KYRGYZSTAN HIGHLIGHTS 8 DAY 8 NIGHTS

Season: May - September 

Duration: 8-day, 8-night

Transport: Mercedes minibus 18 seats (5-12 ppl), 4WD off road car (2-4ppl)

Guided Languages: English or Chinese

Tour style: A combined adventure and cultural experience

After breakfast, you will drive from Naryn toward Shabyr, enjoying the changing landscapes along the way. Before reaching the yurt camp, you will stop for a walk (2 km, 40 minutes) to fully appreciate the beauty of the surrounding nature. Upon arrival at the Shabyr yurt camp, you will settle into your yurts and enjoy a hearty traditional lunch.

In the afternoon, you will embark on a guided two-hour walk through the surrounding hills. During the walk, you will visit ranger Maky Baike and his forest nursery to learn about his life and conservation work. In the evening, you will relax at the camp. Later, after dinner, you will gather around a warm bonfire, share stories under the stars, and listen to the sounds of nature.

Overnight: Shabyr (yurt camp)

Meal: BLD

Note: Shared bathroom facilities near the yurt

Today’s adventure will take you to the breathtaking Song Kol Lake. You will begin with a rewarding hike from the Shabyr Gorge up to the Moldo Ashuu Pass, offering stunning mountain landscapes along the way. Before setting off, you will take your lunch boxes from the Shabyr yurt camp. The middle part of the hike is slightly challenging due to a gradual ascent lasting about 1–1.5 hours. It’s not steep, so the key is to keep a comfortable pace and go at your own rhythm. Along the way, you will enjoy the views, and once you reach the Moldo Ashuu Pass, you will stop to relax and have your picnic lunch surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery.

Hike details:
Distance: 9.2 km (about 3.5 hours)
Lowest point: 2,260m.a.s.l.
Highest point: 2,848m.a.s.l.
Elevation gain: 588m

In the afternoon, you will continue with a 50 km off-road drive to the shores of Song Kol Lake. Upon arrival, you will check into your yurt camp, relax, and take in the magnificent lake views. The day will end with a delicious homemade dinner served at the camp.

Overnight: Song Kol (yurt camp)

Meal: BLD

Note: Shared bathroom facilities near the yurt

After breakfast, you will drive to Bokonbayevo village to explore the Issyk-Kul region, starting with the scenic south shore. The road from the Naryn to Issyk-Kul regions is stunning, with livestock grazing on lush, picturesque pastures along the way. You will stop in Kochkor for lunch before continuing your journey.

Upon arrival in Bokonbayevo, you will visit a local eagle hunter’s home, where he will demonstrate the traditional Kyrgyz art of hunting with an eagle. After the demonstration, you will have dinner at the eagle hunter’s home with his family, where you can ask questions or learn more about Kyrgyz traditions. Afterwards, you will check in and rest at your guesthouse in Bokonbayevo.

Overnight: Bokonbayevo (guest house)

Meal: BLD

Note: Shared bathroom facilities inside the building

After breakfast, you will set off for the Fairytale Canyons, where you will wander through striking red rock formations bathed in the soft glow of the morning sun—a truly magical experience for photographers and nature lovers alike. By noon, you will arrive in Barskoon village for a delicious local lunch. Afterward, you will venture to the spectacular Barskoon Waterfall, taking in the refreshing mist and dramatic mountain scenery. In the afternoon, you will reach Karakol, a town full of charm, where you will explore the unique Dungan Mosque and the historic Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Church. In the evening, you will savor a flavorful dinner at an ethno restaurant and spend the night in a cozy Japanese-style guesthouse, resting up for the adventures ahead.

Overnight: Karakol (guest house)

Meal: BLD

Today you will embark on an adventure to the Altyn Arashan Valley, famously known as the land of hot springs. You will start the day by driving from Karakol to the village of Ak-Suu in a rugged Russian military vehicle. From there, the trekking portion of your journey begins on foot.

Hiking details:

Distance: approximately 15 km (one way)

Starting altitude (Ak-Suu): 2,200m a.s.l.

Ending altitude (Altyn Arashan): 3,000m a.s.l.

Total elevation gain: 800m

For anyone who prefers not to trek, the same vehicle will follow along. The remaining 35 km off-road journey from Ak-Suu is quite stony and bumpy, so prepare for an adventurous ride! Important note: please bring motion sickness medicine if you are sensitive to bumpy rides

Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch in the mountain house and have time to relax in the hot springs. In the afternoon, everyone will return to Karakol by military vehicle. Overnight at a Japanese guesthouse.

Overnight: Karakol (guest house)

Meal: BLD

After breakfast in Karakol, you will drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, enjoying the mix of Kyrgyz traditions and Russian architecture shaped by the region’s Soviet past.

In the afternoon, you will board a boat for a scenic cruise across the lake’s turquoise waters, with the snow-capped Terskey Ala-Too and Kungey Ala-Too mountains forming a breathtaking backdrop. You will also have the option to swim in the lake, though the water is quite cold.

After the cruise, you will continue to the beautiful Chon-Kemin Valley. Upon arrival at your traditional guesthouse, you will enjoy a homemade dinner. The rest of the evening is yours to relax and take in the peaceful mountain atmosphere.

Overnight: Chon Kemin (guest house)

Meal: BLD

After breakfast at your Chon-Kemin guesthouse, you will enjoy a memorable 2-hour horseback ride through the valley’s flower-filled meadows, with breathtaking mountain views as the perfect farewell to Kyrgyzstan’s countryside.

You will then stop for lunch on the way to a Dungan family house, experiencing warm local hospitality. After lunch, you will visit Osh Bazaar before heading to Altynai’s house for a farewell dinner, celebrating the end of your unforgettable journey.

Overnight: Bishkek (hotel)

Meal: BLD