KYRGYZSTAN EXPRESS TOUR – 4 DAYS

Sights visited on this tour

Song-Kol Lake

Kel-Suu Lake

Ysyk-Kol Lake

Tash-Bashat Village

Burana Tower

Why you will love this tour

Stay in a traditional yurt at the stunning Song-Kol Lake and experience authentic Kyrgyz hospitality.
Take scenic off-road drives through dramatic mountain landscapes.
Visit the breathtaking Kel-Suu Lake, a hidden gem of Kyrgyzstan.
Explore the beautiful shores of Ysyk-Kol Lake, the “Pearl of Central Asia.

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. Road trip to Tash-Bashat Village

• 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.

• After lunch in the yurt, say goodbye to the family and drive toward the rural village of Tash-Bashat. The route passes through Terskey-Torpu Pass, well known for its dramatic serpentine zigzags, and continues via Naryn City.

• In the early evening, you’ll arrive at a cozy village hotel and take a walk through the quiet streets to gain a deeper understanding of Kyrgyz village life. Afterward, enjoy a restful night in a comfortable hotel – well deserved after a night in a yurt.

Transfer:

Total: 170 km – 3-4 h.

Asphalt: 100 km

Dirt road: 70 km

Meals:

Breakfast at yurt,

lunch at yurt,

dinner at hotel

Overnight: hotel

WC: Private

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Available

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Day 3. Visit Kel-Suu Lake

• Start your day early for a rugged drive and trekking adventure to the stunning Kel-Suu Lake. The journey takes you through charming villages of At-Bashy region and over Kyndy Pass (3200m), the gateway to the vast Arpa Valley.

• Upon arrival in guesthouse in Kok-Kiya Valley, enjoy a lunch before setting off on a scenic trek to Kel-Suu Lake. The route follows the river and offers gentle terrain, making it an easy yet breathtaking hike with mountains framing the distance.

• At the lake, take time to admire the spectacular views, and if you wish, enjoy a short boat ride on the pristine waters. After soaking in the scenery, retrace your steps back to the guesthouse. End the day with a delicious dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at the guesthouse, preparing for a long drive to Ysyk-Kol Lake the next day.

Transfer:

Total: 180 km – 4-5 h.

Asphalt: 50 km

Dirt road: 130 km

Trekking: 14 km – 4 h

Meals:

Breakfast at hotel,

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at guesthouse

Overnight: guesthouse (3200m)

WC: Shared WC

Internet: Wi-Fi for payment

Shower: On request

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– The trekking is generally easy, with a slightly challenging section near the lake.

– Instead of trekking, you can ride a horse for an additional fee.

– Yurt accommodation is available, but we recommend staying in the guesthouse due to cold weather.

Day 4. Explore the south shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Today is the final day of your journey, and it will be a long drive back to Bishkek. After an early breakfast, you’ll return toward Naryn City along the same scenic road, giving you another chance to enjoy Kyrgyzstan’s wild mountain landscapes, scattered with yurts, herds of animals, and endless valleys.

• You’ll stop in Kochkor Village for lunch and a short rest before continuing to Ysyk-Kol Lake for a quick look at its vast blue waters.

• Afterward, a final three-hour drive will bring you to Bishkek, completing your fast yet rewarding trip filled with beautiful places and unforgettable scenery.

Transfer:

Total: 150 km – 3-4 h.

Asphalt: 120 km

Dirt road: 30 km

Meals:

Breakfast at guesthouse,

lunch at restaurant

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– The drive is long, so have an early breakfast and depart early.

– You’ll stop at the western part of Ysyk-Kol Lake for a brief visit.

Map

Additional information

Month	May, June, July, August, September, October
Start from	Bishkek
Duration	4 days
Tour speed	Fast-paced
Accommodations	1 night at guesthouse, 1 night at hotel, 1 night at yurt
Activities	Horse riding – optional, trekking – half day
Total drive	1080 km

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
Comfortable trekking shoes or boots
Lightweight, breathable clothing

Other Essentials:

Trekking poles (optional)
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 with limited time who want to explore remote and wild places on an off-road adventure
We offer 4- to 12-day tours with similar itineraries and activities. Explore our Express and Ultimate Road Trips to find the adventure that suits you best
The tour is fast-paced for 4 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: