Kyrgyzstan Highlight Private Tour

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! Upon landing in the capital, Bishkek, our driver and the guide will warmly greet you at the airport and escort you to the hotel. After settling in and resting briefly, we’ll take a city tour.

Set off our exploration at the Old Square, once a main central square during the Soviet era. Since Ala-Too Square was built, it has receded into the background, with only a few government buildings and a statue of Lenin remaining. From here, we’ll head to Oak Park (Dubovy Park), where you can observe locals’ daily routines, and visit the Art Salon, a converted church hosting rotating exhibitions by local artists every six to eight weeks. Walking south to Ala-Too Square, we’ll learn about the story of Kyrgyz national hero, Manas, and experience modern life centered around flower beds and fountains. If arriving here on the hour, you can witness the changing of the guard ceremony, in which soldiers perform goose-steps with rifles and march with their legs at over 90 degrees. Before heading back to the hotel, we’ll appreciate the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Abdylas Maldybayev from the outside, noted for its delicate reliefs on the roof and columns.

► Things to Know:
1. Currency: While major supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants accept credit cards, bazaar purchases and retail stores only deal in local cash, som (USD 1 ≈ KGS 90). Please bring US dollars into Kyrgyzstan; around USD 300-500 will suffice for your 11-day stay. Then, exchange them at a city-center bank, as mountainous areas have few exchange bureaus.
2. Altitude Sickness: Some of our destinations are above 3,000 meters (9,843 feet), which may cause altitude sickness, with symptoms like headaches, breathing difficulties, and vomiting. Consult your doctor for suitable medication in case, and engage in light exercise like jogging one week before the trip to improve cardiopulmonary function. During the trip, please keep hydrated and avoid strenuous activity. If you feel any discomfort, tell your guide immediately.

Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel (4 stars) or similar

After breakfast, we’ll head to Burana Tower, which is the only remnant of Balasagun, the Kara-Khanid Khanate’s capital (840-1212). Built entirely of red bricks, the tower features eight portals on its octagonal base and maze-like geometric brickwork on its exterior. Inside, a spiral staircase will lead us to its summits, promising views of the barren Balasagun and distant Heavenly Mountains. If heights make you anxious, consider visiting the nearby museum instead, which displays stone statues of Buddha and lotus flowers, early crosses, and Zoroastrian burial urns, highlighting Balasagun’s role as a religious communication hub along the ancient Silk Road. 

Then, a scenic drive will lead us through the Chuy Valley and Boom Gorge to Konorchek Canyon, which is often dubbed a miniature Grand Canyon for its vivid and textured red sandstone. Follow the guide to hike through the stones and discover remnants of an extinct volcano dating back 2.5-3 million years ago, along with its surrounding lavas. Since the canyon is dry all year, remember to drink plenty of water during your visit. 

Followed by a drive to Cholpon Ata, a resort located on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Kyrgyzstan boasts over 3,000 lakes, among which Issyk-Kul Lake reigns supreme. It is the world’s second-largest alpine lake, which holds the memories of many nomads, most notably the legend about Genghis Khan. It is said that the ruins of an ancient city were discovered 7 meters (23 feet) below the lake’s surface, where numerous artifacts and coins from the Khan’s era were salvaged. Given that his son once ruled the area, it is believed that the Khan’s tomb is hidden beneath the lake, although it remains a mystery today.

En route, we’ll stop by the Nomad Museum, which exhibits traditional nomadic items like saddles, costumes, and instruments. After checking into the hotel in Cholpon Ata, you can engage in various activities at your own expense to experience the charm of Issyk-Kul Lake further. Cruise around the lake to touch the crystal-clear water, or sit on the shore to watch waves crash against the beach and the birds fly across the lake. 

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Kapriz Issyk Kul Resort, Cholpon Ata (3 stars) or similar

Today, we’ll drive for 3 hours to Karakol, the largest city east of Issyk-Kul Lake, with a stop at the Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum. Named after a famous Russian explorer who traveled extensively across Central Asia and Mongolia, the museum showcases his detailed hiking maps and a collection of his travel gear, including clothing and numerous letters. Sadly, he died of a cold before his fifth Central Asian expedition in the late 1800s. We can pay tribute to him in the garden behind the museum, where his soul rests.

