KYRGYZSTAN EXPRESS TOUR – 5 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

– 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. Road trip to Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Today is the longest driving day of your journey, so make sure to start with an early breakfast. The drive begins retracing the route back to Naryn.

• Upon arrival, refuel the car and enjoy lunch before continuing the second leg of the drive toward Ysyk-Kol Lake, passing over Dolon Pass (3030m) and through Kochkor Village.

• If time allows, 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 dietance. In the evening, arrive at your guesthouse in Bokonbaev Village on the southern shore of Ysyk-Kol Lake. Take a brief walk to stretch your legs before a relaxing dinner.

Transfer:

Total: 390 km – 7-8 h.

Asphalt: 260 km

Dirt road: 130 km

Meals:

Breakfast at guesthouse,

lunch at restaurant,

dinner at guesthouse

Overnight: guesthouse

WC: Shared / Private

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Available

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

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

– 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 5. 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 5-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

Overnight: guesthouse

WC: Shared / 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.

Map

Additional information

Month	May, June, July, August, September, October
Start from	Bishkek
Duration	5 days
Tour speed	Fast-paced
Accommodations	1 night at hotel, 1 night at yurt, 2 nights at guesthouse
Activities	Horse riding – optional, trekking – half day
Total drive	1250 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 TRIP to find the adventure that suits you best
The tour is 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: MEGA

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: