm, home-cooked dinner shared with the host family.
Transfer:
Total: 240 km – 5 h.
Asphalt: 190 km
Dirt road: 50 km
Meals:
Breakfast at homestay,
lunch at restaurant,
dinner at homestay
Overnight: homestay
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mobile phone
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Depending on availability, you may stay in a different village.
Day 3. Scenic road trip to Kyzyl-Oi Village
• Today you’ll explore one of Kyrgyzstan’s most remote regions. After saying goodbye to your host family, you’ll drive toward Kyzyl-Oi Village, traveling along dirt roads through small traditional villages and gaining a unique glimpse into local life.
• Midway, stop at the Toluk River for a picnic and rest, surrounded by nature. The journey continues with a rugged ascent to Kyrk-Kyz Pass (3400m), offering dramatic mountain views and a true sense of adventure. In the early evening, arrive in Kyzyl-Oi Village, tucked between the mountains and the Koko-Meren River.
• After a cup of tea and a short rest, take a walk along the village streets to experience daily life in this quiet mountain community. The day concludes with a home-style dinner and overnight stay at a local guesthouse.
Transfer:
Total: 170 km – 5-6 h.
Asphalt: 30 km
Dirt road: 140 km
Meals:
Breakfast at homestay,
lunch-picnic,
dinner at guesthouse
Overnight: guesthouse
WC: Shared
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– Depending on road conditions, if the pass is closed, you will return to Kyzyl-Oi Village along the same route you came.
Day 4. Visit Ak-Kol Lake & Ming-Kush Village
• Today you’ll travel to Song-Kol Lake, the heartland of Kyrgyz nomads. The drive follows the scenic Koko-Meren River, with a stop at the charming Ak-Kol Lake for tea and a short walk.
• Next, visit Ming-Kush Village, once a bustling uranium town during the USSR and now mostly abandoned. Here, enjoy lunch with a local family and hear stories about the village’s unique history. Take a walk through the streets, noticing how it differs from typical Kyrgyz villages.
• Afterward, continue your journey to Song-Kol Lake via the rugged Tuz-Ashuu Pass (3,300 m), where you’ll catch your first breathtaking view of the lake. Following the lake’s shoreline, arrive at a nomad family’s yurt for the night. Before dinner, relax or take a peaceful walk by the lake, soaking in the stunning mountain scenery.
Transfer:
Total: 190 km – 4 h.
Asphalt: 180 km
Dirt road: 10 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at homestay,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt
WC: Shared WC
Internet: Mob. Internet
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 5. A day with nomads at Song-Kol Lake
• Today is a fully immersive nomadic day. From early morning horse milking to collecting dried cow dung for the fire, the day is yours to experience real nomadic life, which still thrives in Kyrgyzstan.
• Join shepherds as they move sheep, bring cows in for milking, and observe the powerful stallion guarding the horse herd. You are welcome to help with preparing lunch and other daily tasks around the yurt. If you wish, you can also go for a short ride into the surrounding hills of Song-Kol Lake for wider views of the landscape.
• There is no fixed schedule – move at the rhythm of nomadic life. The day ends peacefully with a shared dinner in the yurt, stories, and quiet moments under the open sky.
Transfer:
Total: 0
Horse riding: optional
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at yurt,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt
WC: Sharing WC
Internet: Mob. Internet
Shower: No
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 6. Road trip to Tash-Bashat Village
• Today you’ll drive to Tash-Bashat Village, located in the heart of Kyrgyzstan. The journey begins along the scenic lakeshore before ascending the famous Terskey-Torpu Pass (3300 m), with its dramatic zig-zag serpentine roads.
• You’ll stop in Naryn City for a rest and lunch, then continue to Tash-Bashat Village, where you’ll stay at a cozy hotel – a perfect opportunity to refresh after your night in a yurt in the mountains.
• Once settled, take a stroll through the village streets to experience the charm of rural Kyrgyz life, or explore the nearby mountains for a more active afternoon. In the evening, enjoy a hearty dinner at the hotel, followed by a warm bonfire under the starry sky – a perfect end to the day.
Transfer:
Total: 170 km – 4-5 h.
Asphalt: 100 km
Dirt road: 70 km
Meals:
Breakfast at yurt,
lunch at restaurant,
dinner at hotel
Overnight: hotel
WC: Private WC
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
Day 7. Visit Ysyk-Kol Lake
• Today’s journey takes you toward the magnificent Ysyk-Kol Lake, combining scenic drives, cultural experiences, and natural beauty. You will travel through traditional villages along the highway before ascending to the Dolon Pass at 3,030 meters, where panoramic mountain views await.
• Continuing onward, you arrive in Kochkor Village for a special cultural stop. Here, you will visit a local Dungan family and take part in preparing their most famous dish, Lagman. After enjoying the meal, you helped cook, the drive continues east toward Ysyk-Kol Lake.
• Upon arrival at a lakeside yurt camp, you’ll have time to swim and relax by the water. In the evening, visit the striking Ak-Say Canyons to watch the sunset before returning to the yurt for an overnight stay.
Transfer:
Total: 190 km – 4 h.
Asphalt: 180 km
Dirt road: 10 km
Meals:
Breakfast at hotel,
lunch at guesthouse,
dinner at yurt
Overnight: yurt
WC: Shared
Internet: Wi-Fi
Shower: Available
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The Dungans are an ethnic group of Chinese Muslims who originally lived mainly in western China. In the 1870s, during unrest under the Qing Empire, many Dungans fled persecution and migrated to Central Asia.
Day 8. Return back to Bishkek
• Begin your final day with a memorable cultural experience as you visit a local eagle hunter in Bokonbaev Village. Watch an impressive demonstration of traditional eagle hunting and learn about the history and techniques behind this ancient Kyrgyz practice.
• After the show, continue to the colorful Fairy-Tale Canyon, where you’ll explore its unique rock formations and enjoy beautiful views of the surrounding landscapes.
• Once you finish your canyon visit, stop at a local restaurant on the way for a relaxing lunch featuring regional dishes. In the afternoon, drive back to Bishkek. If you arrive early, you can explore the city and visit popular spots such as Osh Bazaar for souvenir shopping and local flavors. This concludes your 8-days journey in Kyrgyzstan.
Transfer:
Total: 320 km – 5-6 h.
Asphalt: 300 km
Dirt road: 20 km
Meals:
Breakfast at guesthouse,
lunch at restaurant
NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS
– The eagle hunting experience is a demonstration with explanations and staged hunting on animal skins. Real hunting on horseback is only available in winter.
– The eagle hunting demonstration is optional – if you prefer, you can skip it.
