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This journey takes you through some of Kyrgyzstan’s remote mountain landscapes, high-altitude lakes and culturally rich regions. You’ll stay in a mix of shared accommodation, from hotels to traditional yurts with shared facilities, offering an insight into local life. This small-group tour can include long driving days through rugged terrain (typically 2–7 hours per day), hiking at altitude, and nights at elevation – especially at Song-Kul (~3000 m) and near Kel-Suu (~3,500m). While challenging at times, this journey will reward you with dramatic landscapes and unforgettable experiences.
For travellers who want more background before visiting Kyrgyzstan, our Kyrgyzstan Travel Resources page provides practical tips, cultural insights and region guides. From understanding nomadic traditions and yurt life to learning about key regions such as Issyk‑Kul, Song‑Kul and the remote Kel‑Suu valley, it’s a useful starting point for planning your journey and getting a sense of what to expect in the high‑mountain landscapes. For seasonal guidance, see our Best Time to Visit Kyrgyzstan guide.
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan! After arriving in Bishkek, join the shared group airport transfer to your hotel. Take time to relax or discover the capital city at your own pace before meeting your group and guide for a welcome dinner in the evening.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
Leave the city behind and head east towards the town of Karakol, travelling along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul. Along the way, visit the Cholpon Ata Petroglyphs – an open-air gallery of Bronze Age rock carvings – and enjoy short scenic stops in Chon Ak-Suu and Kyrchyn Gorges. This evening, sit down to dinner home-cooked by a local Dungan family, known for their unique cultural heritage.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel / guesthouse in Karakol
Today, embark on an 11 km hike into the beautiful Altyn Arashan valley, famous for its hot springs and panoramic mountain scenery. Enjoy time to relax and soak in the natural thermal pools before hiking back through the mountains and returning to Karakol for the evening.
Optional activity (extra cost): Instead of hiking back, opt to return to Karakol in a unique soviet 4WD vehicle or choose to horse ride back through the valley.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel / guesthouse in Karakol
After breakfast, visit the spectacular red rock formations of Jeti-Oguz. Continue along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, stopping to explore the colourful Skazka (“Fairy Tale”) Canyon. In the evening, meet a traditional berkutchi (eagle hunter) for a truly impressive display, before staying in a traditional yurt beside the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Lakeshore Yurt Camp, shared facilities
Take a scenic drive up into the mountains towards Song-Kul, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most impressive high-altitude lakes (~3000m). Spend the afternoon exploring the surrounding steppe and taking in the vast open landscapes. Tonight, you’ll stay by Song-Kul, where clear nights reveal some of the best stargazing in Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Lakeshore Yurt Camp, shared facilities
Enjoy a full day at Song-Kul, soaking in the peaceful atmosphere of this remote mountain plateau. Spend your time relaxing, walking around the lake or observing everyday nomadic life. If you’re up for it, you can also take a refreshing dip in the cool, clear alpine waters.
Optional activity (extra cost): Horse riding along the lakeshore of Song-Kul.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Lakeshore Yurt Camp, shared facilities
Your journey today will take you through the dramatic 33 Parrots Pass and deep into the Kok-Kiya valley, a remote region in Kyrgyzstan. The drive offers striking views of rugged cliffs, wide open plains and high-altitude pastures as you approach the Kel-Suu area. In the evening, settle into a simple guesthouse in the valley, staying close to Kel-Suu Lake – perfectly positioned for tomorrow’s adventure.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Guesthouse near Kel-Suu
This morning, set out on a hike to Kel-Suu Lake, a spectacular alpine lake in Kyrgyzstan. Follow a scenic trail through dramatic valleys, which open to reveal the lake’s turquoise waters surrounded by limestone cliffs. Take in the beauty of this hidden gem before returning to the guesthouse for a late lunch. In the afternoon, you’ll continue to the town of Naryn where you’ll stay for the night.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel / guesthouse in Naryn
Today you’ll begin your journey back to the capital, stopping in Kochkor village – famous for traditional Kyrgyz felt craftsmanship. Visit a local women’s organisation for a carpet-making demonstration and learn how nomadic textiles are created using age-old techniques. Enjoy your final evening in Bishkek with some free time to shop in the local bazaars before a farewell dinner with your group.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Bishkek
It’s time to say goodbye to Kyrgyzstan and to your fellow travellers. Check out of your hotel and join the shared group transfer to the airport.
Meals: Breakfast
If you’d like to extend your time in Bishkek, why not add post-trip accommodation and private airport transfer (for an additional cost).
Want a tailor-made Kyrgyzstan tour?
Get in touch for a tailor-made trip!
Each group tour requires a minimum number of participants to go ahead. Please ensure your departure is confirmed before booking flights to Kyrgyzstan.
All travellers are required to obtain comprehensive travel insurance prior to joining any tour. Your policy must provide adequate cover for medical expenses, emergency medical evacuation, trip cancellation or interruption, personal liability, and loss or damage to personal belongings. Please ensure that your insurance also covers all activities included in the itinerary. Proof of insurance may be requested before departure, and participation may be refused without adequate coverage.
If you’d like to learn more about Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes, culture and history before joining one of our trips, we recommend starting with a reliable, neutral overview such as Encyclopaedia Britannica’s introduction to the country: https://www.britannica.com/place/Kyrgyzstan
We also have our own dedicated Resources & Blog page, where we share travel guides, cultural insights, practical information and behind-the-scenes details to help you feel fully prepared and confident about visiting Kyrgyzstan.
You’ll stay in shared accommodation including 3-star hotel rooms, guesthouses and yurts with shared facilities. Yurt camps are traditional and simple, offering an authentic experience of Kyrgyz nomadic life. A single supplement may be available for private rooms or yurts for an additional cost.
Horse rides during the trip are optional activities offered independently by local suppliers. These experiences are not operated, arranged, or sold by Pure Nomad, and therefore aren’t included in the tour price. If you choose to take part, payment is made directly to the local supplier, and participation is at your own discretion. Our guide can advise on what to expect, but the activity is not part of the Pure Nomad service.
Yes, pre-trip and post-trip accommodation in Bishkek as well as private airport transfers can be arranged for an additional cost. It’s recommended to book these in advance to ensure there is availability. We also offer tailor-made tours across Kyrgyzstan so get in touch if you want to see other places not visited on this tour.
To enter Kyrgyzstan, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ of at least 6 months after the date you arrive. UK citizens can visit Kyrgyzstan without a visa for up to 60 days (and must not stay more than 60 days in any 120-day period), however it is your responsibility to check the official government website for the most up-to-date information. Pure Nomad is not responsible for any visa issues or refusal of entry to Kyrgyzstan.
Driving times range from 2–7 hours per day, with longer journeys through mountainous regions, especially travelling to Kel-Suu and between destinations at altitude. Rough or unpaved roads can affect expected travel times, depending on the conditions.
This itinerary includes moderate–challenging activities, including trekking, spending time at altitude and long travel days. Please be aware that the altitude in Kyrgyzstan may be higher than you are used to. The average altitude on this group tour is approximately 2000–2500 m above sea level and should not exceed 4000m. We recommend that guests have a moderate level of fitness and are aware of the potential effects of altitude.
Connectivity can be limited in remote regions. Wi-Fi is usually available in hotels and towns but may not be available in more remote, mountainous areas such as Song-Kul and Kel-Suu.
We recommend travelling with soft, flexible luggage rather than hard suitcases due to space limitations in the vehicle. A small daypack is useful for hikes and day activities.
