A 7-Day Journey Across Kyrgyzstan

In seven days, you will see Bishkek, mountain gorges and Issyk-Kul, stay in a yurt, try local food and discover Kyrgyz nomadic culture.

A comfortable group of 5-14 people
Scenic daytime journeys
Excellent hotels and welcoming local stays
Memories that will stay with you

Tour programme

Day 1 the journey begins

We meet at the hotel in Bishkek, get to know the group and go out for a welcome dinner featuring local dishes.

Day 2 the culture and landscapes of Chon-Kemin

After breakfast, we walk to a waterfall in the picturesque Ysyk-Ata Gorge. We then visit a local family, prepare boorsok together and enjoy homemade beshbarmak. After lunch, we check into a welcoming hotel set in a secluded spot on a mountainside, with a sweeping view across the Chon-Kemin Valley. In the evening, we take a gentle horse ride through nearby meadows and woodland, have dinner and relax by the fire.

Day 3 secrets of the canyons

After breakfast, we travel to Kok-Moinok Canyon and its unusual rock formations. We have lunch with a local host and assemble a Kyrgyz yurt together. We then continue to Ak-Sai Canyon and check into a yurt camp on the shore of Issyk-Kul in the evening.

Day 4 the south shore

After breakfast, there is time to relax or take a walk. We then meet an eagle hunter, learn about the tradition of hunting with golden eagles and see the birds up close. After visiting Skazka Canyon and the Barskoon waterfalls, we have dinner with a Dungan family and check into our hotel.

Day 5 mountains and hot springs

After breakfast, a GAZ-66 off-road vehicle takes us into Altyn-Arashan Gorge. We walk through the valley, have lunch among the mountains and pine forest, then relax in the hot springs. After dinner, we return to the hotel where we stayed before.

Day 6 Issyk-Kul

After breakfast, we go kayaking on Issyk-Kul. We have trout for lunch at a cafΓ©, then walk through Jeti-Oguz Gorge among its red rocks. By evening, we reach a yurt camp for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 7 farewell to the Tian Shan

After breakfast, there is free time followed by a concert of Kyrgyz music, featuring the komuz and an epic recitation. After lunch, we return to Bishkek, check into the hotel and meet for a final dinner.

Route map

Dima and Masha, guides in Kyrgyzstan

Meet your guides

We are Dmitry and Maria Kalyuzhny, qualified adventure tourism guides. We studied at a tourism school in St Petersburg, qualified as instructors and completed rescue training.

We have led tours in Kyrgyzstan for more than 500 people. We now live and work in the country, guiding groups through the gorges, lakes and mountain routes of the Tian Shan.

What is included?

Included

Accommodation in twin rooms (7 days, 7 nights)

All transfers along the route

Admission to all paid attractions on the route

Guides throughout the tour

All breakfasts

Almost all lunches and dinners

Not included

Flights

Insurance

Taxis to and from the airport

Lunch on Day 6. Dinners on Days 1, 5 and 7

Personal expenses

Single-room supplement

Frequently asked questions

How do I book a place on the tour?
Submit the booking form, pay the deposit and send us your passport details. We will contact you and confirm your booking.
What weather should I expect during the tour?
Mountain weather is changeable: days can be warm, while nights are noticeably cooler. Bring clothing for different temperatures and protection from rain.
Are there any requirements for my arrival and departure?
We meet and see off the group at the hotel in Bishkek. Tell us your arrival and departure times no later than one week before the tour.
What clothes should I bring?
Bring comfortable clothing and footwear for walking, a windproof jacket, a warm jacket for the evenings, a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
What meals are provided?
The programme includes three meals a day, with local dishes and picnics during walks. Tell us about any dietary requirements in advance.
How fit do I need to be?
The programme includes short walks, so a basic level of fitness is sufficient.
Are there any age or health restrictions?
Participants must be comfortable with road journeys and walking. If you have a chronic health condition, consult your doctor in advance and tell the guides about any restrictions.
Where will my belongings be kept during walks?
Your belongings will be stored safely on the bus or at the hotel during all excursions and walks.
What language is used during the tour?
The tour is conducted in Russian. Russian is widely used in Kyrgyzstan, so it is usually easy to communicate in cities and tourist areas.
What is the refund policy if I cancel?
Refund terms depend on the cancellation date. If less than one month remains before the trip, any booking costs already incurred will be deducted from the refund. The exact terms are set out in the contract.
How much money should I bring, and which payment methods are available?
We recommend carrying cash for small expenses. It is easy to exchange for the local currency, the som. Some shops and restaurants accept credit cards. In some cases, you can make a transfer through a Russian bank's Faster Payments System.
Will I have mobile reception and internet access?
Mobile reception and internet access are generally available in towns and cities, but the signal may disappear in remote areas. Compare your roaming options with tourist plans from local operators before the trip.
Which documents and entry conditions apply to citizens of Russia, Belarus and other countries?
Citizens of Russia and Belarus need an internal passport to enter Kyrgyzstan, although an international passport can also be used. Citizens of other countries should check the applicable visa requirements.
Do I need insurance to join the tour?
Insurance is compulsory for all participants and is included in the tour price.
Do I need a PCR test or COVID-19 vaccination certificate?
Requirements can change. Check the current entry rules for Kyrgyzstan and your carrier's requirements before travelling.
Can I bring a drone or other equipment?
The rules for bringing in and flying drones depend on the filming location. Before travelling, check the restrictions that apply at airports, in border areas and in protected areas.
Should I bring food and drinks?
The main meals are included in the tour, but you are welcome to bring extra snacks or your favourite drinks.
What if I have a question that is not answered here?
Message us on Telegram, and we will reply.
Can I book a private tour?
Yes. Select the private-tour option in the booking form and enter your preferred dates. We will contact you and suggest a suitable route.

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