The Best of Kyrgyzstan 8 Day Group Tour

In the morning, we’re setting off from Bishkek and driving towards the picturesque Chon Kemin valley (150km). Here, we’re going to embark on a beautiful horseback voyage uphill, to a panoramic spot overlooking the whole valley (2,5 hours both ways). Returning back down. Lunch in the loveliest restaurant amidst the valley with a 360 view. Resuming the road. Halfway before the exit from Chon Kemin, we are going to embark on a breathtaking rafting down the famous Chu river (1,5 hours). Let’s get some adrenaline! Meeting our driver down on the main road.

Moving on and visiting the nearby Kok Moinok canyon for a light but enjoyable hike with some otherworldly views.

Next, we’re heading to the legendary Issyk Kul - Kyrgyzstan’s pride and the second largest alpine lake in the world. (1,5 hours). Arrival in Cholpon Ata (central town of Issyk Kul’s north coast). Dinner in a restaurant. Check-in to a hotel. Personal free time and overnight.

In the morning, after breakfast, we’re heading to a local dock to start a fascinating private ship ride on Issyk Kul lake (2 hours). Cruising and evaluating the immense scale of the lake, contemplating the mountains on the horizon and swimming with life jackets at the depth of 120m.

On the way, we’re visiting two mountainous gorges: Grigoriev and Semyonov. Here, we’re hiking uphill to discover a small hidden green lake Suttuu Bulak (2,5 hours both ways). Tea time on the vast green pastures. Lunch.

Arrival in Karakol (a town between the north and south coasts of Issyk Kul lake). Check-in to a hotel. After a bit of rest time, we’re driving to a neighboring village Ak Suu to relax in hot spring pools, located at a river bank close to a forest. It will be a lovely touch after such an active day. Return to Karakol. Dinner in a restaurant. Personal free time and overnight.

Today, we’re exploring Karakol and its surroundings. In the morning, we’re heading to the best ski resort of the country. Here, a cable car will take us to the height of 3040m. Walking on the plateau and enjoying the views of snow capped mountain peaks, Issyk Kul lake and alpine meadows. Return back to Karakol. Short city excursion: Dungan mosque 1910; Orthodox Church 1895. Lunch in a restaurant.

Next, we’re heading to the famous Jeti Oguz valley (Seven Bulls). Driving deep into the valley through several river bridges and arriving at “jailoo” (alpine pasture). Here, we’re going to saddle up local horses and go uphill, to the lovely Maiden Braids waterfall (1,5 hours both ways). Free time for enjoying the nature.

Return back to Karakol and rest time at the hotel. Dinner in a restaurant and personal free time.

Today, we’re moving along the south coast of Issyk Kul lake. Visiting the picturesque Barskoon valley to explore its 3 waterfalls. Hiking and enjoying the nature. Lunch.

Next, we’re moving on and visiting the fascinating Skazka (Fairy Tale) canyon for an easy but charming walk. This canyon got its name because of all the fancy claystone formations here, which have been moulded by winds and rains for ages. Explore the fairy tale “Castles”, the “Chinese Wall” and various animals’ silhouettes.

Driving to a nearby yurt camp Bel Tam, that’s located on the wild beach of Issyk Kul lake. Check-in to yurts. The camp has all necessary facilities like: showers, toilets, laundry, bar. Free time for swimming in the lake at sunset. Dinner in a big kitchen yurt: here, we’ll be visited by a local Kyrgyz family of artists. They will perform some old national songs and play the traditional Kyrgyz instruments. Next is a chill time! Let’s gather up outside and make a bonfire. Relaxing and enjoying the evening.

Today, we’re transitioning onto another region of Kyrgyzstan - Naryn - the closest one to China. In the morning, we’re heading to the neighboring village Ak Sai: Here, we’re going to witness a spectacular eagle hunting process. You will learn almost everything about this traditional Kyrgyz way of hunting and will also participate yourself in the archery part. Don’t worry, during the hunt we only use an artificial animal's carcass as a prey. Next, we’re driving towards the “Canyon of Forgotten Rivers”. A beautiful, light hike up to its panoramic viewpoint. Delicious picnic on the wild beach: eating, swimming in Issyk Kul once again and saying goodbye to this fairy region.

Driving to Naryn and passing by Orto Tokoi water reservoir on the way (2,5 hours). Arrival in Naryn and check-in to a hotel. Rest time and dinner in a restaurant. Tomorrow is going to be even more exciting!

Today, we’re heading to another top destination of Kyrgyzstan - Kel Suu lake. It’s a remote alpine lake located close to the Chinese border. 3 hour light off-road drive. Passing through a border checkpoint with special permits. Arrival at Kel Suu and lunch. Check-in to a guesthouse (wooden shacks). Next, we’re embarking on a magnificent horseback ride to the lake itself (1,5 hours one way). Reaching Kel Suu and exploring this magical nature’s creation on a motorboat: gliding along the turquoise water, through the rocky mountains on both sides. Personal time for enjoying the place. Return back to the camp and dinner. Bonfire time under the starry sky… Overnight.

Today, we’re transferring from one out-of-this-world alpine lake to another magnificent alpine lake - Son Kol (3000m above sea level). Driving from Kel Suu to Naryn (3 hours). Lunch in a restaurant.

Next, we’re heading over the epic “33 parrots” mountain pass to Son Kol (2,5 hours). Arrival and check-in to a yurt camp. Horseback riding time on the vast green meadows (optional). Free time for exploring Son Kol - here it feels like the edge of the world! Dinner. Free time for stargazing...

Today is the last day of our sumptuous journey, however it doesn’t mean that the adventure is over. Spending some more time at Son Kol in the morning. Next, we’re setting off and heading to a lovely waterfall (easy walk).

Coming down the mountains and driving back to Bishkek (4 hours). Arrival in the capital and check-in to a hotel. Free time for rest. Afterwards, we’re gathering up one last time for a farewell dinner with our super group! Thank you so much for sharing such an incredible Kyrgyzstan journey with us all! We hope to see you again, goodbye! End of the tour.