KYRGYZSTAN FAMILY TOUR – 4 DAYS

Sights visited on this tour

Song-Kol Lake

Ysyk-Kol Lake

Kilemche Pasture

Fairy-Tale Canyons

Chong-Kemin National Park

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.
Enjoy traditional Dungan Muslim Chinese cuisine.
Explore Chong-Kemin National Park with the atmosphere of Kyrgyz village life.

Itinerary

Day 1. Visit Chong-Kemin National Park

• Begin your Kyrgyzstan adventure with a drive to Chong-Kemin National Park. Along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the historic Burana Tower, exploring its ancient minaret and learning about the region’s fascinating history.

• You’ll then continue to Iskra Village for a traditional lunch with a local Dungan family, where you’ll enjoy the famous Central Asian dish, Lagman. After lunch, you’ll drive to Chong-Kemin National Park, admired for its stunning mountain landscapes and charming Kyrgyz villages.

• Upon arrival, you’ll check in at your guesthouse and take some time to rest. If you wish, you’re welcome to take a leisurely walk around the area to enjoy the fresh mountain air and peaceful village atmosphere before dinner.

Transfer:

Total: 170 km – 3-4 h.

Asphalt: 170 km

Dirt road: 0 km

Meals:

lunch at guesthouse,

dinner at guesthouse

Overnight: guesthouse

WC: Private

Internet: Wi-Fi

Shower: Available

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

Day 2. Visit Ysyk-Kol Lake

• Today you’ll visit Ysyk-Kol Lake, the “pearl of Central Asia.” You’ll start with a visit to the Kok-Moinok Canyons, where you can enjoy an easy walk and take in the stunning scenery.

• Next, you’ll drive to Balykchy town at the entrance of Ysyk-Kol Lake for a lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you’ll continue east along the southern shore of the lake, enjoying panoramic views of the water and the mountains across the way.

• In the late afternoon, you’ll explore the famous Fairy-Tale (Skazka) Canyons, perfect for a walk and photo opportunities. Finally, you’ll arrive at Bokonbaev Village for an overnight stay at a guesthouse, where you can rest and enjoy dinner.

Transfer:

Total: 190 km – 3-4 h.

Asphalt: 170 km

Dirt road: 20 km

Meals:

Breakfast at guesthouse,

lunch at restaurant,

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. Visit Song-Kol Lake

• Start your day with a fascinating eagle hunting demonstration by a local Kyrgyz eagle hunter, experiencing this unique tradition firsthand.

• Your journey then continues to Kochkor Village, where you’ll stop for lunch at a restaurant and take a short rest. Afterwards, you’ll drive over the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass (3,400 m), enjoying breathtaking mountain views and an 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: 220 km – 4-5 h.

Asphalt: 160 km

Dirt road: 60 km

Meals:

Breakfast at guesthouse,

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 4. Horse riding by Song-Kol Lake. Way back to Bishkek

• 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 a morning of horse riding, you’ll enjoy lunch at a yurt and say goodbye to the welcoming family before beginning your journey back to Bishkek. The drive takes you via the scenic Tuz-Ashuu Pass. You’ll stop to bid farewell to the lake and admire views of the Kilemche pastures and surrounding mountains.

• Once you reach the highway, you’ll continue your drive back to Bishkek, which takes approximately 3–4 hours, completing your Kyrgyzstan adventure.

Transfer:

Total: 300 km – 5-6 h.

Asphalt: 270 km

Dirt road: 30 km

Horse riding: optional

Meals:

Breakfast at yurt,

lunch at yurt

NOTES & RECOMMENDATIONS

– Horse riding is optional, and the duration and route will be discussed and confirmed with your guide before you begin.

– Tuz-Ashuu is a high mountain pass. If you have a fear of heights or feel uncomfortable with steep roads, we recommend taking the Kalmak-Ashuu Pass instead, which is gentler and easier to navigate.

Map

Additional information

Month	May, June, July, August, September, October
Start from	Bishkek
Duration	4 days
Tour speed	Moderately paced
Accommodations	1 night at yurt, 2 nights at guesthouse
Activities	Horse riding – optional
Total drive	850 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

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 families and those who enjoy a relaxed road trip without challenging activities
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: