kyrgyzstan travel itinerary

Kyrgyzstan Itinerary: The Perfect 10 and 21 Day Itineraries

• Last Updated: January 10, 2023

Everything you need to know to plan your Kyrgyzstan itinerary for trips between 10 and 21 days!

This stunning expanse of land smashed between the other four Central Asian nations and China is one of the most stunning in the world.

The majority of travellers often visit Kyrgyzstan as part of a larger trip across Central Asia and as a result will budget a hefty chunk of time to play with.

Over the last few years, the number of visitors has grown considerably. This has improved the tourist infrastructure, as well as further opening up parts of the country that were previously inaccessible.

Kyrgyzstan is country that draws its visitors back again, and again. So whatever you can’t do this time, put them in your back pocket for next time.

We’ve put together 2 itineraries for 10 days and 3 weeks that will be of use to any traveller regardless of how long you plan to visit Kyrgyzstan . 

Table of Contents

Travel Time

East and/or west, day 1 – bishkek, day 2 – travel to jyrgalan via karakol, day 3 – hiking in jyrgalan – bulak ashuu day 1 , day 4 – hiking in the jyrgalan – bulak ashuu day 2 , day 5 – hiking in the jyrgalan – bulak ashuu day 3, day 6 – karakol – jeti oguz , day 7 – travel to kochkor for a horse trek, day 8 – song kul horse trek – day 1 , day 9 – song kul horse trek – day 2, day 10 – song kul horse trek – day 3, day 11 – kol ukok trek – day 1 , day 12 – kol ukok trek – day 2, day 13 – travel to arslanbob via seasonal road, day 14 – explore arslanbob , day 15 – explore arslanbob, day 16 – osh, day 17 – travel to sary-mogol, day 18 – hike to lenin peak base camp – day 1 , day 19 – hike to lenin peak base camp – day 2, day 20 – back to osh, day 21 – fly to bishkek, 10 day kyrgyzstan itinerary, day 2 – bishkek – day hike in ala archa , day 3 – travel to karakol , day 4 – karakol – hike to altyn arashan , day 5 – karakol – return from altyn arashan, day 6 – karakol – hike to jeti oguz , day 7 – kochkor – song kul, day 8  – kochkor – song kul, day 9 – kochkor  – song kul , day 10 – bishkek, day 2 – travel to arslanbob, day 3 – hiking in arslanbob, day 4 – hiking in arslanbob, day 5 – hiking in arslanbob, day 6 – travl to osh, day 7 – travel to sary mogol, day 8 – hiking to lenin peak base camp, day 9 – hiking back to tulpar lake, day 10 – back to osh and head home, the perfect kyrgyzstan itinerary – things to consider.

Before we dive deep into these Kyrgyzstan itineraries, there are a few things you need to consider depending on how much time you have.

Read Next: Looking for other awesome things to do in Kyrgyzstan ? Check out our post on all the activities you don’t want to miss!

Journeys in Kyrgyzstan can be long. In some areas, roads may not be in great condition (this is especially true if crossing from the east to the west or vice versa).

But the mountainous terrain can significantly increase even the shortest distance. 

Therefore when putting together any Kyrgyzstan itinerary it’s important to budget a day where possible for long journeys.

Additionally if planning on taking marshrutka the entire way it’s good to anticipate these journeys to take longer than advertised. Vans may not leave until full, they may be picking up and dropping off things en route, or they may break down.  

Kyrgyzstan is a beautiful country worth every bit of time that you have. If you are able to commit to our 21-day itinerary then you won’t have to decide whether to explore the eastern or western part of the country.

However, if your time is limited then this is something you will need to decide on. Roads span to the east and west from Bishkek.

However, going from the east to the west in other parts of the country relies on a seasonal 4wd road. Therefore the chances of being able to go to both ‘sides’ of the country on a short trip are pretty unlikely. 

Kyrgyzstan Itineraries

If possible, we recommend that you try and budget to spend 3 weeks in Kyrgyzstan. This will give you the best experience and leave you wanting for nothing more than to come back again.

But with 10 days you can do a whirlwind tour that will give you a taste of Kyrgyzstan and give you an idea of what you’ll want to revisit on a return trip.

We’ve broken down our 10-day Kyrgyzstan itinerary recommendations into an eastern and western itinerary.

The being said, here are our 3-week and 10-day Kyrgyzstan itinerary recommendations.

3-Week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

With 3 weeks in Kyrgyzstan, it is possible to explore both the eastern and western sides of the country.

However, this itinerary would only work in the summer as the roads linking the western and eastern halves of the country are closed during the winter months. 

With three weeks in Kyrgyzstan, you will be able to take on numerous multi-day hikes, so you may wish to bring camping gear with you, especially for some of the less well-known destinations. 

I have jam-packed this itinerary. However, I will recommend alternatives where possible.

Naturally, you can replace some of the parts here with recommendations from the 10-day itinerary as you see fit. 

There is quite a lot of hiking here, so make so you take rest days if you need it!

The entry point for most people into Kyrgyzstan is the nation’s capital, Bishkek . There are few cool sights to check out that will keep you occupied.

Get your fill of food other than manti, plov, shashlik and lagman. As good as they are you will be eating a lot of them over the next 3 weeks!

For Day 2, get down to the bus station and hop on a marshrutka heading to Karakol. You will need to get to the bus station early as marshrutka will fill up prior to departure.

Upon arriving in Karakol your best to get to Jyrgalan will be a private taxi. This is likely to be $20-30 depending on your negotiating skills.

There are numerous trekking and hiking options in Jyrgalan. However, this 3-day route in Jyrgalan comes highly recommended. It’s an absolute beauty.

Here are a few posts we have on the best hiking in Jyrgyalan:

• Day Hikes in Jyrgalan
• Keskenkija Loop

The second day is a little easier than the first. Check out this post for more information on all of the details for this hike!

This is the shortest day in this hike. When you get back to Jyrgalan, take a taxi or marshrutka back to Karakol. 

You may want to spend the day resting. However, the day hike to Jeti Oguz is both spectacular and not too challenging on the knees.

Bring a picnic and find a spot overlooking the stunning jailoos.

Or alternatively, you could skip this and head to Kochkor a day early to give you more time later on in this Kyrgyzstan itinerary.

From Karakol, you can hop on a marshrutka to Kochkor. However, make sure you get to the bus stop at least 30 minutes before it’s due to leave to ensure you will be able to get a space. 

It is better to have booked the horse trek in advance if possible. This can be done through your guesthouse or the CBT in Kochkor.

We booked it through our guesthouse, Kochkor Family Guesthouse and cannot recommend them highly enough!  

Get ready to ache like you have never ached before! You will have some spectacular scenery on the first day. However, that is just a warm-up for day 2.

The scenery on the second day of the trek as you cross passes down to the lake itself is absolutely spectacular. Once you get to the yurt camp on the lake’s edge you can hike in the hills surrounding it. 

After getting back to Karakol, make sure you take it easy, as you will be rather achy. 

READ MORE: Plan your whole trip to Kyrgyzstan using our comprehensive Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide !

This spectacular 2-day trek begins a 15-minute drive from Karakol. The yurt camp is about 4 or so hours from the trailhead.

You can then hike onto the lake, Kol Ukok on your first day, return to the yurt camp and then hike back the next day. Or you can hike up to the lake and back on day 2, which was what we did. 

The reason for this was the weather was supposed to the be better on day 2 (incidentally it ended up being sunny on both days). 

Heading to the lake we got up just before sunrise, around 5:30 am, and started the trek to the lake itself.

The first couple of hours are not particularly spectacular. However, after the final climb, the lake appears before you, and it is worth the aches and sweats.

Hike along the lake’s edges for some spectacular mountain views beyond the lake. It is possible to carry on. However, you would need more time and your own camping equipment. 

Here is where we move over to the western side of the country. The most direct route is via a seasonal road to Arslanbob, home to the world’s largest walnut forest. If this isn’t open there is a much longer route that goes back around Arslanbob. 

Getting to Arslanbob is likely to very likely to require you to take a public taxi. It is best to try and book this as early as possible. 

Spend a couple of days exploring Arslanbob at your own leisure. There are a number of excellent day hikes in the area.

Despite its elevation, there is a lot of green here

Take another day to hike and explore Arslanbob and then travel to Osh in the afternoon/evening.

The journey to Osh is between 3 and 4 hours, if leaving in the early afternoon a marshrutka should be fine.

However, if going later than that then a private taxi will probably be your best bet.

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan’s second city. It is overlooked by Suleiman Too, a five peaked rocky crag, that seems to keep a watchful eye on you wherever you go. The city has is traditionally more Central Asian feel than Bishkek.

The bazaar in the heart of the city is one of Central Asia’s largest and is well worth a visit.

From Osh head to Sary Mogol to take on the trek to Lenin Peak Base Camp, which is not as challenging as you might think. 

Travel to Sary-Mogol can be a little tricky from Osh. However, we have an article on hiking to Lenin Peak Base Camp , which will be really useful.

Hike to Tulpar lake and onto the base camp itself. There are two base camps, the second being the advanced base camp which is further on.

If you have the time, gear and fitness then this is very possible. And it is possible to hike this route without a guide. 

On your second day hike back to Sary-Mogol with weary legs and some amazing photos.

Head back to Osh via marshrutka or private taxi. 

Osh is fast becoming a cheap entry and exit point for Kyrgyzstan. Therefore you may not need to fly back to Bishkek before heading home.

However, the vast majority of international flights enter and exit via Bishkek.

The flight from Bishkek to Osh is on 40 minutes, so it’s possible to fly first thing and arrive in Bishkek with plenty of time to spare for your next flight. 

With 10 days it’s pretty easy to take in most of Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular scenery. I’ve put together two 10 day itinerary’s for you. One focusing on the east, and one focusing on the west.

In these 10 day Kyrgyzstan itineraries I’ve taken in some of the country’s most well-known areas.

In Kyrgyzstan, it is very common to base yourself in one place for a significant period of time to take advantage of a number of hiking trails in the area.

As time is short it’s best to book as much as possible before you go. This will make things much easier when in Kyrgyzstan. 

10 Day Kyrgyzstan Itinerary – Eastern Kyrgyzstan

Spend your first day in Bishkek checking out some Soviet architecture, wandering in the cities parks and chowing down on something that isn’t plov, manti, shashlik or lagman.

In the evening Ala-Too square is lit up and the parks fill up with people enjoying an evening stroll.

Get out into Kyrgyzstan’s spectacular scenery on your second day in the Ala Archa National Park .

You can arrange a private taxi through your guesthouse or you can find on outside of the bus station. Make sure you go to the Alplager, as this is where the trailheads begin. 

There are numerous day hikes in the area so get ready for some achy legs. 

If you don’t fancy Ala Archa there are plenty of other hikes around Bishkek!

The journey to Karakol is a long one, about 8 hours by marshrutka and a little quicker by private taxi. If you’re taking a marshrutka to try and get to the bus station before 9 am to ensure you get a seat as they can fill up fast.

However as it’s such a common route, there are multiple marshrutka that run throughout the day. 

Upon arriving in Karakol head to your guest house and then possibly the CBT if you need to book a yurt camp in Altyn Arashan. 

For the next 3 days, Altyn Arashan will act as your base as you go hiking into the wilderness. The hikes I’ve suggested below can easily be switched or replaced as you wish. 

Head out to the trailhead bright and early to begin your hike to Altyn Arashan. This 2-day hike is one of the most popular in Kyrgyzstan.

You can book a yurt through the Karakol CBT or potentially through your guest house. 

The hot springs at Altyn Arashan are a perfect place to recharge your aching muscles. It is possible to hike from the hot springs to the edge of the Palatka Glacier in about 5 hours. 

On day 5 return to Karakol from Altyn Arashan. If the weather is good then you may want to hike beyond the yurt camp before returning to the trailhead.

From Karakol, the trailhead to Jeti Oguz is roughly 30 minutes away. This is one of the most spectacular one-day hikes in Kyrgyzstan.

The views overlooking the jailoos and onto the snow-capped mountains beyond. 

Bring a packed lunch and a book to enjoy looking out over the spectacular scenery around you. 

In the evening take a private taxi to Kochkor. 

Get up bright and early and head off to take in one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular horse treks – Song Kul. This is an excellent addition to any Kyrgyzstan itinerary.

You can arrange this through CBT or through your accommodation if you haven’t arranged it in advance.

When I was in Kyrgyzstan I arranged this through my hostel. It was cheaper than CBT and we had a fantastic experience. 

The first day will leave you in oodles of pain (unless you regularly ride). You’ll pass through lush green jailoos as you cross a number of passes. 

The second day of a horse trek to Song Kul is nothing short of spectacular. The views from the final pass as you descend down towards the lake are awe-inspiring. 

As you get to flatter ground do not be surprised if your horse gets a wee bit excited at the change in surrounds and bolts off. This is exactly what happened to my wife.

Fortunately, the horse was very obedient and she was able to easily bring him back under control. My horse carried on trotting. It was safe to say he didn’t quite have the same level of enthusiasm. 

Spend the day hiking around the yurt camp and down to the lakes edge. 

The final day of the Song Kul horse trek will bring you along the lake’s edge and up over your final pass. The descent from here down is steep, and the balance of the horses is absolutely incredible. 

You will ache a heck of a lot after three days on the back of a horse, so make sure you take it easy when you get back to Kochkor. 

On your final day, head back to Bishkek via marshrutka or private taxi. 

10 Day Kyrgyzstan Itinerary – Western Kyrgyzstan

Land in Bishkek and spend your first day getting acclimatised. Take the time to stroll through city’s parks and check out Ala-Too square.

Get down to Bishkek’s bus station bright and early to catch a marshrutka to Arslanbob. You may need to take one going to Osh and change en route.

There is some particularly lovely mountain scenery on this route, so enjoy!

Home to the worlds largest walnut forest, Arslanbob is home to some epic hiking trails and lovely waterfalls. Spend your time here hiking the forest trails and checking out the waterfalls in the area.

That being said, Arslanbob is a lovely place to just watch the clouds go by, so you may just want to sit out with a cup of tea and watch the clouds glide past the mountains.

One of the most popular hikes is to the big and small waterfalls, which your guesthouse and most locals will be able to give you directions to.

The small waterfall is behind a mosque in the town whereas the big waterfall is roughly 2 hours there and back.

Arslanbob is home to some beautiful day hikes, with one of the most spectacular being Babash-Ata. The views on this hike are pretty awesome.

However, if you get amongst the walnut trees then the day hike to Kyzyl-Unkur crosses the forest itself.

From Arslanbob head to Kyrgyzstan’s second city of Osh. Nestled in the mountains with the peaks of Suleiman Too looking down over you, Osh is more Central Asian than Bishkek.

The sweaty climb to the top of Suleiman Too offers some great views over the city.

The city’s bazaar, as one of the biggest in Central Asia is legendary, so make sure you check that out too.

Getting here can be a little tricky so taking a private taxi may be your best option. From Osh, you may need to take a marshrutka to Sary Tash first, and then head onto Sary Mogol via private taxi.

Lenin Peak base camp is approximately 2 hours from Tuplar Lake, which itself is 5-6 hour walk from Sary Mogol. Many people will get a taxi to Tulpar Lake and then hike onto the base camp itself

There is a yurt camp at both Tulpar Lake and base camp, unsurprisingly the latter is more expensive.

There are plenty of hikes in the area, so once you have hiked up to base camp you could check out some of the trails in the area.

After spending the night at base camp hike back to Tulpar Lake and maybe take on one of the trails around the lake before taking a taxi back to Sary Mogol, or potentially back to Osh.

Head back to Osh where your Kyrgyzstan adventure ends. You can fly home directly from Osh, most likely via Bishkek.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Richard Barnes

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

We’ve been traveling the world together since 2008, searching for the planet’s best destinations and adventures.

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Roads We Take

• Jun 24, 2021
• 15 min read

The PERFECT 1-Week Itinerary & Travel Guide to Kyrgyzstan!

In this day and age of the internet, where almost every place has been documented or photographed, it is the most wonderful feeling to stumble upon places that you probably had no idea even existed! When we'd decided to travel to Kyrgyzstan, little did we know that it would turn out to be THE TRIP of our lifetime! This little country, which was once part of the Soviet Union, went above and beyond our expectations, and just blew our minds! From unending mountains and glaciers, to lush green fields and canyons, the country boasts a multitude of picture-perfect landscapes and never ceases to surprise you.

Moreover, this happened to be our first international travel during the pandemic, as well as our first trip post our wedding! So Kyrgyzstan, and the beautiful friends we made along our journey, will always hold a special place in our hearts. ❤

We were in the country for 9 DAYS (this is a one-week itinerary , but we took extra two days for relaxation) and here are our TRIP HIGHLIGHTS >>

2 Days in Bishkek Day trips to Ala Archa National Park and Lake Kol Kogur

4 Days in Altyn Arashan Drove along the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake >> Skazka Canyon >> Karakol Stayed in a 'YURT' for 3 nights in Altyn Arashan >> Hiked to Lake Ala Kul

1 Day in Issyk Kul Drove along the north shore of Issyk Kul Lake >> Tyup >> Cholpon Ata >> Back to Bishkek

2 Days in Bishkek If you are short of time you could go directly to the airport but we chose to relax and explore the city for 2 days

NOTE: In a week, we only covered a very little area of Kyrgyzstan. But if you have more days in hand , it is worth visiting Sary Chalek, Kel Suu, and areas around the Naryn River! We have been told by the locals that these places are incredibly beautiful albeit the drive to these areas is quite long (but again, WORTH IT) !

If you're in a hurry, you could skip the Q&A below and head straight to our detailed itinerary underneath .

Why Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan has some of the most breathtaking locations , with many of them pristine and untouched . In fact, during many occasions, Arjun and I found ourselves in the middle of a surreal landscape, with not a soul around. ❤ From mountains and lakes, to flower fields and canyons, road trips through Kyrgyzstan is a sensory feast with views changing every few kilometers.

Yes! We experienced a different landscape almost every single day of our trip!

Kyrgyzstan also has some of the most challenging mountain trails we've come across, and is great for hikers and adrenaline junkies. To top it all, traveling in and around the country is very affordable as well.

Moreover, considering the pandemic , Kyrgyzstan at the time, seemed like a relatively safer option compared to some other countries that had opened their doors to tourists.

When is the best time to visit Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan experiences all four seasons and is very beautiful to visit all year round. However, based on our experience we would highly recommend traveling during the summer months from June-August, or even up until early-October . Summer is the ideal time to explore the mountain regions and hiking trails, and the temperature is just perfect (with the possibility of snow in 'Ala Kul' region in early-June and other extreme mountain caps where it snows all year through).

How many days do you need in Kyrgyzstan?

There is never enough time to fully explore a country. However, we recommend AT LEAST a week to immerse into the Kyrgyz culture and fully experience some of the major sights.

BUT most importantly, if your itinerary like ours is filled with hikes, then we highly recommend providing 'off-days' in between to just relax and prep your body for the remainder of the trip. On these off-days we would spend time with our guides or the local family that was hosting us at the mountain tops.

We are huge believers in slow and intentional travel. :)

Visas & Flights

*Please note that this article was written in June 2021, and visa rules are subject to change*

This official Kyrgyzstan website link has a tool to check for visa eligibility and requirements for holders of passports of different countries. As Indian passport holders, we had to apply for an e-visa on the country's official visa portal - https://www.evisa.e-gov.kg . In the past, there used to be an option of visa-on-arrival, but for now an e-visa is the only way to go. While applying for the e-visa, you will be asked for :

Scanned copies of your passport

Digital copy of your passport photograph (A scanned image won't work. You might even get rejected for poor photo quality!)

Valid email address

Credit card details for payment

Visa Cost: A single entry tourist visa for 30 days costs 51.5 US$

Visa processing time: It took us about 10-11 working days for our e-visa.

Flight views somewhere above Kyrgyzstan :)

We traveled via FlyDubai Airlines that has direct flights between Dubai to Bishkek (Manas International Airport). We recommend running a quick search on Skyscanner to check for flight routes and rates based on your location. The airport is around 40 minutes from Bishkek by road.

Do I need an RT-PCR test for COVID -19 in Kyrgyzstan? Where can I get tested in Kyrgyzstan?

*Please note that this article was written in June 2021, and rules related to COVID-19 protocol are subject to change*

A negative COVID-19 (PCR) test is required to be taken within 72 hours before your arrival in Kyrgyzstan. While exiting the country, we got our RT-PCR test done in Bishkek at The Department for Disease Prevention and State Sanitary and Epidemiological Surveillance.

Address: Bishkek city, Frunze Str. 535 Telephone: (0312) 323212, (0312) 323006

The test costs around 1574 KGS (approx. 18.59 US$) per person, and we got our results within 6 hours !

Can I travel around the place with my kids?

Most of the scenic sights in Kyrgyzstan are a couple of hours' drive from the capital city. They are mostly mountains, and the hikes here require a minimum level of physical fitness as the trails can be quite tough and physically demanding. With a heavy heart, we would probably not recommend Kyrgyzstan if you are traveling with infants and children up to the age of 11, and would ask you to wait a couple more years so that you and your family can fully enjoy the country. 😊

Getting Around in Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek is a very pedestrian-friendly city and so moving around by yourself is quite easy with the assistance of Google Maps. You can easily walk around and explore. We never took any cabs (yes, we walk A LOT), but you can still book for one on an app called ' Yandex Go ' which is the Kyrgyz version of Uber. Bear in mind that English is not widely spoken and most signages are in the local Kyrgyz or Russian languages. A pro-tip would be to download Google Translate on your phone - coolest invention ever!

However, most of the activities and sight-seeing is outside of Bishkek, where driving on your own can be quite challenging with not too many directions or signages on the roads. Moreover, the mountain hikes do not have designated trails or paths, and often these areas do not have good network coverage so being on your own in the wilderness without an experienced guide would not be the safest idea. We highly recommend reaching out to some local guides that are experienced hikers. You can opt for private or group tours but we always prefer private ones (safer in a pandemic, and moreover, you get to enjoy the place all to yourself without making the place seem 'touristy'!)

We HIGHLY recommend ' Kettik ' for its tours and guides! We first contacted them on their Instagram page and they later reached out to us with their details and quotes via WhatsApp. The guides at Kettik are young, friendly, and very responsible. In fact, we made so many memories with them and ended up being great friends!

Our special mountain van that would go on the most rugged of terrains!

You could get a SIM card at the airport or from any of the 'Globus' chain of stores in Bishkek.

'Beeline' and 'O!' are the two most popular network providers, and they are extremely affordable as well!

Budgeting for the trip

The currency in Kyrgyzstan is called the Kyrgyz Som (KGS) . The money exchange centers in Dubai did not have any Kyrgyz currency, so we carried US Dollars with us and converted it to Som at a local exchange centre in Bishkek.

1 US$ = 84.65 KGS (dated June 2021)

Food, accommodations, and getting around in general, is very affordable. Hotel accommodations in the capital start at around 50 US$ per room per night inclusive of breakfast, but you could even find cheaper options such as hostels and boarding lodges. In the countryside, the rates are much lower depending on the kind of accommodation. (Guesthouses and yurts are relatively much cheaper than hotels). As for food, you can have a complete meal for just 2 US$, but it could be twice (yet still affordable) in more fancier restaurants in the capital city.

A driver with a vehicle and an English-speaking guide, starts at around 100 US$ for two people for an entire day-trip. However, we we were traveling with ' Kettik ' and they have options of complete packages where they provide for day trips, food as well as all accommodations at different price points.

Accommodations in Kyrgyzstan

Throughout our week-long trip, we stayed at 4 different locations. These were recommended and arranged for us by Kettik .

> 2 Days in Bishkek ( Bugu Hotel - highly recommend for its spacious, clean rooms, excellent location, and value for money!)

> 4 Days in Altyn Arashan (a 'yurt' offered by EcoYurt Camp Arashan and Guesthouse 'Gulnara')

> 1 Day in Issyk Kul (a local resort which we would not recommend because of our poor experience)

> 2 Days in Bishkek (back to Bugu Hotel )

Staying in the traditional 'Yurt' at Altyn Arashan, far away from civilization, was the BEST experience of Kyrgyzstan!

Food in Kyrgyzstan

While Arjun is a complete vegan, and I am almost-vegan, we initially expected that finding good food would be a challenge in a predominantly meat-eating country. However, we were able to find some great options throughout our stay! And since it was summer, we feasted on some of the tastiest strawberries, cherries, and apricots we've ever had! The country is also famous for its assortment of nuts , so we were always snacking on those.

National Dishes to try:

Ashlyan Fu (a cold broth/soup with handmade wheat noodles. We had ours without eggs/meat Fun fact: This dish is popular among the locals for curing hangovers!

Lagman (a tangy noodle dish, usually served with meat but you can ask the restaurant to eliminate it)

Naan (Local bread sold at various street corners. The Kyrgyz love their naan with fresh berry jams!)

The traditional Ashlyan Fu soup served with a spicy paste

Russian dishes to try:

Bulgur (a brown-grain that is eaten in place of rice, often flavored in broth)

Borscht soup (a cold beet-soup with potatoes and other boiled vegetables)

Pulof (flavored rice, although we asked ours to be made in a vegetarian broth)

Mashed potatoes

The Kyrgyz love to have their hot tea with fresh bread and jam spreads at any time of the day.

Here is a delicious home-cooked meal of Plov (flavoured rice) and warm noodle soup,

prepared by our family host in Altyn Arashan.

Restaurant recommendations in Bishkek (capital city):

Baan Baan Thai Kitchen

Yellow Split Pea with Bulgur was a hit at BUBLIK!

The Tom Yum Tofu Soup at Baan Baan Thai is a MUST!

Packing for Kyrgyzstan

This would totally depend on the season you are traveling in. But an important note is that temperatures in Bishkek are generally higher than the temperatures up in the mountains. Since we travelled during early-June, we wore our winter jackets in the mountains of Ala Archa and Altyn Arashan, where it was quite windy and the temperatures would even reach single-digit celsius.

We are currently working on an article explaining our hiking gear and backpack contents, and it should be out very soon!

And now finally, a Day-by-Day breakdown of our trip!

Day 1 - arrive in bishkek, hike at ala archa national park.

We arrived early morning at the Manas International Airport in Bishkek , and were welcomed by our guide and friend, Azim, who also drove us around for the entire duration of our trip. After a very scenic 40-minutes drive to the city centre, we checked into Bugu Hotel to freshen up after the long journey, and fuel ourselves with some breakfast. We highly recommend Bugu for its clean and spacious rooms, excellent location, and complete value for money.

By mid-day, we were well rested, got our currency exchanged at a local store nearby, and set off to Ala Archa National Park. Situated 40km to the south of Bishkek, Ala Archa ('Archa' actually means juniper tree) is straight out of a fairytale book! We were spellbound by the vast expanse of mountains, unending rows of juniper trees, melting glaciers, and such crisp, clean air. ❤

The national park has several hiking tours. We took the one leading to Ak-Sai Waterfall at about +2860m above sea level. The hike was a total of 8km (up and down). We recommend dedicating an entire day to this park, plus this is a great warm-up to the upcoming hikes on your trip.

Day 2 - Hike to Kol Kogur OR Hike to Kol Tor

After an early breakfast, we started our road trip for the day to Kemin district , around 170 km from Bishkek. The drive is around 3 hours one-way, and is absolutely scenic, with passing views of lush green mountains and Kyrgyz nomads leading their herds of horses, sheep and goats.

The hike is literally like a scene from a movie, and in many ways resembles landscapes from Switzerland! The hike is around 8km (up and down), but is totally worth the effort when you reach atop +2000m above sea level, to find beautiful Kol Kogur ! ('Kol' is Kyrgyz means lake!) There was not a soul around while we were there. You can just lay on the grass staring into space all day, listening to the sounds of nature! We had a little picnic lunch by the lake, organized by our lovely guides who so kindly packed food for us before we started our road trip. Note that there is no restaurant or grocery even within kilometers' radius of this quaint, little place.

OPTION 2 - We were initially supposed to hike to Kol Tor, which is much closer to Bishkek (around 80km only) than Kol Kogur. But we were told by our guides that early-June would not be the best time to visit Kol Tor. So it's best to check with your guide before you choose which lake to hike to!

Day 3 - Visit the Gorgeous Canyons!

We checked out of our hotel, and set off on a long 8-hour journey (approx. 430 km) to our much-awaited destination - Altyn Arashan! Our guide drove us along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul , the biggest lake in Kyrgyzstan and en- route, we visited the Skazka Canyon (also called Fairytale Canyon) . Skazka is a world of its own, and the red-rock alien-like formations are a gorgeous change to the green mountains in the rest of the country.

Skazka is just one of the many canyon formations across Kyrgyzstan. There are many other popular ones such as Konorchek , which also happens to very closely resemble the Grand Canyon!

Can you spot Arjun?

After spending about two hours at Skazka, we continued our road trip, and by nightfall, finally reached Karakol - the starting base to get to Altyn Arashan! Here, we changed vehicles and hopped onto a 4WD mountain van with special tires that enable it to go on extremely rugged mountain terrains. This was, and probably will be the craziest vehicle journey we've ever experienced! No roads, extremely rocky trails, pitch darkness, with just the shadows of the mighty mountains, and terrifying sounds of the gushing rivers. We were moving farther from civilization and getting deeper into the wilderness of the Alytn Arashan Gorge ! ❤

We finally arrived at our destination, still pitch black around, and just guided by the starry night sky! We were greeted by our hosts (a local Kyrgyz woman and her two daughters) who manage the guesthouse 'Gulnara', and they showed us our way to our 'Yurt' - our humble place of stay for the next 3 nights!

Day 4 - Stay in a Yurt in Altyn Arashan

The previous day was a long journey from Bishkek, and the crazy ride from Karakol to Altyn Arashan got us all exhausted by the end of it! But waking up in our yurt the next morning to the views of Altyn Arashan was the most surreal experience we have ever had! We were transported back in time, far away from civilization - no network, bare minimum electricity, hardly any human souls. It was just Arjun and me, our guide and hosts, in the middle of acres and acres of endless green pastures dotted with beautiful animals grazing away to glory. ❤

Important Tips:

There are no regular toilets, well...it's more like a pit situated at least about 20 meters from our yurt! It would be best to carry wet wipes with you - super convenient in situations like these. :)

There are no electric lights in the yurt, so we used battery operated portable lights at night. We also had headbands with torchlights that were super useful when using the toilet at night.

There are no electricity outlets in the yurt, so you will definitely need a portable charger for your electronic devices.

Please make sure to carefully gather all your waste and dispose it at a bin in your host's house. The place is so pristine, and as responsible travelers it is so important to contribute to preserving this gem of a place.

On this day, I (Senora) actually woke up with an upset stomach and nausea because of the sudden change in altitude and pressure. Our hosts were so kind and helped me with some home medication, frequently feeding me hot tea with organic wild honey. So it was a day of rest for us but I felt so much better.... and well, I guess it was also my body's way of telling me to slow down and just soak in all the nature and beauty around!

Our makeshift toilet for four days at Altyn Arashan!

Day 5 - Hike to Lake Ala Kul

This was the most awaited day on our itinerary which turned out to be our most memorable one too! Even photographs do no justice to the magnitude and charm of this piece of heaven. ❤

To get to the base camp of Ala Kul , one needs to cross 14km of uneven terrain starting from our yurt at the Altyn Arashan gorge, and we did so with the help of horses. The entire journey was jaw-dropping, insanely stunning, and Arjun and I kept asking each other if we were living a dream. ❤ As we were going uphill, the temperature gradually dropped and views changed from green to white!

Upon reaching the base camp, we did a few warm-up exercises to gear up for what would be the most physically difficult experience of our life. The climb to the Ala Kul viewpoint is over +3900m above sea level, while the lake is tucked lower at +3530m above sea level. It all started well, when unexpectedly we were met by heavy snowfall which did not stop for hours until later. The climb alone is quite challenging with the incline being really steep, and the snow-filled terrains made it very slippery. Our guides, Elgiz and Azim, were our saviors ensuring our safety at every step along the way. We finally reached the top, but the lake was quite frozen and views were misty. But we were so thrilled to finally complete our crazy trek!

We climbed down the same route, and got to the point where our horses were waiting for us, and rode all 14km back to Altyn Arashan gorge. We were greeted by our loving hosts who served us some piping hot food next to a fireplace where we could warm ourselves. Post-dinner, we went to the nearby hot springs (which is a must-visit) after a hike like that - it is the perfect way to relax your sore muscles and just unwind.

Enchanting views on the way to Ala Kul

The views soon transitioned from green to white

Thanking our horses for guiding us safely to Ala Kul :D

Warming up before THE trek with Azim & Elgiz :D

And soon we were met by a surprise snowfall !

The best views come after the hardest climb. Misty views of frozen Ala Kul Lake from above +3900m ASL

Day 6 - Driving back and pit-stop at Lake Issyk Kul

We woke up early morning to spend our last few hours in the yurt and with our hosts at Altyn Arashan. We all had lunch together and it was the most emotional goodbye. :(

It was time to get back to Bishkek, but this time we drove along the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake. The sceneries were so different from what we saw on our way to Karakol along the south shore. We drove past acres and acres of fields dotted by colorful flowers against the mountain backdrop. En-route, we had a pit-stop at Aurora Resort overlooking Lake Issyk Kul. This was a much needed break after our hike the previous day. The gardens and landscaping at Aurora are beautiful, but we would really not recommend it because of our poor experience with their disappointing rooms, unhygienic and poor service. :(

Day 7 - Explore North Shore of Lake Issyk Kul

The agenda for this day was to just...relax! After breakfast, we spent all morning relaxing by the waters of Issyk Kul, and explored the beautiful gardens in our resort. We checked-out later in the evening to finally head back to Bishkek. It took us about three hours by road, and the sunset views that evening were splendid!

After reaching Bishkek, we had dinner and later checked into Bugu Hotel . Yes! We came back to the same place where we started. :)

No, it's not a beach! It's the biggest lake in Kyrgyzstan - Issyk Kul!

Days 8, 9 - Back in Bishkek to explore the city!

The last two days of our trip were spent in Bishkek. We chose to take it easy and just explored around the city aimlessly by foot. Bishkek is very pedestrian-friendly and despite the summer heat, we were able to take respite in the numerous parks and shaded areas across the city. Bishkek is characterized by a number of historic and imposing Soviet concrete buildings, especially around the famous Ala Too Square . We also went to Osh Bazar , the central market area but we would recommend giving it a miss especially while traveling in a pandemic as it tends to get quite crowded.

The best part about traveling is the food. Arjun and I went restaurant-hopping in search for good vegan/vegetarian food. Our recommendations in the city would be Bublik, Avocado, and Baan Baan Thai Cafe ! You could also scroll to the 'Food' heading in this article above for specific food recommendations!

