Kyrgyzstan Ideas

Kyrgyzstan

Template plan for Kyrgyzstan

18 days Ask us for pricing This is the price per person for a private tour (based on 2 people travelling) excluding international flights. Contact us for pricing for other group sizes including individuals.
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Intro, Dates & Prices

Intro

Browse this extensive itinerary for ideas for your own Kyrgyzstan trip. Click on the itinerary tab in the menu above.

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

  • Walking, rafting or horse-riding in scenic Chon Kemin Valley
  • Yurt-making in Kyzyl Tuu
  • Eagle Hunting of Bokonbaevo
  • Sublime beauty of Issy Kul Lake
  • Remarkable rock formations at Jety-Oguz gorge
  • Rural tranquillity of Reina Kench farm
  • Prehistoric art of Cholpan Ata
  • Traditional felt workshop of Kochkor
  • Ancient caravansarai of Tash-Rabat
  • Sleep in a traditional yurt by Song Kol Lake
  • Rural beauty of Fergana Valley
  • Osh's grand Lenin statue

Places Visited

Bishkek - Ala Archa Gorge - Chon-Kemin valley - Ashu - Karakol - Kyzil Tuu - Reina Kench Farm - Cholpan Ata - Naryn - Kochkor - Tash-Rabat - Song Kol Lake - Chayek - Kyzil Oy - Suusamyr Valley - Toktogul Reservoir - Ala Bel Pass - Tash Komar - Arkit - Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve - Arslan Bob - Fergana Valley - Uzgen - Osh - Sary Tash - Sary Mogol - Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain

What's Included

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

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Itinerary
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Overview Itinerary Detailed Itinerary
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Day 1 : Arrive in Bishkek

On arrival in Bishkek you will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Bishkek. 

Meal plan: Dinner

Bishkek lies in the shadow of the Kyrgyz Ala-Too range, an extension of the Tian Shan mountains. It is Kyrgyzstan’s capital and biggest city with a population just under one million. It was named “Frunze” by the Bolsheviks in 1926 after a military leader born there. Following its independence in 1991 it was renamed “Bishkek”, after the fortress of “Pishpek“ in the area.

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Day 2 : Bishkek

Take a tour of Bishkek. Highlights will include an excursion to Ala Archa Gorge and visits to Osh Bazaar and the Eternal Fire. The national museum (currently closed) can be added once it reopens. Overnight in 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 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.

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. 

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Day 3 : Bishkek - Chon-Kemin - Ashu

Drive to Chon Kemin Valley visiting Burana Tower en route.  Rest of the day free to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. Overnight in Ashu Village.

Overnight in Ashu Guesthouse, Chon-Kemin valley

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!
 

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Day 4 : Ashu - Chon-Kemin - Ashu

Spend a day walking around Chon Kemin. There are also opportunities to ride horses or go rafting in the area as well as doing multi-day treks. Overnight in Ashu Village.

Meal plan: Breakfast

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.

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Day 5 : Ashu - Kyzyl Tuu - Eagle Hunting - Karakol

Drive along the southern coast of Issy Kul Lake, stopping in Kyzil Tuu to learn about how yurts are made and then onto Bokonbaevo to meet an eagle trainer and his eagle. Continue to Karakol for overnight.

Meal plan: Breakfast

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. 

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Day 6 : Karakol - Jety Oguz - Karakol

Visit the Orthodox Cathedral, Dungan mosque in Karakol. In the afternoon visit Jety Oguz and take a walk in the picturesque Valley of the Flowers. Overnight in 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.

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Day 7 : Karakol - Reina Kench

Visit the Nikolai Przhevalskii museum, then continue to Reina Kench farm. Visit the farm and enjoy its ample grounds. Overnight at Reina Kench.

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.

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Day 8 : Reina Kench - Cholpan Ata

Drive along the north coast of Issy Kul lake, stopping to see the petrogylphs in Cholpan Ata as well as its ethnographic museum. It is possible to do a yacht ride on Lake Issy Kul here too. Overnight in 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. 

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Day 9 : Cholpan Ata - Kochkor - Naryn

Drive south to Kochkor for a felt-making demonstration. Continue to Naryn for overnight.

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 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.

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Day 10 : Naryn - Tash Rabat - Naryn

Day trip to visit Tash-Rabat. Return to Naryn for overnight. Option to stay in a yurt at Tash-Rabat instead is available.

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.

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Day 11 : Naryn - Song Kol

Depart for Song Kol Lake. Overnight in traditional yurt beside Song Kol Lake. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Song Kol Lake lies at an altitude of over 3000 metres in the northern Naryn Province. The alpine lake covers an area of around 270 km square - making it the second largest freshwater lake in Kyrgystan. Song Kol is surrounded by lush summer pastures and rolling hills, which are dotted with traditional yurts. The lake can typically visited from mid June to late September.

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Day 12 : Song Kol - Chayek - Kyzil Oy

Travel to Kyzil Oy, stopping en route in the village of Chayek. Overnight in a simple homestay in Kyzil Oy.

Meal plan: Breakfast

The village of Chayek can be found in the Suusamry Valley. As one of the largest settlements in the valley, Chayek makes for a good lunch stop.  

Kyzil Oy  meaning "red bowl" in Kyrgyz, is a beautiful village in Naryn province surrounded by poplar tress, rivers and steep mountains that are home to nomadic shepards and their flocks.  

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Day 13 : Kyzil Oy - Suusamyr & Ala Bel - Toktogul

Cross the picturesque Suusamyr Valley and Ala Bel Pass to get to the Toktogul Reservoir. Overnight at Toktogul Reservoir. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Suusamyr Valley lies between the Suusamyr Too and Kyrgyz Ala-Too ranges of the Tian Shan Mountains. The valley is situated at an altitude of 2,000-3,200 metres. Its deep snow drifts attract skiers throughout the winter, whilst its rolling summer pastures provide a scenic backdrop for mountain climbers.

Toktogul is the largest reservoir in Central Asia, with an area of almost 300 square kilometres and a depth of over 200 metres. The reservoir was created following the construction of a hydroelectric and irrigation dam on the Naryn River. Rolling valleys and mountains provide a scenic backdrop to the reservoir, making it a particularly good location for fishing and swimming in the summer months. 

The Ala Bel Pass stands as one of the main control points along the Bishkek-Osh road. The path is situated at an elevation of over 3,000 metres above sea level and offers striking views across the surrounding snow-capped mountains and alpine meadows. 

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Day 14 : Toktogul - Tash Komar - Arkit

Drive south along the turquoise Naryn river, stopping at Tash Komar on the way to Arkit. Spend the rest of the day exploring the famous seven lakes of the Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve. Overnight in Arkit.

NOTE: Another full day trekking in Sary Chelek can be arranged.

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Sary Chelek Biosphere Reserve is situated in the Jalal-Abad region of Kyrgyzstan, between an altitude of 1,200 and 4,250 metres above sea level. It was established in 1959 and by 1978 it became a UNESCO-designated World Biosphere Reserve. The mountainous reserve is home to an array of flora, fauna, lakes and river networks. 

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Day 15 : Arslan Bob

Depart Arkit and drive to Arslan Bob to visit its walnut forests, the mausoleum, and a small waterfall. Enjoy its superb panoramas. Overnight in Arslan Bob. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

Arslan Bob is a village famous for its wild walnut forests. It is believed to be the largest single natural source of walnuts on Earth. Walnuts from the forests here are the first known export of Kyrgyzstan to Europe.

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Day 16 : Arkit - Uzgen - Osh

Drive via the lush Fergana Valley to Osh, stopping en route in Uzgen. Overnight in Osh. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Fergana Valley lies in Central Asia, stretching across eastern Uzbekistan, southern Kyrgystan and northern Tajikistan. The valley's rich history spans back over 2,300 years. It has long been the site of conflict, having been occupied by the Greek, Chinese, Bactrian, Patrthian, Mughal and Russian empires. Today, it is a largely Muslim area that is populated by nomadic Uzbek, Tajik and Kyrgyz people. 

The town of Uzgen sits in the east of the Ferghana Valley. Formerly known as "Mavarannahr", it was once a capital of the Karakhanid dynasty (999-1211 AD). The town is home to several preserved mausoleums that were constructed during the 12th century. 

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Day 17 : Osh - Sary Tash & Sary Mogol - Osh

Depart Osh, driving south through rural Fergana. Visit the villages of Sary Tash and Sary Mogol. Return to Osh for overnight. 

Meal plan: Breakfast

The village of Sary Tash lies in the Alay Valley of the Osh region, boasting picturesque views across the snow-capped Pamir Mountains. The remote village is situated along an important road that connects China, Kyrgystan and Tajikistan. 

The settlement of Sary Mogol can be found in the foothills the Gargantuan and Pik Lenina Mountains. The village is composed of several small mud huts that lie along a dusty street and the local community lives a traditionally rural way of life, herding yaks, sheep and horses. 

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Day 18 : Osh

Spend the day exploring Osh. Highlights will include the Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, Central Square and the famous Lenin Statue. Evening flight to Bishkek. Overnight in Bishkek.

Meal plan: Breakfast

The Sulaiman-Too Sacred Mountain, located in the Fergana Valley, provides a striking backdrop to the city of Osh. The distinct rock formation became a beacon for travellers throughout history and now features several ancient places of worship, historic cave carvings and 16th century mosques. UNESCO-listed, this site is now the best preserved sacred mountain in Central Asia. 

The city of Osh has a rich history that stretches back over 3,000 years. Legends say that the city was founded by Solomon or even Alexander the Great. Its position at a crossroads of the Silk Road led Osh to become a significant historical trading centre. It is home to Central Asia's most impressive remaining Lenin Statue, along with a bustling bazaar that gives visitors an insight into traditional Central Asian hospitality and culture. 

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Accommodation

Accommodation

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

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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

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

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
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