Kyrgyzstan Explorer

Kyrgyzstan

Culture | Silk Road

Heavenly mountains, eagle trainers and glittering lakes

12 days £1,995 pp This is the per person group tour price, based on 2 sharing. The price is subject to change with exchange rate and flight cost fluctuations.
Ask us a question
Book now
Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Experience the warm hospitality of remote Kyrgyzstan on a journey through rural villages and wild landscapes. Begin in the bustling capital of Bishkek and barter in Osh Bazaar. Marvel at picturesque views across the Ala Archa Gorge, hike through a blend wild and pastoral landscapes in Chon-Kemin Valley, and marvel at the alpine Issy Kul Lake.

Behold the celestial heights of the Tian Shan mountains, before discovering the ancient traditions of felt- and yurt-making, as well as eagle training. Take in Karakol’s 19th-century Russian architecture, walk amongst the prehistoric petroglyphs of Cholpan Ata and stop for a rest at Tash-Rabat caravanserai, a key Silk Road staging post. End your journey in the colourful bazaars of Osh, against the beautiful backdrop of the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountains.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Sublime beauty of Issy Kul Lake
  • Prehistoric art of Cholpan Ata
  • Remarkable rock formations at Jety-Oguz gorge
  • Idyllic alpine valley in the Tian Shan Mountains
  • Eagle Hunting of Bokonbaevo
  • Yurt-making in Kyzyl Tuu
  • Ancient caravansarai of Tash-Rabat
  • Traditional felt workshop of Kochkor
  • Natural tranquillity of Chon Kemin valley

Places Visited

Bishkek - Cholpan Ata - Reina Kench Farm - Karakol - Jyrgalan Valley - Bokonbaevo - Naryn - Kyzil Tuu - Tash-Rabat - Kochkor - Chon-Kemin valley - Ashu - Ala Archa Gorge

What's Included

Arrival & departure transfers
Ground transport with driver
Accommodation
Meals (refer to itinerary for meal plan)
English-speaking guides
Entrance fees to sites & parks

Contact us today

Itinerary & Map
View Map

Download Itinerary
Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
Image 3

Day 1 : Bishkek

You can either arrive for this trip the day prior to Day 1 or early in the morning (your hotel is included for this night / early check-in on Day 1). On arrival in Bishkek you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon,take a tour of Bishkek which will include a visit to Osh Bazaar, the Eternal Fire (Victory Square), the National Museum, and Ala Too Central Square. Return to your hotel and relax for the evening. Overnight in Bishkek.

Overnight in Damas , Bishkek

Meal plan: Breakfast

The National Museum in Bishkek gives visitors an overview of Kyrgyz history, from the Stone Age to the present. It is home to a range of exhibitions, including ethnological collections, Soviet memorabilia and excavation finds. 

The Eternal Fire monument, also known as 'Victory Square' and 'Victory monument', was constructed in 1984. The statue depicts a woman who is standing over the eternal flame, waiting for the return of her son or husband to return home from the Great Patriotic War (as they call their participation in World War II, from 1941 to 1945). 

Osh Bazaar is one of the largest markets in Bishkek. It is popular with locals and visitors alike, who can barter and buy an array of regional food, musical instruments and Kyrgyz national clothes. 

Read more
Image 3

Day 2 : Bishkek - Cholpan Ata

Pack up and hit the road as you head towards Cholpan Ata. Enroute, stop to visit the narrow canyons of Koi Moinok. Enjoy a 5km walk through the canyons, around one and a half hours, to explore the old riverbeds and unusual rock formations. Continue the drive along the north coast of Issyk-Kul Lake before arriving to Cholpan Ata where you'll visit the petroglyphs and ethnographic museum before an evening at leisure.

Overnight in Kapriz Resort, Cholpan Ata

Meal plan: Breakfast

The summer resort town of Cholpan Ata lies on the northern shore of the Issy Kul Lake. It boasts a scenic backdrop of the Tian Shan Mountains and is famed for its many preserved petroglyphs. This prehistoric form of art, where shapes and patterns are carved into rocks, dates back to between 800 BC and 1200 AD. Along with its ethnographic museum, the open-air petroglyph site provides a real insight into the rich heritage of Cholpan Ata. 

Read more
Image 3

Day 3 : Cholpan Ata - Reina Kench

This morning you'll visit the Nikolai Przhevalskii museum which holds the history and work of the Russian explorer of whom the museum is named. In the afternoon, make the drive to Reina Kench Farm where you can spend the rest of the day exploring the grounds to your hearts content.

Overnight in Guesthouse Reina Kench, Reina Kench Farm

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Nikolai Przhevalskii museum was opened in 1957 in Karakol to commemorate the Russian explorer-scientist, Nikolai Prezhevalskii. During his lifetime, he undertook 4 expeditions to Mongolia, China and Tibet. He researched the geography, flora and fauna of these Central Asian countries, discovering over 200 plant species, as well as doing a little spying for the government, most probably. The museum displays his extensive research alongside a zoological collection that is comprised of various plant, bird, fish and animal samples.

Reina Kench is a traditional Kyrgz farm north of Lake Issy Kul, that specialises in fruit farming, horse training and has also worked on introducing non-native animals to the region. The farm allows visitors to experience an authentic rural way of life - encouraging participation in activities that include cookery classes, fishing and horse-riding.

Read more
Image 3

Day 4 : Reina Kench - Jety Oguz - Karakol

Depart the farm and head to the incredible cliffs of Jety Oguz. Take a scenic walk to the waterfall here - about 6km / 1.5 hours - before heading to the city proper of Karakol to check-in to your hotel. Visit the Orthodox Cathedral and Dungan Mosque before settling in for the evening.

Overnight in Green Yard Hotel, Karakol

Meal plan: Breakfast

Karakol, the administrative centre for Issyk-Kul province, was established as a Russian military post in the 19th century and was largely populated by Cossacks from western Siberia. Its population swelled in the 1880s, when many Dungans (Chinese Muslims) fled to Karakol to escape persecution in their home country. The town contains many fine examples of 19th-century Russian architecture. Today, Karakol is an important base for travellers who enjoy hiking, trekking and exploring the surrounding mountainous region.

The scenic Jety-Oguz gorge is located just outside of the city of Karakol. 'Jety-Oguz' translates to 'seven bulls'. It is named after the seven dramatic cliffs that span a length of 35km and are thought to resemble seven bulls. The surrounding hot springs, mountain lakes, forests and grasslands boast a rich biodiversity. It makes for a beautiful walking area.

The Russian Orthodox Cathedral in Karakol was built in 1872. The original stone cathedral was destroyed in an earthquake and later rebuilt in wood. During the turbulent history of the region, the church has been used as an educational centre, a theatre and even a dance hall after the revolution of 1917. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union and independence of Kyrgyzstan in 1991, the building was restored as a church.

Dungan Mosque was built between 1904 and 1910. It and its outbuildings were constructed by Beijing architect Chou Seu with the help of local craftsmen, who used a unique design that meant no nails were required to hold the wooden structure together. The mosque is decorated with intricate paintings of grapes, pomegranates, pears and peaches. It functioned as a storehouse under Soviet rule, but today operates once more as a mosque.

Read more
Image 3

Day 5 : Karakol - Altyn Arashan - Karakol

After breakfast, prepare for a full day out to Jyrgalan to enjoy a beautiful walk up to a waterfall here, and visit the AkSuu hot springs. Soak in the beautiful alpine atmosphere, lush and sunlit in the summer months, before returning to Karakol in the later afternoon.

Overnight in Green Yard Hotel, Karakol

Meal plan: Breakfast

Jyrgalan Valley is a beautiful alpine valley situated in the heart of the Tian Shan Mountains of Eastern Kyrgyzstan. Nearby to Karakol, the valley offers a beautiful backdrop in all seasons from lush sunlit mountains in the summer to powdery snow covered peaks in the winter. Perfect for trekking or horseback riding alongside harder adventures including mountain biking and skiing in the winter. 
Read more
Image 3

Day 6 : Karakol - Bokonbaevo

Pack up and depart Karakol, heading down along the south coast of Issy-Kul Lake. Take in the "fairytale" Skazka Canyon, enjoying a 5-6km walk through the area, before continuing on to the village of Bokonbaevo where your guesthouse awaits. Note that the guesthouse has shared facilities.

Overnight in Altyn Oimok Guesthouse, Bokonbaevo

Meal plan: Breakfast

Image 3

Day 7 : Bokonbaevo - Kochkor - Naryn

This morning you'll meet with an eagle trainer and his eagle, gaining insight into this long- standing tradition. Afterwards, head on to Kyzil Tuu Village on the Southern shores of Issyk Kul where you'll learn about traditional yurt and felt-making. After a day of Kyrgyz traditions, make the rest of the drive to Naryn and settle in to your hotel for the night.

Overnight in Khan-Tengri Hotel, Naryn

Meal plan: Breakfast

Naryn, on the banks of the Naryn River, was established as a Russian garrison in the mid-1800s, although a vast majority of the town was built following World War II. Evidence of this history can be seen in the dominant Soviet-style housing known as Khrushchevki. The road running south from Naryn provides a main access point into China and passes through an area of outstanding natural beauty.

The village of Kyzil Tuu, situated in the Naryn province, specialises in making yurts by hand, the traditional Kyrgyz way. It lies at an altitude of over 2,000 metres above sea level, providing scenic views across the rolling valleys.

Eagle Hunting is a traditional form of falconry that is practiced by the Kyrgyz people of Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Archaeologists have traced the Central Asian art of eagle hunting back to the 1st or 2nd millennium BC. Visitors to the country can watch demonstrations of this form of nomadic culture, which is still prevalent today. Typically eagles are taken from their nests soon after birth and develop a very close bond with their trainer, the pair often said to be closer than husband and wife. 

Read more
Image 3

Day 8 : Naryn - Tash Rabat - Naryn

This morning you'll head out on a day trip to Tash Rabat, a well-preserved 15th century caravanerai in the At-Bashy district. Built on the site of an ancient monastery, there is plenty of history and grounds to explore. In the afternoon, make the drive back to Naryn and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Khan-Tengri Hotel, Naryn

Meal plan: Breakfast

Tash-Rabat is a caravanserai set in the hillside of the Karakoyun valley at an altitude of over 3,500 metres. Although its origins are not clear, the well-preserved limestone building was most likely constructed in the 15th century. It was once an important inn for merchants of the Silk Road who were travelling from the Chui and Fergana valleys to Kashgar. Some believe it was built as a Nestorian church.

Read more
Image 3

Day 9 : Naryn - Kochkor - Chon-Kemin - Ashu

After breakfast, begin the drive to the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Stop to visit the large village of Kochkor enroute, exploring on foot and gaining insight into the rural way of life including a felt-making workshop. Drive on to the valley and your guesthouse in Ashu where you'll have the rest of the day to relax or explore the beautiful surroundings.

Overnight in Ashu Guesthouse, Chon-Kemin valley

Meal plan: Breakfast

The village of Kochkor lies at an altitude of 1,800 metres in the northern Naryn region of Kyrgyzstan. Kochkor is believed to have been the site of the first settlement in the picturesque Kochkor Valley. Today, although many residents have settled down, they still live a life based on agriculture and herding. Many still keep traditional yurts and roam between spring, summer and autumnal pastures.

Chon-Kemin is a beautiful natural valley where the Chon-Kemin River flows between the Kungei Ala-Too and Iliysky Ala-Too mountain ranges. The valley is a combination of both wild and pastoral landscapes, dense conifer forests and sparse mountains. Its Tien Shan fir forests are famed for their medicinal herbs, mushrooms and edible berries. The area offers excellent hiking, rafting, horse riding and fishing opportunities.

Read more
Image 3

Day 10 : Chon Kemin - Bishkek

Depart the valley and make your way back to the city of Bishkek. Pay a visit to the Burana Tower, climbing it's slim staircase if you'd like to see the view from the top, before finishing the last hour of the drive. On arrival in the city, check-in to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Overnight in Damas , Bishkek

Meal plan: Breakfast

Burana Tower is a minaret in the Chuy Valley that marks the 9th-century Karakhanid town of Balasagun. The town is believed to have been once considered the centre of the world, but was lost in the mists of time until quite recently. The minaret was originally 45m tall, though only 25m remains due to earthquakes. Nearby a wide variety of statues known as bulbuls dot the landscape. These intriguing statues often hold a cup in one hand and a weapon in their other, to represent their hospitality, and the repercussions for those who might not accept it!
 

Read more
Image 3

Day 11 : Bishkek

On your last full day, make the trip out to Ala Archa Gorge for a day of hiking. Bring good walking shoes and there are two hiking options through the Gorge, making it out to either Broken Heart Rock or the waterfall. Take in the spectacular views before heading back to the city for your final evening.

Hike 1: Entrance - Broken Heart Rock (6 km / 3h both ways)
Hike 2: Entrance - Broken Heart Rock - Waterfall (8 km / 4-5h both ways)

Overnight in Damas , Bishkek

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Ala Archa Gorge lies in the Kyrgyz Ridge of the Tien Shan Mountains. It is home to some of the highest mountain peaks of the region, including the Dvurogoya, Korona and Semenov Tien Shanskiy Peaks. Visitors to the Ala Archa Gorge can enjoy trekking past waterfalls to its glaciers and snow-capped mountain ridges.

Read more
Image 3

Day 12 : Departure

As all good things come to an end, you'll be transferred to the airport for your departure flight.

Meal plan: Breakfast

Accommodation

Accommodation

All accommodation subject to availability. Final accommodation choices will be confirmed after booking.

Image 3

Guesthouse Reina Kench

Reina Kench Farm (1 night)

A rustic, quaint guesthouse located just outside of Karakol, Guesthouse Reyna Kench offer its guests endless views of the mountain, onsite dining options, and Wifi in public areas. Each room has a private bathroom.  

Visit hotel's site
Image 3

Green Yard Hotel

Karakol (2 nights)

The Green Yard Hotel can be found at the foot of the Tien-Shan Mountains in Karakol. The small hotel is decorated in a simple style and provides comfortable accommodation that lies just minutes from many nearby sights - such as the Issyk-Kul lake. Guests can enjoy a variety of local dishes during their stay at The Green Yard Hotel, which is also home to a Russian and Finnish style sauna.

Visit hotel's site
Image 3

Khan-Tengri Hotel

Naryn (2 nights)

The Khan-Tengri offers comfortable accommodation in the remote town of Naryn. The hotel is surrounded by rural gardens and grasslands, providing a tranquil spot to relax after a day of exploring the region. The bedrooms are simple, yet spacious and clean. The Khan-Tengri restaurant serves a variety of typically Kyrgz dishes for guests to sample. 

Image 3

Ashu Guesthouse

Chon-Kemin valley (1 night)

Ashu Guesthouse can be found in the picturesque Chon-Kemin valley. The guesthouse offers travellers a traditional experience. Visitors can relax and enjoy the rural way of life - tasting local delicaicies and staying overnight in traditional Kyrgz cottages. All the bedrooms are furnished with locally produced handicrafts and artwork. They are also equipped with basic modern comforts, including an ensuite bathroom, to allow for a comfortable stay. Guests can spend their free time in the gardens of the guesthouse or opting to explore the surrounding mountains. 