Stumbling upon old Soviet structures during our stroll in the capital city

With our guide and friend, Azim, at the airport. Happy Smiles. But very, very sad goodbyes. ❤

All in all, our trip to Kyrgyzstan will always be special. From the people we met and the scenic locations, to the insane adventures we had, this trip will always be one of our favourites. We hope this guide is useful and has answered all your questions. If there's anything more you would like to know, please drop us a comment below and we would love to help you out! ❤

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A One-Week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary For a Memorable Vacay

Are you planning to visit Kyrgyzstan for a week? Here, we’ve created the best one-week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary that will give you a chance to explore most of the Kyrgyzstan tourist places.

We are India based travel company providing affordable tours for Central Asia and other Asian countries. With our experience over the years, we know very well how to make a week in Kyrgyzstan a memorable one.

Kyrgyzstan is a stunning country located in Central Asia, where one can experience a unique blend of nomadic traditions, breathtaking landscapes, and warm hospitality. This is a perfect destination for adventurous travelers who are looking for an authentic experience off the beaten track.

In this article, we'll provide you with a comprehensive guide to exploring Kyrgyzstan in just one week. From the bustling capital city of Bishkek to the tranquil shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, we'll take you on a journey that will showcase the very best of this incredible country.

With a mix of hiking, cultural experiences, and stunning natural beauty, our itinerary will give you a taste of everything that Kyrgyzstan has to offer. So, get ready to pack your bags and embark on an adventure of a lifetime in this unique and beautiful country.

Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan?

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan depends on your interests. If you're a winter sports enthusiast, visit between December and March for skiing and snowboarding. For exploring the countryside, May to October is best with milder weather, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. There are also many festivals and events throughout the year to experience the unique culture of Kyrgyzstan.

Is It Safe to Visit Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is undoubtedly safe for tourists to travel. The number of tourists visiting Kyrgyzstan is growing rapidly. The indigenous Kyrgyz population in the countryside is among the kindest and most friendly you will ever meet. If you need any help you can ask them and they try to help you in whatever way possible.

Going to Kyrgyzstan is just as safe as traveling anywhere else in the world. However, it is advised to avoid walking alone in the night, take care of your belongings and don’t explore any hidden destination without proper research.

Do I Need a Visa to Visit Kyrgyzstan?

Nationals of more than 180 nations must possess a tourist visa in order to enter Kyrgyzstan, according to the country's tourist visa regulations. A travel visa for Kyrgyzstan allows entry for 90 days after the date of issuance and allows stays of up to 30 or 60 days. Moreover, a five-year multiple-entry Kyrgyzstan visa is available for travel and business.

One-Week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Here is the best 7-days Kyrgyztsan Itinerary that you can follow to make the most of your Kyrgyzstan trip.

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek

Day 2: burana tower and issyk-kul, day 3: explore the issyk-kul further by visiting the skazka canyons & jeti-oguz gorge.

Day 4: Karakol

Day 5: Take a day trip to Altyn Arashan for Hiking or Horseback Riding

Day 6: song-kul lake, day 7: back to bishkek, day 8: fly out.

Let's dive deep in this one-week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary ;

On the Day 1, you have to arrive to Bishkek, which is the capital and largest city of Kyrgyzstan. There are a lot of things to do and see in Bishkek for every kind of traveler. From the local market like Osh Bazaar to the historical monuments like Ala Too Square, you will have a plethera of options to explore in the city. 

Here are the highlights of the day 1;

Explore Osh Bazaar

Osh Bazar is a main market in the Bishkek which is located in the west side of the city. One of the biggest bazaars in Central Asia, it is renowned for its lively energy and wide variety of merchandise. 

Visitors to Osh Bazaar should anticipate finding a broad selection of goods at reasonable prices. If you are a good bargainer, you may save a lot of money while buying anything in the market. The bazaar is a well-liked gathering place for both locals and tourists, and it is open every day from early morning until late at night.

Visit Ala-Too Square 

After exploring Osh Bazaar, go to see the amazing Ala-Too Square. It is a public space in the heart of Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan's capital city. The name "Ala-Too" refers to the adjacent mountain range and in Kyrgyz means "colorful mountain." 

The area is a well-liked gathering place for residents and visitors alike, and significant governmental structures, such as the Presidential Palace, the Parliament House, and the National History Museum, are situated near it.

Note - After visiting Ala-Too Square, return to your hotel by night and enjoy the delicious local cuisine.

On day 2, pack your bag and head to Burana Tower which is located about 80 kilometers east of Bishkek, near the town of Tokmok. You can take taxi, shared taxi, or bus from Bishkek to reach there.  

Here are the highlights of the day 2;

Burana Tower

Burana Tower is a popular tourist attraction and symbol of Kyrgyzstan's rich history and culture. It is constructed of mud bricks and has a height of about 24 meters. It was once part of a larger complex that included a mosque, madrasa, and other buildings, but most of these structures have been destroyed over time.

It has elaborate brickwork patterns, such as a lion-themed frieze that is currently on display at the History Museum in Bishkek. The Burana Tower is now a well-liked tourist destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Note - After spending a good time exploring this ancient site and its surroundings, ready to leave Burana tower and head to Issyk Kul Lake.

Relax on the beaches of Issyk-Kul

Issyk-Kul Lake is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Kyrgyzstan which is located about 180 kilometers east of Burana Tower. You can get there by taxi, or rented car. The taxi usually take 2 - 3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions.

Issyk-Kul is a sizable endorheic lake that can be found in eastern Kyrgyzstan's northern Tian Shan mountains. After Lake Titicaca in South America, it is the second-largest mountain lake in the entire globe. 

Issyk-Kul is a favorite among travelers in Kyrgyzstan because of its stunning scenery, pure waters, and a variety of outdoor pursuits like hiking, swimming, fishing, and boating.

Note - There are plenty of accommodation options near Issyk Lake, where you can spend your night. 

After having breakfast, head to Skazka Canyons which is situated on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is located on the main road between Balykchy and Karakol. Taxi and rented car are the best options to get there.

Here are the highlights of the day 3;

Skazka Canyons

The Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, which is situated on the Issyk-Kul Lake's southern side, is one of Kyrgyzstan's most fascinating and well-known natural attractions. It is close to the settlement of Tosor and 120 kilometers from Balykchi. 

The canyon, which is in the same name-giving gorge, is well-known for its red clay rocks. Here, magnificent natural sculptures have been polished for years by the wind. Fairy Tale Canyon is a well-liked tourist destination. This is due to how easily one may access the canyon and its breathtaking scenery.

Note - After enjoying the stunning views of Skazka Canyons, get ready to head to Jeti-Oguz Gorge. It is also a scenic valley located about 15 kilometers east of Skazka Canyon in Kyrgyzstan.

Jeti-Oguz Gorge

The Jeti-Oguz Gorge is a beautiful valley found in Kyrgyzstan's Issyk-Kul area of Central Asia. The gorge is renowned for its breathtaking scenery, which includes high cliffs, verdant vegetation, and the Tian Shan mountains' snow-capped summits. 

Tourists and outdoor enthusiasts frequently travel to Jeti-Oguz Gorge to go hiking, camp, and take in the area's breathtaking scenery. The region is also well-known for its hot springs, which are a favorite place to unwind after a strenuous day of hiking and are thought to have therapeutic qualities.

Note - After admiring the beauty of Jeti-Oguz Gorge, back to your accommodation, enjoy local food and spend your night there.

Day 4: Discover Karakol

On Day 4, head to Karakol which is only 1-2 hours of journey from Issyk Kul depending on traffic and the condition of the roads. In Karakol, explore the highlights of the town such as Dungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Cathedral, and Karakol Historical Museum.

Here are the highlights of the day 4;

Visit Dungan Mosque

Dungan Mosque which lies in Karakol, eastern Kyrgyzstan is not only a religious site, but also a cultural and historical landmark in Kyrgyzstan. It was constructed in the early 20th century by Chinese Muslims of the Hui ethnicity known as Dungan architects and craftsmen. 

The Dungan Mosque is now a well-liked tourist destination and is regarded as a national treasure of Kyrgyzstan. Visiting the Dungan Mosque is a must-do for anyone interested in the diverse and fascinating cultures of Central Asia.

See Holy Trinity Cathedral

At Karakol, there is a medieval Russian Orthodox cathedral called Holy Trinity Cathedral. One of the oldest and most important religious structures in the nation, the cathedral was constructed in the early 19th century. 

Nowadays, Karakol's Holy Trinity Cathedral is a significant religious and cultural icon that welcomes numerous tourists from all over the world. Also, it serves as a center of worship for the neighborhood Russian Orthodox faithful.

Go to Karakol Historical Museum

The administrative hub of Issyk-Kul Oblast in Kyrgyzstan's city of Karakol is where you can find the Karakol History Museum. The museum was founded in 1975 and is housed in a structure from the first half of the 20th century. 

The Karakol History Museum offers visitors the chance to learn about the region's history and culture as well as get a glimpse into the daily life of those who have resided there over the ages.

Note - Spend the entire day enjoying the amazing Karakol’s tourist highlights. Try local cuisines and spend your night in the city.

On day 5, get ready to head to Altyn Arashan after having breakfast. It is a beautiful alpine valley located about 20 km southeast of Karakol. You can get there by car, hiking, or horseback riding. 

Here is a highlight of the day 5;

Altyn Arashan

Altyn Arashan is a breathtaking valley in Kyrgyzstan's eastern Tian Shan Mountains. The name "Altyn Arashan" (which translates to "Golden Spa" in Kyrgyz) alludes to the valley's purportedly curative natural hot springs. 

The valley, with its snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine meadows, is renowned for its breathtaking natural splendor. Altyn Arashan is also home to a number of yurts and guesthouses, providing accommodation for those looking to spend more than a day in the valley. 

Note - Return to Karakol by evening, take a rest, enjoy local cuisine and spend the night there.

On day 6, you have to travel a lot. So, get ready to head to Song Kul Lake. To get there, you have to take a taxi from Karakol to Kochkor which is around 6-7 hours of journey. After reaching Kochkor, hire a private taxi or join a shared taxi heading to Song-Kul Lake. It is around 2 - 3 hours of journey.

Here is the highlights of the day 6;

Visit Song-Kul Lake

Song-Kul Lake is a beautiful lake at a high elevation that can be found in Kyrgyzstan's Tian Shan Mountains. The lake has a surface area of around 270 square kilometers and is located at an altitude of 3,016 meters above sea level . 

The lake is a well-liked tourist site because of the surrounding nomadic culture, its visual beauty, and its pristine waters. While admiring the breathtaking surroundings, visitors can go horseback riding, hiking, or camp in a yurt.

Experience nomadic life by staying in a traditional yurt

After admiring the beauty of Song Kul Lake, head to the traditional yurts that you can find near the lake. These yurts offer a unique and authentic experience of Kyrgyzstan's nomadic culture.

You can interact with local, learn about their culture, see their hospitality and enjoy the delicious local foods while staying in the yurts.

Note - Get ready to return Bishkek next day.

On day 7, you have to return Bishkek. The taxi from a yurt camp or settlement near Song-Kul Lake will take you directly to Bishkek. This journey will take around 6-7 hours. 

Here are the highlights of the day 7;

Exploring the city's parks and cafes

Bishkek has a beautiful parks and cafes that are worth visiting. Some of the well-known parks in this area include Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and Victory Square. 

The best cafes in Bishkek include Cafe Faiza, Coffee House, Sierra Coffee, and Navat Tea Room. These are just a few of the many parks and cafes that Bishkek has to offer; there are many more.

Enjoy the Vibrant Nightlife of the City

At night, go to enjoy the nightlife of the city. The nightlife in Bishkek is developing, and the city is active and exciting. A wide range of interests and preferences are catered for by the numerous taverns, clubs, and restaurants. 

The nightlife in Bishkek is concentrated in and around the city's core, with numerous hotspots situated around Chuy Avenue. It's important to know that Bishkek's nightlife scene is always changing and that new venues are opening up all the time.

Note - Back to hotel after enjoying the nightlife.

Day 8 is all about saying goodbye to the city as well as the country. Today, after checking out from the hotel, you can take a flight and back home.

Conclusion: 7-days Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Kyrgyzstan is undoubtedly a fascinating country to explore, and if you have one week, you can experience some of its best offerings. From the bustling capital of Bishkek to the remote mountain lakes and valleys, there's something for every traveler.

So what are you waiting for? Don't miss out on the chance to discover this hidden gem in Central Asia. Grab your hiking boots, pack your bags, and get ready for an adventure of a lifetime in Kyrgyzstan! Start planning your one-week Kyrgyzstan itinerary today!

FAQ: One-Week Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

1.What are Kyrgyzstan's popular tourist attractions?

Issyk-Kul Lake, Ala Archa National Park, Song Kol Lake, Tash Rabat, Burana Tower, Osh Bazar, and Sary-Chelek Lake are a few of its well-known tourist destinations.

2.What is the local currency, and where can I exchange money in Kyrgyzstan?

The Kyrgyzstani som is the country's official currency (KGS). In Kyrgyzstan, you can exchange money at a number of locations, including banks, exchange offices, as well as some hotels.

3.What are recommended cultural experiences in Kyrgyzstan, like food or festivals?

You must enjoy the local cuisine, which is famous for its meat dishes, the Nowruz Festival, which marks the Persian New Year, visiting yurts, which are traditional Kyrgyz tents constructed of wool felt and wooden frames.

4.What languages are spoken in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyz, a Turkic language related to Kazakh and Uzbek, is the official language of Kyrgyzstan. There are also smaller groups of people who speak languages like Uyghur, Tajik, Dungan, and Uzbek.

5.What is the cost of living like in Kyrgyzstan?

Compared to many other nations in the region, Kyrgyzstan is a comparatively inexpensive place to live. Depending on your lifestyle, where you live, and your own preferences, the cost of living in Kyrgyzstan varies.

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Kyrgyzstan Itinerary: how to spend 3 weeks in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is called the Switzerland of Asia and is one of my favourite countries in the world. With more than 80 mountain ranges, glittering high altitude lakes and superb hiking trails there are plenty of opportunities to plan a Kyrgyzstan itinerary full of exciting activities in nature.

The mountains are never far away in Kyrgyzstan and you don’t need to be a professional hiker to enjoy them. There are many places to visit in Kyrgyzstan by car where you are surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks.

Although nature is the major tourist draw in Kyrgyzstan, its culture is equally interesting. It’s nomadic past still defines the Kyrgyz identity. In the summer pastures, yurts and horses are central to daily life.

Some of the cultural activities you can include in your Kyrgyzstan itinerary are sleeping in a yurt, trying fermented mare’s milk or watching an eagle hunting demonstration.

With so many things to do in Kyrgyzstan the only difficulty in planning your Kyrgyzstan itinerary is your selection of places to visit. I hope that with my sample Kyrgyzstan itineraries I can help yte ou plan your own while making sure you don’t miss out on the countries highlights.

My Kyrgyzstan itinerary

I have visited Kyrgyzstan twice now and still I want to come back. Kyrgyzstan is one of these countries that I never get tired of and that has so much to offer that there are always new places to explore.

My first visit back in 2014 was a last minute decision after I found a ridiculously cheap ticket. I had no planned Kyrgyzstan itinerary beforehand and was honestly a bit unprepared.

I went in October and soon I found out that the weather can be quite unpredictable that time. One day it was sunny and warm while the next day I was shivering in a snow storm.

Most of the places higher up in the mountains were already difficult to get to and I mostly traveled around lake Issyk kul. Regardless of all this, I absolutely fell in love with the country and in my mind I was already planning to come back.

My second trip I came much better prepared with a one month Kyrgyzstan itinerary including the southern Alay valley, the mountains around Karakol and Song kul lake.

The Kyrgyzstan itineraries in this post are a combination of my first and second trip. They are perfect for those that are not professional hikers. Some relatively easy day hikes are included, but not the multiple day treks that would require carrying your own gear.

However, if that is what you are looking for there are plenty of places to go. The most popular hike is the 3 day Ala kul lake near Karakol. I can personally also recommend the Alay mountains and Jyrgalan.

Kyrgyzstan itinerary 1: Around Lake Issyk kul (2 weeks)

Day 1-2: bishkek.

Most people will start their Kyrgyzstan itinerary in Bishkek. The capital is definitely worth a day or two, especially if you love Soviet architecture.

That doesn’t mean Bishkek is a grim Soviet city. The impressive Ala too square, the broad avenues and green parks make it a pleasant place to wander around in. Furthermore, Bishkek has its own Kyrgyz identity that is coming more to the forefront in recent years.

Kyrgyzstan’s capital with its bustling bazaars and museums is a great introduction to the country. If you find yourself for considerable time in the city there are also some interesting day trips to make.

Ala Archa National Park is just around the corner as well as the green Alameddin valley and the Issyk Ata gorge with its sanatorium. For more mountain sceneries head to Karakol next

Things to do : Ala too square, Osh bazaar, Oak park, Zhirgal banya, Soviet architecture.

Things to see nearby : Ala Archa National Park, Burana tower, Issyk Ata sanatorium and Alameddin valley

Accomodation : Chinar Apart hotel , Apple hostel , Sakura guesthouse

For more information you can read my post on the best things to do in Bishkek .

Day 3: Karakol

Karakol might be a small town, but there is much more to it than first meets the eye. First of all, its the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan. Second, it has a diverse and multicultural nature with an interesting food scene. And at last, it is the outdoors capital of Kyrgyzstan.

Although there are not a lot of things to do in Karakol itself, the city is an interesting mix of Russian wooden homes, an orthodox church and a Chinese Dungan mosque. Destination Karakol has done a great job to make Karakol a more interesting place to stay with some cultural activities like a Kyrgyz food tour and a Dungan family dinner.

However, the true reason to visit Karakol lies just outside the city where lots of outdoor activities are waiting for you in the mountains. In the winter you can go skiing and in summer you can go hiking and horse back riding.

There are so many options that you can spend weeks in Karakol exploring the different mountain towns that each have their own character. Most of them are accessible by public transport, making it easy and cheap to travel around.

In this Kyrgyzstan itinerary I have included Altyn Arashan, Jyrgalan and Jeti Oguz.

Things to do : Dungan mosque, Orthodox church, Animal market, Karakol food tour

Things to see nearby : Altyn Arashan, Jyrgalan, Jeti Oguz

Accomodation : Guesthouse Altay , Askar Guesthouse , Evergreen guesthouse , Center hostel , Snow leopard hostel & Alma hostel

For more information you can read my post on the best things to do in Karakol .

How to get there : From Bishkek you can take a minivan or shared taxi that takes around 7 hours. Read more about how to travel from Bishkek to Karakol .

Day 4-5: Altyn Arashan trek

One of my favourite hikes near Karakol is the trek to Altyn Arashan. This beautiful valley is famous for its natural hot springs, alpine meadows, forested mountain slopes and views on the snow covered peak Palatka.

The 15 kilometer hike is not too difficult and the start of the trail is easy to reach by minibus from Karakol and there is no need for a guide or an expensive tour.

In summer there are several yurt camps to stay the night. You can either walk back to Karakol the next day or add an extra day in your Kyrgyzstan itinerary to do some more hiking in the Altyn Arashan valley. Basically wherever you go, you are guaranteed spectacular views.

Things to do : hot springs, hike to Ala kul lake, hike towards the foot of peak Palatka, horse back riding, sleeping in a yurt

For more information about how to get there and where to sleep you can read my post about the Altyn Arashan valley.

Day 6-8: Jyrgalan

If you have time to visit only one of the places around Karakol let it be Jyrgalan. This former mining town has transformed in the best place around Karakol for outdoor activities. Jyrgalan has it all. From hiking, mountain biking to horse back riding and wintersports in winter.

It all started with a community based tourism initiative and if you see the location of Jyrgalan its success is no surprise. The green alpine meadows and snowcapped peaks of the surrounding mountains offer some of the most spectacular views.

In this Kyrgyzstan itinerary there is one full day in Jyrgalan which means you have to make a difficult choice among the number of things to do. I would recommend one of the self guided day hikes. The easiest day hike is the one to the Kok Bell waterfall. The one I personally recommend is the hike to Turnaluu kol lake and the panorama viewpoint.

Things to do : Turnaluu kol lake, Kok bel waterfall, Eki chat gorge, Tulpar Tash rock, hiking, horse back riding, mountain biking and winter sports.

For more information about how to get there and where to sleep you can read my post about Jyrgalan .

Day 9 – 10: Jeti Oguz

Most people visit the small village of Jeti Oguz as a daytrip from Karakol just to see the iconic red bull rocks and the broken heart, but there are good reasons to stay the night.

First of all, because the red rock formations that Jeti Oguz is famous for are at its most beautiful during sunset and sunrise. Second of all, because there is much more to do in Jeti Oguz. Once more it is a great place for hiking and the landscapes are pretty unique here making it very different from Jyrgalan or Altyn Arashan.

For those with an interest in Soviet history you can also visit the Jeti Oguz Sanatorium. Although its glory days are clearly over and the building looks like it is about to fall apart it is still open for business. For only a few hundred som you can try any of their treatments such as radon bath therapy or mud electrocution.

Things to do : hiking in the dragon gorge for curious red rock formations, hiking to the valley of flowers, visit the sanatorium, enjoy the sunset over the red bull rock formations

For more information about how to get there and where to sleep you can read my post about Jeti Oguz .

Day 11 – 12: Tosor

Even though Kyrgyzstan is a landlocked country it is still possible to go to the beach. Lake Issyk kul has plenty of places to cool down in summer. Because of its proximity to Bishkek most beach resorts are on the northern shore, but in my opinion the beaches in the south are more beautiful and more peaceful.

Tosor is one of my favourite beaches in Kyrgyzstan with powdery sand and clear blue waters and great views on the Ala Too mountains. There is not much more to do in the town of Tosor than the beach.

One reason to stay the night is the possibility to sleep in a yurt on the beach and to explore the nearby Barskoon valley where or the Skazka canyon.

Things to do : Barskoon valley, Skazka Canyon , Tosor beach

Accomodation : Tosor Yurt camp

For more information about how to get there and where to sleep you can read my post about Tosor .

Day 13-14: Bokonbaevo

In this Kyrgyzstan itinerary I focus much more on the southern shore of lake Issyk kul. Personally I found little charm in the resort town of Cholpon Ata in the north that is overrun by Russian and Kazakh tourists.

The south is in my opinion much more interesting and because of Destination South shore it has become easier to travel in this part of Kyrgyzstan. Bokonbaevo is the biggest town here and can be seen as the cultural heart of lake issyk kul.

Like Karakol there is not much to do in Bokonbaevo itself, but is the gateway to a number of places and activities. One if the most interesting things to do in Bokonbaevo are the eagle hunting demonstrations or a visit to the sacred springs of Manjyly Ata.

The landscapes around Bokonbaevo won’t dissapoint either with the mountains in the back and beautiful panoramic viewpoints over the lake.

Things to do : Eagle hunting demonstration, Felt making workshops, bazaar

Things to see nearby : Manjyly Ata , Kadji sai

Accomodation : Nurgul , Guesthouse Ayim & Guesthouse Gulmira

For more information you can read my post on the best things to do in Bokonbaevo .

How to get there : From Bishkek you can take a minivan or shared taxi that takes around 5 hours. Read more about how to travel from Bishkek to Karakol .

Kyrgyzstan Itinerary 2: South Kyrgyzstan (one week)

Day 1: bishkek.

In this second itinerary I will focus on the South of the country and you could easily add this either before or after the first Kyrgyzstan itinerary.

To travel to the South you will need to travel the long way between Bishkek and Osh. One option is to fly, but you will miss out on the beautiful scenery. The other option is the 12 hour journey by shared taxi.

Either way you will start your trip to the South in Kyrgyzstan’s capital. Check the information about Bishkek in the first Kyrgyzstan itinerary to read more about everything to do in this city.

Day 2-4: Osh

Osh is one of the oldest and most multicultural cities in Kyrgyzstan. Its history goes back more than 3000 years and different people have made this city their home. Kyrgyz, Uzbek and Tajik people live together like they did for hundreds of years.

Even though the city has few historic remains left, it has a number of interesting things to do. The sacred Suleiman Too mountain towers above the city and you can climb it along with the local pilgrims to be rewarded with a nice view.

Osh also has the best food in Kyrgyzstan with regional versions of plov and manti that are worth trying out. The bustling bazaar is a great place to do so.

Osh is also a great city from where you can explore the nature in Southern Kyrgyzstan that receives much less tourists than other places even though it is just as spectacular.

Things to do : Suleiman too mountain, Osh bazaar

Things to see nearby : Sary Mogul and the Alay mountains, Arslanbob

Accomodation : Guesthouse VIP , Konok Center hostel & Park hostel

For more information you can read my post on the best things to do in Osh.

How to get there: From Bishkek you can take a shared taxi that takes around 12 – 14 hours. Read more about how to travel from Bishkek to Osh.

Day 5-7: Arslanbob

Arslanbob is another mountain gem in the south of Kyrgyzstan where an active community based tourism initiative welcomes visitors into their homes.

This village is quite unlike other rural places in Kyrgyzstan. For once, the majority of the people in Arslanbob are Uzbek. Second, the landscape is more lush and green and home to some of the largest walnut forests in the world.

It’s a nice place to simply walk around to soak up  the friendly village atmosphere. There are two waterfalls that you can hike to and you can combine it in a loop with the shaded walnut forests.

Things to do : small waterfall, large waterfall, walnut forests, panoramic viewpoint

For more information you can read my Arslanbob travel guide .

How to get there : From Osh take a shared taxi or bus to Bazar Korgon. In Bazar Korgon there are marshrutka’s to Arslanbob every hour.

Kyrgyzstan itinerary extensions

With a 3 week Kyrgyzstan itinerary you will get to see the highlights of the country. If you have more time available, consider yourself very lucky, because there is so much more to see and do when backpacking Kyrgyzstan . 

Here I will discuss some possible extensions that you can add into this Kyrgyzstan itinerary if time allows. 

Sary Mogul & the Alay Mountains (2 – 3 days)

Sary Mogul is a tiny village in the less visited Alay valley. Being above 3000 meters you are right in the middle of the mountains. Most people come here to see peak Lenin. It is considered to be one of the easiest 7000 meter mountains to climb, but it is still a challenging 3 week expedition.

However, hiking to the Lenin Peak Basecamp is a relatively easy day hike from the nearby Tulpar kol lake where you can sleep in a yurt. For Panoramic views you can go to the Travellers pass.

Other easy day hikes go to the Besh kol lakes or to the Koshkol lakes. The hiking opportunities here are one of the best in Kyrgyzstan and you are likely to have the trails for yourself. This is also a great place for longer treks if you have your own gear.

Things to do : Tulpar kol lake, hike to Lenin Peak Basecamp, Travellers Pass, Besh kol lakes, Kosh kol lakes

How to get there : The best way to travel to sary Mogul is from Osh in Southern Kyrgyzstan. There is a daily marshrutka at 2 pm from Osh to Daroot Korgon stopping in the Alay valley. Make sure you are at the Osh bus station around 1 pm to get a seat (300 som). Expect to be in Sary Mogul around 6 pm.

Read more information in my guide about Sary Mogul and the Alay mountains.

Song kul lake (2-3 days)

Song kul lake is one of the most beautiful places in Kyrgyzstan with a deep blue lake surrounded by green pastures and snowcapped mountain peaks. It is the perfect picture of mountains, yurts and horses and the best place to experience the life and culture of the Kyrgyz nomads.

The alpine lake lies in a remote valley above 3000 meters. The fertile marshlands make it a favourite destination for the nomadic Kyrgyz herdsmen to let their livestock graze in summer. Nowadays tourism is also a good source of income and several yurt camps welcome visitors.

The difficulty of reaching Song kul lake protects it from overtourism though and the area is big enough that it doesn’t feel crowded. Song kul lake is a very peaceful spot and totally worth all the effort of getting there.

Things to do : panoramic viewpoints, horse back riding, sleeping in a yurt, watching the sunset  and looking at the stars.

How to get there : There is no public transport to Song kol lake and basically there are three options. The most popular way to travel to Song kul lake is on the back of a horse and this is possible all year long. The other option is by road and requires your own mode of transport. You can find a car with driver in either Naryn or Kochkor. In summer you can also hike or cycle independently to the lake.

For more information check out my Song kul lake travel guide .

Sary Chelek (2-3 days)

Sary chelek is another beautiful lake that stands out for its natural beauty and stunning mountain views. It’s very popular with locals, but still a bit of a secret gem among travellers, because of its difficulty in getting there.

Thats why I wasn’t able to visit Sary Chelek yet. Even though I had a one month Kyrgyzstan itinerary I had to make some though choices.

Because Sary Chelek is only at 2000 meters it is a good alternative to Song kul lake if the road there is still closed.

How to get there : There is a daily minibus from Osh to Arkit at 07:40 AM. Arkit lies at the entrance of the Sary Chelek nature reserve and from there it is a 15 kilometer (4-5 hour) hike to the lake. It’s possible to camp at the lake or sleep in Arkit and visit the lake on a day hike.

Tash Rabat (1 – 2 days)

In the middle of nowhere with a fantastic mountainous backdrop lies the 15th century stone caravan serai as a reminder of the glory of the silk road days.

Nowadays Tash Rabat is remote and surrounded by empty lands, but this was once part of the famous Silk Road. At that time many trade caravans with their camels and wares passed through. A caravanserai was a roadside inn where traders could stop for the night, have a rest and fill their stomachs.

Because of the unusual lay out archeologists believe it might have been used for religious purposes too. The ruins combined with the gorgeous high altitude landscapes around it make this a great place to visit.

How to get there : Tash Rabat is 2 hours from Naryn. There is no public transport, but you can arrange a car with driver through cbt Naryn. There is a yurt camp where you can sleep

Sustainable Travel in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is seeing more tourists every year. While Tourism is a welcome source of income it can also have negative consequences. Traveling sustainably in the country, involves conscious choices that minimize your environmental impact and support the local community.

Support the local community : You can support the community by purchasing goods and services from local vendors, artisans, and restaurants. It is better to try Kyrgyz cuisine that uses local ingredients rather than imported foreign foods. Kyrgyz food is not very vegetarian friendly, but there are a few vegetarian restaurants in the capital of Bishkek.

Stay in small scale sustainable hotels : It is also better to stay in locally-owned guesthouses or homestays to support the local economy directly. These accommodations often have a more positive impact on the environment compared to large hotels.

Kyrgyzstan has a number of community based tourism initiatives with excellent homestays. Where possible, I can recommend staying in a homestay for an authentic cultural experience. You might want to bring a small book with pictures of your family to break the ice.

You can try to look for guesthouses or homestays that prioritizes sustainable practices. That said, environmental awareness is still low. It’s up to you to use water sparsely, turn off lights, air conditioning, and heating when leaving your accommodation.

Use public transportation : Kyrgyzstan has a well-developed public transportation system with buses and marshrutkas. Opt for public transport, whenever possible, instead of taxis or private cars to reduce carbon emissions. Avoid internal flights. The journeys on road might be long, but the views are spectacular.

Leave no Trace principle : Kyrgyzstan is famous for its natural beauty and mountains. When hiking, stick to designated trails when they are there, avoid disturbing wildlife or picking plants, and leave no trace of your presence. Ensure you take all your trash back with you and dispose of it responsibly.

To avoid single-use plastics, invest in reusable items. For example, you can bring your own water bottle with a filter that you can refill at your accomodation. At last, use biodegradable and eco-friendly personal care products to minimize pollution of water sources.

Respect the culture : Besides environmental concerns it is also important to respect the culture. Kyrgyzstan is an Islamic country with a nomadic past that is just opening up to tourism. Therefore, learn about the local customs and traditions beforehand and be mindful of your behavior.

People will appreciate it, if you dress modestly, especially at religious sites. Learning a few basic phrases in Kyrgyz or Russian, can go a long way in building meaningful connections and to learn more about the local culture. Not everybody is happy to have their picture taken. When in doubt, ask permission.

Disclaimer : This post with a 3 week Kyrgyzstan itinerary contains affiliate links. If you buy any service through any of my links, I will get a small commission at no extra cost to you. These earnings help me to keep Backpack Adventures alive! Thanks for your support!

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How To Make The Most of 7 days In Kyrgyzstan!

Updated: Mar 14

Where do I even begin with the stories from this wild land of mountains? When we started telling people about our trip we were often met with "how-the-where-whatnow-stan?" I guess that was to be expected since it is still fairly unknown in the broad "tourist" community, despite offering rustic beauty, rawness and a sense of insane remoteness. Let me introduce you to the exquisite beauty that is Kyrgyzstan!!

Five countries together form Central Asia - Uzbekistan , Tajikistan, Kazakhstan , Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan. These countries have always been on my radar. They all offer something different for outdoor lovers and are still very much off the beaten path.

90% of this country is covered with mountains. Since this country is so close for us to fly to, I kept putting it off for a later time. Not this time though. The timing was perfect . The weather even more so. Not many people knew the country was open for tourism - result? We had every single mountain, lake and stream to ourselves. Oooh mama!

As I started putting together our itinerary, I quickly realized that the country is geographically diverse. How do I choose between towering peaks, the colorful deserts, lakes as big as oceans and alpine forests? We could spend a lifetime here. I found it overwhelming narrowing it all down to a week - we managed to do most of what I had planned. Consider this itinerary to only be a fast-track touristy guide to Kyrgyzstan.

Go here to live your wildest adventure dreams!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Guide Information

Where We Stayed

Vegan + Vegetarian Food

Final Thoughts

FLIGHTS + VISA

Direct flights with Fly Dubai from Dubai and all of 3 and half hours. Hello happiness!

E-Visa. Many countries are eligible for on arrival but best if you apply ahead of time. You can easily apply here. Costs $50 per person and is no headache at all. Make sure you have the right travel dates for the trip before applying (these cannot be changed later). Our single entry visa took 9 working days to process. Got it via email.

WET TOILETS - THERE ARE NONE

If you have done any sort of research on the stans , you already know about the famous "pit toilets" - a small wooden closet covering a pit for you to do your business. We have experienced this in many countries over the years, so it was not a deal breaker. I prefer to go wild than use pit toilets (just be sure to cover up after). Always carry your own paper towels and plenty of deodorant (trust me, you will need it)!

LANGUAGE + LOCALS

The people are really affable - even random strangers on the road don't hesitate to help you as best as they can. Though no one - not even in the city - spoke a word of English. Given we were only there for a week, we would have struggled to get by without a guide. Try to pick up a few local words as soon as possible!

It is important for me to stay connected with family in remote countries for emergencies. I recommend picking up a sim card in the capital city. You can easily pick it up at any of the malls. It only costs $3 for unlimited internet and calling minutes!!

No card machines. anywhere. Carry local currency if you plan to eat or shop in smaller stores.

The cost is the highlight of this country. The local food, accommodation and pretty much everything is cheap . A week with a private guide, accommodation and all meals should cost you no more than $700-800 per person. You can do it for much less if you don't mind sharing the car with others. If backpacking and wild camping is more your style, expect to spend no more than $50 per day for food + stay.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Summers are HOT. Spring (April - June) or Fall (late August through October) are the two best seasons to visit. If you are doing long multi-day hikes, then summer (June-September) is the best. We went in the first week of May, not too hot during the day but very chilly in the high mountains. Our timing was pitch perfect though. Not many knew Kyrgyzstan was open for tourists, it felt like we had the whole country to ourselves.

HOW LONG TO SPEND IN KYRGYZSTAN

All the guides I contacted mentioned it would be difficult to pull off the itinerary I put together. After all, Kyrgyzstan is the land of multi-day hikes. This is the best country to go wild camping and not have it cost you a kidney. Heaven for mountain lovers and people who enjoy slow travel . You can spend months exploring every corner. If, like us, you are always short on time, start off with a minimum of 7 days.

GETTING AROUND

Hitchhiking is very popular in Kyrgyzstan. I cannot tell you how many times we saw old people, kids and everyone in between waiting for a ride. I am not particularly fond of it, especially not when we are trying to maximize our time in the country but if you don't mind the long waits and want to save on $$, that is a viable option. There are also public buses and taxis in bigger towns like Kochkor and Karakol but they still seemed far and few. Best to either rent a car or hire a guide.

We avoid self driving in places where we are going to be go off the grid. Two weeks prior to our trip, I started searching for local guides. Since most people seemed to self-drive for months, there was not a lot of information about guides to the country. This process took longer than expected but I finally found one of the best guides in Kyrgyzstan. I reached out to him with the itinerary I had in mind. We were initially going to this trip in the last week of April but after speaking to him, I was advised to do it in May both for better scenic views and weather. He was quick, efficient and very helpful in his response - all his suggestions and arrangements were outstanding. From making sure we packed the right clothes to ensuring we had our warm milk for coffee and fantastic vegetarian food every single day, he was spot on. Not to mention the great rates. I could not recommend him enough.

SOLO TRAVEL

As with most countries, exert caution, dress modestly, don't flash around your wallet or expensive gadgets. The people we met and spoke to were all warm and welcoming. Definitely seemed like a safe country for solo backpacking.

WHERE WE STAYED

Unlike the luxury stays we did in Uganda, this trip was not a walk in the park. It was all about the homestays and small guesthouses in villages.

In Bishkek I chose the Garden Hotel and Spa . It was a little farther out from the main city but with great views!

The location of the Ala Aracha Hotel was outstanding. An unmissable tiny red hut, the vibes are straight out of a movie set. This is a government run lodge so the food was substandard . Luckily we picked up groceries at the market in Bishkek. I recommend staying for these views though!

Some of the places we stayed at were more comfortable - sometimes we also had no water. Some were also touristy guesthouses and had wifi. Two out of the four places had a pit toilet. No complaints whatsoever. The cutest Babushkas made doubly sure we were warm at night and slept with full bellies.

No trip to Kyrgyzstan is complete without staying at the Yurt. Though it was such a fabulous experience to stay in them, the honest truth is that they get extremely cold at night (yes, even in the summer ). There was a fire burning but I felt that the yurt was too big for it to be warm through the night. Wear plenty of layers - pack thermal innerwear, if you have space.

VEGAN + VEGETARIAN FOOD

This is a rarity in most of the country. Luckily we had an amazing guide to help us try the local delicacies minus the meat. You will be surprised to hear that are so many different types of bread - my favorite was the borsook bread (basically deep fried dough). Things I recommend you try - vegan Ashlan Fu (cold ramen bowl). Vegan Boso Lugman (chopsuey). Vegetarian Mandi (steamed dumpling)

Breakfast was usually a simple affair with hot tea, bread, jam, rice porridge and homemade biscuits. Apart from that food was warm soup, carrot pilaf, and potato stew spiced with dill and local flavors. If you have strict dietary preferences like us, I recommend picking up your own grocery and cooking, especially if you are planning to do home stays without a guide .

WHAT TO PACK

Depending on the time of year you choose to go, pack light layers, wind jacket. If you go in peak summer, pack loose shirts and shorts/trousers, sunscreen and a top hat.

For the yurts - they get extremely uncomfortable at night (even in the summer), even with the fire. Wear plenty of layers - pack thermal innerwear, if you have space.

Ala Archa National Park

Waking up and smelling the air in a new country is a HIGH. I could barely get any sleep. After a warm cup of coffee, we started our road trip towards Ala Archa National Park.

A trip to this national park is one of the best day trips to do from Bishkek. A short 45 minute drive will take you to the entrance of the park. You park and make your way towards the different trails inside the park. There is a trail for every hiker - from small ones to the popular Ala Aracha Valley walk and the hike up to Ak-Say waterfall, which takes roughly 5 hours. In the summer, you can also do the full day climb to the Ak-Say Glacier.

Ala Archa is supposed to mean "juniper", which are the alpine trees that characterize the landscape surrounding this park.

The place was deserted. We were the only ones there on this rainy, moody afternoon.

The river walk is the easiest one to do - just walk along the river and follow the path to the higher mountains.

We continued on our two hour walk up to see the waterfalls but alas it was covered in thick fog

Nevertheless, this alpine national park is a thing of pure beauty. The park covers roughly 200 sq kms, and its altitude ranges from about 1,500 meters at the entrance to a maximum of 4,895 meters at Peak Semenova Tian-Shanski, the highest peak in the Kyrgyz Ala-tau range of the Tian Shan.

It was incredible to see how much of a difference a short drive away from the city could make. The air was crisp, cold. The atmosphere tranquil.

TIP: You can easily drive to and from the city after the hike. You can arrange a taxi drop off with the hostel of hotel you are staying at. We decided to stay inside the park for the night. The sunset and sunrise views over the mountains were refreshing. Worth spending a night there.

ALA ARCHA TO BURANA, TIEN SHAN MOUNTAINS

Started our day at 9 am. Today was going to be a long travel day with scenic pit stops along the way. It was a long travel day to reach Karakol Valley. Our first stop for the day was Burana Tower, a minaret in northern Kyrgyzstan.

It is one of the earliest archaeological marvels of the early 5th century in Central Asia. You can notice that this monument was not painted but were formed using geographic patterns and stripes. Be sure to climb to the top of the tower (a series of claustrophobic stairs lead to the top) for panoramic views of the surrounding valleys.

What a fun spot for a picnic lunch, right?

Post lunch we drove along the most scenic routes passing the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake which is not only one of the world's few remaining ancient lakes, estimated to be an incredible 25 million years old, but also the second-largest alpine lake on the planet.

What you see here was the highlight of our day- the golden hour at Tien Shan mountains, rightfully dubbed as the “celestial mountains” in Chinese!!!

JETI OGUZ VALLEY. KOK JAIYK HIKE. BARSKOON WATERFALL. SKAKZA CANYON.

After covering the northern Issyk Kul area, we head towards the South shore - which is known to be far better. It was indeed a sight to behold with some of the country's most diverse landscape on offer.

After a beautiful breakfast, we left the Karakol valley for Jeti Oguz - one of the most popular day trips from Karakol. Right as you enter the valley, you will find the very popular "seven bulls" on your right.

You can also hike up this mountain, best views at sunrise or sunset!

We decided to hike the Valley of Flowers instead. Also known as kok jaiyk, a place that can only be described as heaven on earth. The roads are rough, so if you are short on time, drive up half way and then hike for another 2 hours to reach the valley.

Way up in the dewy green fields hugged by a thousand pine trees, you’d be forgiven for thinking you had stepped right into in the Swiss countryside rather than a remote valley in Kyrgyzstan.

The valley is characterized by blooming flowers, towering snow-capped alps and spruce forests.

We could have stayed there forever.

Our second stop for the day was a picnic lunch and hike at the Barskoon Waterfall, which was partially frozen when we went in May. It is a somewhat steep hike but doable. There are few different trails you can take. The first one being the easiest to do in an hour or so.

After your reach the first waterfall, you can continue following the edge of the gorge leading up to the second fall. The path is windy and rugged but the view over the valley and the surrounding mountains only gets with every feet.

The waterfall is scenic and relaxing on a warm spring day. Perfect for a picnic.

Our last stop for the day was the magical Skazka canyon aka Fairy Tale canyon in Russian. Like a surreal painting with every color imaginable becoming a part of the rugged canyons!

It is easily one of the most beautiful attractions on the southern shore of lake Issyk kul. It’s like Wadi Rum and Cappadocia packaged neatly into one giant Martian landscape, and feels like a world of its own. It is not very different to the American Southwest either. The landscape is formed as a result of thousands of years of water and wind erosion, which led to the formation of thousands of sculptures, where red spires of rock rise out of the earth and into the sky.

This canyon is easily accessible on foot (just wear shoes with good grip). The deeper you go, the more impressive it gets. The ever-changing greens, reds and oranges are simply spectacular. From a vantage point, you can even see the Issky Kul Lake in the background.

What was amazing to see was how much of a difference a short one-hour drive from the mountains can make. This landscape is such a stark contrast to the green alpine meadows and snow-capped peaks we had witnessed earlier in the day.

EAGLE HUNTING. ARCHERY. CANYON.

Today was a day filled with cultural experiences. We woke up bright and early on a cold morning for a hearty Kyrgyz breakfast in a luxury Yurt.

It was time to get an intimate look at the lives of the real nomadic tribe of Central Asia where we learn about their traditional sports. First, we rubbed elbows with masters of eagle hunting, a tradition that has been passed through generations.

It was an immersive experience getting to learn so much about this slowly vanishing historic Kyrgyzstan tradition. The majestic eagle I am holding is female, 9 years old. This golden eagle is called berkut in Kyrgyz and is named after the golden feathers at the back of its head. She weighed a solid 13 pounds, so I couldn’t hold her for very long (as you can see from my tilt). For those of you who followed our journey and watched the videos, you already know she is a mighty fierce hunter and a two time champion. There was an option to watch the eagle hunt a live rabbit - this was big no for me; I cannot digest the sight of blood or animals being killed. We chose to watch it hunt a dead fox's skin. Still an equally intense experience.

Next up we learnt about yet another tradition that is an integral part of the Kyrgz culture - archery. There is a real purpose of the popular World Nomad Games, an inter-country/city competition that happens during the summer. It is a place for nomadic culture to be displayed and for visitors to see traditional Central Asian life in action. This is not easy as it looks and requires immense accuracy and upper body strength.

Post lunch it was time for yet another hidden canyon hike. This was on the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake with more glorious mountains in every corner.

This was no easy hike but with good shoes, anything is possible!

Lunch was at Kochkor Village - picnic again, who can resist these views?

We were driving to the next village after a long tiring day of hikes. We were quickly losing light, the roads were rough and rain was predicted… which meant I couldn’t get out to shoot more pictures. Just then *boom*, our car breaks down. Right here, the middle of nowhere. The hubs was like “did you manifest this, woman”. Maybe I did, or maybe the universe was on my side. We got an unexpected extra hour to take in the sunset by this valley. I swear I shed a thousand happy tears every time I stepped out in this country.

HORSE RIDING UP SONG KUL LAKE

All about the rustic village life for the next two days. We woke up to no water, just a Kyrgyz toilet awaited us. At least the views were dope!

We started making our way through the village up the mountains to meet our horses. Needless to say we were distracted by the herds of sheep and horse the whole time. After an about hour, we were finally united with our horses. The shepherd gives us lessons on the dos and don'ts. You can take your time petting your assigned horse before jumping on. After that it's just you and your buddy. I kind of felt like our horses mimicked our personalities - the hubs' shadow fox was wise, ridiculously calm and kept eating. My horse was younger and full of energy.

Horse riding here is one of the most wonderful adventures you can have in the Kyrgyzstan countryside. Our four hour journey seemed to fly by - we were having such a glorious time. The entire experience was so much more relaxing than I thought it would be. The local shepherd will give you instructions on the dos and don’ts as well guidance on controlling the movement. The horses are extremely well-trained and obedient (for the most part).

Horse has a very important role to play in every day life.. these animals are often the sole companions of shepherds and the only way to travel in the high mountains of Tian Shan.

After that, if you are confident, it’s just you and your new buddy. We quickly got the hang of it. We had the whole valley to ourselves, barring a few hundred yak, we continued galloping along some of the most breathtaking visuals we could have hopes to witness anywhere on earth. Straight out of a dream.

Horse riding is not very difficult - it was more of a bonding experience. I recommend going with a local guide - irrespective if you are going for a few hours or a few days. Weather changes quickly up in the mountains, so it's best not to get stranded in the middle of nowhere with zero cell reception. The terrain can also seem treacherous if you are a beginner. On the way you will stop to catch your breath and witness some incredible scenery including meadows and infinite mountain passes. Miles and miles of it. Untouched. Raw. Ethereal. The summit at 11,500 ft!

This was our last stop before we bid a sad goodbye to our beautiful four-legged friends. Time to enjoy the long downhill walk to the lakes. I was truly in my essence here. Just miles of no other humans, empty grasslands and pin drop sound.

When you finally get that first glimpse of the lake, you will know it was worth it. It is not without reason that is one of the most incredible alpine lakes in the country.

However, when I first started planning this trip, I was told May would be a difficult time to hike here because of the inclement weather and because the season really starts in June but I was determined to try my luck - I would rather be cold and have this place to myself than share it with a few hundred others.

After a long hike down from the summit, with the wind getting stronger and the weather getting colder, holing up in our cozy yurts was all too appealing. What was surprising about Kyrgyzstan is its seamless amalgamation of jaw-dropping beauty with ancient nomadic culture.

The sunset was spectacular. This place truly lives up to the hype. There is a not to do here except meet fellow travelers, take in some mind-blowing scenery of the Tian Shan Mountains and meadows. Just wear a hundred layers, sit back and watch the magic of the sky as it changes from a flaming yellow to a bright orange to a purple that will set your soul on fire.

The looming snowcapped peaks actually made it seem like we were back in Norway rather than in Central Asia. What better way to escape the grind of every day life than experiencing these pristine, celestial mountains with an old school existence that the locals have been able to cultivate and retain to this day. So go ahead, make this difficult trek down to the remote valley. Staying in a yurt is no easy task, but it will be one of the most memorable and unique places you would have ever stayed at!

Don't miss the star gazing opportunity. It does not get more wild than braving near freezing temperatures in what feels like life in end of the world conditions.

SONG KUL LAKE EXPLORATION

We woke up really early to catch the first rays of light over the frozen lake. Worth every mini frost bite.

If I haven't woken up to views like this at least on every trip, I wonder what kind of traveling I am doing. Took us back to our camping adventures in New Zealand - with some seriously dope morning light. The yurts get extremely cold at night but when the sun is out, it's such a joy to witness the smoking chimney, the wild winds - nothing but the mooing of grazing cattle.

The sun was out, we had coffee, played with our watch dog, completely at peace. Around 11 we made our way back down. We hiked half way before having the car pick us up for the second half of the day. On the way, we witnessed incredible lake reflections. Most of the stunning places in the country are the just like this, remote and often hard to get to. The alpine lakes and stunning mountains streams with mountain horses is quintessentially what describes the alluring wildness of Kyrgyzstan.

One last waterfall hike before making our way back to Bishkek for our PCR test.

Apart from being the connection point to Tashkent and Kazakhstan, the city has a few historic sites that are worth a visit. Apart from Ala Archa, there are also few easy day trips that are recommended like the city of Osh to see the Lenin Peak and Altyn Arashan.

FINAL THOUGHTS

My bucket list doesn’t change very often. I have only had Greenland, Faroe Islands, backpacking through China, Tibet and Mongolia on the list since I decided travel was my one love in life. I rarely add new destinations or experiences to my list. When we visit countries on a whim, we are doubly thrilled when they not only surprise us but make us fall irrevocably in love with every inch of it. That would summarize our journey to this Central Asian gem .

The real surprise of Kyrgyzstan is its people. Their attitude to complete strangers is infectious and you’re bound to find yourself swapping stories over a glass of tea or three. Smiles so warm you will have no choice but to smile back!

Most people know of Kyrgyzstan as a great meeting place on the silk road - where people from different races, religions and cultures would trade goods. Centuries of history have passed through the country since then and that alone is a reason to explore this place.

If history isn't a reason enough, think about trekking mountain ranges so remote and so rarely visited that you feel alone in the world.

There could have been nothing more natural than riding a horse in Kyrgyzstan. It is an integral part of their culture. This is truly the land of nomads, and to me this journey up to to Song Kul Lake on the back of a horse was the embodiment of everything Kyrgyzstan had to offer. Just wear layers - two shirts plus a thick windbreaker jacket, two pants, two socks and hiking boots. Don't underestimate the mountain winds.

If there is only ONE hike you can do here, make sure it’s Song Kul. It’s like a gist of every thing the country has to offer. The paths leading to the lake are some of the most epic hikes in the country. You can hike up on foot and do the trip over three days. It’s not always easily accessible but it is worth it. It was a bit of a marvel - not unlike Iceland or New Zealand, you are met with immensely lush green grasslands surrounded by nothing but horses and mountains as far eyes can see.

The country was filled with insanely raw moments, from discovering how to poop in Kyrgyzstan toilets, to driving alongside vast expanse of empty lands, to finding more horses than humans.. as if that wasn't enough, on its doorsteps are the amazing people, purest blue lakes, and a stunning dose of mountains on every corner. Thank you for exceeding our every expectation!

That is a wrap. Thanks for reading. Drop your comments and feedback below!

Lots of love,

To explore more Asian destinations, be sure to check out other blogs for additional insights.

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27 Comments

Hi, this is very informative and helpful. Can you please share information of the guide you used?

Hey Jinal, thanks for taking the time to read the blog. Glad you found it useful! :) Please could you drop me an email to [email protected] with your dates of travel, how many people are traveling, for how long and your estimated budget for the trip? I will respond right away. Cheers, Ankitha

Hi, can you share the guide details?

Understood, the budget would be in the range of $750-800 per pax, is that something that would work for you? It includes all stays, meals, guide and transportation from A to Z. Are you traveling from India? I believe the tickets are usually expensive from there. Let me know once the tickets and dates are confirmed and about the budget as well. You can also email me [email protected] for more questions.

Love the post!!! And as much as I love it I think once I do trip like this it will ruin me mainstream forever 😅

If I may ask what are your throughts on doing this with 6 year old and 1 year old (baby wearing) in a tow please?

Thanks for reading, Pooja. I know what you mean. Kyrgyzstan is special, but to be fair, now it is an easy start into the relatively "off beat" adventures compared to when we went a few years ago. Lot of my friends have done this trip with their kids - it is doable, you just have to tailor the trip to suit your family's travel style. Probably opt for easier, shorter hikes rather than the ones we did. Hope that helps :)

Wonderful post, so so so informative. Emailed you to get more details on the guide. TIA.

My pleasure, I have replied to your email :)

Would love to have the name of the guide. Thanks!

Hey Johan, sure but please drop me an email to [email protected] with your travel dates, number of days, number of pax and the budget you have in mind for the trip! :)

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10-Day Kyrgyzstan Itinerary for the Adventurer

When we were planning our around the world trip, we read a Lonely Planet travel book that lists all countries from A-Z and Kyrgyzstan caught our eye. It may be the smallest of the “stan” countries, but the warmth and hospitality of its people and striking natural beauty intrigued us.

After travelling there we can attest to the fact that Kyrgyzstan is an outstandingly beautiful country and its people are incredibly kind. It’s a country for the adventure seekers out there. Hiking, horse trekking, 4x4ing in the Tian Shan mountains…there are plenty of outdoor activities to choose from.

Our 10-Day Kyrgyzstan itinerary will take you on a trek (by horse or foot) to an alpine lake above 3000m, on a 4x4 excursion through the isolated Tian Shan mountains, to a historical inn along the Silk Road and to authentic yurt camps in valleys. Your 10 days in Kyrgyzstan will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Kyrgyzstan travel guide

Best time to visit kyrgyzstan.

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is during summer between June - September. These are the warmest months of the year. Visiting during summer time makes hiking and staying in yurt camps more comfortable, since 70% of Kyrgyzstan is above 3000m elevation. It can get chilly at night!

Traveling to Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan Visa

Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for many countries such as Canada, USA, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore and most countries in the EU. This was a bonus, since it was hassle free when arriving at the airport.

Flying to Kyrgyzstan

There are four major airports that fly direct to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan:

• Istanbul International Airport with Turkish Airlines
• Sabiha Gokcen International Airport in Istanbul with Pegasus Airlines
• Dubai International Airport with flydubai
• Sheremetyevo International Airport in Moscow with Aeroflot Airlines

Getting around Kyrgyzstan

For short distance travel, ask your hotel to call you a metered taxi. Ensure you ask the price up front once your driver arrives, since they usually don't use their meter.

There are different ways to organize long-distance transportation around Kyrgyzstan. The first is through your tour company. If you are not interested in booking a full tour, there are other options:

Booking a private driver through your hotel

This is the most convenient, but most expensive option. We needed to organize transport from Bishkek to Kochor for the starting point of our tour. Our hotel quoted us the price of $80 CAD for the 2.75 hour drive, but we decided to go to the bus station to barter a better price.

Shared taxi or private taxi from the bus station

If you go to the bus station you can barter with the drivers there. There are shared taxis, which you can buy a seat and wait for it to fill up with other passengers, or you can buy out the whole taxi. We were able to negotiate to buy out the whole taxi for 2,500 SOM (~$39 USD) for our 2.75 drive to Kochkor.

Taking a Marshrutka (shared minivan)

The cheapest way to travel around Kyrgyzstan is by grabbing a Marshrutka, However this is the least convenient option, since you have to wait for the van to fill up with people and it makes many stops along the way dropping and picking people up. The van also felt very crammed and hot since there was no air conditioning. It costs around 150 SOM ($2 USD) for a 2-hour ride.

Kyrgyzstan sim card

We purchased our SIM cards in the capital city of Bishkek. We were between the companies O! and Beeline. We decided on O! since it was close by, but later regretted it as our SIM cards stopped working after one week even though we paid for two weeks. We also later realized that O! has 3G whereas Beeline has 4G. About halfway through our trip we changed to Beeline SIM cards.

The Kyrgyzstan tour company we chose

We booked our tour with Kyrgz Riders , since they take you to authentic nomadic yurt camps, rather than the more commercialized yurts. They are also a local company and have great reviews on TripAdvisor. The owner of the company, Aman, is very friendly and speaks good English. We were able to combine our Song Kol Lake horse trek, visit to Tash Rabat, and 4x4 to Kel-Suu into one package. We paid $400 USD per person for a 5-day tour which included all meals. Bring cash!

10 Days in Kyrgyzstan

Day 1: Bishkek

Bishkek, is the capital city of Kyrgyzstan and home to the Manas International Airport. We stayed here for our first night to organize all of our belongings before setting off into the wild.  You should also purchase your SIM card here.  

Next door to Bugu is a cute trendy café, Mocco Coffee Bar , where we drank lattes and did some writing. We finished off our night with Netflix, a bottle of wine, and some snacks.

We enjoyed getting spa treatments at Mystic Spa , which has good reviews on TripAdvisor. The massages were an excellent price and started from $17 USD for a one-hour classic massage. We booked the 90-minute honey massage and were satisfied with our treatment.

Day 2: Kochkor

Kochor was the starting point of our 3-day horse trek to Song Kol Lake. We hired a private driver from the bus station to take us there from Bishkek. We stayed one night in a guesthouse before being picked up by our tour company the next morning. We enjoyed spending a night in the town and getting a glimpse of Kygyz culture.

Day 3 & 4: Trek to Song Kol Lake

Song Kol Lake (or Song Kul Lake) is an alpine lake surrounded by high mountain pastures where shepherds graze their livestock and live in yurts. It's situated at 3016m and can be reached by either hiking or horse trekking. We chose to ride horses and had so much fun!

The scenery as we rode our horses through the mountains and valleys is something we’ll never forget. Once we saw our first glimpse of Song Kol Lake at the top of a mountain, we couldn’t believe its striking beauty. If you’ve never ridden a horse before, have no fear. The horses are friendly and are well trained. If you’re a more experienced rider, your guide will let you trot and gallop through the meadows! We saw herds of horses, cows, and sheep running through the hills. Each yurt camp we stayed at also had a friendly dog and kitten to play with.

Since most of the trek is around 3000m in altitude there are some comforts you’ll have to give up. For example, the yurts are shared rather than private accommodation.  Make sure to check out our article on 10 things to know before your trek to Song Kol Lake to see if this trek is right for you.

Check out what it was like in our Kyrzgystan vlog of Song Kol Lake!

Day 5. Visit Tash Rabat along the Old Silk Road

On the third day we dropped our horses off at a yurt camp along the lake where a 4x4 vehicle and driver were waiting for us. Our next destination was Tash Rabat, a 15th century stone historical inn along the Old Silk Road , an ancient network that connected the East to the West. After staying the last two nights in shared yurts, we were delighted to have our own private room at the yurt camp nearby.

Day 6 & 7: 4x4 through the Tian-Shan mountains to Kel-Suu Lake

The next morning, we had a long 7-hour drive ahead of us. To our surprise it went by quickly as we were excited to discover the Tian-Shan mountain range. Kel-Suu Lake is on the border zone between China and Krygyzstan, so you need a permit to be able to drive through the area. Kyrgyz Riders organized the permits and we just needed to have our passports ready at the two border crossings.

Kel Suu is a bright blue glacial lake located inside a canyon, however we were unlucky as the lake had a rare dry spell during August and was almost completely dried up! Our tour agency let us know of this beforehand, but we were happy we chose to go anyway. It was completely stunning in the region and one of the best parts of our stay in Kyrgyzstan. Once we arrived at our yurt camp, we decided to rent horses for the trek up to the lake. We recommend going to the lake in the morning to have the best light.

Jyrgal's Yurt Camp is set in a remote area and offers private yurts. At night time it gets a bit chilly, so the owners light up the stove inside to keep you toasty warm. Once it got dark, we stepped outside and saw the brightest stars we’ve ever seen in our life. The arid conditions, high altitude, and remoteness make for great star gazing.

We only stayed one night in Kel-Suu, but wished we stayed an additional night.

Check out what it was like in our Kyrzgystan vlog of Kel-Suu Lake!

Day 8 & 9: Relax at Issyk-Kul Lake

Day 10: Bishkek

After 8 days of Kyrgz cuisine, we couldn’t stop day dreaming about North American fast food. We were ecstatic when we found out Bishkek had a KFC. Once we arrived at our hotel we ran out the door as fast we could. We stuffed our faces with tons of fried chicken and it felt as satisfying as dining at a Michelin Star restaurant.

I went a little overboard and organized a 5-hour spa package at Mystic Spa. I got a 2-hour massage, facial, and shellac manicure & pedicure. Each treatment was excellent and a great close to our eventful trip.

You could also choose to fly out this day rather than stay in Bishkek, if your flight leaves in the evening.

If you want to know more about what it was like to visit Kyrgyzstan, read our Kyrgyzstan travel blog article about our travels through the country.

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The Ultimate 10 Days in Kyrgyzstan Itinerary – Plan a Perfect Trip

If you’re thinking about visiting Kyrgyzstan, you’re in for a treat. This beautiful mountain country is still off the beaten path for most travellers, but those who come here get rewarded with stunning scenery, friendly people and unique traditions you won’t encounter elsewhere.

I have some great memories of Kyrgyzstan, whether it be horse riding, hiking or watching the local horse games. That’s why we want to help you plan your own trip.

Kyrgyzstan is a country not to be missed. If you even remotely enjoy stunning sceneries and a unique culture , you will want to spend some time exploring the country’s highlights.

Keep reading to find out how to see the highlights of Kyrgyzstan in 10 days!

Table of Contents

10 days in Kyrgyzstan itinerary

Day 1: bishkek.

Start your trip in Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. This city has the country’s largest airport, so this is where you’ll likely arrive.

While Bishkek is missing the Silk Road splendour of nearby Uzbek cities, it still has a few things to offer that you shouldn’t miss .

Bishkek is also a great place to make travel arrangements. One of the easiest ways of travelling through Kyrgyzstan is to use CBT . CBT stands for Community Based Tourism, a group of 15 organisations throughout the country.

These organisations connect you with locals who offer accommodation, yurt stays, activities like horse riding and transport. If you have no idea yet how to get around Kyrgyzstan and where to stay, then visit the CBT headquarters in Bishkek .

Highlights of Bishkek:

• Osh Bazaar: We’ve visited a lot of bazaars in Central Asia, but Osh Bazaar was by far the most photogenic one. Come here to see the spices on offer, buy some tea or shop for any equipment you’re still missing. You can also stock up on nuts and dried fruits (handy snacks for long drives and hikes) or shop for souvenirs.
• Ala Tooth Square: The Brutalist architecture surrounding Bishkek’s central square is a strong reminder of the country’s Soviet past. Come here in summer to watch people cool down in the fountains or pay a visit to the National Historical Museum. After years of renovations, it finally reopened in 2022, so this is your chance to visit!
• Dubovy (Oak) Park: You can find multiple parks in the centre of Bishkek. Oak Park stands out because of its open-air gallery. Local artists exhibit and sell their paintings here, and you can see a variety of artworks.

Where to stay in Bishkek

While one day is enough to see the city of Bishkek, make sure to book an extra night. You can do a few fun day trips from the Kyrgyz capital and go to Ala Archa National Park on your second day.

Mid-Range: De’Mar Hotel features modern and comfortable rooms, and the location is perfect for walking to the city centre. Rates include breakfast, making this well-rated hotel a great deal. Click here to check it out now! 

A bit more comfort: A solid five-star hotel in the centre of Bishkek is the Sheraton Bishkek. The service is excellent, and the rooms are comfortable and luxurious. Click to see photos and read reviews!

Budget: The USSR Hostel is a solid budget option in the centre of Bishkek. It features Soviet-style furniture, throwing you back into old times. Plus, the staff is very friendly and helpful, and there are lots of bars and restaurants around. Click here to learn more!

Day 2: Day trip to Ala Archa National Park

Today, visit Ala Archa National Park to go hiking for a day. This national park is the perfect escape into the Kyrgyz mountains and one of the best day trips from Bishkek.

You have three ways of getting there:

• Public transport : Take a marshrutka (minibus) from Osh Bazaar to Kashka Su. If you pay a bit more, the driver might even leave you at the park entrance. From there, it’s still 12 km to get to the hiking trails, so you’ll need to hitchhike or hope that you can find a taxi.
• Taxi : The easiest way to get to Ala Archa National Park is by taking a taxi. Make sure to arrange a pick-up time with your driver so that they can also take you back.
• Organised tour : If you prefer hiking with a guide, you can join a guided tour . Either book it online or ask your hotel or CBT Bishkek if they can help you.

You have the choice between multiple trails in Ala Archa National Park. One of the most popular ones takes you to Ak-Sai Waterfall, while the Ala Archa River trail is a bit easier and offers stunning views of the valley.

Make sure to bring enough food and drinks into the national park to last you for the day. Also, even if the weather is sunny and warm, bring a warm layer of clothing.

When we hiked here, fog suddenly crept in, and the temperature dropped to the point where we became very uncomfortable.

Day 3: Lake Issyk Kul

Lake Issyk Kul is one of the largest high-altitude mountain lakes in the world. Despite its altitude, it’s famous for its golden beaches, where locals relax in summer.

Getting here is easy, as you can catch a minibus to Cholpon Ata from the Bishkek western bus station . If you have some time, though, and either have your own transport or want to do a quick half-day tour before heading to Issyk Kul, stop by the Burana Tower.

Highlights of Issyk Kul

• Burana Tower : As we already mentioned above, if you have time, you should stop by the Burana Tower. It’s easy to forget that Kyrgyzstan, with its stunning mountains and white yurts, was once part of the Silk Road. The Burana Tower is the only remaining part of the city of Balasagun, which declined after Mongols conquered the area. Don’t miss the nearby petroglyphs!
• Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs : If you’re staying in Cholpon Ata, you can hike to a field of petroglyphs. The oldest ones date back to the Bronze Age (around 1500 BC), and people created them until the 4th century AD. Archaeologists believe this area was a place of worship, similar to an open-air temple.
• Eagle Hunter Demonstration : If you have the chance, try to arrange an Eagle Hunter demonstration. Eagle Hunting was an important tradition in the nomadic lifestyle that many Kyrgyz people used to live, and seeing locals with their giant birds is a unique experience. Ask CBT to help you arrange this.

Days 4-5: Altyn Arashan

The next day, make sure to leave early. You’re going to visit Altyn Arashan, a valley known for its hiking opportunities and hot springs.

Your first step today is to head to Karakol. As we mentioned before, you can ask CBT to help you arrange your transport, or you can take a marshrutka, a Kyrgyz minibus.

From Karakol, you have two options. The first one, which most people opt for, is to take either a marshrutka or a taxi to the village of Ak Suu. Marshrutka 350 leaves from the centre of Karakol, and make sure to ask the driver if they’re going to Ak Suu Resort. You can even tell him you want to go to Altyn Arashan, so he drops you off in the right place (which is here on the map ).

From this point onwards, you have to hike. The distance is around 14 kilometres, but you also have to go from an altitude of 1800 metres to 2400 metres. It should take you around 5 hours, a bit less if you’re well in shape and a bit more if you’re not.

If that sounds too exhausting to you, you also have the option of hiring an Old Soviet truck. This is how we went there, and let me tell you, it was one of the bumpiest roads of my life. It also took around two hours, despite the short distance, but it’s great if you have a lot of luggage or are not up for the hike.

Highlights of Altyn Arashan

• Ala Kul Lake: One of the most popular day hikes takes you to Ala Kul Lake. You also have the option of riding horses until the Ala Kul Pass and continuing on foot from there.
• Horseback riding: The Kyrgyz culture is famous for its close connections to horses, so it’s not surprising that many locals offer horseback riding. Ask around. It’s very easy to book this activity with your guesthouse.
• Hot springs: Many of the guesthouses in Altyn Arashan have hot springs. You can also find some natural pools close to the river. The hot springs are a great way of relaxing after a day of activities, and even better on a cold or rainy day.

Where to stay in Altyn Arashan

Many of the guesthouses and yurt camps in Altyn Arashan don’t have an online presence. Therefore, you can either show up and ask around or contact CBT to help you with your booking.

If you absolutely want to make a booking yourself, you can try the following places:

Altyn Arashan: This guesthouse, which carries the same name as the valley, looks fantastic. The rooms are clean and nice, and rates include breakfast. Click here to see more!

Ala-Kul Guesthouse in Altyn Arashan: Guests rave about the fantastic food the hosts serve in this guesthouse. This one is a good option if you want to stay in a dorm and meet other travellers. See pictures and read reviews now!

Eco Yurt Camp Arashan: If you haven’t stayed in a yurt yet, this is your chance to book one online. Be warned that some guests had trouble booking a yurt online and ended up having to stay in the guesthouse instead. If you want to be on the safe side, it might be better to just show up or book through CBT. If not, you can check it out online.

Days 6-7: Jeti Oguz

Jeti Oguz might not be far from Altyn Arashan in kilometres, but it will take you a while to get there.

First, you have to leave Altyn Arashan and make your way back to Karakol. If you’re hiking, we recommend starting early enough so you have plenty of time to reach your final destination.

Jeti Oguz is a bit more than 20 kilometres from Karakol, and when organising transport, you need to be very specific about where you want to go.

At the entrance of the valley, you can find a large village called Jeti Oguz. It’s a nice place to base yourself, but most travellers prefer heading further to Jeti Oguz Korort. Marshrutkas leave from Karakol, but many of them only go to the larger Jeti Oguz village.

If that’s the case, you could always take a shared taxi to get to your final destination.

Jeti Oguz is famous for its red rock formation called the 7 Bulls. It looks most impressive in the morning when the sun lights it up, and you can get some fantastic views from the hills around Jeti Oguz Korort.

Another stunning place to visit is the Valley of Flowers, where you can admire the wildflowers bloom in late spring and early summer. Even outside that season, the place is beautiful with its lush meadows and impressive mountains.

You can get here on a hike, or you can go for a horse ride, as we did.

Where to stay in Jety Oguz

Just like Altyn Arashan, Jeti Oguz is one of those remote places where it’s easier to book accommodation when you arrive or through CBT. Not many of the guesthouses and yurt camps have a presence online.

If you absolutely want to book ahead of time yourself, we found two options:

Eco Village Lodge: This guesthouse receives excellent reviews, with some guests saying that the food here was the best they had tried in the country. The location is at the entrance of the valley, close to the large Jeti Oguz town, but the owners rent bikes which will help you explore. Click here to see pictures and read reviews for yourself!

Emir: This guesthouse has both yurts and regular rooms. Out of all the places we found, this one has the best location right in the middle of the valley, close to the famous 7 Bulls Rock. Click here to check out availability!

Ulush Complex: This place is new to booking.com, but the pictures look fantastic. It’s located in Jeti Oguz town at the entrance of the valley, but you can explore Jeti Oguz from here. Check it out for yourself!

Days 8-9: Lake Song Kul

Lake Song Kul was one of my favourite places in Kyrgyzstan. We arrived when all of the wildflowers blossomed, and I loved relaxing in a yurt next to this alpine lake. Semi-nomadic herders come up to the meadows in late spring, looking for pastures, and leave again in autumn.

Getting here isn’t easy, but it’s well worth the effort. First, you need to take a marshrutka or shared taxi to Kochkor. From there, you need to ask CBT to help you arrange onward transport.

The road to Song Kul is long and windy, and no public transport comes up here. CBT Kochkor or CBT Naryn can help you find a car that can take you.

They can also help you find a yurt camp where you can stay overnight.

Highlights of Lake Song Kul:

• Go for a hike : One of the best things to do here is just to walk around and take in the beauty of the scenery. You can climb one of the hills surrounding the lake for better views, or you can head to the shores of the lake and walk as far as you want. Take an offline map with you to make sure you don’t get lost.
• Horseriding : Yes, Lake Song Kul is another place where you can try horseriding. If you haven’t done it yet, this is your last chance.
• Eat traditional Kyrgyz food : You won’t have much choice in terms of food at Lake Song Kul, but it’s guaranteed that your hosts will serve you some fantastic traditional food. Ask them if they have Kumis, which is fermented mare milk. It’s an acquired taste, but very popular with locals.

Where to stay in Lake Song Kul

Surprisingly, you can find multiple yurt camps with an online presence dotted around Lake Song Kul. It’s easy to just show up and book accommodation, but if you prefer reserving in advance, check out this link to booking.com .

There, you have a list of all yurt camps you can potentially book. Make sure to switch to the map view from time to time to ensure that the yurt camp you’re about to book is in the location you’re looking for!

Day 10: Return to Bishkek

Today, it’s time to return to Bishkek. Head back to Kochkor and then continue by marshrutka or pre-arrange transport from there.

If you haven’t had the chance yet, consider stopping at the Burana Tower, which we already mentioned on Day 3. It’s a fantastic reminder of Kyrgyzstan’s location on the Silk Road and of the great cities that once spread in these parts of Central Asia.

If you have more time, you could consider heading to China from Lake Song Kul. In that case, you have the choice between two border crossings.

We crossed the Torugart Pass, a spectacular mountain pass of which we, unfortunately, didn’t see much because it was a rainy day.

The other option is the Irkeshtam Pass. It used to be possible to cross both passes, but these days, travellers have reported that only the Irkeshtam Pass is open to international travellers. Carefully research before attempting this crossing, and if needed, contact a local agency for help.

Practical Information

Best time to visit kyrgyzstan.

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is in the summer. From early June to late August, weather conditions are favourable, and the days can even get pretty hot – provided you’re not staying at a high altitude.

Of course, good weather means that this is high season for tourism in Kyrgyzstan. Fortunately, the country isn’t on most people’s radar yet, so it doesn’t feel overrun with tourists.

If you prefer more solitude, consider going during the shoulder season, in May or September. You might need to adjust this itinerary, as the pass leading up to Song Kul Lake might not be accessible due to snow. And you’ll definitely have to take warm clothes, but the fresh green of spring and the autumn colours can look spectacular.

Winter, from December to April, is the coldest season. A blanket of snow covers Kyrgyzstan, especially at higher altitudes. This season is great if you like snow, snowy landscapes and skiing. And you can even still stay in yurts, as some yurt camps remain open all year long.

How to get to Kyrgyzstan

The easiest way to get to Kyrgyzstan is by plane. We recommend flying to Bishkek, as it’s the most accessible city in the country.

A good way to find the best flight offers is to check on a website like Skyscanner , where you can compare multiple airlines. This allows you to compare schedules and prices and make sure you find a deal that you like.

Reaching Kyrgyzstan overland is also an option, but a bit more tricky, depending on where you come from.

Kyrgyzstan shares borders with China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Crossing from Uzbekistan or Kazakhstan is not very complicated. Most public transport from Uzbekistan goes via Kazakhstan to Kyrgyzstan, but it’s also possible to cross directly.

China, as we already mentioned, is more complicated. Before attempting this crossing, you should try to find travellers who have already crossed there and who can give you up-to-date information.

Tajikistan is even more complicated due to the border disputes of 2021 and 2022. At the time of writing this, the border is technically open, but the work to get all of the necessary permits does not seem to be worth it.

A good place to find up-to-date information is this forum , which focuses on Silk Road travel.

We hope you now have a good idea of how to plan your Kyrgyzstan itinerary. It’s a fantastic country to visit, with lots of welcoming and hospitable locals.

If you’re planning on going or have recently been, leave us a comment below. We’d love to hear from you.

Also, before you leave, check out the following posts, which you will find helpful in planning your trip:

• The best things to do in Bishkek
• Is Kyrgyzstan worth visiting? 5 Reasons to visit the country
• Download these travel apps and resources for your trip!

Until your next adventure!

Like it? Pin it!

Ilona is a world traveller passionate about sharing her experiences and giving advice to fellow travellers. Having visited over 70 countries, she is always excited about her next trip.

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Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan: 1 to 4-week itinerary

By Joan Torres 42 Comments Last updated on April 25, 2024

With its unique, striking mountains, Kyrgyzstan is slowly becoming a pretty popular trekking destination.

However, the mountains of Kyrgyzstan are, definitely, not the only reason why you should come here.

From a well-developed public transportation system to a wide range of budget accommodation, hospitable people and just an amazing, undiscovered culture, backpacking in Kyrgyzstan is easy and the perfect place for travelers seeking a unique and off-beat destination, but not as hard as traveling in Pakistan , for example.

I am pretty sure that, in the next few years, Kyrgyzstan will become the ultimate backpacking destination and one of the best alternatives to popular places like Nepal.

After spending 2 months backpacking in Kyrgyzstan (we travel very slowly), I have compiled this complete 1-month itinerary.

In this backpacking guide to Kyrgyzstan, you will find:

Table of Contents

• Travel safety
• Useful books
• Day 1, 2 – Bishkek
• Day 3 – Burana Tower
• Day 4 – Karakol
• Day 5, 6, 7 Archa Tör Pass trek
• Day 8 – Kochkor
• Day 9, 10 – Song Kul
• Day 10,11 – Naryn
• Day 12, 13 – Tash Rabat
• 3-4-week itinerary
• Sary Tash, Sary Mogul, and the Alay Valley
• Tulpar Lake and Lenin Peak
• More Information

our recommended travel insurance for Kyrgyzstan

With its Backpacker plan, IATI Insurance is the best insurance for any kind of adventurous destination, like Kyrgyzstan.

For all the practical information, don’t forget to read: 75 Tips for traveling to Kyrgyzstan

Travel safety in Kyrgyzstan

From a crime perspective, backpacking in Kyrgyzstan is a really safe destination for travelers.

The only dangers you may encounter are those related to road accidents (some people drive like crazy) and, of course, the mountains.

Useful books for planning your Kyrgyzstan travel itinerary

For more books to Kyrgyzstan and Central Asia, check:

The best 28 books on Central Asia

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide by Bradt

By far, the best and most complete book guide to Kyrgyzstan. Bradt writes the most awesome guides, as they are always filled with great cultural insights and personal experiences. I always buy their Kindle version for whatever country I go to.

Central Asia Guide by Lonely Planet

A classic. If you are traveling throughout the region, this might be a more economical option, rather than buying one guide per country but remember that it is not as insightful as Bradt’s.

Don’t forget to check my list of the best books on Central Asia and the Silk Road

Places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in a 2-week itinerary

Here are all the places I visited in Kyrgyzstan in a 15-day itinerary.

Places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in 2 weeks – Map

Day 1, 2 – Bishkek, the capital

Most likely, your Kyrgyz journey will start in Bishkek, as the flights from Europe are the cheapest in the region, plus this is the first destination for overlanders traveling from Almaty in Kazakhstan .

After some hard-backpacking in Pakistan and a short visit to Xinjiang, for me, Bishkek felt like a dream. Home to a liberal and Westernized society, the streets of Bishkek are filled with all sorts of bars and restaurants, as well as a large expat and digital nomad communities.

I actually spent 25 days here, wandering around its pubs and working on my blog, while taking advantage of the high-speed Wi-Fi.

However, if you are here for just 2 weeks, I don’t think you care about doing Western stuff.

In fact, I recommend spending the minimum days possible in Bishkek, as there are not many touristic sites here, besides Osh Bazaar , one of the greatest in the region; Ala-Too square , the main central square; and the State History Museum .

For more information, read this great Bishkek City Guide . 

Where to stay in Bishkek

Backpacker Hostel – Friends Guest House & Hostel – I stayed here for nearly two weeks. The owner is a cool local guy who really strives for people to socialize and just have fun. It has a very big common garden, with loads of comfortable seats, beer for sale and everything you need. There are several kitchens, bathrooms and a wide range of both dorms and private rooms. One of the best choices in town for both backpackers, couples and any kind of traveler.

Koisha Hostel – This hostel was highly rated because of its great location and amazing facilities. They also have a courtyard where you can relax and cool down after a nice stroll of the city.

Premium Hostel – Central Hostel 312 – I spent my first few days here and it was really great. With very modern facilities and extremely comfortable mattresses, this hostel is a great choice for those looking for a more comfortable place to stay. Prices are obviously higher but still, it’s quite affordable.

Centre hostel – A very cozy hostel that has a terrace and free WiFi throughout the property. This property was highly rated because of their comfy beds and accommodating staff.

Mid-range Hotel – Garden Hotel – I have seen that many readers of my blog book this hotel and I can easily see why. The staff is amazing and they serve an amazing breakfast. For people who don’t want to stay in hostels, this is the best place in the city.

Burana Tower – Silk Road monument – Day 3

Kyrgyzstan is part of the Silk Road, so why is everybody always talking about its mountains and not ancient monuments? That’s a good question.

Unfortunately, very few buildings remain from that time but the beautiful Burana Tower is one of them.

Located only 70km from Bishkek, this is one of the most outstanding Silk Road Heritage sites to visit in Kyrgyzstan and this minaret is the only thing that remains from an ancient city once called Balasagun, which was sacked by the Mongols in the 12th century and then finally destroyed in the 14th.

The area is filled with petroglyphs and balbals , a sort of grave marked by the Turks during their journey through Central Asia .

Most people come here on a day trip from Bishkek but I recommend coming and staying overnight.

Why? First of all, because sunset is the best time to visit it. And second, because it is on your way to your next destination.

Entrance fee –  60KGS (90¢)

How to get from Bishkek to Burana Tower 

Marshrutkas to the town of Tokmok leave from the eastern bus station of Bishkek (Location: 42.887272, 74.629646) . The center of Tokmok is 14km from the Burana Tower.

The local price for a taxi is around 150KGS (2.10USD) but they may ask you for up to 250KGS (3.65USD).

Where to stay in Tokmok

Budget homestay – Kegeti Guest House – One of the few budget options in Tokmok is this traditional Kyrgyz guest house.

Mid-range – Grand Hotel Burana – A pretty fancy hotel, as per Kyrgyzstan standards, for mid-range travelers.

Karakol – Your trekking base – Day 4

With a wide array of cool cafés and restaurants, the most touristic town in Kyrgyzstan is a great base to rest after some trekking. Although, you should not stay here long unless you have plenty of time.

There is a trekking-gear store, where you can find from tents to camping gas and anything you may need.

However, keep in mind that the quality of the gear is not very good, so I always recommend bringing it from home.

In my trekking guide to Kyrgyzstan , you can find the recommended packing list.

How to get to Karakol from Bishkek 

Marshrutkas leave from the western bus station (location: 42.885755, 74.56674) and cost 450KGS (6.50USD) for a 4-hour journey.

Where to stay in Karakol

Backpacker Hostel – Tent Hostel – A pretty cool and unique place. This hostel offers tents with comfy mattresses in a room. How cool is that? However, if you are more into normal beds, it also offers dorms with bunk beds. Tent Hostel is also a great place if you want to team-up with other trekkers.

Karakol Based Hostel (KBH) – A comfy and modern hostel that is 5-minute walk away from the city center.

Mid-range Hotel – Riverside – An ideal place for couples. This lovely guest house is run by a Dutch/Kyrgyz couple. It has very comfy beds, an awesome breakfast, and the owner is a very kind man who really knows what travelers need.

Archa Tör Pass – Off the beaten track trek – Day 5, 6, 7

You may have heard from a famous trek called Ala-Kul , which is a 3-5-day trek to a high-altitude lake.

That’s the trek that most people who visit Kyrgyzstan do. It is a pretty awesome trek but still, it may get busy during peak season.

If you want to really get off the beaten track, you should add Archa Tör into your Kyrgyzstan itinerary, which is as challenging and beautiful and goes over a striking 3,800-meter pass, from where you get stunning views of the famous Karakol peak. 

Moreover, along the way, you will find a few yurt camps inhabited by real nomads who will be happy to feed you, asking nothing in return. 

For a full review, including trail-itinerary, inspiring photos and other trekking tips, read my post: Trekking in Karakol – Archa Tör Pass trek .

Still, the Ala Kul trek is a great alternative, and here you can read the full review

Kochkor – Your base for Song Kul – Day 8

A pretty ugly town but a comfortable base for going to one of the dreamiest places to visit in Kyrgyzstan: Song Kul.

In Kochkor, there are some good homestays and a few relatively nice restaurants.

However, you seriously don’t want to stay here for many days, so just pick a good guest house and head to Song Kul on the next day.

How to get to Kochkor from Karakol 

On the seventh day, you will return to Karakol from your trek so, on the following day, take a marshrutka to the town of Balykchy (220km, 2:30h).

In Balykchy, take a second marshrutka to Kochkor (60km, 40min).

I am not sure about the prices as I did the journey in small sections, but you should not pay more than 250KGS (3.60USD) for both tickets.

Where to stay in Kochkor

Budget Hostel (Homestay) – Happy Hostel  – This place is all right. Despite being called a hostel, this is the typical Kyrgyz homestay but it has a dorm, as well as private rooms. They serve home-made dinner and everything you can expect from the lovely local families.

A bit nicer Homestay – Guest House Baytur  – Similar to the previous one but everything is newer, the food is better and it is more well-located.

Note: I guess you noted that I skipped Issyk Kul Lake, which is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan and, actually, the second largest alpine lake in the world. For me, Issyk Kul was pretty disappointing, as the northern shore was filled with tourists and the southern shore, which is less touristic, was not as beautiful as I expected. I am not saying it’s a bad place but I think there are thousand better places in Kyrgyzstan. The reason why it is so famous is that the ocean is thousands of miles away from Kyrgyzstan, so this is the closest thing to a sea they have. If you don’t have many days, I recommend you skip it but, if you still want to go, check this post from Kathmandu & Beyond : Things to do around Issyk Kul

Song Kul – A dreamy alpine lake – Day 9, 10

Song Kul is, definitely, one of the best things to do in Kyrgyzstan , and it’s easy to understand why.

Surrounded by beautiful, rolling hills and located in the middle of a massive, flat plain, from where you see the most stunning sunsets in the country, Song Kul has become the perfect postcard Kyrgyzstan backpacking itinerary.

It’s a place to just relax, hang out with the nomads, stay in a yurt and do short half-day treks. 

However, when I went there in July, in the main area of the lake, there were plenty of commercial yurt camps hosting dozens of different tourists.

And you definitely don’t want to see that…  

With this, I am not saying that you shouldn’t go to Song Kul. Of course, you should!

However, since ninety-five percent of the tourists come directly by car from the town of Kochkor, why not do things a little bit differently and come trekking, independently, from the village of Kyzart, which is located at the other side of the lake?

Very few people come this way and I guarantee you that you’ll see virgin velvet-green hills and unique lake views from Kyzart Pass.

Note: You may need an extra day if you come walking from Kyzart.

How to get to Song Kul from Kochkor 

Song Kul is around 100km from Kochkor and there is no public transportation but just expensive taxis. Prices range from 1,200KGS to 2,000KGS (17USD to 30USD).

Alternatively, you can hitchhike but keep in mind that, in this part of the world, even locals pay when hitchhiking.

Where to stay in Song Kul 

There are plenty of yurt camps where you can stay for around 10USD, including dinner and breakfast. There is no need to book for a yurt in Kochkor.

Naryn – The base to Tash Rabat – Day 11

Another quite ugly Kyrgyz town where you need to spend the night if you are heading to the beautiful Tash Rabat. Naryn has a wide range of budget accommodation, shops, and restaurants.

How to get to Naryn from Kochkor 

Local shared taxis from Kochkor cost 250KGS (3.60USD) but, since Kochkor is quite touristic, they may charge you more. Bargain! It’s a 2-hour journey.

Where to stay in Naryn

Budget Homestay – Zheenkan  – The typical Kyrgyz guest house, very clean and good enough for just one night.

Mid-Range Guest House –  Kunduz Guest House  – A comfy guest house that features awesome Wi-Fi, really nice rooms, and a cool breakfast.

Tash Rabat – The ancient Silk Road route – Day 12, 13

Due to its long-distance and difficult accessibility, only a small bunch of travelers visit Tash Rabat, an ancient caravanserai from the 15th century which, for centuries, sheltered hundreds of merchants, traders, and travelers, who made their journeys along the famous Silk Road. 

Tash Rabat is the most stunning Silk Road heritage site in Kyrgyzstan and not only because it’s a beautiful, perfectly restored building but also, because it’s located in one of the most epic places ever.

Tash Rabat is in the south-east of the country, very close to the Chinese border.

Here you can also go trekking to Chatyr Lake on a 2-day trek. I did it on a horse and it was awesome.

Tash Rabat was, perhaps, my favorite place in while backpacking in Kyrgyzstan.

Note: You may need an extra day if you plan to go to Chatyr Lake.

Here you can read my full review, including transportation options and how to get your permit to Chatyr: Horse riding in Kyrgyzstan: Tash Rabat to Chatyr Kul

How to get to Tash Rabat from Naryn 

In the previous article, you will find all the details.

Where to stay in Tash Rabat 

There are plenty of yurt camps but I recommend you stay with Elizat, since she is the only person speaking proper English.

You can contact her at [email protected] or call her at +996707880161. Otherwise, ask for her at your arrival in Tash Rabat. 

Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan – 3-4 week itinerary

Note that the south of Kyrgyzstan is really remote and the journey from Bishkek to Osh takes at least 12 hours.

That’s why, if you only have two weeks, it would be difficult to replace any of the previously suggested places with these.

Places to visit in Kyrgyzstan in 3-4 weeks

The journey from Naryn to Arlsanbob – 1 to 2 extra days

No matter where you are, the journey to southern Kyrgyzstan is absolutely insane. Jalal Abad is the nearest big city to Arlsanbob and where you should go first.

How to go to Jalal Abad via Kazarman

If you are in Naryn, this is the shortest route. However, the road connecting both towns is a 400-kilometer dusty and bumpy road. You should know that public transportation doesn’t exist.

• The easiest way to go would be in your own car or by taxi but be aware that taxis are quite expensive.  CBT Naryn can organize the journey for you, so I suggest you email them to ask for prices.
• Alternatively, if you have time, you could also hitchhike, but it will take you at least two days. I know one guy from Ireland who did it. To do so, you can first go by local shared taxi (from Naryn bazaar) to a village called Ak-Tal or somewhere close, because nearby there’s a direct road going to Kazarman.
• If you don’t want to hitchhike, a second alternative would be going to Naryn bazaar where, occasionally, you may find local shared taxis going to Jalal Abad. This seems like a feasible option but, unfortunately, they leave very randomly, so you will need to try your luck. Whatever option you choose, the road and views are just awesome.

How to go via Bishkek 

From Bishkek, there are daily local shared taxis going to Jalal Abad. It’s an 11-hour journey and it costs around 1,000KGS (14USD).

The station to Jalal Abad is in Pushkin Street, more or less in this location: 42.878245, 74.582258 . Try to go as early as possible.

Moreover, if your destination is Arslanbob, you will have to get off in Bazaar Kognor, a small town one hour before Jalal Abad.

Read: Backpacking in Kazakhstan – 1 to 4-week itinerary

Arslanbob – Best homestays in Kyrgyzstan – 2 or 3 extra days

Some travelers say that Arslanbob is a bit touristic but, in my opinion, I think that, since the village is so tiny, it’s easy to bump into other travelers. 

Located in the south of the country, not very far from the Uzbek border, most people living in Arslanbob are Uzbeks.

This means that here you will see plenty of different faces, as well as eat the traditional Uzbek plov , consisting of rice fried in lamb fat, with carrots and raisins.

Arslanbob is very close to the Fergana Valley, so if you want to know more about this troubled region, read: A guide to the Fergana Valley in Uzbekistan

Arslanbob is a great place to rest from your hectic travels, as this is one of the very few villages in the country which has a real soul (in Kyrgyzstan, towns tend to be boring) and it’s also famous for having the best homestays, run by local families who have lovely gardens, comfortable rooms and will feed you until you explode.

There are also plenty of day-treks to waterfalls, forest walks and a very challenging 4-day trek to one striking lake.

By the way, Arslanbob is home to the largest walnut forest in the world.

Where to stay in Arslanbob 

The CBT Arslanbob can tell you about the available homestays. All of them are great, run by Uzbeks and have nice gardens. Shoot them an email and book your favorite one.

Osh – A historical transit point – 2 or 3 extra days

The second most important city in Kyrgyzstan, Osh is a must-stop for anyone trying to cross the border to China over  the Irkeshtam pass , to   Tajikistan over Kyzyl Art , or to Uzbekistan.

For this reason, due to its strategic location, Osh has been a very important transit point from Silk Road times, hence here you will find a surprising cultural blend.

Osh is way more conservative than Bishkek, so here you won’t find as many Western things to do. Osh is best enjoyed strolling down its many bazaars and eating at the local eateries.

If you want to know more, read this post from Uncornered Market: Travel Guide to Osh .

How to get to Osh from Arslanbob 

There are two direct marshrutkas a day, one at 6:30am and the other at 1:00pm. Otherwise, you can go first to Bazar Kognor and take a second marshrutka to Osh.

Alternatively, you can also go by local shared taxi at any time, but it’s more expensive (500KGS, 7.30USD).

Heading to Tajikistan? Read: A guide to the Pamir High way

Where to stay in Osh

Super Budget Hostel – Osh Guest House  – Much cheaper than Biy Ordo but, of course, not as cool and comfortable. However, this is a great place to team-up with other travelers to travel the Pamir Highway.

Mid-range Guest House –   Eco House – If you don’t want to stay in a hostel for backpackers, this is one of the top-rated guest houses in Osh. Very comfortable, amazing breakfast and at a very good price for what you get.

Sary Mogol, Sary Tash, and the Alay Valley – 2 or 3 extra days

Unless you are coming from or going to China or Tajikistan, due to its remoteness, people tend to skip the Alay Valley, a dreamy plain situated 3,200 meters above sea level, which marks the border with Tajikistan and from where you get perfect views of the Pamir range.

However, even if you aren’t traveling to either of those countries, I can guarantee that coming here is definitely worth it, as the surrounding mountains are astonishing and among the least discovered in the whole of Kyrgyzstan.

The main two villages in the Alay Valley are Sary Tash and Sary Mogul but I recommend staying in Sary Mogul, as the village is more beautiful and it’s the starting point to the Lenin Peak Base camp.

How to get to Sary Tash from Osh 

Marshrutkas leave daily until 2pm from the Osh station located here:  40.536484, 72.798298. It costs 350KGS (4USD) for a 3-hour journey.

How to get to Sary Mogul from Sary Tash 

Both villages are really close (30km) and I think that your best and quickest bet is to wait on the road for any ride.

Where to stay in Sary Tash 

Budget Homestay – Muras Homestay  – A pretty decent but average homestay where you are likely to meet overlander travelers coming or heading to China or Tajikistan.

Where to stay in Sary Mogul

You will find many homestays. We stayed in a very random one.

Tulpar Lake and Lenin Peak base camp – 2 or 3 extra days

There are two kinds of people. The ones who make it to Lenin Peak base camp and the ones who go to Tulpar Lake.

Normally, since Lenin Peak requires a permit, many travelers prefer to stay at Tulpar, a tiny lake located right in the middle of small, rolling hills and from where you have very nice views, unless it’s cloudy, of Lenin Peak. 

Here we had one of our best camping spots in the country. The lake is around five hours walking from Sary Mogul.

Even though you need a permit to visit Lenin Peak, I strongly believe that you should make the small effort, get it and come here because its massive glaciers, contrasting colors and striking scenery make me believe that this is one of the best trekking experiences I’ve ever had.

Note: I didn’t get the permit but I still went there. Nobody checked it 🙂

Lenin Peak is a 7,200-meter mountain, the second highest within the Pamir range.

It’s said that Lenin Peak is the easiest to climb of all the mountains in the 7,000’s, but don’t get very excited, as you still need to be an experienced climber.

However, for travelers and backpackers, the base camp is very accessible and, if you are reasonably fit, you can also reach the advanced base camp, which is where you will get a real feel of the wild Pamirs.

It was very strange to wander around this area, as there were no travelers but a lot of climbers. Lenin Peak is, definitely, one of the best places to visit in Kyrgyzstan.

How to get to Tulpar Lake from Sary Mogul 

It’s a 5-hour walk through the Alay Valley. You can also go by taxi but it’s a bit expensive. Ask for prices at the CBT Office in Sary Mogul.

How to get to Lenin base camp from Tulpar

It’s just one hour walk from the lake. Furthermore, going to the advanced base camp takes around 5-6 additional hours.

Where to stay

In both Tulpar and the base camp there are yurt camps which charge between 10 and 15USD, including dinner and breakfast. In Tulpar Lake, rates are cheaper.

More information for backpacking in Kyrgyzstan

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Kyrgyzstan destination

• Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide
• Horse riding in Tash Rabat
• Trekking in Kyrgyzstan
• Trekking the Ala-Kul
• Trekking in Karakol
• China-Kyrgyzstan border crossing
• Kyrgyzstan-Tajikistan border crossing
• Reasons to Visit Kyrgyzstan

Travel Itineraries to other countries in Central Asia

• Uzbekistan Itinerary
• Travel Guide to Tajikistan
• Kazakhstan Itinerary
• Pakistan Itinerary

42 comments

Hey there, fantastic article! Looking forward to reading your posts on the trek from Kyzart to Song kul, and trekking from Sary Mogul to Tulpar Lake to Lenin Peak, as I’m doing both of these in the summer! Any idea when you’ll post these? Keep up the great work.

Hi Steven, the Song Kul trek will be posted end of this month but on another website, not mine. However, I will definitely link to it on this post. Morevover, I will try to post the Lenin Peak post within this month, as well but, most probably, it will also be posted on another site.

Super, thanks Joan!

Here you go: https://theplanetd.com/song-kul-trekking/ 🙂

Thanks for the link. Did you write this?

Yes, of course. You will see that pics are mine and my bio at the bottom of the post

Sorry, missed that. Thanks, great advice. Definitely doing this this summer! 🙂

Great info, thanks. I will be travelling through Tajikistan in late Aug/Sept prior to Kyrgyzstan (hadn’t bedded down a plan for that section yet). Would you say it’s easy to just reverse your itinerary and end up in Bishkek – I’d take your added days options I think! Thanks Gill

Awesome! Yeah, if you come from Tajikistan over the Pamir Highway, this itinerary is really convenient! Have loads of fun 🙂 !!

Salute, Kyrgyzstan is opening borders https://pegas-adventure.com/kyrgyzstan-opens-borders/ I want to know, anyone crossed border this year? I want to Travel this country end of September. If you’re crossed please inform me, I’ll be happy to read your experience

Hi again! Can I ask – how cold did it get in Song-kul and Sary Mogul? I’m assuming you visited in summer and just wondering how many layers I will need 🙂

At night, it was chilly but never below 0. Just bring a thermal t-shirt and a winter jacket and you’l be fine.

Kyrgyzstan is really beautiful. It’s incredible, and I love the kids that you have photographed. They look so adorable. True, Kyrgyzstan isn’t just about mountains. There’s so much more to see and experience. Thanks for the itinerary!

Cheers, hope you make it there! 🙂

Hiya 🙂 perfect article, congrats ! I plan to go to Kyrgyzstan in august, and I’m very interested in your article on Peak Lenin base camp trek. Have you finished writing it ? Thanks and congrats for your amazing blog full of informations and good advices 🙂

Hi Robert! Thanks for your kind message! Yes, I finished writing it but I am going to publish it on another blog from another blogger and it will go live on the 28th of June. I will link it here as soon as it is ready! Cheers!

Great info!! I’m heading there in August/September. Did you go to Sary Chelek? Did you know how to get there?

Hi, no, I haven’t been there, but looking forward to explore that area on my next visit

How do I get a map of the hiking trails for all of the hikes? I was planning on doing the Kyzyl-Suu to Jeti Oguz trek, the Kyzart to Song Kul trek and the Tash Rabat to Chatyr Lake trek. I will definitely have a guide for the Archa Tör Pass and a guide and horse for Tash Rabat too, so I guess I’ll only need a map for the Kyzart pass hike?

Hi, do you have maps.me? It shows all the trekking trails, very easy to follow.

There are detailed maps in the CBT office in Kochkor which you can look at / buy. I have some photos of the maps which a guesthouse owner in Kyzart let me take. If you want them send me an email and I’ll send you the photos.

Hello, I was just wondering, how to get from TOKMOK to Karakol? Unfortunately, we are short on days and are planning to start from Bishkek in the morning, get a marshutka to TOKMOK, see the Burana Tower and then somehow get to Karakol the same day.

P.s.: best blog about Kyrgyzstan I came across, so many interesting and specific information.

Hi, Tokmok it’s on the way from Bishkek to Karakol, so I am pretty sure there are direct marshrutkas. PS: Thanks for your kind comment

Hey Joan, thanks for the detailed itinerary, you totally convinced me to plan a trip to central Asia — it looks so beautiful! I was following your other post on how to cross over to kyrgyzstan from xingjiang china and it seems that we will arrive in Sarah Tash/Osh first. Do you haven any suggestions on which direction I should head towards if I want to follow your itinerary? Do you reckon I should fly to Bishkek first or do your itinerary in reverse? I’ll be heading to the Pamir Highway after kyrgyzstan so Im trying to wrap my head around the route. Thanks so much in advance!

Hi! It depends on how much time you have and which countries are you planning to visit. As I understand, you also plan to visit China? Then you have no other choice than starting in Sary Tash unless you wanna enter through Torugart Pass, which is very expensive. If you aren’t visiting China, sure, flying to Bishkek and going down slowly would be the best choice!

Hi Joan, thank you so much for this interesting post! Would you say that traveling here as a solo female traveler would be OK? I’m considering extending my trip to Kazakhstan to also explore Kyrgyzstan. thanks!

Dear Sabine, Kyrgyzstan is a safe destination for both genders, really. You are likely to meet many women traveling alone in Kyrgyzstan 🙂

Thanks Joan! 🙂

Hello Joan,

Great itinerary! Really helpful for my tryp to Kyrgyzstan this summer!

One question though: where do you recommend to spend the night at day 10, Kochkor? Or would you rather spend 2 nights in a yurt at Song Kul Lake?

If you leave early in the morning, you can go straight to Naryn from Song Kul, no problem. There is not much to do in Kochkor anyways and in Song Kul you can see great sunsets & sunrises

Hi Joan, So glad we came across with your blog which ultimately convinced us to travel to Kyrgyzstan. So many interesting and detailed data! We have just ended our 3-week trip and wouldn’t have enjoyed it more!

I loved this country. Here you can see really nomad people. Before starting tour you should take with you warm clothes, because in mountains can be colder. We choose one tour for 13 days. It was great experience to try. Highly recommend

Thanks for sharing your experiences! We are planning a trip in July & August 2020 to Kyrgyzstan (and maybe Tajikistan) with our 3 kids (2, 4 and 6 years old). They are used to travel around and the oldest ones can walk up to 7 hours a day. Do you think your itinerary is feasible to do with these 3 little fellows? Any other advice you can give us?

Hey Anneke! Are you going to travel by public transportation or you plan to rent a car?

Cello Thanks for the great information. I have some time now in April to possible me go to Kyrgyzstan. You two week itinerary looks great. But is it good time to go there and trekking in mid april? We want to see the famous and best places in this country, like song kul etc and we dont want to miss staying in a yurt. Or should we plan for Kyrgyzstan later in the summer?

Hi Eric, you might have sunny days but the weather during that time of the year is highly unpredictable, and you’ll definitely see snow in higher altitudes

Hi Joan, Im planning to go to Kyrgyzstan at the end of august. I would like to do the Archa Tör pass trek but Im traveling solo and I don’t feel really comfortable doing it alone. Do you know any good agency that runs that trek?? Thank you!

Hi Elsa! In Karakol, there are plenty of agencies, you can ask at any of them, and it will be cheaper than booking it ahead 🙂

Hi Joan, Thank you so much for your amazing insights and travel recommendations! I am considering coming to Kyrgyzstan the first half of October. Do you believe this is still a good time to visit? In particular is it still possible to stay overnight in yurt camps, notably at Tash Rabat? Thanks in advance!

