DISCOVER KYRGYZSTAN – 5 DAYS

Sights visited on this tour

Song-Kol Lake

Altyn-Arashan Valley

Karakol City

Ysyk-Kol Lake

Jety-Oguz Gorge

Fairy-Tale Canyons

Burana Tower

Barskoon Gorge

Why you will love this tour

Stay in a traditional yurt at the stunning Song-Kol Lake and experience authentic Kyrgyz hospitality.
Discover the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, with Fairy-tale canyons, the Barskoon Waterfall, and the striking Jety-Oguz Valley.
Take a thrilling ride on a Soviet UAZ truck through the breathtaking Altyn-Arashan gorge for an unforgettable adventure.
Enjoy traditional Dungan Muslim Chinese cuisine and a classic Russian lunch prepared by renowned alpinist Lubov Danichkina.

Itinerary

Day 1. Road trip to Song-Kol Lake

• Begin your Kyrgyzstan adventure with a visit to the historic Burana Tower, an ancient minaret surrounded by fascinating archaeological sites. After exploring, you’ll visit a Dungan family to experience local life and enjoy a traditional Central Asian meal, Lagman, known for its rich flavors and hand-pulled noodles.

• Your journey then continues through Kochkor Village and over the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3400m), where you’ll be treated to breathtaking mountain views and alpine lake as you approach Song-Kol Lake.

• In the evening, arrive at the lake, take a leisurely walk along its pristine shores, and immerse yourself in nomadic life by spending the night in a traditional yurt, surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the high-altitude landscape.

Transfer:

Total: 320 km – 5-6 h.

Asphalt: 260 km

Dirt road: 60 km

Meals:

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at yurt

Overnight: yurt (3100m)

WC: Sharing WC

Internet: Mobile phone

Shower: On request

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– Although daytime temperatures can be warm at Song-Kol Lake, evening can get chilly, so be sure to bring warm clothing.

– You’ll stay at a tourist yurt camp with modern comforts. If you prefer a more authentic experience with basic conditions for a deeper immersion into traditional daily life let us know your preference.

Day 2. Horse riding by Song-Kol Lake. Visit Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Wake up at your yurt and start the day with an easy horse ride around Song-Kol Lake, passing local yurts and grazing animals. For those who want a bit more adventure, you can ride into the nearby mountains for panoramic views of the lake.

• Afterward, enjoy lunch at your yurt, say goodbye to your hosts, and continue your journey as you drive toward Ysyk-Kol Lake, ready for the next stage of your adventure.

• If time allows, on your way make a short visit to the Ak-Say Canyons near Ysyk-Kol Lake to admire the unique rock formations with a lake and mountains in distance. In the evening, arrive at your guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Take a rest at your room before a relaxing dinner.

Transfer:

Total: 220 km – 4 h.

Asphalt: 160 km

Dirt road: 60 km

Horse riding: 17 km – 4 h.

Meals:

Breakfast at yurt,

lunch at yurt,

dinner at guesthouse

Overnight: guesthouse

WC: Shared / Private

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Available

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Bokonbaev is located a bit farther from the lake shore. If you prefer to stay closer to the lake, please confirm with your tour manager – yurt accommodation options are available by the lake.

Day 3. Explore the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Start your day with a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration by a local Kyrgyz eagle hunter, experiencing this unique tradition firsthand. Afterward, drive to the stunning Fairy-Tale Canyons to explore their dramatic rock formations and colorful landscapes.

• Next, stop in Tamga Village for lunch at the home of the famous Soviet-era mountaineer Lyubov Danichkina. After lunch, continue to the impressive Barskoon Waterfalls before heading to the picturesque Jety-Oguz Valley, known for its striking red rock formations.

• In the evening, arrive in Karakol. If time allows, take a short city tour to explore its charming streets and local sights before enjoying dinner at restaurant.

Transfer:

Total: 150 km – 3-4 h.

Asphalt: 120 km

Dirt road: 30 km

Meals:

Breakfast at guesthouse,

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at restaurant

Overnight: Hotel

WC: Private

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Available

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.

Day 4. Off-road trip to Altyn-Arashan gorge

• Embark on an unforgettable off-road journey in a rugged Soviet UAZ truck as you head toward the breathtaking Altyn-Arashan Gorge. Your adventure begins along a bumpy, scenic road that follows a sparkling river and winds through dense pine forests, immersing you in the natural beauty of the Kyrgyz mountains.

• Upon arrival at the gorge, enjoy a lunch at guesthouse surrounded by stunning alpine scenery. Spend the afternoon soaking in the hot springs, exploring scenic trails, or simply relaxing and taking in the view of Peak Palatka (5,200 m) in the distance.

• The day concludes with a dinner and an overnight stay at guesthouse, offering an authentic mountain experience.

Transfer:

Total: 30 km – 2-3 h.

Asphalt: 18 km

Dirt road: 12 km

Meals:

Breakfast at hotel ,

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at guesthouse

Overnight: guesthouse

WC: Shared

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Hot springs

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– Instead of driving in a UAZ, you can also trek or ride a horse to Altyn-Arashan for a more active adventure.

Day 5. Return back to Bishkek

• Wake up in Altyn-Arashan to a stunning mountain view and enjoy the morning at your leisure. Then, begin your return journey in a UAZ back to Karakol.

• Upon reaching Karakol, you’ll go for a lunch at restaurant in the town, giving you a final taste of local cuisine. Afterward, continue the journey along the northern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake, taking in the sparkling waters and mountain vistas that line this famous “Pearl of Central Asia.”

• Arriving in Bishkek in the evening, this marks the conclusion of your Kyrgyzstan adventure, filled with horseback riding, off-road driving, hidden lakes, and the warmth of nomadic hospitality.

Transfer:

Total: 440 km – 6-7 h.

Asphalt: 428 km

Dirt road: 12 km

Meals:

Breakfast at hotel,

lunch at restaurant

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– The drive back to Bishkek is long but on asphalt roads, so please make sure to depart from Altyn-Arashan early.

– You’ll arrive back in Bishkek at around 8–9 PM.

Map

Additional information

Month	May, June, July, August, September, October
Start from	Bishkek
Duration	5 days
Tour speed	Fast-paced
Total drive	1100 km
Accommodations	1 night at hotel, 1 night at yurt, 2 nights at guesthouse
Activities	Horse riding – optional, trekking – easy walkings

What to pack?

Clothing:

Warm layers (fleece or down jacket) for chilly mornings and evenings
Lightweight clothes for daytime (t-shirts, long-sleeve shirts)
Waterproof and windproof jacket
Hat or cap for sun protection
Gloves and warm socks
Scarf or buff for wind
Comfortable trekking boot

Other Essentials:

Sunglasses and sunscreen
Small daypack for essentials
Reusable water bottle
Personal toiletries and towel
Basic first aid kit and any personal medications
Camera or smartphone for photos
Power bank and charging cables
Passport, ID, and copies of travel documents

Optional:

Binoculars for wildlife spotting
Light snacks for trekking

Notebook or travel journal

Before you go

Tour Overview:

This tour is ideal for those who want to explore Kyrgyzstan’s highlights without intense physical activity.
The tour is slightly fast-paced for 5 days, covering many of the country’s top sights with some long drives with quick stops
Optional easy horse riding and gentle walks are available – no prior experience required.

Meals:

Meals provided are traditional Central Asian cuisine.
Vegetarian options are available – please inform your tour manager of any dietary restrictions or allergies.

Money & Payments:

Credit cards are widely accepted in towns, but it’s recommended to carry some local currency (Kyrgyz Som) for small purchases.
Around 10 USD per day is usually sufficient for personal expenses.
Avoid exchanging USD at the airport; better rates are available at banks or official exchange offices in Bishkek. Your guide can assist with currency exchange.

Communication & Internet:

Internet is generally available in cities and towns, but coverage may be limited or slower in remote mountain areas.
Consider purchasing a local SIM card for better coverage. Recommended operator: MEGACOM.

Electricity:

Kyrgyzstan uses 220V electricity with Type C and Type F plugs (European-style round plugs). Bring the necessary adapters for your devices.

Languages:

Official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian.
Basic English is spoken in urban areas, but learning a few phrases in Russian or Kyrgyz can be helpful in rural regions. Don’t worry – you’ll always have your guide-translator by your side.

Health & Safety: