NOMAD MIGRATION

Day 1: Bishkek – Bokonbaevo   |   Drive: 300km

Your journey will begin from the capital, heading toward the southern shore of Issyk-Kul through scenic mountain landscapes and open valleys. En route, you will stop at Ak-Sai Canyon for a picnic lunch by the lake and a walk through the canyons and rock formations.

In the afternoon, you will arrive in Bokonbayevo and experience a traditional eagle hunting demonstration, one of the most iconic Kyrgyz cultural traditions. After the show, you will have dinner at an eagle hunter’s home, learning more about their way of life and traditions.

In the evening, you will check into your guesthouse and relax after your first day of travel.

Overnight: Bokonbaevo (guest house) 

Meal: BLD

Note: Shared bathroom facilities inside the building 

Day 2: Bokonbaevo – Jargylchak   |  Drive: 70km

After breakfast, at 08:30 you will depart for Jargylchak and arrive at the guesthouse.

From there, you will set out for a 3–4 hour horseback riding experience along the gorge and open valleys near the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, with a picnic lunch in nature during the ride. After the tour, you will return to the guesthouse for check-in and rest.

In the afternoon, you will take a walk along the lakeshore and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the area, followed by a sunset by the lake before dinner. In the evening, you will have dinner and relax at the guesthouse.

Overnight: Jargylchak (guest house) 

Meal: BLD

Day 3: Jargylchak – Karakol   |   Drive: 110km

After breakfast, you will start the day with a traditional felt carpet-making masterclass, where local artisans demonstrate ancient Kyrgyz techniques passed down through generations. After the experience, you will continue to Jeti-Oguz and explore its famous red rock formations.

Upon arrival in Karakol, you will enjoy lunch in a local Dungan family home, tasting authentic cuisine and learning about their traditions. In the afternoon, you will continue with a short city tour of Karakol, discovering its main highlights and local atmosphere.

In the evening, you will have dinner and relax at your guesthouse after a full and rich day.

Overnight: Karakol (guest house)

Meal: BLD

Day 4: Karakol – Altyn Arashan    |  Drive: 30 off road

After breakfast, you will travel from Karakol to Ak-Suu by Russian military vehicle.

From Ak-Suu, the trekking adventure begins toward Altyn Arashan (approx. 15 km), ascending through alpine terrain with scenic mountain views. For those who prefer not to trek, the same vehicle will continue along the route, with stops along the way to rest and enjoy the landscapes.

The remaining 35 km off-road journey is stony and bumpy, offering a truly adventurous ride through the mountains. We strongly recommend bringing motion sickness medication if you are sensitive to rough roads.

Upon arrival, you will enjoy lunch in a mountain lodge and have time to explore the valley. After, you will relax in the Soviet-era natural hot springs, surrounded by alpine silence and dramatic scenery.

In the evening, you will have dinner and spend the night in the heart of the mountains.

Overnight: Altyn Arashan (guest house)

Meal: BLD

Note: Shared bathroom facilities inside the building 

Day 5: Altyn Arashan – Cholpon Ata   |  Drive: 205km

After breakfast, you will leave Altyn Arashan and return to Karakol by Russian military vehicle, enjoying a final scenic ride through the mountains. From there, you will continue along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul toward Cholpon-Ata.

On the way, you will pass Semenovka Gorge and Grigorievka Gorge, enjoying scenic stops surrounded by alpine landscapes and pine forests. In the afternoon, you will take a cruise on a Soviet-era boat across Issyk-Kul Lake, experiencing panoramic mountain views from the water.

In the evening, you will check into your hotel, relax by the lake, and enjoy dinner at a calm pace.

Overnight: Cholpon Ata (hotel)

Meal: BLD

Day 6: Cholpon Ata – Chon Kemin  |  Drive: 160km

After breakfast, you will leave Cholpon Ata and travel toward Chong Kemin Valley along the scenic northern shore of Issyk-Kul.

Upon arrival, you will have lunch and enjoy time to relax in the peaceful mountain valley. In the afternoon, you will set out on a 2–3 hour horseback riding experience through wide green meadows and mountain trails, experiencing the nomadic spirit of Kyrgyzstan.

In the evening, you will enjoy a traditional dinner and gather around a bonfire under the stars.

Overnight: Tarsuu (guest house)

Meal: BLD

Day 7: Chon Kemin – Bishkek  |  Drive: 155km

After breakfast, you will leave Chong- Kemin Valley and return to Bishkek, enjoying the final scenic drive through mountain landscapes.

Upon arrival, you will have lunch and continue with a short city tour of Bishkek, including key highlights such as Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, and Victory Square, offering a glimpse into the city’s history, Soviet heritage, and modern life. You will also have free time for souvenir shopping.

In the evening, you will enjoy a farewell dinner with traditional Kyrgyz hospitality — a final celebration of your journey through mountains, lakes, and nomadic culture.

Overnight: Bishkek (hotel)

Meal: BLD