Hi Axdrien, it’s really the transitional period so it qill really depend on that particular year, maybe yes, maybe not

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KYRGYZSTAN ITINERARY: THE PERFECT 2 WEEK TRIP

• Countries: Kyrgyzstan
• Categories: Travel Guides

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Kyrgyzstan is a small landlocked country tucked away in Central Asia, and before this year I hadn’t heard too much about it, let alone known of someone travelling there. I had seen a few things here and there about the stunning nature that could be found in Kyrgyzstan, and it intrigued me to visit somewhere completely foreign to anywhere else I’ve ever been before. So, on a very spontaneous whim I decided to book a flight and meet a friend out there, with not too much knowledge of where to go or what to do. For two weeks we drove a 4×4 through the rugged and wild wilderness of the country and I can easily say it exceeded all my expectations by a mile.  This post is the unmissable Kyrgyzstan itinerary for a perfect two week trip.

Kyrgyzstan completely blew me away and is a country full of untouched nature and friendly locals, with the perfect level of raw adventure that will leave you wanting more. From the crystal clear alpine lakes of Song Kul, the snowcapped mountains, family run yurt camps in the green rolling hills of Tash Rabat and horse treks above 4000m, Kyrgyzstan is the best introduction to Central Asia. 

This all inclusive itinerary is the best overview of the country, with a mix of sceneries and activities, perfectly satiating your need for adventure and something wildly exciting. Kyrgyzstan has so much to offer regarding nature and their unique culture, and this two week itinerary will cover all the best bits for your trip. 

where is kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan is a small country nestled in the centre of Central Asia. The Kyrgyz Republic has been a crossroads throughout history for great civilisations such as the Silk Road and other commercial routes, and now has a population of a little over 6.5 million. With their Soviet history, the locals generally speak both Kyrgyz and Russian, and a lot also speak basic English too. 

Kyrgyzstan is nestled between a few large mountain ranges, including Tien Shan and Pamir, and the mountains consist of 90% of the land. While places like Bishkek feel very metropolitan, a lot of the country still holds true to its Nomadic lifestyle, which is one of the main reasons Kyrgyzstan feels so special. With many people still living in the mountains, Kyrgyzstan is a place where you’ll be eager to discover the off the beaten track to fully immerse yourself into the Kyrgyz lifestyle, and this itinerary does just that!

what is kyrgyzstan's currency?

Kyrgyzstan uses their own currency, Som. In all the major cities we went to there were ATMs for cash withdrawals, however, some banks don’t accept Mastercard, only VISA, which was a little annoying. While travelling the more remote parts of the country, there is no way to get cash, so it’s always a good idea to have enough for at least a few days. 

Some of the cities, especially Bishkek, they also accept USD. You can also bring some USD cash to exchange, however, I didn’t do this and didn’t have any issues with solely relying on cash withdrawals. 

HOW TO GET TO KYRGYZSTAN?

From London it’s actually pretty easy to fly to Kyrgyzstan. I flew with Pegasus Airlines from London Stansted to Bishkek via Istanbul. The flight to Istanbul takes around 4 and a half hours and from Istanbul to Bishkek is around 4. For my flight I paid £515 return, which included a checked bag.

is kyrgyzstan safe?

I didn’t really know what to expect when first arriving in Kyrgyzstan. I was travelling with a friend so didn’t feel like I was jumping into things totally alone, however after embarking on this trip I can easily say that Kyrgyzstan is incredibly safe to travel. People are unbelievably kind and very hospitable, even if there is sometimes a language barrier. 

Most people who worked at the guesthouses spoke a basic level of English, especially the younger members of the family, so it was never an issue for us. However, I would recommend having Kyrgyz and Russian downloaded on Google Translate so you can use it offline while you’re there. It came in very handy when we had to translate menus too. 

Kyrgyzstan’s capital, Bishkek, felt safe and relatively clean. It did feel pretty busy and surprisingly this is where people knew the least English (on average), but I was very comfortable walking around alone and at night time, with no hint of a problem at any point.

Overall Kyrgyzstan is one of the safest I felt travelling and I would happily return solo to explore more. 

hiring a car in kyrgyzstan

For the two weeks in Kyrgyzstan my friend and I rented a 4×4. This is by far the best way to get around the country as public transport can be unreliable and it gives you an opportunity to cover a lot more ground during your time. In the busy summer months 4x4s book out quickly, so it’s best to organise this before you arrive.

We booked our car through Pamir Jeep Rentals . The car was comfortable and served its purpose well. We paid $60 per day for the car, so for the two weeks it was $900 total/$450 USD each. Renting a car was definitely the most expensive part of the trip, but definitely necessary and gave us ultimate freedom to enjoy this itinerary fully. 

We met a few different groups that were travelling via hitchhiking, which is a very viable way of getting around as it’s super common for locals to do this. There are only a few main roads throughout the country, so if you spot someone going in the general direction they will probably be heading to your destination. If you choose to do this remember to give a small contribution to petrol, especially if locals pick you up. 

BISHKEK: 2 nights

To start off your perfect two week Kyrgyzstan itinerary you’ll most likely land in the capital, Bishkek. Kyrgyzstan’s capital only has a population of a little under 1 million, however, the city feels very busy, with everything very spread out from each other. I don’t recommend spending too much time in Bishkek as it gets stifling hot in the summer months and there isn’t particularly a lot to do in the city.

To fill your time in Bishkek you can either opt to stay in the city and explore some of the interesting Soviet sites, or take a day trip out of Bishkek. If you choose to stay and explore what Bishkek has to offer I recommend these spots:

• Ala Too Square
• State History Museum
• Victory Square

Osh Bazaar is a great place to wander around and gives a good introduction to Kyrgyz life, with interesting stalls selling food, spices, clothing and more. 

If you would prefer to get straight out into nature, Bishkek is a great base for a few different day trips. Namely Ala Archa National Park and Kegeti Gorge Waterfall. Ala Archa National Park is only around an hour drive from the city and is the perfect spot for hiking through the Tian Shan mountains or setting up a picnic. It’s the closest day trip you can do from Bishkek and is very easy to get to. To get to Ala Archa you can hire a taxi from Bishkek or if you have your car, drive there. There are also day tours that take you to the National Park, like this one here .

Kegeti Gorge Waterfall is closer to 2 and a half hours away from the city and it’s best to drive there. However, the views and walk are absolutely gorgeous.

WHERE TO STAY IN BISHKEK

During my time in Bishkek I stayed at  Golden Hotel , which is not too far from the centre but a really great, affordable option. The rooms were clean with spacious bathrooms, and there was free breakfast included during the stay. The hotel also has a staff member on reception 24 hours a day, which was perfect for me as I checked in at 4 am! 

For some delicious food not too far from Golden Hotel, definitely check out  Navat Teahouse  and  Five Resto . 

BURANA TOWER (day stop)

The first stop to make on your itinerary is one of the most iconic symbols of Kyrgyzstan, Burana Tower. This tower is an old mosque minaret that used to be one of the key stops on the Silk Road. Originally it used to stand at 45m high, but due to war and earthquakes, the tower is only 25m tall now. 

From Bishkek, Burana Tower is only around 1 and a half to two hours away, depending on traffic leaving the city. The reason this tower is so important is it stands as the earliest architectural wonder of Central Asia. Built during the 11 th century, Burana Tower was used as a template for later minarets such as Bukhara in Uzbekistan. 

You can explore the tower and climb up inside for 85 Som (£0.75). At the top there are panoramic 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and landscapes, although the climb up is completely dark and very steep! Burana Tower is also home to Balbal statues, which are some of the only artefacts depicting ancient nomadic life. These Balbal statues date back as early as the 6th century. 

issyk-kul: 3 nights

The second stop on the Kyrgyzstan itinerary is Issyk Kul, which is around 4 hours away from Bishkek. Issyk Kul is the second largest saline lake and the seventh deepest lake in the world. The lake sits in the northeastern part of the country and is nestled between a unique mix of snow capped mountains and dry desert. Issyk Kul is the perfect first stop on the itinerary as it’s a great introduction to Kyrgyzstan’s untouched scenery, and I recommend staying in the southern part of the lake in a small village called Bokonbayevo.

Bokonbayevo is the largest village on the south side of the lake and is the perfect place to stay for a mix of both culture and relaxation. The town is only a short drive from the local beach, Yurtochnyy Gordon Ton, where locals go in the summer months to swim and enjoy Issyk Kul’s water. The lake water is incredibly fresh, which is perfect for those hot days, and when it’s clear you can see out to the snow capped mountains in the distance. 

what to do in issyk kul

One of the best activities to do in Bokonbayevo is an eagle hunting show. Eagle hunting is a century old tradition in Kyrgyz culture. In the summer families train the eagles and then hunt rabbits, foxes and even deer in the winter. This excursion was organised through the guesthouse I stayed in, Guesthouse Gulmira . The show includes watching how locals train the eagles, holding the birds and even do a little bit of archery. The family who owned the birds took great care in sharing how important eagle hunting is in Kyrgyz culture, which made the experience feel even more memorable. The whole experience is only about an hour and a half, costing 1200 som (£10).

During the summer months you can also visit the Nomad Games, which is an exhibition of Kyrgyz culture including throat singing, yurt building competitions and Kok Boru, which is a game similar to polo except the ‘ball’ is a headless dead goat. This only happens in the summer months and was on during July when I visited. This is hosted 30 minutes away from Bokonbayevo in the small settlement of Kyzyl Too.

Where to stay in bokonbayevo

In Bokonbayevo I stayed in  Guesthouse Gulmira , which was a lovely family run accommodation that helped organise activities like eagle hunting and also included free breakfast as well as dinner for an additional price. The accommodation offers both yurts in their garden and normal rooms indoors, both are very comfortable options. 

jyrgalan: 3 nights

The next destination for your two week Kyrgyzstan itinerary is Jyrgalan. This destination is right in the east of Kyrgyzstan, close to the Chinese border. Jyrgalan is a small village with a population of only 1,000 and was one of my favourite stops from the two weeks in Kyrgyzstan. The scenery felt very similar to Switzerland, with rolling green hills, snow capped mountains in the distance and fresh alpine streams running through the village. Not to mention herds of wild horses roaming around and yurts sat atop green hills. It was something straight out of a postcard.

To get to Jyrgalan from Bokonbayevo is around 4 hours, although, allow extra time as the southern road along Issyk Kul is still under construction and takes longer than you’d expect. To get to Jyrgalan you have to drive through Karakol, which is one of the larger cities in Kyrgyzstan. Here is the perfect place to pick up supplies for your time in Jyrgalan as there aren’t any supermarkets, ATMs or petrol stations close by. 

what to do in jygalan

Jyrgalan is the perfect place for hiking and two full days will give you a chance to do two day hikes. The first one I recommend is Turnaly-Köl Panorama, which is 13km and reaches an elevation of 2862m, with an elevation gain of 734m. The hike is very steep to begin with, but the views are absolutely phenomenal all the way up. At the top you get 360 degree views of the surrounding mountains and as you descend you’ll walk through green meadows, spotting herds of wild horses. In total, the hike is around 5 hours.

The second hike option is Kök-Bel Waterfall, which is 12km and a lot easier than Turnaly-Köl Panorama. You can actually drive most of this hike if you wanted to, which would cut down the walk to only an hour return journey.

The last hiking option is Eki-Chat Yurt Camp. This is the longest day hike, being 17km and with an elevation gain of 500m. We didn’t have time to do this hike, however you can choose to do it in a single day or break it up and turn it into a two day journey, staying overnight in the yurt camp. 

where to stay in jyrgalan

During my time in Jyrgalan I stayed in  Mine Hostel . The hostel was small but was really clean and comfortable, with a big kitchen for cooking. They also did free breakfast every morning and you could opt for their dinner which cost 500 som (£4.50). The owner of this hostel was great and super helpful, he can also point out the best routes for hiking. 

If you’re looking for more hostel options, you can also check out my  hostel recommendations and reviews  blog post with over 150 hostels from across the world.

naryn: 1 night

Naryn is the next stop on the Kyrgyz itinerary. To get to Naryn from Jyrgalan is a long drive and takes 8-10 hours, passing back through the southern part of Issyk Kul. Naryn is another one of the bigger cities in Kyrgyzstan and it’s a good base for the night before heading back into the wilderness of the country the following day. 

Although the drive is long it is incredibly scenic and there are a few spots you can stop off at during the drive to break up the day. As you drive past Issyk Kul, definitely stop off at Fairytale Canyon. You can do a quick walk through a small part of the canyon, there are also some longer trails deeper into the canyon too, however, this would depend on how much time you have. 

where to stay in naryn

In Naryn I stayed in Kezgin Guesthouse , which had some of the best food I ate from the whole trip! The guesthouse was very comfortable with a super friendly family who owned it. While it was a little far out the centre, it was less than a 10 minute drive to get into the heart of Naryn. I definitely recommend staying here, especially for their complimentary breakfast. 

tash rabat: 2 nights

Tash Rabat is exactly what you think of when you think about Kyrgyzstan. Remote yurts in the middle of pure wilderness with soaring mountains surrounding. Tash Rabat is 3200m above sea level, located in the south of the country close to the Chinese border. This small settlement was another key location along the Silk Road and is a perfect addition to your two weeks in Kyrgyzstan.

From Naryn it’s only a short drive to Tash Rabat, around an hour and a half. Like Jyrgalan you’ll have to stock up on supplies beforehand, as Tash Rabat is only small settlements of yurt camps and nothing else, including no phone reception. You can either buy what you need in Naryn or drive through At-Bashi, which is a small town on the way that has some beautiful scenery surrounding. 

In Tash Rabat you can visit Stone Rabat, which is an incredibly well preserved caravanserai used during the 15th century on the Silk Road. To enter you have to pay a fee of 100 som (£0.90).

One of the best activities from the whole trip was the horse trek we did in Tash Rabat. This was organised through the yurt camp we stayed in and it cost 2000 som (£17). The horse trek takes around 5 hours and you visit a viewpoint 4000m above sea level. The viewpoint overlooks Chatyr Kol Lake, a lake close to the Chinese border. To visit this lake you have to have a pre organised permit as it’s within 50km of the Chinese border, so doing this horse trek was the perfect way to see the Chatyr Kol without needing the permit. 

where to stay in tash rabat

We didn’t book any accommodation prior to arriving in Tash Rabat. Once you arrive there are several different yurt camps along the one road that you can pick from that all offer very similar deals. We picked the second option along the road as it had the most ‘functioning’ looking toilet stalls (although don’t expect more than just a hole in the ground).

The yurt camps cook you breakfast included in the price and you can pay an additional fee for lunch and dinner too. 

song kul: 2 nights

The final location on this perfect two week trip in Kyrgyzstan is Song Kul. This alpine lake is just over 3000m above sea level, with water as clear as glass. This was another one of my favourite stops on the trip. From Tash Rabat the drive is 4 hours, however, the road to Song Kul isn’t very well made, so allow extra time. 

Although this is the final stop, it does not disappoint. Song Kul is completely detached from the rest of the world with no phone signal and the only accommodation options being family run yurt camps. The lake is the perfect place for walking/hiking, horse trekking or simply relaxing by the water. 

The terrain is relatively hilly but a great place to wander, passing more herds of wild horses and enjoying the views of the lake below. Alternatively, if you were looking at doing another horse trek, most yurt camps own their own horses so can organise a trek for you when you get there. 

where to stay in song kul

During my time in Song Kul I stayed at  Yurt Camp Azamat . This camp was my favourite accommodation from the whole trip and the family who ran the camp was unbelievably welcoming and helpful. The yurts were comfortable, the food the family cooked was delicious and they had a proper functioning toilet rather than a squat toilet. There is also a shower facility you can use which other yurt camps don’t have. 

bishkek: 1 night

At the end of your trip you can choose to spend one night back in Bishkek before departing Kyrgyzstan. The drive from Song Kul back to Bishkek takes a while as the road to Song Kul is incredibly mountainous and not very well made. The drive is around 5 hours, but it’s best to leave more time for the poor roads and traffic coming back into Bishkek. 

If you don’t have a flight till the evening, you may choose to stay an additional night in Song Kul rather than back in Bishkek. An additional day would leave you more time for an all day horse trek or taking your car and driving further around the lake. 

Kyrgyzstan completely blew me away with its untouched landscapes and unique culture. There is so much to see packed in to this tiny country, however this perfect two week itinerary gives you an opportunity to scratch the surface and see some of the best bits within those days. The snowcapped mountains, rolling hills, roaming horses and soaring eagles couldn’t have been more perfect for this trip. 

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The Best Kyrgyzstan Itinerary That You Can Do in 14 Days

Kyrgyzstan is a unique and beautiful country that is overlooked by travelers. The main reason people do not visit as much as other countries is because they don’t know how to explore the area.

That is why a 14-day itinerary is important to break down what not to miss on the Great Silk Road. So keep reading to know exactly what to add to your Kyrgyzstan Itinerary. 

Make also sure you read our Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide .

DAY 1: Arriving in Bishkek and exploring the city

Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan and is the most popular entry point in the country. Most international flights fly into the airport of Manas.

A convenient option for international travelers, located only thirty minutes from Bishkek. Bishkek is recommended as the best place to kick off your Kyrgyzstan adventure. It is a cultured area and is infamous for its stunning architecture. 

Ala-Too Square

Spend your morning walking around Ala-Too Square. An area was built in 1984 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic. A small but powerful square that still showcases the remains of Soviet Architecture. 

Bishkek Museums

Visit the State History Museum and the National Museum of Fine Arts. Both buildings still display this unique architecture. 

Local Dishes

Afterward, indulge in the local food scene in Bishkek. The streets are lined with local cafes and restaurants, allowing you to learn about the culture firsthand. Cultural meals include meat dishes such as horse-meat sausages and roasted sheep’s liver.

Noodles and mantys, steamed dumplings filled with ground meat and onions, are popular with locals. Samsas, which are meat and vegetable pockets, are delicious and found in local restaurants. 

For the less adventurous, try their bread and tea. Their nan, which is a central Asian flatbread, is known to be out of this world. Accompany it with jam or kaymak, a creamy dairy food similar to cream cheese. 

Where To Stay in Bishkek?

It is best to stay within walking distance to Ala-Too Square since it has many walkable options. The Hyatt Regency Bishkek is across the street.

Also rated one of the top accommodations in the area. Averaging about $177 a night with top-notch customer service. This gorgeous hotel has stunning city views and even an outdoor pool to relax by. 

Day 2 Bishkek Day Trip: Ala Archa National Park

Located forty minutes away from Bishkek is Ala Archa National Park. An Alpine national park that sits in the Tian Shan mountains of Kyrgyzstan.

The national park was established in 1976 and named after the bright-colored jumper in the park. The park is two hundred square kilometers and has many peaks and glaciers.

It takes days to fully explore the park, which is why it’s recommended to stay there for two nights. 

Hike in Ala Archa National Park

There are many options in Ala Archa National Park. A favorite is to take a walk at the start of the Ala Archa River Trail . The full trail is 19 miles, but most visitors do the shorter version. A 3.2-mile trail that brings you to the river and then back.

Once you get to the river, lay out a blanket and start a BBQ. This spot is perfect for those wanting to picnic and take in the stunning views. Pick up food to cook at one of the markets on your way from Bishkek. Wildlife is also commonly spotted in this area. Making it a fun and exciting day on your  Kyrgyzstan Itinerary.

Where To Stay near Ala Archa National Park?

Supara Chunkurchak is a popular place to stay when visiting the park. This unique accommodation allows you to stay in yurts or a hotel. The Yurt Hotel offers double or single beds and your own dining area.

If yurts are out of your comfort zone, you can stay in the Beshik Bungalows. This is a more enclosed option resembling a bungalow. Beshik Bungalows are Kyrgyz national cradles made of eco-friendly materials. 

Day 3: Discover more about Ala Archa National Park

Enjoy your second day in Ala Archa National Park hiking. There are over five recommended hiking trails in the park. Which makes it great for all skill levels.

For an easier option, Hike to Ak Sai Waterfall . A 4.7-mile hike that takes anywhere from four to six hours. A cascading waterfall that is forty meters high.

Ala-Archa to Ak-Sai Racek Hut and Glacier

For those seeking more of a workout, continue to the Ratzek Hut and Ak Sai Glacier . If you are in good shape, you can make this a full-day trip. It is a steep climb up the waterfall and can take an additional three to four hours.

Plan on getting to Ak Sai Glacier early in the morning since the full hike can take around ten to twelve hours. Be sure to bring snacks and a meal for your hike since you will be out and about all day. 

For dinner, eat at one of the local restaurants. Boyrok Cafe-Restaurant. Ala-Archa National Park is a popular dining spot. Located inside Alp-Camp Ala Archa.

The food is local and fresh. Devour spicy meat, vegetables, and warm potatoes. Hot teas are also available here on those colder days. 

Where To Spend the Second Night in Archa National Park?  

Ala Archa Hotel , averaging about $30 a night.  An adorable guest house that has quiet and cozy rooms. The stunning mountain views of the park will be seen from the window of your comfortable hotel room. A great place to rest after a day of hiking.

DAY 4: Head to Cholpon Ata, Issyk Kul

Cholpon Ata is a resort town on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. Located four hours east of Ala Archa National Park. You can drive or get a shared taxi for $5 per person to get here from the park. Private taxis are anywhere from $35 per car. Visiting this stunning area makes a great addition to any  Kyrgyzstan Itinerary.

Rukh Ordo Cultural Center

Spend the day visiting the Rukh Ordo, an open-air Cultural Center that features ten mini museums. Featuring dozens of sculptures and artwork that use techniques that were passed down from generations. 

A guide at the museum can bring guests through an hour and a half interactive excursion. Learn all about the history of Kyrgyz and its culture. Singing and dancing the national dance is included in this tour.

Shop at Cholpon-Ata Market

Afterward, go shopping at the main bazaar at Cholpon-Ata market. Offering a variety of bread, fruits, and vegetables. A local market that showcases authentic local eats and products. Enjoy dinner at some of the food stands. 

Clothes include wool garments or felt, at a very low price. Even electronics are sold in this market. So bring home a little piece of Cholpon Ata back home with you.

Where To Stay in Cholpon Ata?  

Kapriz Issyk Kul Resort . Averaging about $90 per night. This stunning resort sits on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul lake. The resort has pools, beach access, entertainment, and more.

Room accommodations range from twin beds to family suites. 

Day 5: Issyk Kul 

Issyk-Kul lake is the seventh deepest lake in the world and the tenth-largest lake in the world by volume . Located in the Northern Tian Shan mountains in Eastern Kyrgyzstan, The waters are crystal clear and relatively warm. The beaches around this area are ideal for spending the day relaxing on the sand. 

Have A Beach Day at Khadzhi-Sayskia Plyazh 

Kadzhi-Sayskiy Plyazh is one of the top-rated beaches in the area. Located in the southern area of the lake. There are boats for rent for those wanting to spend the day out on the water. The beach is known for being clean and beautiful. Perfect for those wanting to add a beach day to their Kyrgyzstan Itinerary. 

Grab dinner and drinks at Barashek. A top-rated local restaurant featuring an extensive alcohol menu and delicious dishes. Shashlik, a grilled skewered cube meat dish, is popular on the menu. It is also a widespread food option in Russia. In addition, they offer live music during the week and weekends, depending on the day. 

Where To Stay near Khadzhi-Sayskia Plyazh?

Sanatoriy “Goluboy Issyk-Kul’ .”  A lakefront hotel facing a private beach along Issyk Kul. This hotel features an inclusive spa near the Tian Shan mountains. All meals are included in your stay. Their wellness treatments are also included. Mineral baths and irradiation are a few to name. 

DAY 6: From Issyk Kul to Karakol

Begin the journey from Issyk Kul to Karakol. You can either take a cab or bus for this two-hour trek. Cabs range from $35, and bus tickets are about $10 per person. https://www.rome2rio.com/ is a helpful website for an average of cab and taxis prices in the area. 

Karakol is the fourth largest city in Kyrgyzstan and sits at the eastern tip of Lake Issyk-Kul. A town popular for its skiing in the winter and hiking in the summer. 

When you arrive in Karakol, visit the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Cathedral. Learn all about the history of the Cathedral while gazing at the stunning structures. Then head over to the Dungan Mosque. The historical architecture of a mosque that was built with no nails. 

Bugu-Ene Zoo

Afterward, visit the Bugu-Ene Zoo in Karakol. A small zoo that is known for its personal encounters with the animals. Animals include lions, bears, and lynxes. You only need a few hours at this zoo. A unique experience that should gain a spot on everyone’s Kyrgyzstan Itinerary. 

credits: visitkarakol.com

Local Dining

For dining, stop by Local Karakol Food. A hidden gem that features piping hot and delicious soups. Some soup options are kimchi noodle flavored soup and vegetable hotteok. This restaurant is recommended by locals for its mouthwatering flavor. 

Where To Stay in Karakol?    

Gostinitsa Karagat is a four-star hotel located in central Karakol. A good option for walking to restaurants and museums. It is a large hotel with spacious and clean rooms.  It only costs around $50 per night. However, you will need to call to book as they do not have an active website or booking engine.

DAY 7: From Karakol to Altyn Arashan

Only an hour away from Karakol is Altyn Arashan. Altyn Arashan is a nature preserve famous for its valleys and mountains. Animals in this area include over twenty endangered snow leopards. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience to spot one of these beauties.

Altyn Arashan Hot Springs

Take a trip out to visit the Altyn Arashan Hot Springs. A hot spring that is famous for its healing radon waters. These springs can be used to treat cardiovascular disease. 

Spend your morning soaking and taking in the healing energy. The hot springs reach a temperature of 50°C. /122°F. Perfect for when the colder days of Altyn Arashan arrive.

Horseback Riding in Altyn Arashan

Add horseback riding to your Kyrgyzstan Itinerary. Sign up for a  tour with Bulak Say Horseback and Trekking. A fantastic company that hosts tours through Altyn Arashan. They even offer an included car service that brings you from Karkoal to the trailhead. You can get more information about their tours on their website http://karakolhorsetrekking.blogspot.com/.

Where To Stay near Altyn Arashan?

Altyn Arashan has very few accommodations. Eco Yurt Camp Arashan & Guest House “Gulnara” is a cozy guest house. With comfy beds and hot meals. Ideal for those planning on doing longer day hikes. You can either stay.

DAY 8: Exploring the area of Altyn Arashan

There are many different trekking tours available in Altyn Arashan. One of the most sought-after activities when visiting this location. 

Ak-Suu Arboretum Trek

If you are feeling adventurous, hike the stunning mountains. The Ak-Suu Arboretum Trek is eight miles long and makes a great day trip. Hike through the entire valley and return via the route in the forest. You can either hike back or return by their minibus. Learn about this trail here https://www.asia-hikes.com/ak-suu-arboretum/

Peak Palatka Hike

Another great day hike is trekking to the foot of Peak Palatka. You can do this hike with or without a guide. It is rated an easy walk with stunning views. Peak Palatka are twin peaks that are symmetrical and stunning. This peak is over 15,000 feet high, making it hard to miss.

How To Get to those trails’ starting point?

To do either of these hikes, you will need to start at the t rail in Ak Suu village, also known as Teploklyuchenka. Then, you will take a minibus from the main street and ask the driver if he goes to Altyn Arashan. If yes, you stay on the bus until you reach the sign that says Altyn Arashan. From there, you can begin your hiking adventure!

Guided Hiking

All hikes can either be done solo or guided. There are many guides in the area which can bring you to the trailheads and take the trek with you. Recommended for those who are not comfortable with solo hiking. Guided tours are ideal for beginners Kyrgyzstan Itinerary. Visit https://destinationkarakol.com/tours/hiking-trekking/ for all guided hiking and trekking tour options.

Where Else to Stay in Altyn Arashan?  

Another great accommodation option in the area is the “Ala-Kul” guesthouse in Altyn-Arashan . Resembling a hostile that has a shared kitchen and lounge. The accommodations are yurts or shared rooms. Rooms start at $38 a night.

DAY 9: From Altyn Arashan back to Karakol

Began your two-hour trip back to Karakol. Once you arrive, enjoy your second day in Karakol, appreciating the delicious food options. The Meeting Point is a pizza restaurant that has a lot of American food options. They have vegan and non-vegan dishes, from pancakes to burgers. Visitors also rave about them having the best internet in the area. 

Another option is Cafe Dastorkon is a modern cafe that showcases ancient traditions. Their dishes include fresh vegetables, herbs, and meats. Local bread and salads are just some of the items offered. Finally, try their Brand Snack “Dastorkon,” a national snack with kazy karta, smoked horse meat, ram fat, and beef tongue. A foodie’s dream. 

Przewalski Museum

After fueling up, visit the historic Przewalski Museum.  Nikolai Mikhailovich Przewalski was a 19th-century explorer who was one of the first people to explore Central Asia.

He fell in love with the area and stayed there until the day he died. He is now buried in Karakol. The museum features a tribute to his life. With gorgeous sculptures and over five hundred exhibits. A cultural and educational museum to spend a few hours at. 

Karakol Nightlife

As the day winds down, get ready to explore some nightlife in the area. Rent your own private billiards room while enjoying some ice-cold beer at Green Club. A pub is one of the only nightlife options in the area. 

Where Else to stay in Karakol?  

Hillside Karakol B&B is a beautiful resort located on the piedmonts in Karakol. The hotel has European decor and is similar to a Chalet. It is located in the quiet part of the city. Recommended for those looking to relax and disconnect after a busy day in the city. A popular resort to add to your Kyrgyzstan Itinerary.  This hotel averages around $40 a night.

DAY 10: From Karakol to Tash Rabat

Tash Rabat is located seven hours southwest of Karakol. The easiest way to accomplish this journey is to take a taxi from Karakol to Tash Rabat for $95 per car. Renting a car is an additional option.

Bokonbayevo

Break up the drive by stopping in Bokonbayevo, Kyrgyzstan. A town that is the center of the Tong District of the Issyk-Kul Region. It is the largest village on the south shore of Lake Issyk Kul. Next, stop at Kolomto, a sushi restaurant that offers fresh fish and yummy rolls. Salad and meat options are also available here. 

Afterward, continue your drive to Tash Rabat. There are not a lot of accommodations near Tash Rabat. It is recommended to spend the night an hour and a half away near Naryn. 

Where to stay in Bokonbayevo?

Char Hotel is a gorgeous property nestled in the mountains. They offer lunch or dinner during your stay. A perfect place to rest after your long drive and before exploring Tash Rabat.

DAY 11: Exploring Tash Rabat area

Continue on your journey from Naryn to Tash Rabat, about an hour and a half taxi ride. Tash Rabat is a 15th century caravanserai. Which is a place where travelers would spend time resting during their road trips.

Similar to an inn or motel. The structure includes over thirty rooms, including a hall and chamber. This area is in a very remote location, making it a gem to see in real life. 

You can spend your whole day exploring Tash Rabat. It is rated the most magnificent monument in all of Kyrgyzstan. Sitting at 10,498 feet above sea level. There are local tour guides who can teach you all about the history here. A bucket list item that earns a spot on every Kyrgyzstan itinerary. 

Accommodations near Tash Rabat are slim and mainly consist of yurt camps and hostels. Therefore, after spending your day at Tash Rabat, you can get the full Tash Rabat experience and stay in the yurt camps nearby.

Where To Stay in Tash Rabat?

Stay at Omurbek’s Yurt Camp in Tash Rabat. A yurt camp that is prided on being clean and neat. A fantastic way to connect with other travelers that are exploring the area. You can book a yurt on their booking website at https://yurt-camp-omurbek-tash-rabat-bangkok.booked.net/.

Day 12: Tash Rabat to Naryn

Located two hours north of Tash Rabat is Naryn. A city that is in the foothills of Naryn-Too. It is one hundred miles from the Chinese border, making it a great tourist attraction. It is also home to the longest river in the country, the Naryn River. In addition, this area has stunning mountains and scenic views.

Raft The Naryn River

Take a rafting tour! Raft down the iconic Naryn River. Go down the crystal waters that provide natural rapids. If white water rafting is a hobby of yours, tackle the Naryn Falls canyon. A specific part of the river that provides intense rafting. The area is not recommended for those to take on alone, so a rafting guide is important.

Son-Kul Lake

If rafting is too intense, take a day visit to Son-Kul Lake. A fifty-six-mile drive west from Naryn. This is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan. It is known for its rare animal sightings and birds. It also provides tranquil scenery, perfect for relaxing. 

Naryn Walking Tour

In the afternoon, walk around Naryn and take in the gorgeous architecture. Naryn was discovered over a century ago as a Russian garrison town. As a result, the town spotlights post-war buildings.

Walking tours are offered for those who want to learn about the history of this town. In addition, the Naryn area is filled with culture and beauty. This is why it is a must-have on any Kyrgyzstan Itinerary. 

DAY 13: From Naryn back to Bishkek

Spend your day exploring the towns on your way back to Bishkek. A six-hour journey that can be done by cab. At this point, you may think you have crossed off everything on the Kyrgyzstan Itinerary. But there is still so much of Kyrgyzstan to see. 

Burana Tower

A little over an hour outside of Bishkek is the Burana Tower. A very famous historical site in Kyrgyzstan. It is a large tower that exists in the ancient city of Balasagun . Visit the gravestones that sit next to the tower, which are called the bal-bals. This spot is a history lover’s dream. 

Kyrgyz National Opera

If performances and art interest you, then get tickets to the infamous Kyrgyz National Opera. The shows are mostly performed by students who are locals in the area. However, there are also Russian and Kyrgyz performers and artists. Some of their shows include concerts, an evening of Kyrgyz opera, and even a gala concert. Which includes famous artists and performers. You can look up tickets and showtimes at https://www.operabase.com/ .

Bishkek Nightlife

For those looking to dance the night away, Bishkek has fun and lively clubbing options. A famous club in the area is Promzona Club. Which has live music and nightlong dance parties. The club is known to stay open all night with never-ending entertainment options. Promzona is underground and is a best-kept secret unless found. This would be the perfect way to spend your last night in Bishkek. 

Where to stay in Bishkek?

Sheraton Bishkek is a top-rated hotel. Perfect for your last night in Bishkek. It is located in the center city, close to dining and nightlife. A higher-end option averaging $160 per night.

DAY 14: Oak Park and Osh Bazaar

Before heading back to Manas airport, grab some much-needed breakfast. Spend the morning at Sierra Coffee Manas Ave. A cafe that showcases delicious American breakfast options. Including pancakes, waffles, french toast, and oatmeal. During lunch hours, they offer Mexican dishes, salads, and wraps. Don’t forget to indulge in their delicious coffee and lattes. 

After breakfast, take a walk to Oak Park. The park is located near Ala-Too square and is known for its gorgeous scenery. Spend some time viewing the sculptures from artists. Get a game of ping-pong in at their complimentary ping-pong tables. Or, just lounge under a shaded oak tree. Most importantly, take in the beauty of Bishkek.