Upon arrival in Karakol, you’ll check into a local hotel and plan the remainder of the day freely. Russians founded the city in the late 19th century as a military outpost and later drew immigrants from other countries for work or refuge, making it one of Kyrgyzstan’s most diverse cities.

► Recommended Activities (at your own expense):
Bugu Bazaar is the best place to experience the city’s cultural diversity, open until 18:00. Kyrgyz, Russian, Dungan, Uyghur, and Uzbek vendors sell everything from fresh produce and dried fruits to spices and breads. Then, walk 2 minutes northwest to Ashlyan-Fu Alley for dinner, where you can try many vegetarian dishes, such as Ashlyan-Fu, cold soup noodles with chili and vegetables, Manti, and salads, all under USD 5 per serving. Due to the crowded environment, remember to wear your backpack on your front.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 stars) or similar

If it’s Sunday, we’ll wake early to visit the Animal Market outside Karakol. The ground is sectioned into areas: one for lambs and goats, another for cattle and horses, with some stalls selling nomadic gear like saddles amidst them. You may see some buyers checking the butts of fat-tailed sheep, whose fat contributes to the local roast called Shashlik, while someone may test ride a newly purchased horse. Be careful not to stain your shoes with animal dung when soaking up the lively atmosphere. We also recommend wearing a mask to avoid odors.

Next, our guide will accompany you to Holy Trinity Cathedral. This Orthodox Church was dedicated initially to soldiers stationed in the area, who prayed for an early return home. The original brick church collapsed in a devastating earthquake, but six years later, a pure wooden version with five golden onion domes replaced it. Inside, you can browse the richly carved walls and admire one of the most revered Orthodox relics, the Tikhvin Icon. Our next stop is Dungan Mosque, built by the Dungans - Muslims from northwestern China who fled war to settle in Karakol in the late 19th century. The mosque is supported by orange wooden pillars and topped with a pagoda-style roof, while its walls are adorned with prayer wheels and other symbols of good fortune. Unlike other Central Asian mosques with minarets, it has a wooden stupa that reflects the Dungans’ unique blend of Chinese, Islamic and Buddhist cultural backgrounds. 

We’ll then drive to Jeti-Oguz Canyon, where massive red sandstone formations shimmer under the sun and have inspired numerous Kyrgyz songs, paintings, and music videos. You can try to capture the well-known Seven Bulls and Broken Hearts rocks from the viewpoint, and let your imagination interpret their names! Later, you’ll be guided along the south bank of Issyk-Kul Lake to check into a hotel near Skazka Canyon (Canyon Fairy Tale) and then explore the canyon on foot with our guide. Also dubbed Canyon Fairy Tale, it features unusual rock formations with light sand and red brick hues. Compared to those of the Jeti-Oguz Canyon, they are shaped by wind and rain erosion with many pleats and sparse vegetation, appearing more desolate. Several trails at different levels allow you to view their whimsical shapes, but we suggest avoiding those rugged ones, as the sandy soil may be slippery. At sunset, the rock’s fiery colors will illuminate the landscape with an otherworldly glow, contrasting sharply with Issyk-Kul Lake in the background. Finally, return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Royal Gate Yurt Hotel at Skazka Canyon or similar

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Bokonbayevo to watch the golden eagle hunting show. Kyrgyz people believe hunting with man-made weapons is unethical, so they turn to the formidable predators, the golden eagles, a tradition dating back to the 12th century. In the first 3-4 years after being captured, a golden eagle is hooded during the day, building a deep bond with its owner through continuous talks and feeding, and learning to recognize only the owner’s commands. The eagle will also undergo rigorous flight training to hone its striking abilities. During the demonstration, you’ll see a hunter placing a 3-7kg golden eagle on his leather-gloved arm and then riding a horse toward the rolling hills. As they approach the hunting ground, the hunter will issue a commanding shout and release his aid into the air. In an instant, the bird soars high, with its sharp eyes scanning for any movement. You’ll be spellbound as it plunges towards the prey, often a rabbit or animal fur, with unbelievable agility.

