Herd of horses grazing in picturesque mountains in Kyrgyzstan

Highlights of Kyrgyzstan

  • TAILOR-MADE HOLIDAY IDEA

Duration

11 Days

Prices Start from

$3,341pp(ex. flights)

This holiday is designed to showcase Kyrgyzstan’s stunning scenery, from alpine forests to snow-capped peaks and high altitude lakes.

Kyrgyzstan is blessed with immense natural beauty plus it offers visa free travel. This holiday is perfect for anyone seeking the luxury of unspoiled nature and offers plenty of opportunities to explore the spectacular scenery on foot or on horseback. Towering mountains hide ancient sites and huge alpine lakes where peaceful nomadic life continues. Spend time with welcoming locals, experiencing life in a yurt on the shores of Lake Son Kul.

Key Highlights of this Itinerary

Traditional yurts, Song Kul, Tian Shan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan 1

Nomadic Camping

Overnight in a nomadic yurt on the shores of a spectacular high altitude lake.

Traditional Kyrgyz Felt Hats, Kyrghyzstan 2

Bishkek Bazaar

Explore the sprawling Osh Bazaar in search of traditional Kyrgyz wares.

View of lime green grassland leading to shores of curved lake and snowy distant mountains. 3

Alpine Landscapes

Hike, horse ride, camp and swim amidst epic mountain scenery.

Gateway to Caravanserai, Tash Rabat, Kyrgyzstan 4

Historical Kyrgyzstan

Visit Tash Rabat caravanserai, one of the silk roads great wonders.

Explore our suggested itinerary

Kyrgyzstan on your wishlist? Talk to our experts about tailoring this trip for you.

  • Day 1

    Bishkek (Ambassador Hotel)

  • Day 2

    Bishkek (Ambassador Hotel)

  • Day 3

    Bishkek - Cholpan Ata (Karven Resort)

  • Day 4

    Cholpan Ata - Altyn-Arashan (Ala-Kul Guesthouse)

  • Day 5

    Altyn-Arashan - Karakol (Green Yard Hotel)

  • Day 6

    Karakol (Green Yard Hotel)

  • Day 7

    Karakol - Djeti Oguz Gorge - Karakol (Green Yard Hotel)

  • Day 8

    Karakol - Kochkor (Nomad Lodge Hotel)

  • Day 9

    Kochkor - Naryn (Tash Rabat Yurt Camp)

  • Day 10

    Naryn - Son-Kul Lake (Yurt Camp)

  • Day 11

    Son-Kul Lake - Burana Tower - Bishkek

Day 1

Bishkek (Ambassador Hotel)

Arrive into Bishkek and transfer to your accommodation.

Day 2

Bishkek (Ambassador Hotel)

Explore the sprawling Osh Bazaar in Bishkek searching for traditional Kyrgyz wares.

Day 3

Bishkek - Cholpan Ata (Karven Resort)

Transfer around three and a half hours Cholpan-Ata on the shores of Issyk Kul. Littering a boulder field, the ancient petroglyphs found here are said to date back as far as the sixth century BC. Mainly depicting hunting scenes, the carvings show rarely seen animals such as wolves, long-horned ibex and snow leopards.

Day 4

Cholpan Ata - Altyn-Arashan (Ala-Kul Guesthouse)

Visit Lake Issyk-Kul the second largest alpine lake in the world before continuing along its shores for around three hours to Altyn-Arashan, home to some wonderful hiking trails and hot springs.

Day 5

Altyn-Arashan - Karakol (Green Yard Hotel)

After more time exploring the mountains transfer approximately one hour to the city of Karakol.

Day 6

Karakol (Green Yard Hotel)

Spend the day exploring the winding backstreets of this peaceful and picturesque town which is flanked by tall, snow-covered peaks. Visit the old Russian Orthodox church and the Dungan Mosque.

Day 7

Karakol - Djeti Oguz Gorge - Karakol (Green Yard Hotel)

Visit the summer pastures of Djeti Oguz Gorge, located approximately one hour from Karakol. Inhabited by nomads who graze their animals the red rocky sand formations of the picturesque gorge leading to the upper pastures are covered with forests of Tien Shan spruce. Spend time exploring on foot before returning to Karakol.

Day 8

Karakol - Kochkor (Nomad Lodge Hotel)

Drive along the southern shores of Lake Issyk-Kul to Kochkor, a drive of around four and a half hours.

Day 9

Kochkor - Naryn (Tash Rabat Yurt Camp)

Drive around two hours to Naryn and visit the ancient Tash Rabat caravanserai – one of the silk roads great wonders. Overnight at a yurt camp.