End your trip at the Osh Bazaar, a three-thousand-year-old market and bazaar. This is one of the most sought-after places to visit and add to your Kyrgyzstan itinerary. It is a highly photographed place in Bishkek. Drawing locals and visitors from all over the world. You can barter with the vendors and buy local gifts to bring back home with you. 

If you take a taxi from downtown Bishkek to Manas Airport, your cost will be around $10 per car. Lastly, spend some time at the airport reflecting on your trip. 

Final Thoughts about Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Kyrgyzstan is a unique and cultured country that most travelers overlook. Spend fourteen days exploring this historic and majestic area, from the mountains and lakes to the historic buildings.

Kyrgyzstan has something for everyone. Learn from the locals and indulge yourself in the lifestyle. You will leave Kyrgyzstan with more culture and history than you can imagine. 

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Achraf is the cofounder of Walk Beside Me Blog. He is an expert traveler who spent 10+ years exploring 70+ countries around the world. Thanks to his passion for writing and photography, he could document his journey on 100+ blog posts on Walk Beside Me where he shared all his knowledge, expertise, and advice for like-minded travelers.

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Caravanistan

The Silk Road Travel Guide

All countries in Central Asia have a lot of natural capital, but none manage to present it as well as Kyrgyzstan.

The main tourism highlights are accessible and inexpensive, it’s easy to get away from the few places where tourists congegrate and authentic experiences of nomad life, post-Soviet life and animal life can be had at every step. Ecotourism projects are running smoothly: hiking, horse riding and yurtstays can be arranged easily with the benefits going to those who need it the most.

With visa-free travel now available for citizens of most wealthy countries, and better flight connections with Europe and the Far East, Kyrgyzstan is poised to become the new darling of the outdoor community, if it isn’t so already.

Table of Contents

• Explore Kyrgyzstan’s stunning mountains on foot , on horseback or on skis
• Stay in a yurt, meet the locals and get to know their semi-nomadic ways
• Watch a game of kok boru or see eagle hunters at work
• Chill out at a beautiful mountain lake like Song Kol , Issyk-Kul or Sary-Chelek
• Have a bowl of kymis (fermented mare’s milk)

Those are 5 quintessential experiences you are likely to have in Kyrgyzstan. It’s just a sample, though. We explore some more ideas in our list of 46 great things to do in Kyrgyzstan .

Itineraries

It makes little sense to try and propose a standard itinerary for Kyrgyzstan; hiking and staying in a yurt can be done in any part of the country, so it really just depends on your preference with regards to comfort, accessibility, other tourists and the landscapes on offer.

Also note: people with their own bicycle, motorcycle, jeep, or those with a tour company driver, will find it much easier to get off the beaten track compared to backpackers relying on public transport and shared taxis.

The map above highlights the most common tourist routes across Kyrgyzstan. The blue routes are accessible by public transport, for the red routes you need to have your own wheels, or get a driver.

If you are looking to book a horse ride or a yurt stay on the spot, this can be done in each of the towns on the map, the main tourist nodes of Kyrgyzstan.

Song Kul (4) is a bit special. It’s not the place to book anything, as there is no signal on this high mountain lake, but besides its status as a major attraction, it can serve as a kind of roundabout to cross from east to west. Backpackers relying on public transport usually go from the east of the country to the western Osh (6) / Pamir-Alay (7) area via Bishkek (1). It’s a long way overland, so the Osh-Bishkek flight is a popular alternative.

More independent travelers can use the lonely red routes.

North and East Kyrgyzstan

Bishkek is the capital of Kyrgyzstan, its biggest city and main transport hub. It’s unlikely to be the main reason you wanted to visit Kyrgyzstan, but it can teach you a lot about Kyrgyzstan’s recent past and tumultuous present.

The Issyk-Kul region east of the capital is the next logical move in many itineraries. Here you can find what Kyrgyzstan is all about in a small, easy-to-access area. Alpine lakes and mountain peaks, white water fit for rafting. Broad jailoo pastures with shepherds, horses and yurts.

With 1 or 2 weeks time, there’s no need to look any further if you are looking for a trekking holiday with a cultural touch.

To cool down from all the hiking and horse riding, Issyk-Kul has beaches. Karakol and Kochkor are the 2 main gateway towns to the lakes and mountains beyond.

Between the plains of the north and south, it’s all mountains in Central Kyrgyzstan . There are no big population centers here, only small towns and villages, and shepherd yurts on the high meadows in summer.

In the east, the Naryn region has not seen the same level of interest among hikers as other parts of Kyrgyzstan. The central Kazarman area is also one you have all to yourself.

Song Kol Lake on the other hand, smack-bang in the middle of the country at an altitude over 3000 m, is one of Kyrgyzstan’s biggest tourist draws. It is a beautiful area with glamping possibilities for those who enjoy it. If you don’t like the yurt camps on the lake shore, you can explore the surrounding mountains. Just follow the sheep trails.

On the western side of the lake, Suusamyr’s lower altitude green hills are known to produce top-of-the-range meat and dairy products.

• Southern Kyrgyzstan

At the edge of the Ferghana Valley, Osh , Kyrgyzstan’s southern capital, has been playing an important role in travel itineraries since the days of Silk Road caravans. Placed centrally between China and Tajikistan’s Pamir Highway to the east, and valley towns like Andijan, Khujand , Ferghana and Kokand to the west, it’s difficult to miss.

As a busy bazaar town, Osh is a good place to prepare for the next leg of your journey. But it can also teach you a lot about the history of Central Asia, and Kyrgyzstan’s current social and political challenges.

Beyond Osh, the mountains beckon once more. The Pamir-Alay range south of Osh gives travelers a taste of Tajikistan’s Pamirs. You can stop over for a night to admire 7134 metre-high Peak Lenin on your way to Tajikistan, or take a tent and spend 3-5 days (there’s always room for more) on foot or on horseback in some of Kyrgyzstan’s highest and most beautiful mountain territory.

Heading north towards Bishkek, Arslanbob  is a fixture on the tourist route, thanks to a splendid homestay network in a wonderful setting. Between Arslanbob and Bishkek, there are detours for the more persistent, like the quiet beauty of the Suusamyr region, the Talas area , homeland of national hero Manas or the national park surrounding Sary-Chelek lake .

Off the beaten track

First-ascent climbers, dedicated trekkers, independent kayakers, hard-nosed cyclists and long-haul horse riders: Kyrgyzstan is your oyster. If you’re not outdoorsy but would like to simply experience Kyrgyzstan away from the famous sights: you can find a homestay anywhere. You just have to arrive; before you know it, you have become part of village life.

A rail connection exists between Bishkek and Moscow, and with Tashkent in summer. Bishkek is the country’s flight hub. Osh also hosts international flights. Several local companies offer inexpensive flights between Osh and Bishkek ( forum Q&A ).

For all other places: if you do not have your own means of transport, you will be dependent on minibuses (marshrutkas) and (shared) taxis to take you places within Kyrgyzstan. They leave when full. If you want more comfort or leave earlier, pay for the other seats.

Ride-hailing and taxi apps are available.

Driving Kyrgyzstan is a great way to get around, and car and motorbike rental is a booming business – book in advance if you are coming in summer. There are some great routes for cyclists too.

For cross-border transport, see Kyrgyzstan’s border crossings and the transport guides for Bishkek and Osh .

Winter transport

As soon as winter falls over Kyrgyzstan, many places hidden behind high passes become very difficult to reach over land because of snow. The passage to Osh and the  Irkeshtam and Torugart  passes to China can get blocked because of heavy snowfall or avalanches. Snow is cleared quickly on these main roads, but take possible delays into account when planning a winter trip. Song Kol and the Naryn-Jalalabad road are difficult to access in winter.

Mudslides in spring are not a problem, unlike in Tajikistan. Between May and October all parts of the country are usually easily accessible.

• Self-drive in Kyrgyzstan
• Trains in Kyrgyzstan
• Cycling in Kyrgyzstan

Practical details

Have a look first to see if you need a visa for Kyrgyzstan . It is a pretty safe country, all things considered, with traffic as the main danger. We discuss possible concerns for various types of people in detail on the safety in Central Asia page .

Health-wise , there are a few things you could worry about: diarrhea, smog, altitude sickness, tick-borne encephalitis and rabies.

Generally speaking, food in the region is unhealthy and of little variety, based primarily on meat, fat, pasta and dairy products. Few tourists become fans of the tastes of Central Asia. Unless you are a vegan, you should at least try kymys  (fermented horse milk) and kurt (salty cheese balls) in Kyrgyzstan, though. We discuss your options as a picky eater .

Exchanging money and using ATMs is easy in Kyrgyzstan. Paying by card, less so. Buying a sim card and getting mobile internet is also not an issue at the moment, and internet is almost fully accessible without VPN. More details in our articles on money and banking and communications .

For orientation , Maps.me and 2GIS are often better than Google maps. If you are a reader, have a look at  our favourite books on Kyrgyzstan .

The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan is the winter season from December to March, and the short summer during July and August.

In winter, you can ski or go horse riding while staying in yurts looking out over snow-blanketed landscapes with not a tourist in sight. In summer, all passes are snow-free for hikers, tourist events are held, and yurts are set up by shepherds.

The shoulder season is not the best time to be in Kyrgyzstan.

In spring (April-June) the snow has disappeared from the ski slopes, but the high passes are still covered, severely limiting your trekking options. The winter ski yurts are gone but the shepherd yurts of summer only set up in July and August.

Autumn (September-November) is the same. The yurts have gone, and the snow has started covering the passes, but not the slopes.

This is the time to visit  Uzbekistan ,  Kazakhstan  and  Turkmenistan  – the perfect weather to explore their deserts, steppes and cities. A more detailed seasonal breakdown can be found at When to visit Kyrgyzstan , and our Kyrgyzstan events calendar .

Budget and accommodation

Kyrgyzstan has very affordable travel services. Count on 2-3$ for a basic meal, 5-10$ for a hostel bed, 10-15$ for a yurtstay with half board, and a double room in a decent hotel starting at 25$.

Villages have homestays, mountains have yurtstays. Cities have hotels and hostels aplenty, as long as you are not looking for a luxury experience. We give some more tips for finding the right place in the accommodation chapter .

We go in depth on the budget question at the Kyrgyzstan travel budget page .

Tours and tour operators

We work together with a select few tour operators in Kyrgyzstan that, each in their own way, have developed the procedures, network and infrastructure to keep quality of service consistently high, even with the wide array of interests from the Caravanistan audience.

Talant is probably the best-connected, best-informed man in tourism in the south of Kyrgyzstan. He’s done a lot to develop the talents of youngsters in Osh and the Alay mountains.

Sergey’s team is our go-to for high-end jeep tours of Kyrgyzstan; he is always coming up with creative ways to surprise his guests.

There is also Vlad for car rental .

Have a look at our  Kyrgyzstan tour template suggestions for ideas, or simply send us  your own ideas for a customised tour .

Delve deeper

Find out more about Kyrgyzstan’s different regions.

• Issyk-Kul region : Issyk-Kul and the mountains surrounding it have everything you need for a great outdoor holiday with a cultural touch.
• The North : Bishkek and the mountains around. No one goes to Talas (yet).
• The South : Osh is the second capital and the gateway to China, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan. Arslanbob is a highlight. Beyond, there’s more stunning mountain scenery.
• The Center : A huge mountainous area. Song Kul is the star attraction. Beyond, much more mountains, lakes, yurts and jailoos.

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• Northern Kyrgyzstan
• Central Kyrgyzstan
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Discover beautiful Kyrgyzstan: 5 day itinerary

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Kyrgyzstan… One of those countries that you may not have even heard of… but luckily about to change!… I am even willing to go a step further, as after reading this blog I am almost sure you want to go and check this country out for yourself!… The diverse dramatic landscapes, friendly people, the beautiful parks of Bishkek , and the insanely good value for money are all reasons to visit Kyrgyzstan as soon as you can!…

Let me describe the 5-day travel itinerary that I undertook with my friend Arnoud… We rented a car and covered most of the key sights and natural wonders. However, many of the travellers we met did spend much longer here (and in the Central Asian region). Most of them enjoying the diverse landscapes and natural beauty via hikes, horse rides and other outdoor activities . As always… do your online research and change your plans as you see fit… At almost all of the below-mentioned places of interest, you can extend your stay with any sorts of activities and spend as long as you like!… Let’s start discovering this magnificent off-the-beaten-track country!…

Day 1 – Bishkek sightseeing

We arrived (very) early in the morning at the Manas International Airport , 30 mins north of the capital Bishkek. It is likely your point of entry, if not coming in from any neighbouring countries (if planning, check which borders you can cross and which not!). First impressions were immediately very good!… the passport control was very efficient. For me, as Schengen Citizen, I enjoyed a free visa on arrival!…  We took cash out of the ATM at the airport (note, only fairly large denominations and a maximum of ‘only’ 8000 Som), before one of the friendly taxi drivers drove us to the city centre.

Top Tip: Taxi price that was offered was very fair! However, similar to Russia , the taxi driver did not speak English , making it hard to explain your exact destination. Besides, you may not be as lucky with receiving a fair fare. Therefore, do download the Yandex app (similar to Uber) where you can easily book via the free Airport Wi-Fi . You can select ‘pay with cash’ or ‘pay with card’ option and you are sure that you are dropped at the correct destination!

We arranged a free (very) early check-in with the hotel upfront. Do try and bargain a bit! This country is not touristy at all and people are very friendly, practical and accommodating!… This meant we could sleep a few hours before exploring Bishkek…

Exploring the key sights of Central Bishkek

After catching up on some sleep, we started exploring the city on foot . As soon as we stopped at some local shops it became clear just how cheap everything is (and how much our 400 Som (5.5 USD) tip actually must have been to our taxi driver earlier that morning!). For lunch, we bought an ice tea (35 Som) and filled pieces of bread (35 Som).

Bishkek is a relatively small capital and does not have many sights of interest. Then again, we were amazed by the many beautiful parks filled with fountains, statues and flowers… Stretching from Victory Square all the way to the State History Museum and beyond… This is the direction we walked and it here that you will likely spend most of your time…

Do check out the Vladimir Lenin Statue , The Sovjet style Kyrgyz Republic Government Building , the State History Museum (closed for renovation) with the large Kyrgyz flag waving next to it and the Ala-Too Square and Panfilov Park (especially when travelling with children)…

Kyrgyzstan is Friendly Safe and Upcoming

The first impression of the people is that they are very friendly … We did not witness or experience any form of aggression. People behave nicely in traffic and are polite . There is definitely a language barrier, as many (older) people do not speak any English , but you will figure everything out! (If unsure, download a translation app, which many Kyrgyzstanis have installed on their phone already). The streets are very clean, as mentioned the parks are maintained very well… All-in-all a nice place to spend your time.

What did surprise us is that there are almost no big international brands or chains ! This indicates a certain degree of economic isolation and the upcoming state of Bishkek and Kyrgyzstan in general. There are no globally operating car rental companies , no McDonalds, no Starbucks… Bishkek has many modern malls , however no big (Western) fashion brands whatsoever! Fancy a soda? You can choose either regular Coca-Cola, Sprite or Fanta – In the whole country, no diet varieties seem to exist…

Well, we were not in Kyrgyzstan for McDonald’s, instead, we had lunch at Arzu … A very nice and popular restaurant with an outdoor garden. Here we tried Kyrgyzstani dumplings , which were quite similar to kingali we enjoyed in Georgia , and later Russia .

Picking up our rental car to explore Kyrgyzstan

As mentioned, no big global rental car companies are operating in Kyrgyzstan. After some internet searches, we ended up with Iron Horse Nomads . One of the few rental car companies, which has some ‘interesting’ cars on offer… We opted for a Russian UAZ Hunter , definitely something else!… Depending on your travel plans you may not want to opt for this though!… When, like us, you are planning to drive 1200+ kilometres in 3 days or if you are a less experienced driver, you may want to think a bit about your comfort level, which is nonexistent with this car!… No A/C, no electric windows, fuzzy steering, no radio, loud noise, and above all very bumpy suspension … A fun, but back-aching learning opportunity!… If only planning to go for a day trip or want to do some nearby off-roading, and like a nice experience, go for it!… When planning to drive like us, via the below itinerary, go for a more modern car!…

Additional Bishkek sights

With our freshly picked up UAZ Hunter, we drove past some of the less central sights of Bishkek. Our first stop was Victory Park . Frankly a waste of time… apart from a tower-like structure, there is not much to see and the park is by far not as well maintained as the other central parks.

What is a nice stop is the Ortosay Bazar , a local market where we did buy some fruit and snacks for our road trip the next day… Just when you think it cannot get any cheaper you find how much a dollar takes you on this market… Amazing!…

Another Bazar, which we ultimately did not visit anymore is the Osh Bazar … which is situated closer to the city centre… We saved this for the last day but in the end did not end up visiting…

Amazing value-for-money dinner!

Facing the Victory Square we passed the Torro restaurant on our walking tour… This Argentinian steak house has very high quality, delicious and (of course) very low priced steaks!… Keep in mind that, with 10USD per steak, this is one of the top-end restaurants, other places are far cheaper… It really was up to standard as I experienced in Argentina !… A great end of a busy day… after which we went to bed quite early to start our exciting road trip … let’s continue!…

Day 2 – Burana Tower, Issyk Kul Lake, Altyn-Arashan and Karakol

We left Bishkek in the early morning, knowing we had a long drive through Kyrgyzstan ahead of us. This would be the longest day of driving in our itinerary , all around the Northern side of Issyk Kul Lake towards Karakol… and it proofed to become a lot longer than expected…

Top Tip: When planning to have an early rise, do check with your rental company if you can pick up your car the previous afternoon (for free) . This saves you paperwork, waiting for opening times, and related logistics on your day of departure.

Burana Tower

Our first stop is the Burana Tower , around 1.5 hours drive from Bishkek. It is a nice stop to stretch your legs and explore this ancient site. The tower is a partial reconstruction of a minaret. Apart from some old ‘tombstones’, it is the only remaining construction on this site and one of the oldest in Kyrgyzstan.

After spending a short while on the site and enjoying the v iew from the top of the tower it is time to continue our journey further along the north side of the Issyk Kul lake. It forms a nice scenery with the azure blue waters on the left and the Mountain ranges of Kazachstan on the right…

Top Tip: When doing online research we thought we would have an issue with gas stations. However, this is not correct, as there are many gas stations all around Issyk Kol Lake !… (this is in line with more errors with google maps – although the offline map works great in general). Do make sure to gas up before you drive towards Song Kol lake though but more on that later…

Top Tip: In case you like to break up this 8+ hour leg  of the journey this is the place to do it by booking one of the many lake resorts…

Altyn-Arashan Valley

After our bumpy UAZ Hunter cross-country drive, we finally made it to our 2 nd key place of interest… The Altyn-Arashan Valley . You most definitely need a 4×4 for this road, but the views are spectacular… We drove only a few kilometres onto the road before we decided to head to Karakol…

Unfortunately, as soon as we tried to drive away we noticed that the small  4WD to 2WD gearshift seemed ‘stuck’ , or at least did not change into any mode. This made it impossible to drive… Luckily after a while, some farmers came by, but also they were unable to fix (even with help over the phone from the car rental company)… This meant waiting amidst roaming cows in silence… until mechanics from Karakol would arrive and fix the issue on the spot… This took much longer than expected… a few phone calls later we finally realized the mechanics came walking !… Their 2WD car could not drive up!… and yes finally they arrived!… 3 hours later from the time we realized the defect…

We left the car with the mechanics and got a lift from a dad with 2 sons to drop us off at our hotel (and come up with a back-up plan in case the car would stay defect)… ‘ Luckily’ we could continue our bumpy ride the next morning , as they did manage to (temporarily) fix it and we could continue our journey… Well, at least it was an adventure…

Top Tip: Do not let this discourage you!… Altyn-Arashan Valley is nice to drive and explore … The road is quite challenging but fun for a couple of kilometres… Another option is to book a horseback ride or hike the trail …

Karakol is a nice small town with a ‘backpackers’ feel , given the various hostels and restaurants. It is clearly a base camp for various hiking and outdoor activities…

In case you are planning to spend more time on this side of Kyrgyzstan, Do also check out the Jyrgalan Valley as well!… We did not have time for it (and it looked somewhat similar to altyn-Arashan, so we decided to skip it…

Day 3 – Karakol, Seven Bulls Rock, Fairytale Canyon and Song-Kul Lake

Given we did not have a chance the previous day to visit Karakol’s Wooden Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church during daylight hours. So we made a quick stop here, before heading onwards on day 3… A shorter drive – at least according to GPS – but that would turn out to be longer in reality…

Seven Bulls Rock

Around 30 mins drive from Karakol lays a rock formation, called the Seven Bulls Rock . A nice photo stop!…

Fairytale Canyon

Let’s drive further on the Southside of Issyk Kol Lake where you come across many beaches… We ventured out to the beachside to check the water temperature… Quite chilly, given the altitude and the meltwater that fills it…

Around 1.5 hours drive from Seven Bulls Rock you will see a brown ‘sight of interest’ sign pointing towards a sandy road heading towards Fairytale Canyon … In the meanwhile, the green landscape has dramatically changed into dry, red, desert-like mountains . You can go for an extensive hike, however, we did just pay the (very low) entry fee, parked our car and in 5 minutes hiked to one of the highest ‘hilltops’ overlooking the pointy rock formations … Closely resembling the deserts of Western USA …

Song-Kul Lake

Once you leave the red rocks of Fairytale country behind and you head towards Song-Kul Lake , the surroundings yet again dramatically change… This time ‘opening up’ to vast empty plains of grasslands…

Top Tip: Around 100km before you reach Song-Kul Lake, fill up your gas , and perhaps even more important, stock up with snacks, drinks and perhaps some beers !… As in a short while, you will find yourself in the middle of nowhere, on dirt roads over vast grasslands… with only horses, sheep, cows and some yurt camps around you!…

As mentioned earlier, do not always trust your GPS’s ETA in Kyrgyzstan ! We used the (offline maps) of Google Maps, and it thinks you’ll drive over a normal road where you can easily drive 50km/h… However, you will be happy to drive half of that over the dirt roads towards the Song-Kul Lake yurt camps… This is pushing your expected arrival time with 60 mins easily !…

Staying in a yurt camp

A little later than expected, but enjoying the beautiful scenery, we arrived at our (pre-booked) yurt camp… However, there is no real need to book ahead , you can just try your luck driving from camp to camp and book your stay on the spot… It is not busy/touristy at all , we were the only ones staying the night (during ‘high season’), meaning chances are high you can end your ‘search’ at your first camp already.

Beware that there is almost nothing to do ! You are staying at a sheep and horse herding family, there are no (outside) chairs or tables and no facilities like a bar/restaurant or anything… Good news: It is all very authentic … Not like some of the touristy looking accommodations that should pass for  ‘yurt camps’ you find around the Issyk Kol lake…

Book a horse ride

One thing to do is to book a horse ride tour on the spot… for 5 USD an hour per person. As soon as we booked it, we saw the family chasing up and capturing 2 horses from the plains… They saddled them up and off we went… Well this 1-hour trip turned in a 15 minutes tour , as the horses did not listen well, Arnoud fell off directly at the start (unfortunately not witnessed by me) and there was actually not much to ride to…

Top Tip: booking a 1-hour horse riding session is a fun experience, but I would certainly NOT advise taking one of the multiday horse ride tours towards Song-Kul lake (or anywhere in Kyrgyzstan)… That is just way too long unless you are a horse-riding enthusiast…

Dinner and breakfast at the yurt camp

When you arrive the camp owners will ask you if you like to have dinner and/or breakfast included . I do not see how you otherwise would eat, there is nothing nearby… You can opt to not do this and bring your own ready meals/snacks… We opted for the dinner (potato, vegetable, meat soup) and breakfast (2 eggs)… Nothing special, but also doesn’t cost too much, and it is helping your host family!…

Top Tip: In case you have devices that need charging do mention this , as they will run a generator for around 1 hour… lights go out after this… and that is it… apart from this timeslot, there is no power in the camp…

With the lights out there is not much more to watch the stars and listen to the animals that roam around the yurt camp until you fall asleep …

Top Tip: On these elevated plains it gets quite cold and very windy , so do bring a wind jacket, long pants and lip balm!…

Day 4 – Exploring Bishkek’s nightlife

The next day we woke up early – given the longer than expected drive the previous day – and headed to back to Bishkek.

After returning the car, we headed for a well-deserved massage , to get rid of al the back ages that this UAZ Hunter road trip left us with… You can easily book these massages via WhatsApp communication…

In the late afternoon and during the night we checked out various bars and restaurants !… Some recommendations would be Center Bar, Arzu Restaurant, Club Mongol (nice for dinner and turns into a club later at night) and the Coyote Ugly bar … Then again, we heard good stories about Bishkek’s nightlife, but is it really existing!?! The next day would be National Day, which in many countries means a busy party night before, however here it seemed extra quiet? Anyway, we had a few drinks before heading to bed… to fly out again the next day…

Well, that was the Kyrgyzstani Ghost around the Globegreat experience!… Kyrgyzstan I really recommend it to everyone!…

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First time in Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide » 10-day itinerary & best destinations

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Travel to Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is an amazing, uncommon travel destination, most definitely “off the beaten track”. Unique in its cultural richness and unmatched natural beauty, Kyrgyzstan has been home to a variety of cultures, empires, clans, and tribes among one of the lushest terrains in all of Central Asia .

With an incredible display of rivers, waterfalls and nearly 2,000 lakes, its beautiful mountainous landscape has provided the setting for over 2,000 years of history. On this blog post, I’ll write about my first visit to Kyrgyzstan.

You can also check my page about my second time in the country:

Why I decided to visit Kyrgyzstan again: 22-day travel itinerary

I spent 10 days in Kyrgyzstan and explored many of its most famous places. After visiting Osh, I explored the Fergana mountain range and moved east along the Chinese border. Finally I headed north to Lake Issyk-Kul, and furthermore to Bishkek, the capital city.

With its many astounding mountains rising to its skies, Kyrgyzstan’s peaks continue to attract climbers and adventurers from around the globe. The mountainous Tian Shan region covers over 80% of the country’s land with the remainder consisting of valleys and basins. The highest peaks are those of the Chinese border’s Kakshaal-Too range with its Jengish Chokusu mountain reaching a lofty 7,439m (24,406ft).

The principal river running through Kyrgyzstan is the Kara Darya, flowing through the Fergana Valley and into Uzbekistan . With less than 8% of its land cultivated, runoff from heavy winter snowfalls is most often used for hydroelectricity rather than farming. Although the territory is landlocked between Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and China, Kyrgyzstan’s geographical location along Central Asia’s Silk Road has historically made it a less “locked” and frequently navigated, more transitory point between the East and West.

I entered Kyrgyzstan two times:

• July 2012 – Border of UZ – fly out to PL
• October / November 2017 – Border of KZ to TJ

PL = Poland KZ = Kazakhstan TJ = Tajikistan UZ = Uzbekistan

First time in Kyrgyzstan – Itinerary

• Koshoy Korgon
• Lake Issyk Kul

Second time in Kyrgyzstan – Itinerary

• Sary Chelek Nature Reserve
• Kyrgyz Ata National Park
• Kolduk Lakes
• Sary-Moghol
• Lenin Peak Base Camp and Tulpar-Kol Lakes

What to visit in Kyrgyzstan

Well worth a few days’ pause to experience its rich history and eclectic mix of people, Osh is Kyrgyzstan’s second largest city and reportedly the oldest city in Central Asia, dating back about 3,000 years along with several legends of its origin. Near the Uzbekistan border, Osh’s favorable location in a fertile valley of the Pamir and Pamir-Alay Mountains made it a prime spot along the ancient Silk Road, securing its development as a major settlement and one of the region’s major trading centers. Occupying the eastern edge of the Fergana Valley, the city served as the administrative center of Osh Province since 1939. Despite its prevailing Soviet legacy in architecture, town planning and use of historical and cultural monuments, Osh is a very clean city filled with lush green trees, gardens and fragrant breezes. A modern university town with a distinct openness, its people are also very diverse and proud of their community, giving a lively and unique appeal to the all-around environment. Brimming with culture, history and a true sense of Central Asian hospitality, Osh provides a warm and welcoming energy unlike any other major Central Asian city and remains a top destination on anyone’s itinerary in Kyrgyzstan.

Often referred to as the most picturesque and operational bazaar in Central Asia for over 2,000 years, do not pass up Osh’s sprawling Jayma Bazaar and its thousands of merchants selling virtually everything along its kilometer-long stretch of the Ak-Bura River. Tourists take delight in the bustling experience while locals consider it an integral part of their daily life. Traders from China, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and all over Kyrgyzstan arrive with goods, the prices are favorable, and the supply is plentiful. Equally exotic is its diverse meat market featuring, yes, the local delicacy: lamb heads. It is nearly impossible to walk by the bazaar’s many ready-made foods: kebab, pilaf, samsa, and beshbarmak. Jayma Bazaar occurs every day of the week, from early morning until around 6:00 pm and is most populated on Sundays. Just north of the bazaar, you will also find the recently renovated, wooden Shaid Tepa Mosque (1910). Crowded and busy, it was the country’s largest mosque until only recently.

2. Kazarman

Another intriguing site to visit in the region is Saimaluu Tash, a petroglyph site located 30km (19mi) south of Kazarman village, within two Fergana Range valleys at 3,200m elevation. With over 10,000 rock paintings and sacred offerings of the lower valley’s ancient people from the Neolithic, Bronze and into the Middle Ages. It is also said that from the 8th-century BC to the 1st-century, Saka-Usun people settled here prior to the Kyrgyz and Saka priests using the site for sacrifices to their sun god. To this day, the site remains sacred to Kyrgyz people for its spiritual and healing qualities.

While crossing the Fergana Range, I met a few nomad families. You can also check my page about when I learned how to prepare Kyrgyz mountain cheese: Qurut cheese recipe by mountain nomads .

3. Ugut and Baetov

Ugut and Baetov are located in the Naryn Valley of Ak-Talaa region, halfway between Naryn and Kazarman. These small villages have very friendly local people, a small lake with several types of birds and picturesque cemetery, with brick built mausoleums and hundreds of Soviet-era decorated tombs.

4. Tash Rabat

Home to At-Bashy village, the At-Bashy District capital is located 35km southwest of Naryn and is the last settlement before the Chinese border. To its south, the At-Bashy Range extends to Lake Chatyr-Kul, while the At-Bashy River flows through a gorge in the Baybiche-Too range to join the Naryn River. For accommodation in At-Bashy, consider Tash Rabat, east of the main highway and situated at 3,200m altitude. Originally a 10th-century Nestorian monastery, the complex is located within a well-preserved 15th-century stone caravanserai, or inn, offering affordable accommodation to travelers. Its caretakers provide guests with yurts, dome-shaped rooms, and interior chambers. The nearby vicinity is also highly recommended for scenic hiking and horse-trekking in a beautiful natural area.

5. Koshoy Korgon

Ancient fortress near the Chinese border. This forgotten place doesn’t receive many tourists, and the interesting museum which I had the chance to visit is usually closed. The fortress itself is pretty much destroyed, yet if you climb the walls, you get an astonishing panoramic view of the area with breathtaking views of the nearby mountains.

6. Lake Issyk Kul

Crystal clear and indescribably beautiful, Issyk-Kul Lake is the true “Pearl of the Tian Shan” mountains. A favorite vacation spot for both locals and tourists relaxing on its golden-sand beaches, it harbors a healthful maritime climate with hotels and guesthouses in resorts offering sunbathing and swimming in the lake’s refreshing waters. While there is also a good quantity of research conducted here, due to the lore of the lake containing a submerged ancient city, pleasure-diving trips can also be arranged. Despite the region becoming quite cold in winter, Issyk-Kul Lake’s shores run a number of health centers providing many wellness services year-round, or simply a comfortable environment where travelers can enjoy the area’s serene, beautiful nature.

Along Issyk-Kul Lake’s southeastern shore, in Karakol, there are a number of beautiful landscapes including Tosor town’s unusual Skazka “Fairy Tale” Canyon. Named for its bizarre, rocky landscape transformed by wind over many years into creatively shaped, colorful formations such as the Great Wall of China, a hippopotamus, snake, dragon, sleeping giant and even castles. The area makes for an easy hike and is an excellent destination for explorers, young and old!

Just east of Bishkek, enjoy a brief pause in Tokmok and its Chuy Valley, midway between the capital and Issyk-Kul Lake. Once a mid-19th-century military outpost, the area was sought by many conquerors throughout history due to its prime location. The ruins of Ak-Beshim, once the capital of the Western Turkic Khaganate, are situated just southwest of Tokmok and, about 15km further south, the 11th-century Burana Tower looms above the grounds of a now absent ancient citadel believed to be the site of the former Kara-Khanid Empire capital, the ancient city of Balasagun. A large collection of ancient gravestones and stele can also be found nearby.

The capital and largest city of the Kyrgyz Republic, Bishkek originated as a 17th-century Khokand fortress built to regulate local caravan routes. After Russian forces destroyed it in 1860, a Russian settlement was developed on the site and established as the capital city, Pishpek. The Soviet Communist Party renamed the city in 1926 and, ten years later, it became the capital of the Kirghiz Soviet Socialist Republic. In 1991, the capital attained its modern name. Situated along the country’s mid-northern border with Kazakhstan and just off the northern end of the Ala-Too range, Bishkek’s surrounding mountains rise to 4,855 meters (15,928ft) and provide a spectacular backdrop to this wonderfully diverse city. Today’s Bishkek is a densely populated grid city with wide boulevards, marble-faced buildings mixed with Soviet-style housing blocks and offers visitors a brilliant cross-section of Kyrzyg culture.

Kyrgyzstan’s capital hosts a number of sites to visit and enjoy, ranging from diverse museums, parks, a lively bazaar and many historic monuments. Top of my list of sites to visit in Bishkek is the lively Osh Bazaar, one of the city’s largest bazaars and reputed as one of the most picturesque marketplaces in all of Asia. Accessible from the Pamir Highway , tourists and locals meander through its four blocks, finding everything from souvenirs, imports, local foods, meats and spices, household goods, musical instruments and clothing among many other items specific to Kyrgyzstan’s culture.

Also in the Bishkek city center, spend some time at Ala-Too Square decorated with fountains, surrounded by beautiful buildings and providing a magical spectacle in the evenings. There is a changing-of-the-guard every hour, under the square’s huge state flag next to a statue of Kyrgyzstan’s epic hero, Manas. From Ala-Too Square, you will find a number of museums and attractions within a few blocks’ distance such as the State History Museum including Soviet murals, an archaeological exposition as well as Kyrgyz-Soviet history and Cold War propaganda; the Museum of Fine Arts, displaying two floors of mostly Soviet-era art and regional woven crafts; the Mikhail Frunze Museum, a military exposition covering USSR history and the life of the leader the capital was originally named after; the recently-renovated Russian Orthodox Holy Resurrection Cathedral; the highly moving new Monument to Those Who Died for Freedom in front of the Presidential Palace; a sports arena and stadium, great shopping, the city’s trendy artists’ quarters and a beautiful rose garden. Other outdoor sights include Bishkek’s Oak Park and, near to the Zoological Museum (1926), Panfilov Park, for the interesting experience of a Soviet-era amusement park.