Next, embark on a 5-hour scenic drive to the country’s second-largest lake, Song Kol Lake, with an altitude of 3,016 meters (9,895 ft.). If you’re tired of the long transfer, we can stop at Kochkor for a brief rest. Later, we’ll hit the road through Kalmak Ashuu Pass, 3,447 meters (11,309 ft.) above sea level, which rewards you with lush western grasslands, eastern canyons surrounded by gravel, and panoramic views of Song Kol Lake. If you visit during June and August, you can see many cattle, sheep, and yaks carpeting the broad plateau. Upon arrival at Song Kol Lake, check into a yurt camp on its southern bank. Then go out and walk around to immerse yourself in the tranquility and beauty of green valleys, wildflower fields, and the glimmering lake!

 Tips:
1. You may experience four seasons in one day at Song Kol Lake, so please pack warm, windproof clothing, and sun protection gear.
2. The camp’s electricity depends on the generator at night, so it isn’t always guaranteed. It is recommended that you bring a power bank for your electronics.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nomad’s Dream Yurt Camp, Song Kol Lake or similar

★ Song Kol Lake: Nomadic Adventure with a Yurt Stay

Today, you’re ready to enjoy a leisurely day at Song Kol Lake, away from the hustle and bustle of modern life! As cattle and horses meander and rustle outside the yurt, it’s time to wake up and admire the stunning sunrise. The nearby nomads are already busy with their daily tasks, with someone guiding the flocks to the verdant pastures while someone milks horses with a kettle. After that, they will prepare breakfast, and the main beverage is Kumis. It is a traditional fermented drink rich in vitamins and minerals, perfect for an energy supply when fresh vegetables are scarce. Then, accept the heartfelt invitation of a nomad and step into their colorful yurts, where a central stove crackles with warmth. What do they use as fuel at such high altitudes? It’s surprisingly cow dung collected from the grassy expanse. Because there are many undigested grass fibers in the cow dung, they can be burned without odor after being ventilated and dried. Some herders will even collect the unused ones and sell them to fuel companies for an additional income.

Then, you can wander along the lake’s shoreline and occasionally encounter drinking horses; perhaps trek up a small, lush hill to see rugged mountains and wildflower-studded valleys. When the sun casts a golden hue over the hills and yurts at dusk, why not raise your camera to capture the hauntingly beautiful scenes? Then, return to our camp and gather around the campfire with other travelers, sharing unique travel experiences under a Milky Way-like sky. As the cool night air wraps around you, let the soothing sounds of nature lull you into a restful sleep. Sweet dreams!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Nomad’s Dream Yurt Camp, Song Kol Lake or similar

After breakfast, let’s head to Naryn, a 4-hour drive through the Moldo-Ashu Pass at an altitude of 3,346 meters (10,987 feet). As the driver navigates the unpaved road with nine hairpin bends hugging steep slopes, you’ll experience an adrenaline rush while taking in the glaciers shrouded in mist and Naryn’s narrow landscape. Please note that the pass lies beneath the Heavenly Mountains, where snowfall is possible even in the hottest month, so please pack warm clothing.

Upon arrival in Naryn, start our visit at the Historical Museum of Ethnography, and you can explore yurts of various sizes, local wooden crafts, and handmade carpets. Then, walk westward to the Central Square, where a statue of Tunduk, a yurt roof, replaces the original Lenin statue to stand at its center, symbolizing freedom, independence, and sovereignty. Before going to the hotel, we'll also stop by the Blue Mosque (Azreti Ali Mosque), whose domes resemble those of traditional yurts and facades are adorned with nomadic embroidery known as Oymo. 

► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense):
Treat yourself at Khan Tengri Restaurant, open until midnight and mainly serving local specialties. You can try national dishes like Besh Barmak, a richly meaty pasta dish in Central Asia; Kuurdak, a meat and potatoes stew; and Manty, steamed dumplings. Perhaps you’ll also like the less common slow-cooked yak meat, which has a subtler flavor and is easier to chew than beef. For vegetarians, the restaurant’s signature salad, made with chicken breast, tomatoes, rice, cheese, and spinach, may be your ideal choice.
Average Cost per Person: KGS 800-1,000 (USD 9-11)
Address: Asana Zhusupova No. 2, Naryn, Narynskaya

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grand Khan Tengri Hotel, Naryn (4 stars) or similar

Today’s sightseeing begins with another Silk Road relic in Kyrgyzstan, the Tash Rabat Caravanserai, about a 2.5-hour drive away. On the way, we’ll stop at Koshoy Korgon Ruins, a square fortress built by Turks along the ancient Silk Road in the 7th century. Once part of a bustling city, it now only features ruined walls made of clay and rammed earth, along with scattered ceramic fragments. In the nearby museum, you’ll see the city’s restored model and two themed exhibition halls: one displaying artifacts like tools, household items, and military gear found at the site, and another highlighting Kyrgyzstan’s ethnic culture and nomadic traditions.