Extensions

Kyrgyzstan Ideas (18 days)

Template plan for Kyrgyzstan

Five Stan Odyssey (along the Silk Road) (30 days)

Get under the skin of all five 'Stans'

Journey Through The 4 Stans (18 days)

History and landscapes of the Stans beyond Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan & Kyrgyzstan Explorer (14 days)

From desert citadels to alpine lakes.

Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan Explorer (13 days)

Lose yourself in Tajikistan's unique charms

World Nomad Games (12 days)

Discover the best of Kyrgyzstan & attend the World Nomad Games

Kyrgyzstan Explorer (12 days)

Heavenly mountains, eagle trainers and glittering lakes

Reviews

Just back from my trip through Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. It was a fantastic trip with many highlights - I was looking forward to the trip but it exceeded my expectations. The scenery in Tajikistan is stunning with some great sites. One of the highlights was the land border crossing into Kyrgyzstan at 4,200m above sea level. The Bradt guide describes it as "undeniably one of the last truly adventurous road trips that can be made in the 21st century" hard to disagree with them. The drive along the border with Afghanistan, along the Pamir highway and visiting the Wakhan corridor were also very memorable. The highlight of the entire trip were the two weeks spent in Kyrgyzstan - it is a really beautiful country with so much to see and do. I had a fantastic guide (Tatiana) and driver (Daniar) I got the opportunity to do many walks as Tatiana also liked walking. Daniar also had a reasonable amount of English so it was like having 2 guides. The vehicle (Toyota Landcruiser) was modern and very comfortable which is important as we did 3,100km. Before departing I was somewhat concerned about the standard of some of the accommodation- while the homestays in Tajikistan were pretty basic but this was the only way of getting to some fantastic remote locations. The standard in Kyrgyzstan was good and one of the highlights was the stay at Reina Kench Farm situated in a great location and the food was some of the best we had on the entire trip - would highly recommend it (Wi-Fi also excellent). The food in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan was great and very varied. Kyrgyzstan also had some interesting historical sites (Osh, Tash Rabat and Bishkek ) whereas many view it as more of a destination for scenic mountains and valleys. Kazakhstan was very interesting and I would really like to explore the rest of the country as many interesting sites and scenery - the two guides we had were very good. Having spent over 7 weeks in the Stans over the past 12 months I think it is a great area and one I plan to return to. Thanks for your help in organising the trip for me.

Brendan Fitzgerald , Journey Through the Stans

A fascinating trip to the old Soviet Central Asia, an extraordinary mixture of cultures, peoples and religions. On the old Silk Road, I followed in the footsteps of Alexander The Great, Tamberlane and Genghiz Khan - all of whom - I am reliably informed - booked through Travel The Unknown.

Anthony Twohig , Journey Through the 4 Stans & Central Asia extension

I would recommend the 4 Stan trip to anyone who has already enjoyed Uzbekistan and wants to have a varied trip around some of the best that the other countries of Central Asia have to offer... mountain scenery to match the Alps and the Himalayas; vast steppe and desert landscapes; cities both ancient (Silk Road ruins) and modern (vibrant, cosmopolitan with interesting modern architecture and remnants of Soviet & Tsarist past). Lots of travel companies are offering Silk Road trips these days but this is special and so far, one of a kind !

Julie Crank , Journey Through the 4 Stans

We spent a memorable month in Central Asia, travelling through four 'Stans. The long history of ethnic diversity and exchange of cultural ideas make it a fascinating place. The architecture and landscapes were breathtaking and the hospitality and warmth of the people unforgettable.

Dave Every , Tailormade 'Stans'

Travel The Unknown proved to be knowledgeable, efficient and flexible. An extensive and packed itinerary ran like clockwork. The quality of accommodation, food, guides and the friendliness of all the people of Central Asia were all surprisingly good and better than anticipated. An excellent trip!

Peter & Janice Lacey , Tailormade Five Stans
More reviews