In 2017, Bishkek also saw the completion of its new Central City Mosque and largest mosque in central Asia, in its southeast city center. The classical Ottoman-style, white marble complex covers a 35-acre (141,640m²) site with a capacity for 20,000 worshippers and features a beautifully decorated 37-meter high dome, 70-meter high minarets, and a grand fountain. Just west of the city center, another important mosque to see is the well-preserved Central Masjid (1886), one of the city’s oldest structures with a modest design featuring a large inner courtyard, central dome, and prominent minaret as well as a striking interior.

Surprisingly, just outside of a populated capital city such as Bishkek, there are many beautiful natural sites where travelers can take a convenient day-trip to explore the awe-inspiring landscape beyond, while hiking, camping, trekking and even skiing. With its endless, scenic opportunities, you will find gorges, parks, canyons and resorts embracing the region, ready for the eager adventurer to explore and enjoy!

Tours in Kyrgyzstan

Read my pages:

Vanlife Kyrgyzstan: One-Month Road Trip with a Camper Van

Qurut cheese recipe by the mountain nomads of Kyrgyzstan

A Two Week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

Updated March 2024 , A Two Week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary was originally published in October 2020

Looking to take in two ‘stans on a limited time frame? No problem! Keeping it moving, you can squeeze in the best highlights of two Central Asian nations in this two week Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan itinerary. 

Start your KZ planning here: The  Kazakhstan Travel Guide I also recommend grabbing copies of Bradt Kazakhstan & Bradt Kyrgyzstan to kickstart your planning

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Almaty – 2 Days

Almaty  is the lush and green former capital of Kazakhstan, situated in the south of the country. With hip cafes and great restaurants, museums, parks, and plenty of landmarks, Almaty makes for a good start to your trip.

While you’re here don’t miss out on the bird’s eye view of the city from the top of Kok Tobe, grabbing a drink at the historic Hotel Kazakhstan, and make sure to relax at the Arasan Baths in the heart of the city.

Feeling adventurous? Order a taxi via  Yandex  and make a short trip just outside the city to beautiful  Big Almaty Lake .

Where To Stay In Almaty

Almaty Backpackers |  Booking.com  |

Hotel Mildom |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Rixos Almaty Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Looking for more ideas? Check out my  Almaty Travel Guide

Altyn Emel & Charyn Canyon – 2 Days

The great thing about starting from Almaty is that the city is the perfect jumping-off point for further exploration into southeastern Kazakhstan.

Famous for its unusual Singing Dunes and the colorful mineral-laden Aktau Range, Altyn Emel National Park is somewhere truly unique and not to miss. As you transit out of the national park, make sure to pay a visit to  Charyn Canyon’s  impressive Valley of Castles, reminiscent of scenes right out of the Grand Canyon .

For this section and the next (Altyn Emel, Charyn Canyon, Lake Kaindy, and Kolsai Lakes), I recommend booking a four day tour including all these stops as certain parts can be difficult to visit using shared taxis. If you are self-driving, don’t sweat it- you can arrange your own visit. 

Where To Stay

You can opt to stay back in the main village of Basshi, nearest to Altyn Emel National Park, but if you don’t mind roughing it a bit you can camp inside the park. For Charyn Canyon you can camp in the area, or you can opt to sleep in Saty Village near Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes. 

Everything you need to know before you go:  A guide to Charyn Canyon

Lake Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes – 2 Days

Lake Kaindy and Kolsai Lakes  are easily my favorite part of southeastern Kazakhstan.

Lake Kaindy is one of the most unique lakes, the world over, owing to its strange and unusual sunken forest. The icy-cold waters of earthquake-created Lake Kaindy are home to what appears to a forest of upside-down trees rising from the depth of the lake and above its surface.

Kolsai is a chain of three beautiful lakes, nicknamed the ‘pearls of the Tien Shan’, two of which can be visited by a day hike (out and back).

If you’re not up to spending a whole day hiking don’t worry- Kolsai Lake I is located just a short jaunt downhill from the parking lot at the end of the road. 

Plan your visit:  Lake Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes Guide

Saty Village is the nearest place to stay to both the lakes, making it a perfect place to base yourself for the couple of days you plan to be out here exploring the lakes. If you have your own tent it’s entirely possible to camp at both Lake Kaindy and over at Kolsai Lakes too.

Kyrgyzstan is up next! Start planning with my full-on  Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

Karkara Border & Karakol – 1 Day

After you wrap up your visit to Lake Kaindy, get an early morning start to head to the town of Kegen, the nearest town to the Karkara border crossing between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

If you aren’t traveling by your own transport you can get a taxi from Saty to Kegen and then once to Kegen grab another taxi to the border. I recommend contacting a hotel or guesthouse in Karakol to book and have them arrange a car to meet you at the border to take you down to Karakol, as you can expect to not find cars waiting on the Kyrgyz side of the border. 

Karakol is a culinary gem in the east of Kyrgyzstan thanks to influences that arrived in the city from several cultures including, Kyrgyz, Dungan (Hui), Uyghur, Tatar, and Russian.

I highly recommend either going on the  Karakol Foodie Tour  or attending a  Dungan family dinner , both of which can be arranged through the tourism office of  Destination Karakol . If you aren’t feeling up to either of those, at very least head over to Ashlan Fu Alley at the Bugu Bazaar (I recommend Ashlan Fu Saida!) to try a delicious cold bowl of Ashlan Fu. 

Make sure to visit the Dungan Mosque, Holy Trinity Cathedral, the Soviet Antique shop, and Karakol’s several museums. 

Karakol is a foodie paradise  Check out my  must-eat guide to Karakol

Where To Stay In Karakol

Snow Leopard Hostel |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Caravan Hotel |  Booking.com  |

Gostinitsa Karagat |  Booking.com  |  Agoda.com  |

Plan your time in Karakol:  The Karakol Travel Guide

Altyn Arashan To Ala Kul Hike – 3 Days

Dramatic green valleys, snow-dusted peaks, a glacial lake, and a hot spring? The Altyn Arashan-Ala Kul Hike is a two night/three day, 38 kilometer stunner that takes in some of the most gorgeous scenery Kyrgyzstan’s Tien Shan has to offer. 

Check out this guide to the Ala Kul Hike by  Jack & Jill Travel , but do note they kick it into high gear and fast forward this hike to complete it in two days. Several local operators around Karakol offer guided hikes to Ala Kul as well. 

There are yurts available for rent at Sirota Basecamp near Ala Kul, and cabins for rent in Altyn Arashan. Don’t miss out on taking a dip in the hot springs at Altyn Arashan too! Not to worry though, if you have your own tent it’s possible to camp along the trek as well.

Also note:  the road out of Altyn Arashan is not for the faint of heart- you’ve been warned. 

Jeti Oguz – 1 Day

Jeti Oguz  is one of my favorite stops along Issykul. It’s a photographer’s paradise with red-burnt rocks set in a green valley.

Several interesting rock formations can be found, including the famed ‘Seven Bulls’ and the ‘Broken Heart Rock’. Another not-to-miss is the trek over to the nearby Kök Jaiyk, better known as the Valley of Flowers. 

You can easily spend the night here in Jeti Oguz. You could try  Nomads’ Eco Lodge , however, there are several guesthouses for rent in the village of Jeti Oguz. There are also yurts available to rent in the Valley of Flowers. 

Looking for more info? Check out my  guide to Jeti Oguz

Skazka Canyon & Southern Issykul 1 Day

Skazka Canyon is truly a highlight as you round Issykul Lake toward Bishkek. Skazka, which is commonly referred to by its nickname of ‘Fairy Tale Canyon’ features unusual orange-and-red rock formations worth a trek around. The most notable being a narrow spine of rock that reminded me of a stegosaurus. 

Continuing along the southern coast of Issykul, other notable stops include Bokonbayevo to check out an eagle hunting demonstration, and further adventures from Tamga, and Barskoon.

You could make a beeline and get to Bishkek in the evening, or you can opt to spend the night en route.

Bishkek – 2 Days

Round off the end of your two week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan itinerary in the Kyrgyz capital of  Bishkek . Bishkek has a handful of things to do, but it’s not overwhelming- and that’s what I love about it. 

While there aren’t too many things to do in Bishkek, there are still a few must-see stops while you’re here. I recommend visiting the Osh Bazaar, it’s massive and sprawling and I honestly get lost there for an entire day every time I’m back in Bishkek. Ala-Too Square along Chuy Avenue is a must-see, as well as a stroll along green-and-leafy Erkindik Park. 

If you’re looking to get one more ashlan fu fix before you leave Kyrgyzstan, a visit to Dordoi Bazaar, located northeast of the city is in order. It’s also worth mentioning that Bishkek does have a nice array of foreign as well as Central Asian restaurants to try. Bishkek also has an emerging craft beer and brewery scene, as well as a scattering of fun coffee shops, and vibrant nightlife. 

Looking for more ideas? Check out my  top things to do in Bishkek + travel guide post

Where to stay in Bishkek

Apple Hostel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Viva Hotel |  Hotels.com  |

Hotel Asia Mountains 1 |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Salut Hotel |  Booking.com  |  Hotels.com  |

Have any questions about this two week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan itinerary?

Ask in the comments section below.

More Posts from Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan:

32 Photos That Will Put Kazakhstan On Your Bucketlist

A Simple Guide To Central Asia Visas

7 Tips For Solo Female Travel In Central Asia

The Karkara Border Crossing Between Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan

How To Get To Big Almaty Lake

Lake Kaindy & Kolsai Lakes: Everything You Need To Know

Kazakhstan Travel Guide

How To Get To Charyn Canyon, Kazakhstan

A Tour Though The Almaty Metro

A Beginner’s Guide To Central Asia Travel: Discover The Silk Road

The 14 Best Things To Do In Almaty + Almaty Day Trips

3 Days in Almaty, Kazakhstan

A Two Week Kazakhstan & Kyrgyzstan Itinerary

10 Off The Beaten Path Destinations For 2021

Karakol Travel Guide + 13 Things To Do In Karakol, Kyrgyzstan

The Best Road Trips In The World

34 Photos That Will Make You Book A Ticket To Kyrgyzstan

Why Foodies Should Flock To Karakol, Best Karakol Restaurants & Food

Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide

A 10 Day Pamir Highway Itinerary including the Wakhan Valley

10 Things To Do In Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Crossing Kyzyl Art Pass Between Tajikistan & Kyrgyzstan

5 Things To Do In Osh, Kyrgyzstan + Travel Guide

How To Get To Burana Tower & The Tokmok Animal Market

A Quick Guide To Jeti Oguz, Kyrgyzstan

How To Visit Sary Chelek, Kyrgyzstan

Marco Poloing Around: The Long Way to Italy, Via Afghanistan

2 thoughts on “a two week kazakhstan & kyrgyzstan itinerary”.

Dear Nicole, We really love this Kazachstan/Kyrgyzstan trip and would like to follow your planning. We were just wondering how you did it with flights and cars. Did you fly to Almaty, rent a car over there and did the entire trip with this car (also to kyrgyzstan)? Followed by a plane back from Bishkek? Thanks for your help! Best regards, Kaat

Hi Kaat, you’ll need to request the proper documents from the rental agency to bring the vehicle over the border.

Regarding flights, the most optimal would be to fly into Almaty and out of Bishkek. I have done that in the past, as well as having visited both Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan on longer trips that took me to several of the Post-Soviet ‘stans in a single trip ( this was mostly done overland).

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Home » Asia » Backpacking Guide

Backpacking Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide 2024

Let me fill you in on a (not so secret) secret: Kyrgyzstan is set to be the next BIG backpacker destination and if you are thinking of planning a trip here, congratulations! You are making an excellent choice. It is a wild, wild country full of off the beaten path potential, yet relatively easy to travel in and get about on the cheap.

Nowhere else in Central Asia (or most of the world for that matter) will you find such a perfectly set stage for backpacker exploration and adventure. Kyrgyzstan truly offers up the perfect recipe for keen backpackers looking for a powerful, uniquely personal, travel experience.

While Kyrgyzstan may be the easiest of the “Stans” to travel in, this complex country does take a bit of time to figure out and connect with. I am here to show you the way…

Below, I provide honest, fresh advice on where to go backpacking in Kyrgyzstan, backpacker accommodation, suggested Kyrgyzstan itineraries, top things to do in Kyrgyzstan, how to travel the country, daily travel costs, best treks, Kyrgyzstan budget travel hacks, and all the other nuts and bolts that go into making an epic Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

Settle in amigos, let me show you what backpacking in Kyrgyzstan is all about…

Why Go Backpacking in Kyrgyzstan?

Kyrgyzstan ticks all of the boxes that light my backpacker fire. You’ll find inspiring alpine landscapes, endless trekking opportunities, exposure to Kyrgyz nomadic culture, azure high-altitude lakes, 7000-meter mountains, delicious cheap food, reasonable budget accommodation options, well connected public transport, yurt camps, gold-toothed smiling locals, oh, and some of the cheapest Vodka found this side of mother Russia.

Let’s take a look at where to stay in Kyrgyzstan . Kyrgyzstan’s geography is very important to understand from a cultural and activity perspective. Northern Kyrgyzstan is a popular adventure playground for backpackers looking to connect with Kyrgyz culture and truly special trekking destinations.

The majority of Kyrgyzstan’s tourism infrastructure is located in the north, which makes it one of the easiest and most approachable areas to travel in the country.

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From the capital Bishkek , most places of interest are less than 6 hours drive away, and sometimes far less than that. The famous Song Kol and Issyk Kul lakes are in the north, as is the Tian Shan range (Celestial Mountains).

Numerous well-established yurt camps and hiking trails are found throughout the mix of the rugged steppe, forest, and desert landscapes in Karakol , Jyrgalan , Fairy Tail Canyon , Chon Kemin , and Barkskoon Gorge , and the above-mentioned lakes.

The south is another matter entirely. From the southern city of Osh and beyond, there is a palpable difference in the air. Southern Kyrgyzstan is the wild west in many respects.

There is little to no backpacker infrastructure apart from a few hot spots like Lenin Peak Base Camp/Tulpar Kol . Southern Kyrgyzstan is also much more religious (Muslim majority) and conservative.

The Fergana valley — which has shared borders in Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan— has been a place of constant ethnic tensions and sporadic violence for decades.

Kyrgyzstan is exceptionally diverse and taking the time to appreciate its different areas is a clear must.

Best Travel Itineraries for Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Below I have crafted a few Kyrgyzstan travel itineraries to help you form a logical route for your time in the country.

These routes are just suggestions based on the itineraries I utilized during my time spent backpacking Kyrgyzstan. Each of these routes can be customized, reversed, or reworked to fit your interests and schedule.

#1 Kyrgyzstan Itinerary – 8-10 Days: Highlights of the North

If you have come to Kyrgyzstan for only eight days, then you certainly want to be armed with a plan to ensure you can see and do as much as humanly possible. This trip length will be quite hectic and action-packed.

That said, because of the relatively short distances, you can have an awesome set of experiences in just an eight-day window. Here are my suggestions:

Start your trip in Bishkek but save the exploration of the capital to the end of the trip. Drive to Song Kul from Bishkek via a stop at Burana Tower and stay the night with a nomadic family at a yurt camp.

Horse trekking can also be organized at Song Kol (either as a day trip or an overnight horse trek). Song Kol is an excellent place to chill out after your long journey by plane (or road) to Kyrgyzstan.

From Song Kul head to Issyuk Kul . Here you can check out the spectacular Fairy Tale Canyon , found on the south side of the lake. Eagle hunting demonstrations are also available in the villages around the southern shore.

Because you are short on time, I recommend hiring a car/jeep to take you to Karakol Valley so that you can start a three-night trek in the Celestial Mountains .

You don’t need a guide to do this trek, but if you are doing it solo, you’ll need to stock up on food and other supplies in Karakol . The three nights of the trek are spent at Karakol Valley , Ala Kul lake , and Altyn Arashan .

You can opt for a rest day in Karakol following the trek. For the next day, you have several options: go check out Jeti Oguz, Barksoon Gorge, or simply chill out at Issyk Kul with wine and a good book (after a swim).

Then it’s back to Bishkek or a night of craft beer and amazing food before flying out the next day. Breathe.

#2 Kyrgyzstan Itinerary 2 Weeks: A Proper Look at the North

With two weeks at your discretion, you suddenly have a few more options. This route can follow most or all of the eight-day route mentioned above with a few tasty additions along the way.

I would still stick to the north because you don’t have enough time to make the journey south. Plus, there is plenty to do and experience in the north anyway.

In addition to what the eight-day itinerary has to offer, here are some suggestions to help you fill an additional (almost) week in Kyrgyzstan’s northern areas…

Check out Sary Jaz , a region bordering with China. Permits are required to get in here, but the juice is worth the squeeze. You won’t find many other foreigners here. When done in a jeep, the Ring of Sary Jaz  is a spectacular way to take in a big chunk of the landscape in two days.

Another place to check out in Sary Jaz is the old Soviet mining town, Engilchek  the nearby Kara-Tash hot springs.

Go for a horse trek in Jyrgalan, one of the most popular horse trekking destinations in Kyrgyzstan, and probably the easiest place to organize a horse trek as well. Jyrgalan is a nice place to check out if you don’t mind sharing the trail with other foreigners.

You could head further south of Bishkek to Naryn for a couple of days for more off the beaten path trekking options.

Ala Archa National Park is just 40 km from Bishkek. This place is excellent if you want to get some nature time in without being too far from the city.

If you have had enough of the mountains (how could you though?!) you can head back to Bishkek for two or three days and enjoy the cosmopolitan side of the capital. Though anything more than two or three days and you’ll likely get bored.

#3 Kyrgyzstan Itinerary 1 Month: North and South Highlights

With a month on your hand, you can certainly head south to check out the scene. You can opt to start in the south if you wish.

After taking in the north (see above itineraries), you can opt for a flight from Bishkek to Kyrgyzstan’s second-biggest city, Osh (about 45 minutes). You can take a small bus overland, but it takes about 12 hours. If you have time and you are on a budget, the bus makes more economic sense.

Osh is worth spending a couple of days in, though the highlights of the south lie a few hours south of the city.

Head to Sary Mogul,  a dusty, rather ugly ramshackle village five hours south of Osh. Sary Mogul is the jumping-off point to Tulpar Kul and Lenin Peak Base Camp . Tulpar Kul is worth the visit whether you plan to make the trek to Lenis Peak or not.

For those with a serious adventure appetite, an amazing way to spend eight days in the south is to tackle a big trek in the Batken/Karavshin Valley region. Deemed the “ Patagonia of Central Asia “, This place is truly wild, also requires permits to visit, and is as about as off the beaten path as you can get in Kyrgyzstan. More on trekking in the Batken later in this Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

#4 Kyrgyzstan Itinerary 2+ Months: The Whole Damn Thing

One can never actually see the “ whole damn thing ” on one trip (unless you visit Monaco or another 3-kilometer long country). That said, with two months in Kyrgyzstan, you can give it an honest go.

Since most travelers from Western countries get a 60-day tourist visa on arrival it isn’t hard to stay in this Central Asian outdoor mecca for that amount of time.

If you plan on using up your entire 60-day tourist visa in Kyrgyzstan then you can move at a sloooooooow pace.

In my opinion, the only real reason why you would want to stay in Kyrgyzstan for two months would be to 1. go on numerous multi-day treks in many different parts of the country or 2. settle down in Bishkek for a month to live out the digital nomad dream working online.

So, building on the above-mentioned itineraries, I have the following suggestions for you to fill an additional month in Kyrgyzstan:

Take the time to discover more unique destinations in southern Kyrgyzstan . Explore the Fergana Valley . Go trekking in the Alay Mountains .

For a challenging, lengthy, and drop-dead gorgeous trek through the Alay, tackle the 8-day trek which crosses the epic Jiptick Pass . Don’t worry, more details about all of these epic treks later in this Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

My advice: take the time to really get to know a place instead of just passing through on a whirlwind tour. Spend time with locals and make the effort to learn a bit of the Kyrgyz and/or Russian languages. Travel overland, hitchhike and generally travel like you are in no hurry, because friend, you aren’t.

Places to Visit in Kyrgyzstan

From the lakes, mountains, and steppe country of the north to the rugged and dusty south, Kyrgyzstan is a vast land with many interesting places to check out. For the most part, traveling in Kyrgyzstan is safe and there are only a handful of areas that require special government permission to enter.

Each region of Kyrgyzstan has something special and rewarding to offer backpackers if you know where to look. From my experience, I found only a handful of places that were bust with foreigners, which is a positive sign that Kyrgyzstan has yet to fully erupt into a Nepal-like adventure destination.

Apart from the popular Karakol area and Song Kol, backpackers are far and few between. Exploration potential is limitless… at the moment .

Again, the overall vibe in the north versus the south is markedly different and you will find the largest practicing Muslim populations living in the south. The rural areas of the north are still home to large numbers of seasonal nomadic herders, though these numbers are a fraction of what they were in centuries past (especially pre the Soviet Union).

Let’s take a look at some of the top places to visit in Kyrgyzstan…

Backpacking Bishkek

Except for neighboring Almaty, Bishkek is hands down one of the most liberal and fun capital cities in Central Asia.

For being a capital, the streets are pretty quiet, and just about everywhere you go there is a huge presence of university students from all over the world. Though it may not seem so at first, a lot is going on at night as well – you just need to know where to look.

While Bishkek lacks impressive monuments, mosques, and world-class museums, it does win huge points for its craft beer scene, cheap accommodation, and tasty, affordable eateries. I am sure with time Bishkek will only become cooler (and it is in a pretty good spot as it is).

The only notable attractions around town are probably Ala-Too Square and Osh Bazaar. Personally, my favorite thing to do in Bishkek is to visit the amazing (and underrated) craft beer bars. A few breweries to check out are Save the Ales, Blonder, Brewster, and Steninbrau . Ask the staff for the “beer cheese”; they will know what you’re talking about.

If you need to change cash and a local SIM card, go to the GUM Shopping Mall . If you need electronics, go TSUM Center . Hiking equipment? Red Fox is a popular chain but expensive; Alex.kg is more affordable.

There’s quite a bit to do outside of Bishkek as well. Ala Archa National Park, home to several nearly-5000m peaks, is only 45 minutes away by car. Burana Tower, one of the most significant cultural landmarks in Kyrgyzstan, is 90 minutes away. If you’d like to organize a tour to either of these, our friends at Show me Bishkek can help.

Bishkek is the central transportation hub of the country. You can sort out public transport or a taxi to just about anywhere from here.

Backpacking Song Kol

If Song Kol (also spelled Song Kul and Son Kul) happens to be your first real destination outside of Bishkek, then you won’t be disappointed. Song Kul is a super green, hilly area of high altitude Central Asian steppe centered around a large salty lake. Traditionally, this area was used by nomadic herders during the summer months as grazing ground for their animals.

Depending on what you want to do, your experience in Song Kul can either be very chill or very active. The main draw of Song Kul, apart from the obvious beauty, is the yurt camps. Small, family-run yurt camps dot the shore and offer up an authentic taste of nomadic life. Some yurt camps are more authentic than others, however.

For backpackers, I suggest seeking out a yurt camp that has no frills: no super fancy beds, yurts, or neon lights. These high-end yurt camps are expensive and will not give you the desired experience of staying with a family.

The real yurt camps are nice too, and often they just bear the name of the family.

Horse trekking is also a popular activity around the lake. One can combine a multi-day hike with horse trekking to Song Kol if you have the time and budget to do so.

I’d say a few hours of riding horses around the lake is enough as the area is rather flat (hills are in the background) and the landscape doesn’t change much. The best option would be to do the hike/horse trekking combo if you have the budget for it. Horses cost about $20 an hour for day trips. If you are doing a multi-day adventure, there is more room for negotiation.

Backpacking Issyk Kul

Issyk Kul is a sight to behold. It is the seventh deepest lake in the world, the tenth-largest lake in the world by volume, and the second-largest saline lake after the Caspian Sea. In any case, the lake is MASSIVE and takes some time to properly explore.

Before heading onwards to Karakol, you should spend a night or two exploring the southern area of Issyk Kul. The south side is the much quieter, more backpacker-friendly part of the lake. The north side of the lake is built up, expensive, and full of Russian’s on holiday.

There is a WHOLE LOT to do around Issyk Kul. Fairytale Canyon aka Skazka is full of surreal rock formations and vivid colors. There’s a pretty waterfall in Barskoon Gorge and beyond is the Arabel Plateau , which sometimes requires permits to access.

The one thing you have to do is be a part of an eagle hunting demonstration. The Salburun Federation , based in nearby Bokonbayevo , organizes these at $50 a pop. They’ll explain to you the cultural significance of the eagle hunter while demonstrating.

Among the various yurt camps, Bel Tam is one of the oldest and best run. Continue down the road from Bel Tam, and you will find other, more quiet yurt camps. Some even have wifi! You should not have to pay more than 2000-3000 SOM per person night (includes breakfast).

The key to picking the best place to stay in Issyk Kul is to make sure the camp has good beach access. There isn’t a whole lot to do once you arrive at a remote yurt camp, so having the option to go for a swim off a beautiful red-sand beach is an obvious must. (The best beaches are after the Bel Tam yurt camp FYI.)

To visit the top sites in the area, you will either need to rent a car or hire a taxi. There are public buses that run along the lakeshore en route to Karakol or Bishkek, but these will prove to be unhelpful when it comes to seeing the sites in Issyk Kul.

Backpacking Chon Kemin

Chon Kemin makes for another excellent base for adventure activities. This wide, green, almost Swiss-like valley has a little of everything. For backpackers after a little white water rafting, Chon Kemin is the place to do it.

There are also several fine treks in the area, pretty much all of which can either be done on foot or with horses (or a combination of both).

If you are looking for cultural experiences, I’d say you can find that in Chon Kemin; you’ll just have to pay for it. Like a few other places in Kyrgyzstan, the interesting cultural elements of Kyrgyz traditional life are not practiced often enough that you will just stumble across them.

Things like Kyrgyz folk shows/music, eagle hunting, nomadic games, etc must be organized in advance (and sometimes are not all that cheap).

For me, this kind of takes the authenticity out of what backpacking is about, and doesn’t make sense financially for solo/couple backpackers. If you plan to come to Chon Kemin, come for the adventure activities and stay for beautiful views and nice people.

You can organize just about anything in Chon Kemi through our friend, Aziz, from Kemin Guest House. Here is his Whatsapp: +996 703295919.

I would advise you not to stay at his guesthouse, for the sole reason that it is almost too nice, and thus quite expensive, with a single room costing around $60.

Backpacking Karakol

Karakol is the uncontested adventure capital of Kyrgyzstan. Endless treks, jeep excursions, climbing trips, and cultural events can be organized in the city. But if you are expecting an Aspen or Chamonix vibe, you will be sorely disappointed.

I was pretty surprised to find that despite Karakol being the most popular city for foreigners in Kyrgyzstan, it remains largely undeveloped, dusty, and has the feel of an old Soviet frontier town of sorts.

In terms of on the ground attractions in Karakol, there are a few interesting spots to check out. The Holy Trinty Cathedral is the most beautiful building in the city.

On the opposite side of town, you’ll find the Dungan Mosque , a rather uninspiring, yet curious structure resembling a Buddhist temple. The coolest thing about this mosque is the fact that it survived the wrath of the Bolsheviks (who destroyed all of the other mosques in the city).

The biggest highlight for me in Karakol was getting down on some seriously good BBQ pre and post trekking. The Kafe Aychurok (on the main street) has the best shashlik (meat skewers) of all time. The prices are reasonable and the feasting is next level. This is a bring-your-own-beer sort of joint and is well worth doing. Bring your meat-eating A-game.

There are also a few decent groceries and bakeries in town, so you should have no problem cooking a few meals and getting food supplies for your upcoming trek.

There are a handful of hostels in town too, but I recommend staying at Duet Hostel.

Backpacking Sary Jaz

A little known gem lies just a few hours from Karakol. If you have the time, you should 100% go check it out.

Sary Jaz is a border region between Kyrgyzstan and China. The landscapes found here are every photographer’s dream. Better yet, you are very likely to not see another single backpacker out there. There are a few different options for where to go and what to do in Sary Jaz.

Sary Jaz area is part of Khan-Tengri National Park. It is the largest national park in Kyrgyzstan and has greatly contributed to the protection of rare and endangered species of flora and fauna, primarily the snow leopard population.

I should note that to enter into Sary Jaz you need to obtain a government permit (which costs about $35) and you also need to take a local guide with you. If you have a little extra cash in your budget, the 1 – 4 day trip (depending on how you plan it) is well worth it.

Option 1: Ring of Sary Jaz : Epic mountain views, a high pass, braided river systems, awesome campsites, stunning star photography opportunities.

Option 2: Sary Jaz to Enylchek and Hot Springs: This route takes you to another part of the Sary Jaz region. Here, you can visit an old abandoned Soviet mining town (Enylchek). There are still people living nearby, but there are numerous massive dilapidated brick apart blocks that you can walkthrough. It is a pretty eerie experience, but cool nonetheless.

The cost of doing this trip: up to 3 people – 265 USD per person with an SUV 4×4 for transport. I know, I know, these ain’t backpacker prices, but it is worth it, I tell you!!

Backpacking Jyrgalan

The hill country around Jyrgalan is the most popular horse trekking destination in Kyrgyzstan. Its green meadows, picturesque mountains, and accessibility from Karakol have helped to skyrocket its popularity.

Most people opt to base themselves in the village of Jyrgalan , where there are various guesthouses and yurt stays available. Expect to pay around 3000 SOM per person per night.

If you visit from the middle of July onward, it is possible to do the iconic Echkili Tash trek , which takes 4 days and around 70 kilometers to complete. Be sure to ask locals if the passes are indeed free of heavy snowpack or not.

Multiday horse treks are the name of the game in Jyrgalan as well, and if you hire a local guide and cook, there almost certainly will be a couple of pack horses rolling with you.

You certainly do not NEED a guide to go trekking in Jyrgalan. If you plan on setting off on your own, be sure to come prepared with supplies bought in Karakol as the options for buying decent trekking food are quite limited in the village.

Backpacking Osh

Osh is located in the south of Kyrgyzstan in the Fergana Valley and is the country’s 2nd largest city. Osh has quite the storied past and was a major outpost for traders on the Silk Road. The city is also one of the oldest settlements in Central Asia.

After recovering from spats of ethnic violence in 2010, Osh is now experiencing a period of relative calm, though there will always be noticeable tension between the Kyrgyz and Uzbek communities.

Like most cities in Kyrgyzstan, Osh is more of a jumping-off point than it is a destination. One can spend a few days roaming the bust streets, trying tasty food, and utilizing the decent internet connections found in the cafes.

Accommodation in Osh is cheaper than in Bishkek and a decent guesthouse or apartment should cost between USD 20-30.

Here some things to do in Osh:

• Visit the massive Lenin Monument : the monument is located on the edge of Park Im. T.satylganova.
• Street Art : Check out all of the cool street art and graffiti plastered across the buildings in the city center.
• Stop by the new Sulayman Mosque : To get there is about a 30-minute walk from the city center.
• Climb Sulayman Mountain : For epic views of the city and the mosque, hike up to the top of the iconic Sulayman Mountain.
• Eat Pizza and Drink Beer : California Cafe is an awesome spot to grab a cold beer and to chow down on some damn good pizza. Brio Cafe has, without question, the best coffee in town. For authentic Kyrgyzstani food, go to Kurmanzhan Datka Cafe.

Backpacking Arslanbob

When it comes to picturesque mountain towns in Kyrgyzstan, Arslanabob can hold its own with the best of them.

A good place to start upon arriving in town is to check into the CBT guesthouse. From here, you can organize and/or get up to date information on fishing in the area, horse trekking adventures, and just about anything else outdoor-related that Arslanbob has to offer.

There is an awesome day trip to the walnut forest waterfalls. You don’t need a guide to do this trek, so don’t trust the locals if they tell you that you need a guide!

From Osh, the journey to Arslanbob takes about 3 1/2 hours.

Backpacking Sary Mogul

In terms of dusty, scruffy towns in Kyrgyzstan go, Sary Mogul is pretty damn dusty and scruffy. Upon arrival, I determined that it was best to not even spend the night there, though the folks at the local CBT guesthouse were very nice and helped me organize a jeep to Tulpar Kul yurt camp.

There isn’t anything of interest in Sary Mogul, so like me, you will probably just pass through en route to Tulpar Kul and Lenin Peak Base Camp. A few locals-only cafe shacks serve fried bread, tea, and strong instant coffee.

Backpacking Tulapr Kul

To reach Tulpar Kul takes about an hour and a half by jeep via a bumpy 4×4 track. Tulpar Kul is a medium-sized yurt camp surrounded by small lakes. One can get a cozy yurt (with a fire inside), nice meals, and a good base for exploring the surrounding mountain trails.

Because the camp sits at around 3500 meters, it can be cold here (it snowed on me when I was there) so come with the appropriate clothing.

Marmots are about as common here as gold teeth are in all of Kyrgyzstan! Lenin peak Base Camp is only a short walk (around 25 minutes) from Tulapar Kul. In the height of the season, it will be busy with climbing expeditions and not the most peaceful place to stay.

From Tulpar Kol, it is a 3-hour walk up (2 hours down) with roughly 500 meters of altitude gain to the famous Traveller’s Pass (4000 meters).

From the top of the pass, you have a perfect view of Lenin Peak standing tall almost 3 kilometers above.  Pray for clear skies and prepare to be wowed.

Ask anyone working at the yurt camp in Tulpar Kul or Lenin Peak Base Camp for directions, the route to the pass is straight forward. Note that heavy snow can be present at any time of the year. Ask about conditions before setting off. Hiking with proper waterproof boots and gaiters is a must if there is some snow on the trail.

Getting Off the Beaten Track In Kyrgyzstan

If you have found your self rambling along through Central Asia, congratulations! In terms of backpacker scenes, Central Asia is raw and in the infant stages of tourism.

That said, Kyrgyzstan does have its hot spots where you will almost certainly find foreigners. Apart from places like the Karakol area treks, Song Kol and Issyk Kul, fellow backpackers are far and few between.

If you want to experience a truly wild part of Kyrgyzstan, head south the Batken/Karavshin valley region. There is relatively no information online about this place (we aim to change that soon). You’ll want to organize a local guide in Bishkek before going south. The Batken region is one of the most remote places I have ever been, and you need a guide to go there.