Later, we’ll arrive at Tash Rabat Caravanserai, a partly underground stone structure from the 15th century. Located in the valley bordering China, Tash Rabat was a key stop for Silk Road caravans crossing the Heavenly Mountains into Central Asia. However, long journeys and frequent robber attacks often made them exhausted and unsafe. To assist caravans, a Khan built this caravanserai, which has 31 rooms used as bedrooms, cells, storage, and for other purposes. In its center, you’ll see a large domed chamber with traces of plaster and paint, likely used for religious ceremonies. Afterwards, you can walk along the left trail to the viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the caravanserai and yurt camps in the valley, possibly encountering marmots for company en route. In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to the hotel in Naryn.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Grand Khan Tengri Hotel, Naryn (4 stars) or similar

This morning will start with a 1.5-hour drive to Kochkor, the country’s felt-making hub. On the way, we’ll stop by the Chon Tuz Salt Mine, with a small sanatorium inside, as its rich mineral salt beds are beneficial for respiratory issues. Some old couches remain, where patients once inhaled salt mist and particles to purify their airways. Try taking a deep breath, and feel the fresh air as if you were by the sea! Since the temperature here remains 8-10℃ (46.4-50°F) year-round, we recommend bringing a warm coat.

★ Wool and Wonder: Witness Felt-making in Kochkor

After that, continue on our way to Kochkor Village. In Kyrgyzstan, felt is used not only to cover yurts but also to make clothing, toys, and various types of rugs. Kochkor people are famous for their outstanding craftsmanship in making Shyrdak, an intricate rug made by using a dark felt base, cutting and arranging colorful patterned pieces, and sewing them together, a collaborative effort of many artisans. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Altyn Kol Workshop, an NGO founded to provide more job opportunities to support local unemployed women while preserving the traditional felt-making. You’ll watch in awe as the women skillfully whip, roll, and dye wool to make felts. They often draw inspiration from natural scenes such as clouds, water, sheep, and mountains. Finally, the well-crafted rugs can serve as carpets or room dividers in a yurt or cherished gifts for weddings, housewarmings, and anniversaries. Then, you’ll be whisked away to a local hotel for check-in.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Nomad Lodge Kochkor or similar

Today, we’ll drive for 3 hours back to Bishkek and arrive in the early afternoon. You’ll be escorted to the hotel, or you can spend the rest of the day moving around freely.

► What to Do in Bishkek (at your own expense):
1. Experience a Banya Bath: Finish your day with a relaxing Banya, which includes a sauna session followed by a cold plunge to ease muscle tension. A popular choice is Zhirgal Banya, with an entry fee of KGS 800 (USD 9).
2. Observe Daily Life: How about unwinding on a bench along Erkindik Boulevard? This green heaven connects major streets and many nearby colleges, shops, cafes, and restaurants, offering a glimpse into the city’s daily life. As night falls, the boulevard also comes alive with many talented painters and musicians.
3. Discover Stunning Mosaics: Although many parts of Bishkek are built of concrete, some murals add vibrant touches. You can check out the Ala-Too Theater, whose façade features symbols of the Soviet era, like astronauts, education, and agriculture; or go to the back entrance of Kyrgyzstan National University to see ‘the Path of Enlightenment,’ reminiscent of Van Gogh’s Starry Night.

Meals: Breakfast

Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel (4 stars) or similar

Your Kyrgyzstan private tours will end today. Our guide and the driver will transfer you to the airport based on your flight schedule. May this trip bring you unforgettable memories!

If you wish to explore the other four Central Asian countries or visit the starting point of the Silk Road in China, feel free to contact our travel consultants to customize your itinerary!

Meals: Breakfast