NOMAD MIGRATION 8 days 8 nights

Season: May - June

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

Your journey will begin with an early morning drive from Bishkek to Kochkor, passing through the scenic Chui Valley and crossing the breathtaking Dolon Pass (3,200m a.s.l.). By noon, you will arrive in Kochkor, where you will enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz lunch and take part in a fascinating carpet-making demonstration. Local artisans will show you the traditional techniques of crafting shyrdak and ala-kiyiz (felt carpets), and you will have the opportunity to purchase beautiful handmade souvenirs.

After lunch, you will continue your journey toward Naryn, following the winding Naryn River with stunning views of the Tien Shan Mountains. By late afternoon, you will arrive in Naryn, check into your Altay Guesthouse, and relax before dinner. In the evening, you will join a cooking masterclass with locals and enjoy a delicious plov you prepare yourself — a perfect way to end the day immersed in Kyrgyz hospitality.

Overnight: Tash Bashat (guest house) 

Meal: BLD

After breakfast, you will depart from Naryn to Shabyr, a scenic journey of about 2.5 hours. Along the way, you will stop at a bridge for a pleasant 2 km (40-minute) walk to the Shabyr yurt camp. Upon arrival, you will settle into your cozy yurt and enjoy a hearty traditional lunch.

In the afternoon, you will set out on a guided two-hour walk through the surrounding hills, visiting Maky Baike’s forest nursery to learn about his inspiring life and his dedication to nature conservation.

The evening will be yours to unwind at the camp. Later, you will gather around a warm bonfire, enjoy dinner under the stars, and soak in the peaceful sounds of nature — a perfect end to your day in Shabyr.

Overnight: Shabyr (yurt camp)

Meal: BLD

Note: Shared bathroom facilities near the yurt

Early in the morning, you will join a nomadic family as they move from the Eki Chat Valley to Son Kul Lake — an unforgettable experience that offers a glimpse into true nomadic life. You will divide into two groups: the first will assist the nomadic man with the farm animals, while the second will help the nomadic women pack their belongings, including the yurt and kitchen supplies.

The first group will then ride on horseback, herding the animals across the mountains on a 6–7 hour journey to Son-Kul Lake. Meanwhile, the second group will travel by truck, transporting the family’s belongings to the new campsite. Upon arrival, the second group will help prepare a welcoming meal and await the others’ arrival with the herders and animals — a perfect way to experience teamwork, tradition, and the spirit of nomadic life.

Note: Those helping with the livestock must know how to ride horses and handle them safely.

Overnight: Song Kol (yurt camp)

Meal: BLD

Note: Shared bathroom facilities near the yurt

After breakfast, you will travel to Bokonbayevo village to explore the beautiful Issyk-Kul region, beginning with the scenic south shore. The drive from Naryn offers breathtaking views of the mountains and lush pastures, where livestock graze peacefully. You will pause in Kochkor for lunch before continuing toward Bokonbayevo.

Once you arrive, you will visit a local eagle hunter’s home and witness a fascinating demonstration of traditional Kyrgyz eagle hunting. Following the demonstration, you will enjoy dinner with the eagle hunter’s family, giving you a chance to ask questions and learn more about Kyrgyz customs. In the evening, you will check in to your guesthouse in Bokonbayevo and relax.

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