Day 10

Naryn - Son-Kul Lake (Yurt Camp)

Drive to Son-Kul Lake and spend a night in a traditional nomadic yurt on its shores.

Day 11

Son-Kul Lake - Burana Tower - Bishkek

Transfer around five hours back to Bishkek stopping to visit the 11th century Burana Tower enroute. On arrival in Bishkek transfer to the airport for onward travel.

Our travel experts can tailor this itinerary to suit you.

More Details

Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan Mountains, Kyrgyzstan
Song-Kol Lake

Lakeside Nomadic Life

Kyrgyzstan is home to around 2,000 lakes ranging in size and origin. During this holiday you will visit two of the largest, Son-Kul and Issy-Kul. Sitting at an altitude of over 3,000 metres above sea level Son-Kul Lake measures 29 by 18 kilometres and is surrounded by grassy steppes which are used by nomadic shepherds during the summer months. Camp in a traditional yurt on the shores of the lake, surrounded by mountain peaks, spending days spotting birdlife and experiencing nomadic life.

Holy Trinity Cathedral, Karakol, Kyrgystan
Holy Trinity Cathedral, Karakol

Karakol

Formerly known as Przhevalsk, after the Russian explorer, Karakol is a quiet, low-rise town. Shaded by rows of white poplars, its backstreets hide Russian timbered gingerbread cottages. Sitting at over 1,800 metres, the town is slightly inland from the enormous Issyk Kul Lake, pressed up against the foothills of the Tien Shan. The area is famous for its apple orchards which can be found around the town. Visit the Chinese mosque, built in 1910, by 20 Chinese artisans, for the local Dungan community. Built without nails it resembles a Mongolian Buddhist datsan.

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Spires of Zenkov Cathedral in Almaty

A note on price

Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchase through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.

This Itinerary
Price
From $3,341 Per person

When to travel

Kyrgyzstan in January

November to March is low season, during which roads are sometimes blocked due to snowfall and electricity black outs are common. We would not recommend travelling at this time unless you are keen to go skiing, as it is very cold.

Kyrgyzstan in February

November to March is low season, during which roads are sometimes blocked due to snowfall and electricity blackouts are common. We would not recommend travelling at this time unless you are keen to go skiing, as it is very cold.

Kyrgyzstan in March

November to March is low season, during which roads are sometimes blocked due to snowfall and electricity black outs are common. We would not recommend travelling at this time unless you are keen to go skiing, as it is very cold.

Kyrgyzstan in April

April to June is a great time to visit as the country warms up, and is generally mild with lower visitor numbers. There is more rainfall at this time, but the benefit is that the landscape is lush and green. Higher mountains may still be snowbound though, limiting hiking opportunities.

Kyrgyzstan in May

April to June is a great time to visit as the country warms up, and is generally mild with lower visitor numbers. There is more rainfall at this time, but the benefit is that the landscape is lush and green. Higher mountains may still be snowbound though, limiting hiking opportunities.

Kyrgyzstan in June

April to June is a great time to visit as the country warms up, and is generally mild with lower visitor numbers. There is more rainfall at this time, but the benefit is that the landscape is lush and green. Higher mountains may still be snowbound though, limiting hiking opportunities.

Kyrgyzstan in July

July and August is the peak of summer across the country, making it the only time to access mountains over 3000m and trek through spectacular pristine landscapes. This is the busiest time of year so expect to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Kyrgyzstan in August

July and August is the peak of summer across the country, making it the only time to access mountains over 3000m and trek through spectacular pristine landscapes. This is the busiest time of year so expect to book well in advance to secure the best accommodation.

Kyrgyzstan in September

September and October is a great time to explore the cities, as the searing summer heat dissipates and visitor numbers drop. Glacial melt is high, making it a popular time to enjoy kayaking or rafting. Hiking remains a good option, with less snow around and more predictable conditions than earlier in the season.

Kyrgyzstan in October

September and October is a great time to explore the cities, as the searing summer heat dissipates and visitor numbers drop. Glacial melt is high, making it a popular time to enjoy kayaking or rafting. Hiking remains a good option, with less snow around and more predictable conditions than earlier in the season.

Kyrgyzstan in November

November to March is low season, during which roads are sometimes blocked due to snowfall and electricity black outs are common. We would not recommend travelling at this time unless you are keen to go skiing, as it is very cold.

Kyrgyzstan in December

November to March is low season, during which roads are sometimes blocked due to snowfall and electricity black outs are common. We would not recommend travelling at this time unless you are keen to go skiing, as it is very cold.

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