Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer
Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer
Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer
10 Days Starting and ending in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Visiting: Bishkek, Ala-Archa National Park, Chon Kemin, Issyk Kul, Jergalan Valley, Son-Kul
Tour operator:
Tour code:
TKY
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
16-99
Trip Styles:
Active, Adventure Tours, Small Group, Walking Hiking and Trekking
Interests:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer tour, where you'll traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, the Silk Road, and the Tien Shan mountains. This journey offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, as you hike to stunning alpine lakes in the Jergalan Valley, explore the southern shores of Issyk Kul, and experience nomadic life with a yurt stay at Son-Kul. Discover the rich history of the region with visits to the 12th-century Burana Tower and the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata. Walk through the serene spruce forests of Ala-Archa National Park and enjoy the hospitality of Kyrgyz village life in Chon Kemin. With comfortable accommodations ranging from four-star hotels to traditional yurts, this tour promises an authentic and enriching experience in the heart of Central Asia.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Start Bishkek; Afternoon City Tour
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
The tour starts in Bishkek. You should be at the start hotel no later than midday as we have a city tour in the afternoon. We have requested an early check-in for all clients, so the rooms should be ready for when you arrive.
Bishkek is the modern capital city and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan; this afternoon, we have a walking tour to explore its wide avenues and Soviet heritage. We visit the most important square in the country, Ala-Too Square, which is home to several monuments and is the setting for state celebrations. We also visit an open-air picture gallery, Oak Park (one of the oldest parks in Bishkek), and see marble government buildings, theatres and Victory Square.
Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Day 2 : Walk In Ala-Archa Gorge
Location: Ala-Archa National Park
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we visit Ala-Archa National Park. The reserve is a small valley inside the gorge, where ridges are covered with eternal ice, and the slopes with spruce forests. The streams are fed by glacial meltwater, which leads into the Ala-Archa River. Though hard to see, the reserve is home to snow leopards and a rare blue bird the Kyrgyz call the bird of happiness. Here we take a full-day hike to Ak-Sai waterfall, reaching a maximum altitude of 9,200ft (2,800m). After, we return to Bishkek.
Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Day 3 : Burana Tower. Walk In Chon-Kemin National Park
Location: Chon Kemin
Accommodation Name: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We leave Bishkek this morning and drive to Burana Tower, a 12th-century Karakhanid minaret. We'll visit the museum complex, including the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, balbals (gravestones used by nomadic Turkic peoples) and petroglyphs. We then continue to Chon Kemin, a quiet valley of small villages and agricultural land with mountains and fir forests beyond. There is approximately three hours of driving in total today.
On arrival in Chon Kemin, we walk up to a ridge for an excellent view over the valley, reaching an altitude of just over 6,500ft (2,000m).
Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)
Day 4 : Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs. North Shore Of Issyk Kul To Karakol
Location: Issyk Kul
Accommodation Name: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Leaving Chon-Kemin, we drive through the Boom Gorge to Issyk Kul. This impressive lake is 110mi (180km) long and 37mi (60km) wide, reaching depths of 2,300ft (700m). It sits in a hollow at 5,250ft (1,600m), surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau mountain ranges. More than 100 streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flow out.
We reach the resort town of Cholpon-Ata and visit nearby petroglyphs, a large open-air collection of rock carvings sometimes referred to as a Stone Garden, which covers some 104 acres (42ha) and contains a number of prehistoric stone structures. We also visit the Cholpon‐Alta Museum of History, which contains a large collection of national embroidery.
We continue our drive to Karakol. We’ll be driving for about 4hr 30min today.
Accommodation: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)
Day 5 : Walk In The Jergalan Valley
Location: Jergalan Valley
Accommodation Name: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we drive to the Jergalan Valley, about 37mi (60km) from Karakol, along a partially paved road. The valley is surrounded by seven peaks and is a region of turquoise alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls and coniferous forests. We walk to Turnaluu-Kol lake at an altitude of 8,530ft (2,600m), giving us fantastic views along the way. On the way back to Karakol, we stop at Ak-Suu village to enjoy the thermal baths there.
Accommodation: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)
Day 6 : Walk In The Gorges Of The Southern Shore Of Issyk Kul
Location: Issyk Kul
Accommodation Name: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today we'll drive from Karakol via the undeveloped southern shore of Issyk Kul to Kochkor. The drive takes about six hours. We'll make stops and have short walks along the way.
We head first to Djety Oguz Gorge where the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rocks formations can be seen. Next is Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We'll hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named for a Kyrgyz national hero).
We continue to one of the most magnificent gorges at the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, Barskoon, known for having high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. The gorge is famous because it was visited by the cosmonaut Gagarin.
Next, we continue to Skazka Gorge, where we'll see red sandstone formations and have an hour of walking.
We drive onwards to Kochkor, the main centre in Kyrgyzstan for the production of felt products. We visit a workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of traditional rugs.
Accommodation: Homestay
Day 7 : Drive To Son-Kul
Location: Son-Kul
Accommodation Name: Yurt camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We drive to Son-Kul, the largest body of freshwater in the country, via the 10,800ft (3,330m) Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. The route is only partially paved. It is surrounded by summer pastures dotted with yurts, grazing cattle and mountains beyond. These lands are used by shepherds of neighbouring regions as summer pastures for their flocks. They drive the livestock up in the mountains and set up a yurt camp where they live during summer. We'll learn about the traditional lifestyle of Kyrgyz nomads.
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Day 8 : Walking At Son-Kul
Location: Son-Kul
Accommodation Name: Yurt camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We have the day at Son-Kul. We walk to the mountains for views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There is also time to meet the shepherds or participate in cooking traditional meals. Our walk takes us to an altitude of about 11,485ft (3,500m).
Accommodation: Yurt camp
Day 9 : Scenic Drive Back To Bishkek Via Mountain Passes
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation Name: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Today’s journey is a breathtaking six-hour drive back to Bishkek. We traverse the Teskey Torpok Pass, also known as the 33 Parrots Pass (10,827ft/3,300m). Along the way, we pass through remote villages, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of local farmers.
In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner followed by a folklore show, where talented artists showcase national musical instruments and their unique playing techniques.
Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (or similar)
Day 10 : End Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Meals Included: Breakfast
Our adventure ends today in Bishkek. If you’d like a bit longer to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.
What's Included
-
All accommodation
All accommodation is included, with stays in a four-star hotel in Bishkek, a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, a family-run hotel in Karakol, a homestay in Kochkor, and a yurt camp at Son-Kul.
-
All listed transport and activities
All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour package.
-
Tour leader throughout
A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the entire trip.
-
Meals
All breakfasts and five dinners are included in the tour package.
-
Drinking water
Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from.
What's Not Included
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.
-
Single accommodation (available on request)
Single accommodation is not included but can be requested for an additional charge.
-
Visas or vaccinations
Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.
-
Special dietary items
Special dietary items, such as gluten-free or dairy-free products, are not provided and should be brought from home if needed.
Food
All breakfasts and five dinners are included.
On days 2 and 5, the leader will assist in purchasing food for lunches. Lunches can be arranged at Son-Kul. On other days, there are places to eat lunch during the journeys.
Common dishes include shish-kebabs and plov (rice usually with mutton, onions, carrots, spices, raisins and peas). The kebabs can be from different meats, including lamb and beef, while plov is a rice-based dish.
Please note, vegetarian food choices are limited. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring such specialised dietary items from home.
Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from – please bring a reusable bottle with you.
Accommodation
We spend three nights in a four-star hotel in Bishkek, one night in a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, two nights in a family-run hotel in Karakol, one night in a homestay in Kochkor and two nights in a yurt camp at Son-Kol. Rooms at Chon-Kemin and Kochkor have shared bathrooms. The yurt camp at Son-Kol is based on four people sharing each yurt, with shared toilets, sinks, and showers outside. The yurts are decorated in traditional style with many rugs and are heated by wood or dung stoves during cold nights.
Mode of Transport
The tour includes various modes of transport, including drives through scenic gorges and mountain passes. There are approximately three hours of driving to Chon Kemin, a 4.5-hour drive to Karakol, and a six-hour drive from Karakol to Kochkor. The journey back to Bishkek is a breathtaking six-hour drive through mountain passes.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?
During the tour, you will stay in a variety of accommodations including a four-star hotel in Bishkek, a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, a family-run hotel in Karakol, a homestay in Kochkor, and a yurt camp at Son-Kul. The yurt camp involves shared yurts with traditional decorations and shared facilities.
-
Are there any special recommendations for staying at the yurt camp in Son-Kul?
Yes, it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth as temperatures can drop below freezing at night. The yurts are heated by wood or dung stoves, and shared toilets, sinks, and showers are located outside.
-
What kind of meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes all breakfasts and five dinners. On certain days, the tour leader will assist in purchasing food for lunches, and lunches can be arranged at Son-Kul. Common dishes include shish-kebabs and plov, and drinking water is provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle.
-
What should I know about the walking and trekking activities on this tour?
The tour includes several walking and trekking activities, such as a full-day hike to Ak-Sai waterfall in Ala-Archa National Park, a walk to Turnaluu-Kol lake in the Jergalan Valley, and hikes in the gorges of the southern shore of Issyk Kul. The walks vary in altitude, with some reaching up to 11,485ft (3,500m) at Son-Kul.
-
Will I have the opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers several opportunities to experience local culture, including a stay in a yurt camp at Son-Kul where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle of Kyrgyz nomads, and a visit to a workshop in Kochkor to participate in the manufacturing of traditional rugs.
-
Is there any special advice for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian food choices are limited, and if you have special dietary requirements, it is advised to notify the tour operator well in advance. The availability of specialized products for restricted diets, such as gluten-free or dairy-free items, is minimal or non-existent, so it is recommended to bring such items from home.
-
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.
-
How long has the tour company been trading?
Exodus has been trading since 1974
-
What documents will I receive before I travel?
Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.
-
Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.
-
Can I join the tour once it has departed?
You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.
Reviews of this operator
Save on this tour
Request your exclusive discount code now and unlock savings for your next adventure!
Send me one now.1 Select your preferred date
Saturday - Monday
May 24, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025Sunday - Tuesday
Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Friday - Sunday
Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
Enquire for huge savings
Rated 5* on Trust Pilot & ABTA Protected.