Don’t listen to people who tell you that Jyrgalan is off the beaten path. That’s bullshit .

Jyrgalan is now one of the most popular places in the whole country. Trust us, if you want REAL adventure, head to the Batken. Our friend Aslabek at the CBT office in Bishkek can help sort you out. Tell him we sent you and maybe he will give you a special price.

Request that your guide be Suliman from the village of Ozgorush (were the trek starts); he is a wonder of a man and a badass guide.

A 9-day (!) trek in the Batken will cost you between $600-700 and will include transport to/from Osh horses for supplies, food, guides, and a cook.

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

Things to Do in Kyrgyzstan

The activities listed here are only a few of many. If you’d like to hear some more ideas, be sure to visit our comprehensive article on what to do in Kyrgyzstan!

1. Go for a Multiday Trek

If you come to Kyrgyzstan and do not go for a badass trek somewhere, then you have failed miserably.

2. Attend a Nomadic Games Event

From goats head polo matches (Koko Boru) to strength competitions to javelin throwing, the Kyrgyz people are serious about their brand of sport… and seeing them in action is quite the sight to behold. Nomadic sports are well entrenched in modern-day Kyrgyz society and occur at various times all over the country.

The ultimate competition takes place at the World Nomad Games, which occurs every year, though not always in Kyrgyzstan. For the past three years, the games have been held in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, but this year (2019) the games are taking place in Turkey.

3. Take a Swim in Issyk Kul

When that fierce sun is shining down, perhaps nothing else in the world is as refreshing as a dip in the crisp waters of Issyk Kul. Have beers on standby.

4. Try Kumis

What the hell is Kumis ? Well, my friends, Kumis is a slightly alcoholic concoction of fermented mares milk. To be honest with you I kind of hated kumis, but trying it is a sort of right of passage for people backpacking in Kyrgyzstan.

5. Horse Trekking

Kyrgyzstan is a land of horse culture. It is in the blood of the people like baseball is in the blood of Americans. Get yourself on a horse and head into the mountains. Kyrgy horse treks are a great reason to visit Kyrgyzstan.

6. Check out an Eagle Hunting Demonstration

Over the centuries, nomadic people’s honed their falcon husbandry skills to an art. When you see a demonstration, no actual animal is hunted, but watching how the hunters work with their birds is quite amazing.

7. Stay in a Yurt

Similar to trekking, you can not visit Kyrgyzstan and NOT stay in a yurt. If you want to learn more about yurts, it is possible to help build one at some yurt camps.

8. Eat Manta

Manta is the Kyrgyz version of dumplings. They are delicious and they are prone to be eaten in glutinous quantity.

9. Visit Sary Jaz

You may have gathered by now that the Sary Jaz region is one of my favorite places in Kyrgyzstan. Get off the beaten path, hire a jeep, and go see it for yourself. If possible, try to camp out there.

10. Try Kyrgyz Booze

From brandy to vodka to whiskey, there is no shortage of tasty spirts to try. In Bishkek, sampling some of the craft beers is a must.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Backpacker Accommodation in Kyrgyzstan

It’s pretty easy to find reasonably priced backpacker accommodation in Kyrgyzstan. You won’t find dirt cheap accommodation as one can in South East Asia or Nepal, but the going rate hovers between $25 – 40 USD, depending on what you are after.

The hostel scene in the country is limited to just a few cities, but when you do stumble across a hostel, they are typically super cheap (like $6-8), basic, and just what the budget backpacker ordered.

Most yurt camps charge between 2000-3000 SOMS per night and usually come with breakfast.

Luxury chalets and fancy yurt camps are cost-prohibitive and should be avoided.

Camping is part of Kyrgyz/nomadic culture, so there are limitless locations across the country where you can pitch your tent for free. Of course, always make sure that you are not camping on someone’s private land and always practice Leave No Trace principles.

Couchsurfing is also slowly gaining traction, though I did not personally Couchsurf whilst backpacking in Kyrgyzstan.

Best Places to Stay in Kyrgyzstan

Are you wondering  which is the best part of Kyrgyzstan to stay in?  Well, let me give you a few suggestions.

Number one on many lists of the attractions of this country awash with natural beauty is Issyk Kul. The ‘hot lake’, as it translates from Kyrgyz, is a national treasure and a source of pride to its people.

The capital of the country, and home to 25% of its people, Bishkek is an easy winner for where to stay in Kyrgyzstan for nightlife.

The whole of Kyrgyzstan is a hiker’s paradise, with trails and mountains every which way you turn. Karakol is the gem in the east, near Issyk Kul, and is our pick for the best place in Kyrgyzstan to stay for hiking.

Song Kul is set in a vast grassy pasture land in the mountains, though the area itself is a flat plain. It’s where millenia of nomads have pitched their yurts for the summer grazing, and where you can pitch your yurt too!

Located in central Kyrgyzstan, near the Uzbek border, Arslanbob is a stunning village and region nestled in the mountains (where else!?). t’s best known for its enormous walnut forest, the largest walnut grove on earth, covering 11,000 hectares.

Osh is in the Fergana Valley, in the south of Kyrgyzstan and is the second-largest city in the country, after Bishkek. It has over 3000 years of history and is where a number of cultures collide.

Kyrgyzstan Travel Costs

Perhaps the most important information for backpackers visiting Kyrgyzstan is cost. Backpackers on a tight budget may find certain aspects of traveling in the country expensive, whereas other stuff may come across as cheap.

Eating in Kyrgyzstan is pretty inexpensive. You can get a solid meal for between $3-7, more of course if you are eating at a fancy brewpub in Bishkek.

Public transport is also very affordable. When you can find them, hostels are cheap as chips.

So, when is where is Kyrgyzstan expensive? Activities. Organizing a guide/cook/porter team can be very expensive, especially for solo backpackers. Horse trekking isn’t too expensive, but if you are going for multiple days, it certainly will not be cheap.

Also, yurt stays are not quite as cheap as I thought they would be. All and all you can travel Kyrgyzstan on a tight budget, but you need to anticipate some high costs if you plan on going on any 4×4 jeep trips, hiking with a guide, white water rafting, etc.

Groceries from a supermarket or small shop are reasonable and one can easily cook an excellent meal for $10 worth of store-bought ingredients.

I recommend Couchsurfing as much as you possibly can. The more you Couchsurf and hitchhike, the more money you can spend on wine, good hummus, and activities like paragliding. Pure and simple.

Having a good tent and sleeping bag are  crucial  to budget backpacking. Both will save you a ton of money on accommodation. Whilst backpacking in a place with few hostels, having the right gear and ability to camp out (when possible) is very important to keep costs to an absolute minimum.

Below is a list of what you can expect to spend daily (excluding car hire) whilst backpacking Kyrgyzstan.

Kyrgyzstan Daily Budget

Money in kyrgyzstan.

The currency of Kyrgyzstan is the SOM. At the time of writing $1 = 69.74 SOM.

ATMs are widely available in all major cities. I do recommend bringing in foreign currency like dollars, euros, or pounds to change in Bishkek, Osh, or Karakol.

If you do plan on changing hard currency, I suggest that you shop around at a few different money exchanges as the rates can vary slightly and you want to get the best bang for your buck.

I found that Kyrgyzstan is mostly a cash-based economy, so outside of Bishkek, you likely will not be able to use your debit/credit cards to pay for things.

Tip : Find out whether or not your bank in your home country has fee-free international withdrawal. If so, activate it for your trip or for whenever you travel abroad. Once I discovered my bank card had that option, I saved a huge amount in ATM fees! When traveling to Kyrgyzstan on a budget, every SOM counts right?

Travel Tips – Kyrgyzstan on a Budget

• Camp : With plenty of stunning mountains and forests to explore, camping saves you money and can help you get off of the beaten path on an epic adventure. You have no excuse not to camp in Kyrgyzstan.
• Cook your own food:  Travel with a  portable backpacking stove or stay at a hostel with a fully-equipped kitchen. Cooking your own food to save some serious cash whilst backpacking across Kyrgyzstan. Camping gas is available at any of the outdoor shops in Bishkek or Karakol.
• If you plan to do some overnight hiking trips or camping without a local guide/cook team having a backpacking stove will be ESSENTIAL to your success. My two personal go-to stoves are the  MSR Pocket Rocket 2  and my  Jetboil .
• Pack a Grayl Geopress : save money (and the planet) every day! Stop buying bottled water!

Why You Should Travel to Kyrgyzstan with a Water Bottle

Plastic washes up on even the most pristine beaches… so do your part and keep the Big Blue beautiful

You aren’t going to save the world overnight, but you might as well be part of the solution and not the problem. When you travel to some of the world’s most remote places, you come to realise the full extent of the plastic problem. And I hope you become more inspired to continue being a responsible traveller .

Plus, now you won’t be buying overpriced bottles of water from the supermarkets either! Travel with a filtered water bottle instead and never waste a cent nor a turtle’s life again.

Drink water from ANYWHERE. The Grayl Geopress is the worlds leading filtered water bottle protecting you from all manner of waterborne nasties.

Single-use plastic bottles are a MASSIVE threat to marine life. Be a part of the solution and travel with a filter water bottle. Save money and the environment!

We’ve tested the Geopress  rigorously  from the icy heights of Pakistan to the tropical jungles of Bali, and can confirm: it’s the best water bottle you’ll ever buy!

Best Time to Travel to Kyrgyzstan

Due to its geographical location on the Central Asian steppe, the weather window to visit Kyrgyzstan is quite short. Since the main attraction of the country is the mountains and the trekking adventures you can have, the most obvious time to visit Kyrgyzstan is from June – September .

If you arrive too early or too late, many of the best treks in the country will likely be inaccessible due to heavy snow and ice conditions. Many of the high mountain passes can be covered under a mass of snow well into June and early July.

July and August is the best time to be in Kyrgyzstan from a weather perspective. The result is that these months are also when the country receives the most foreign visitors.

Beyond early-mid October, the weather will start to turn cold again and snowfall in the mountains is almost a given.

Keep in mind that snow can fall at any time of the year in the mountains (especially when you get above 3500 meters).

Wintertime in Kyrgyzstan is super quiet, so if you don’t mind the cold, you are likely to find very few other backpackers around during the cold season. Activities like snowshoeing, skiing and ice climbing are all possible in the winter.

Festivals in Kyrgyzstan

Throughout the year there are various festivals and events taking place across the country. Since the location and dates of any given event may differ from year to year, it is always best to ask locals for up-to-date information.

• Nooruz : This springtime festival is celebrated throughout Central Asia. Song, feasting, and sports just about sum up the activities. March 21st is when it usually goes down.
• Bishkek Jazz Festival : 3 days of smooth tunes in the capital. April.
• Summer Nomadic Festivals : Nomadic games take place in various regions of the country. Locals along with Community Based Tourism (CBT) help to organize various horse sports, eagle hunting and song/dance. These events are attended by locals as well as foreigners. According to Caravanistan, The most important events are the horse games festival in Kyzyl-Oi  (end of July), the eagle hunting festival in  Bokonbayevo  (end of August), the games in  Sary-Mogol,  and the shepherds festival in  Karkara valley , near Char Kuduk (end of August). Contact CBT to find out exact dates and planning.
• Kurban Ait:  This is the Muslim holiday Eid Al-Adha, only Kyrgyz style. As in the Arabic world, this holiday involves a sheep/goat sacrifice and big BBQ’s. Kyrgyz people love it.
• Orozo Ait:  Date changes.Called Eid Al-Fitr in the Arabic world, this celebration ends Ramadan with tons and tons of food. For ethnic Uzbeks, Ramadan is an important holiday. Kyrgyz people take a more lackadaisical approach to the holiday.

What to Pack for Kyrgyzstan

On every adventure, there are five things I never go traveling without:

Travel Security Belt

This is a regular looking belt with a concealed pocket on the inside – you can hide up to twenty notes inside and wear it through airport scanners without it setting them off.

Microfiber Towel

Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.

Petzl Actik Core Headlamp

A decent head torch could save your life. If you want to explore caves, unlit temples, or simply find your way to the bathroom during a blackout, a headtorch is a must.

‘Monopoly Deal’

Forget about Poker! Monopoly Deal is the single best travel card game that we have ever played. Works with 2-5 players and guarantees happy days.

Hanging Laundry Bag

Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.

For plenty more inspiration on what to pack, check out my full packing list for Kyrgyzstan !

Staying Safe in Kyrgyzstan

Is Kyrgyzstan Safe? In general, I found Kyrgyzstan to be one of the safest countries I have ever visited. That said, Kyrgyzstan is not immune to problems.

Some things to be aware of:

• Political/Ethnic Tension : Kyrgyzstan is a melting pot of different cultures and political factions. Occasionally, these tensions flare up and rioting and violence threaten the stability of any given city or region. Though no major violence episodes have happened since 2010 (Bishkek riots), just recently (August 2019, there were reports that Kyrgyz ex-President Atambayev was plotting a coup, and some days of rioting erupted again in the capital because of it.
• Natural Hazards : Kyrgyzstan is a wild place full of real wilderness areas. When setting off on treks, always be mindful of potential rockfall, dangerous river crossings, landslides, ticks, extreme cold, heavy snowfall, and icy alpine passes. Always check in with locals regarding trail conditions and hazards before setting off on your trek.
• Petty Theft : The “big” cities in Kyrgyzstan are generally safe, but as always, do not leave your valuables in plain sight, and don’t walk around late at night drunk and loaded with cash. It’s common sense!
• Police Bribery/Corruption : Kyrgyz police are corrupt. Not all of them, but many of them, especially the highway cops. If you are driving a rental car around the country, you will almost certainly get stopped at some point and asked to pay a bribe of some sort even if you did not break any driving laws. The best strategy is to be patient and stay cool/calm whilst trying to make it clear that you don’t know what the hell they are talking about. The is a game of stalling for time. After enough time has passed and it is clear that the cops won’t be getting any money from you, they will let you go, probably out of boredom. Resist paying bribes at all cost!

Sex, Drugs and Rock ‘n’ Roll in Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz people like to get down.  You would never know that Kyrgyzstan is a Muslim majority country since alcohol is available everywhere. Perhaps due to the long-lasting Russian/Soviet influence, Kyrgyz folks like to celebrate with vodka, beer, brandy (like Cognac), and just about everything else.

During my time there, I did not come across any weed/hash smoking or drug use, but I am sure it is around (people smoke weed in every country, right?).

Alcohol is definitely the name of the game in Kyrgyzstan. If you find yourself at a Kyrgyzstani birthday party or around a campfire with the right people, be prepared to get a little tipsy and then some.

The dating scene in the cities is a complex topic. In Bishkek, there is a western-style dating culture, and apps like Tinder will prove to be useful to you (for men and women).

In the southern parts of the country, especially in rural areas, alcohol consumption is less common as people are more conservative and religious. If you end up at a conservative Muslim persons house in the south, do show some respect and do not drink around them unless they offer booze to you.

Travel Insurance for Kyrgyzstan

Traveling without insurance would be risky so do consider getting good backpacker insurance sorted before you head off on an adventure.

I have been using World Nomads for some time now and made a few claims over the years. They’re easy to use, professional and relatively affordable. They may also let you buy or extend a policy once you’ve started your trip and are already abroad which is super handy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Getting Into Kyrgyzstan

Being a landlocked country, there are only two ways into Kyrgyzstan: by land and by air.

Most people arriving by air will need to catch a connection in Istanbul, Moscow, or Dubai. There are some particularly cheap flights from Istanbul with Pegasus Airways. There is no national Kyrgyz airline.

One option is flying into Almaty and then transferring to Bishkek by bus or plane. Almaty is much more connected and there are several local airlines with daily international arrivals.

Kyrgyzstan shares a land border with almost every other Central Asian nation. If coming from Uzbekistan, you’ll cross into Kyrgyzstan via the Ferghana Valley, either at Batken or Osh.

From Tajikstan, the only option is in the south near Sary Mogul; this probably the most used land crossing thanks to the Pamir Highway.

From Kazahkstan, crossing via Almaty into Kyrgyzstan is the most obvious way. But there’s another land-border near the eastern edge of Issyk Kul that is also open to tourists in the summer. This is a convenient crossing if you’re coming from Charyn Canyon or Altan Emil.

Entry Requirements for Kyrgyzstan

Good news my friends! Kyrgyzstan has the most relaxed visa policies of any Central Asian nation. Foreigners holding passports from Europe, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and many others can get a 30 or 60-day visa on arrival with zero hassle attached.

If you have been traveling around other parts of Central Asia, I am sure you will find this headache-free visa a welcomed relief.

Extending a Kyrgyz visa is possible in Bishkek, Karakol, and Osh. You will for sure need a copy of your passport and your visa, your passport, a letter stating your reason for extension (you can write in English), a passport picture and money (of course!).

Overstaying your visa: Do not do it, is the short answer. If you do overstay your tourist visa, you will like have to pay fines above 10,000+ SOM. Better to get an extension or leave the country before your visa is up.

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How to Get Around Kyrgyzstan

When planning out how to get around Kyrgyzstan, you do have several options:

The most popular means of transport in Kyrgyzstan is the Marshrutka, which is a shared public minibus. They are not the comfiest and can be appallingly hot without the windows open, but they are cheap and a good way to go between cities in the country.

Marshrutka’s are not just long-distance buses. They also operate in all of the cities across Kyrgyzstan. Navigating which bus is going where is quite difficult, especially because the route displayed on the window screen is in the Russian alphabet (though the buses have numbers too). Once you decide where you want to go, ask a local or the hostel staff which bus number you need to take.

Yandex is the Kyrgyz version of Uber (Uber does not work in Kyrgyzstan). I had a love-hate relationship with Yandex. On the one hand, using the apps helps you to get a fair price every time. The part I found very frustrating was that the destinations are often only in Russian, which made it difficult to select my intended destination. Also if and when I was able to choose my selected destination through the app, the driver would often turn up and ask, “so where do you want to go?”, which meant I had to explain it all over again.

Taxi drivers in Bishkek, in particular, will try at every opportunity to rip you off. Despite the shortcomings of the Yandex app, I found that dealing with Kyrgyz taxi drivers was quite the struggle. Rides around the Bishkek city center should NEVER cost more than 80-100 SOM.

If you are in a hurry to head south, you can catch one of the daily flights from Bishkek to Osh. The tickets cost roughly USD 30-35 one way.

YES, you can actually travel around Kyrgyzstan by horse! It is totally possible to buy one at a local animal market and ride it around the country, living at all of your wildest Lord of the Rings dreams.

A horse usually costs around $500-$600 (last I checked). Unless you know how to spot a healthy horse, you should try to enlist a local to help as well.

It should also be said that whilst the horses in Kyrgyzstan are pretty well trained, they’re still wild animals. Find a local to give you some lessons before heading out.

Don’t expect to travel very far either. The average horse can only ride about 25-30 miles a day, and your hips will be sore WAY before that.

Renting a Car in Kyrgyzstan

If you want to see the country with the aid of your own wheels, renting a car is definitely an awesome option.

You can sort your car rental in just a few minutes. Booking in advance is the best way to ensure you score the lowest price and your choice of vehicle. Often, you can find the best car rental prices when you pick up the rental from the airport.

Make sure you cover your rental car with a RentalCover.com policy . It covers your car against any common damages such as tires, windscreens, theft, and more at a fraction of the price you would pay at the rental desk.

The main roads in Kyrgyzstan are pretty good and the drivers in the country are not nearly as reckless as I have seen in other countries.

If you have the time (and money) you can try for an epic Pamir Highway road trip, which would take you from Southern Kyrgyzstan into Tajikistan. If you rent a car and plan on crossing international borders, make sure that your car rental policy allows for that.

Hitchhiking in Krygyzstan

Hitchhiking is quite common here. I often saw locals hitching on the side of the road. Often, they are only getting short distance rides.

For foreigners, you may find that some locals will be keen to give you a lift, whilst others are not interested. On the busy roads around Issyk Kul, hitchhiking short distances should prove to be reasonably easy.

As always, if someone stops to pick you up and they give you bad vibes, do not take the ride. There will always be another one. Also, you should take care that you don’t accidentally flag down a taxi driver. In your mind, it is a free ride (because you were hitchhiking), and for them, they are expecting a payment, which can lead to some pretty awkward (and potentially expensive) circumstances.

Onwards Travel From Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is surrounded by many fascinating countries. The easiest countries to visit from Kyrgyzstan are Tajikistan and Kazahkstan as both of these countries also have pretty relaxed visa policies.

To get into China or Uzbekistan, you will need to apply for a visa in advance. You’ll also need to arrange for a guide in China because you’ll be arriving in the province of Xingjiang. Right now, the region is very tightly controlled by the Chinese government. Uzbekistan is slightly less traveled, but well worth it as there are many beautiful places to visit in Uzbekistan .

If you have plans to go to Afganistan after Tajikistan, it is possible to apply for your visa in Biskek.

Check out my friend Alex at Lost With Purpose  for an account of her experience applying for an Afghan Visa in Bishkek . Check out her other article about applying for an Uzbek visa in Bishkek here.

Working in Kyrgyzstan

It may not be there yet, but I think that Bishkek could be a legit digital nomad spot. There are lots of places to work, the cost of living is reasonable, and the internet is (mostly) reliable. I am tempted to move to Bishkek solely based on the nice cafes and quality beer!

Bishkek has some truly awesome cafes to work out of. If you are a digital nomad, you will love the cafe culture in the city. Even if you don’t work online and want to pop into one to drink a legit espresso, there are many options to choose from. My favorite place to get my coffee is the Kiwi-owned Sierra Coffee.

Outside of the cities, there is not much in the way of wifi or internet connection. Large swaths of the country are undeveloped and have not yet been overrun by data towers.

In Bishkek, I went to the O! (the top cellular company in Kyrgyzstan) store and picked myself up a SIM card. Depending on the kind of package you take, you can pick up a SIM and some 4G data for between 500 – 1000 SOM.

I also bought an O! wifi USB stick, which proved to be very, very handy for someone like me who works online. The stick costs about $30 and came with more data than I needed. If you need a reliable internet connection on the go, I suggest that you buy one, as the free wifi you get around Bishkek is not always good.

A new country, a new contract, a new piece of plastic – booooring. Instead, buy an eSIM!

An eSIM works just like an app: you buy it, you download it, and BOOM! You’re connected the minute you land. It’s that easy.

Is your phone eSIM ready? Read about how e-Sims work or click below to see one of the top eSIM providers on the market and  ditch the plastic .

Volunteer in Kyrgyzstan

Volunteering overseas is a great way to experience a culture whilst doing some good in the world. There are lots of different volunteer projects in Kyrgyzstan which you can join ranging from teaching, to animal care, to agriculture to pretty much anything!

Voluntourism is pretty new to Kyrgyzstan, so there aren’t many options as of yet. Language exchanges are becoming more common throughout the country, although English teaching is not widely demanded. More rural locations sometimes provide opportunities to help with animal care and digital marketing. Keep in mind that volunteers in Kyrgyzstan require a visa prior to arrival.

Our go-to platform for finding volunteering gigs is Worldpackers who connect travellers with host projects. Have a look at the Worldpackers site and see if they have any exciting opportunities in Kyrgyzstan before signing up.

Alternatively, Workaway is another excellent common platform used by travellers searching for volunteering opportunities. You can read our review of Workaway for more info on using this terrific platform.

Volunteer programs run through reputable work exchange programs like Worldpackers and platforms like Workaway are usually very well-managed and reputable. However, whenever you are volunteering do stay vigilant, especially when working with animals or children.

Worldpackers: connecting travellers with  meaningful travel experiences.

What to Eat in Kyrgyzstan

One of the best parts about backpacking is all of the new tasty food that you get to try.

Kyrgyz food is pretty heavy on the meat dishes, but if you can handle copious amounts of animal protein than you are going to love Kyrgyz cuisine. Vegetarians do have some options, but be aware that vegetarianism is a foreign concept here.

If you’re in Bishkek, you’ll have the most variety as the culinary options in the city are vast. In addition to amazing Kyrgyz and Russian food, you can find Indian, Italian, Chinese, Kebabs, and endless burger and pizza joints of varying quality.

Whatever you do, do NOT make the mistake of getting the Mexican food at Chili Peppers . It was one of the most disappointing and overpriced meals I have had in the last 10 years of traveling.

• Russian Salad : Lettuce and other vegetables in a mayonnaise sauce.
• Borscht : Beet based soup with chunks of meat and veggies.
• Goulash : Stew of meat and vegetables usually seasoned with paprika and other spices.
• Beshbarmak Five Finger Noodles : A noodle dish heavy on the onions and meat.
• Laghman : A tasty noodle dish with meat, veggies, and spices.
• Manta : Delicious Kyrgyz style dumplings.
• Kumis : Fermented mares milk. Proceed with caution.
• Beer Cheese : A stringy, smoked dry cheese best eaten with—you guessed it— a tasty glass of suds.
• Shashlik : Skewered BBQ meat, usually mutton, beef, or chicken. Mutton is best.

Kyrgyz Culture

Kyrgyz hospitality is a thing of beauty.  I met some of the nicest people in nearly a decade of traveling here, and I must say the people in Kyrgyzstan are wonderful.

Sometimes people can indeed come across as a little cold or distant, but I think that is a product of 1. not being confident in English/speaking with foreigners and 2. leftover social norms of the Soviet Union days.

For the most part, Kyrgyz people are welcoming, generous, happy, and confident; all of which make for pleasurable interactions as a foreigner.

At first glance, some Kyrgyz males may appear a bit rough around the edges (and some of them are), but once you get them to open up a little bit (perhaps after a shot of vodka or 6), they will be putting their arm around you and laughing stoutly in no time.

Take the time to get to know some locals and you will likely have made friends for life.

Books to Read whilst Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Reading on the road has always been an important part of my travels. There is nothing like a good book about a place to help you connect with the country you are visiting. Here are a few awesome books set in Kyrgyzstan for you to check out!

• Life at the Edge of the Empire: Oral Histories of Soviet Kyrgyzstan : The 35 oral histories in this English-language anthology touch on events including: Urkun; World War I; sedentarization; collectivization; World War II; the post-war reconstruction period; Stalin s death; the Khrushchev and Brezhnev eras; independence; and privatization.
• Jamila : The Second World War is at its peak, and Jamilia’s husband is off fighting at the front. Accompanied by Daniyar, a sullen newcomer who was wounded on the battlefield, Jamilia spends her days hauling sacks of grain from the threshing floor to the train station in their village in the Caucasus. Spurning men’s advances and wincing at the dispassionate letters she receives from her husband, Jamilia falls helplessly in love with the mysterious Daniyar in this heartbreakingly epic tale.
• Manas: Lost and Found : Rural Kyrgyz, far from the Judeo-Christian world, has many striking biblical traditions. A comparative analysis of Kyrgyzstan’s national epic Manas and Hebrew scripture reinforces the bond.
• The Day Lasts More Than a Hundred Years : Set in the vast windswept Central Asian steppes and the infinite reaches of galactic space, this powerful novel offers a vivid view of the culture and values of the Soviet Union’s Central Asian peoples.
• Inside Central Asia : A Political and Cultural History of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz stan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Iran: In this comprehensive new treatment, renowned political writer and historian Dilip Hiro places the politics, peoples, and cultural background of this critical region firmly into the context of current international focus.
• The Silk Roads : Far more than a history book of the Silk Roads, this is truly a revelatory new history of the world, promising to destabilize notions of where we come from and where we are headed next.

Travel Phrases for Backpacking Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan has two official languages: Kyrgyz and Russian . English is becoming more common, but I experienced plenty of lost in translation moments all the same.

The thing I found the most challenging was my lack of knowledge of the Russian/Cyrillic alphabet. If you have the time to learn the alphabet and a few words of Russian, you will be able to read all of the confusing signs and menus.

Here are a few helpful Kyrgyz phrases to help you on your journey:

• Thank you – Rahmat
• Hello –  S alam
• Is this the bus to…? –  Bul avtobus turat ?
• Do you have  shorpa ? –  Siz shorpa bar?
• Where is the toilet? –  Tualet kayda?
• Please –  Otünömün
• Let’s go – Kettik
• How’s it going? —  Kandaysz?
• No plastic bag please —  Eç kanday jelim batk suranç. 
• How much? —  Kança ?
• I am lost –  Men jogolgon jatam?
• Beer –  Pivo
• Can I camp here? – Men bul jerde tikse bolot?

A Brief History of Kyrgyzstan

The history of the Kyrgyz people and the land now called Kyrgyzstan goes back more than 2,000 years. As the Silk Road trade routes became more and more utilized over the centuries, Kyrgyzstan became an important trading and migrant hub. Historically, Kyrgyzstan was a nation of nomadic people. Much of that way of life was impacted when the Soviets rolled into town.

Over the last two hundred years or so, Kyrgyzstan has seen plenty of major changes and developments. Until the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Kyrgyzstan remained stuck behind the Iron Curtain.

Soviet power was initially established in the region in 1918, and in 1924, the Kara-Kyrgyz Autonomous Oblast was created within the Russian SFSR.

In 1924, an Arabic-based Kyrgyz alphabet was introduced, which was replaced by Latin script in 1928. In 1941 Cyrillic script was adopted. Many aspects of the Kyrgyz national culture were retained despite the suppression of nationalist activity under Joseph Stalin, who controlled the Soviet Union from the late 1920s until 1953.

Kyrgyzstan gained/declared its full independence from the USSR on August 31, 1991.

Kyrgyzstan in Modern Times

Since the fall of the USSR, Kyrgyzstan has slowly been finding its way in the world. Modern life in Kyrgyzstan seems to be headed in an overall positive direction, though some areas do suffer from high rates of unemployment and poor education.

The  Kyrgyz Revolution of 2010 , also known as the  Second Kyrgyz Revolution , the  Melon Revolution , the  April Events or officially as the  People’s April Revolution , began on April 2010 with the ousting of Kyrgyz president Kurmanbek Bakiyev in the capital Bishkek.

It was followed by increased ethnic tension involving Kyrgyz people and Uzbeks in the south of the country, which escalated in June 2010. The violence ultimately led to the consolidation of a new parliamentary system in Kyrgyzstan.

During the general mayhem, exiles from the Uzbek minority claim they were assaulted and driven to Uzbekistan, with some 400,000 Kyrgyzstani citizens becoming internally displaced.

Victims interviewed by media and aid workers testify to mass killing, gang rape, and torture. Then-head of the Interim government Roza Otunbayeva indicated that the death toll is tenfold higher than was previously reported, which brings the number of the dead to 2,000 people.

On 9 June violence erupted in the southern city of Osh with ethnic Kyrgyz rioting, attacking minority Uzbeks and lighting their property ablaze. By the 12th the violence had spread to the city of Jalal-Abad.

The spreading of the violence required the Russian-endorsed interim government led by Roza Otunbayeva to declare a state of emergency on 12 June, in an attempt to take control of the situation. Uzbekistan launched a limited troop incursion early on, but withdrew and opened its borders to Uzbek refugees. The clashes killed up to 2,000 people, mostly Uzbeks, and another 100,000 were displaced.

As of 2019, Kyrgyzstan is experiencing a period of calm, though as I said before, the ethnic tensions between the various groups will probably always exist. For the sake of all of the people involved, I hope that peace lasts and that the country continues to prosper.

Trekking in Kyrgyzstan

When it comes to trekking, you should know by now that Kyrgyzstan is a hiker’s paradise. To be honest with you, there is a lifetime worth of noteworthy trekking experiences in Kyrgyzstan .

But, since you likely do not have a lifetime to spend in the country, here are a few of my personal favorites:

• Ala Kul/Celestial Mountains trek : This trek is probably the most famous multi-day hike in Kyrgyzstan. One can tackle this hike in 4 days (by starting around Jeit Orguz) or it can be done in three days (starting from the Karakol Gorge). The obvious highlight is the landscape around Ala Kul, a very impressive alpine lake set against jagged mountain peaks. Plus the hike finishes at Altyn-Arashan where you will find hot spring pools (and wine). If you only do one trek in Kyrgyzstan, then this is the one for you. Note: you do NOT need a guide to do this trek.
• Kyzart Village to Song Kol Lake trek: If you want another classic Kgryz trek with far fewer crowds, the hike from Kyzart village to Song Kol Lake is where it’s at. This trek combines stunning alpine scenery, mountain passes, rolling green pasture land, and a cultural yurt stay all in one sweet package. This trek can also be done as a combination horse/hiking trek. 
• The Patagonia of Central Asia trek : I have already described this trek in the Batken/Karavshin valley region of the south, but alas here it is again. This challenging 9-12 day trek is NOT for beginners, but those with some experience will find this hike one of the best adventures experiences to had anywhere. If numerous alpine passes, desert landscapes, raging rivers, juniper forests, and towering granite walls sounds like your idea of a good time, go to the Batken.
• Ala Archa National Park treks: You do not have to stray far from the capital Bishkek to get into some awesome mountains. Several marked trails run throughout the park, offering access to some fine day hikes. The Ak-Sai waterfall trek (7km) makes for a good warmup to other more demanding hikes in the area. 
• Lenin Peak Summit : You may hear people say that Lenin Peak is the easiest 7,000-meter mountain to climb in the world. Whilst this may be true to a degree, let’s be clear: 7,000 meters is 7,000 meters. To climb Lenin Peak is not so much a technical challenge as it is a physical and mental one. If you are an experienced hiker with a decent level of fitness, climbing Lenin Peak could be very rewarding. Climbing the peak takes roughly three weeks and will cost you a pretty penny as you do need to be on a guided trip. If Lenin Peak is in your future, best of luck!

Final Thoughts on Backpacking Kyrgyzstan – Being Respectful

Go to Kyrgyzstan, trek your ass off and have the time of your life, do the things you’ve dreamed of, but be respectful  along the way.  Traveling the world makes you an ambassador for your country , which is awesome. We can make a positive impact on people when we travel and get rid of any ugly stereotypes that may be associated with your country…

Always be respectful when entering churches, mosques, or conservative communities.

Climbing on ancient shrines or mosques, national monuments of martyrs (or Lenin), or other historical artifacts should be avoided. Duh! Learn to appreciate the cultural treasures Kyrgyzstan and don’t be that dickhead who adds to their demise.

Responsible travel is the best kind of travel. Be kind to the planet that we all love to explore so that the people in the future will still have a planet worth exploring.

Well there you have it, amigos, we have come to the final act of this epic Kyrgyzstan travel guide.

I hope you have found this guide inspiring and helpful! Kyrgyzstan is an amazing country and I had the time of my life exploring it with my brother in arms, Ralph Cope.

I hope you also have an amazing time traveling in Kyrgyzstan. Have a nice shot of kumis on me (the joke is on you)!

Will Hatton

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Looks amazing. I and with my friend we visited Kyrgyzstan 2019 July for 2 weeks. I think is the best Song Kol lake and Karakol. We booked tour with Pegas Adventure. If yiu have time more than 2 weeks need.

Hey Carlos! Indeed Kyrgyzstan is one of my favorite countries I have ever been to! Glad you enjoyed it as well.

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