Kyrgyzstan Essence
Where Silk Road legends meet nomadic life
| Country: | Kyrgyzstan | |
| Tour duration: | 8 days / 7 nights | |
| Itinerary: | Bishkek – Kochkor village – Naryn – Tash-Rabat – Bokonbaevo village – Tamga – Djety-Oguz Gorge – Karakol – Issyk Kul Lake (Nothern shore) – Bishkek | |
Step into the timeless landscapes of Kyrgyzstan with Central Asia Travel. From the bustling avenues of Bishkek to the quiet mountain valleys of Naryn, every day opens a new page of Central Asia’s living story. Along the way you’ll discover the ruins of ancient Balasagyn and the legendary Tash-Rabat caravanserai, once a resting place for Silk Road merchants. The journey continues through wide alpine meadows, where yurts dot the pastures and nomadic families welcome travellers with warmth and homemade kymys. At Issyk-Kul, the “Pearl of the Tien Shan,” the lake mirrors snowy peaks and endless skies. Dramatic canyons, red sandstone cliffs, and spruce-covered gorges complete the picture of a country where nature reigns. Available year-round, this journey offers more than a holiday - it is a glimpse into a nomadic spirit that still thrives today.
- Itinerary /
Services & Cost - Visa
- Useful Information
| Tour itinerary 2026: | ||
| Day 1. | Bishkek, arrival. Early morning arrival in Bishkek. Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. Early check-in, breakfast, and time for rest after the flight. In the afternoon we set off on a guided city tour. We will explore the heart of the Kyrgyz capital: admire the Monument to Manas, the legendary national hero; watch the solemn Changing of the Guard on Ala-Too Square; and see the imposing State Historical Museum. Along the way we pass the statues of Kurmanjan-Datka and Lenin, stroll by the main government buildings, and enjoy a walk through leafy Oak Park with its outdoor sculptures and the Fine Arts Gallery. Our sightseeing finishes at Victory Square, dedicated to the memory of World War II. Return to the hotel for rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 2. | Bishkek - Burana Tower - Kochkor village - Naryn by road, 320 km. After breakfast we drive south towards Naryn. Along the way we stop at the ruins of Balasagyn, once a flourishing city of the Karakhanid Empire. Here we will admire the Burana Tower — an 11th-century minaret — and wander among the intriguing balbals, ancient Turkic stone figures. Our journey continues to Kochkor village, the heart of Kyrgyz felt-making. We will join a master class where local artisans show us the centuries-old process of creating colorful felt carpets. In the evening we arrive in Naryn, a highland town set at over 2,000 meters above sea level, surrounded by rugged mountains. Accommodation at the hotel and rest. Meals: breakfast, lunch. |
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| Day 3. | Day trip to Tash-Rabat caravanserai by road, 220 km. Today we travel deep into the mountains to visit the legendary Tash Rabat caravanserai, a stone fortress that once served as an inn for Silk Road merchants. Hidden at an altitude of 3,200 meters, this 15th-century site is one of the best-preserved caravanserais in Central Asia. Walking through its stone chambers, you can almost hear the echoes of caravans resting after long journeys across the Silk Road. After exploring, we return to Naryn for overnight. Meals: breakfast, lunch. |
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| Day 4. | Naryn - Bokonbaevo village - Tamga (Issyk-Kul Southern shore) by road, 230 km. After breakfast we set off on a scenic drive along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, often called the “Pearl of Kyrgyzstan.” Our first stop is Bokonbaevo village, famous for its tradition of eagle hunting. Here we’ll meet a local falconer and watch a demonstration of this ancient skill, once essential for survival on the steppe. Lunch will be served in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt, offering us a taste of nomadic hospitality. Continuing along the lake, we stop at the magical Skazka (“Fairy Tale”) Canyon – a landscape of brightly colored clay cliffs sculpted by wind and water into whimsical formations that resemble towers, castles, and mythical beasts. By evening we reach Tamga village. Depending on the season, we’ll stay in an authentic yurt camp. Dinner and overnight. Meals: breakfast, lunch, dinner . |
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| Day 5. | Tamga - Djety-Oguz gorge - Karakol by road, 90 km. After breakfast we head into the mountains to visit the spectacular Jety-Oguz Gorge, whose name means “Seven Bulls.” Towering red sandstone cliffs, shaped like massive bulls, rise above lush spruce forests and a fast-flowing mountain river. We enjoy an easy hike to soak in the views and the pure mountain air. Later we continue to Karakol, a charming town at the eastern tip of Issyk-Kul. On arrival we’ll visit its main highlights: the colorful Dungan Mosque, built entirely without nails in a Chinese style, and the wooden Russian Orthodox Cathedral of the Holy Trinity. We’ll also stop at the Przhevalsky Museum, dedicated to the Russian explorer who mapped much of Central Asia. Accommodation at the hotel, rest and overnight. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 6. | Karakol – Issyk-Kul lake (Nothern shore) by road, 150 km. After breakfast we set off along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, the world’s second-largest alpine lake. Unlike the more remote southern side, this part of the lake is known for lively resort towns, sandy beaches, and endless views of the blue water framed by snowcapped peaks. We might stop at some of the most scenic spots to enjoy the fresh breeze and take photos of the mountains mirrored in the lake. On arrival, check in at the hotel on the lakeshore. The afternoon is free to relax: you can stroll along the beach, swim in summer months, or simply unwind in the peaceful surroundings. Overnight by Issyk-Kul. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 7. | Issyk-Kul – Bishkek by road, 270 km. This morning we leave the calm waters of Issyk-Kul behind and make our way back to the capital. The road once again takes us through spectacular mountain landscapes, past gorges, valleys, and wide steppes that showcase the natural beauty of Kyrgyzstan. We’ll make short photo stops en route to capture these memorable views. In the afternoon, arrival in Bishkek. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore on your own. One of the best options is to visit the lively Osh Bazaar, a bustling marketplace filled with colorful spices, dried fruits, textiles, and handicrafts — a perfect place to experience everyday local life and pick up souvenirs. Overnight in Bishkek. Meals: breakfast. |
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| Day 8. |
Bishkek, departure. Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to the international airport for your departure flight. Meals: breakfast. |
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The cost of the tour includes:
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The cost of the tour does not include:
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Information on the hotels
| Location | Hotel 3* | Hotel 4* | ||
| Bishkek | Bishkek Boutique 3* or similar | B Hotel or similar | ||
| Naryn | Grand Khan Tengri 4*or similar | |||
| Tamga | Yurt camp | |||
| Karakol | Green Yard Hotel 3* or similar | Karagat 4* or similar | ||
| Issyk-Kul Lake | Caprise Hotel or similar | Karven 4 Seasons | ||
Transportation
On this route will be used the following type of transport (depending on the number of people in a group):
Base Camp surroundings at the foot of Lenin Peak
Kyrgyzstan painted with sand
Trekking to Lake Sary Chelek
