Private 11 Days Trip at Kyrgyzstan, Exclusive Guide and Driver

Overview

Day by day itinerary

1. 1Arrival in Bishkek, Airport pick-up⌄

   Welcome to Bishkek! Our tour guide and the driver will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to the hotel. After settling in and resting briefly, we’ll take a city tour.

   Set off our exploration at the Old Square, once a main central square during the Soviet era. From here, we’ll head to Oak Park (Dubovy Park), where you can observe locals’ daily routines, and visit the Art Salon, a converted church hosting rotating exhibitions by local artists every six to eight weeks.

   Walking south to Ala-Too Square, we’ll learn about the story of Kyrgyz national hero, Manas, and experience modern life centered around flower beds and fountains. Before heading back to the hotel, we’ll appreciate the National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Abdylas Maldybayev from the outside.

   Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre (4 stars) or similar

2. 2Bishkek - Burana Tower - Konorchek Canyon - Issyk-Kul Lake (Cholpon Ata)⌄

   After breakfast, we’ll head to Burana Tower, which is the only remnant of Balasagun, the Kara-Khanid Khanate’s capital (840 AD-1212 AD).

   Then, a scenic drive will lead us through the Chuy Valley and Boom Gorge to Konorchek Canyon, which is often dubbed a miniature Grand Canyon for its vivid and textured red sandstone.

   Followed by a drive to Cholpon Ata, a resort located on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. En route, we’ll stop by the Nomad Museum, which exhibits traditional nomadic items. After checking into the hotel in Cholpon Ata, you can engage in various activities at your own expense.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Kapriz Issyk Kul Resort, Cholpon Ata (3 stars) or similar

3. 3Drive 3 Hours to Karakol, Stop by Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum⌄

   Today, we’ll drive for 3 hours to Karakol, the largest city east of Issyk-Kul Lake, with a stop at the Nikolai Przhevalsky Museum.

   Upon arrival in Karakol, you’ll check into a local hotel and plan the remainder of the day freely. Russians founded the city in the late 19th century as a military outpost and later drew immigrants from other countries for work or refuge, making it one of Kyrgyzstan’s most diverse cities.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 stars) or similar

4. 4Karakol - Jeti-Oguz Canyon - Skazka Canyon⌄

   If it’s Sunday, we’ll wake early to visit the Animal Market outside Karakol. Next, our guide will accompany you to Holy Trinity Cathedral. This Orthodox Church was dedicated initially to soldiers stationed in the area, who prayed for an early return home.

   Our next stop is Dungan Mosque, built by the Dungans - Muslims from northwestern China who fled war to settle in Karakol in the late 19th century.

   We’ll then drive to Jeti-Oguz Canyon, where massive red sandstone formations shimmer under the sun and have inspired numerous Kyrgyz songs, paintings, and music videos.

   Later, you’ll be guided along the south bank of Issyk-Kul Lake to check into a hotel near Skazka Canyon (Canyon Fairy Tale) and then explore the canyon on foot with our guide.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Royal Gate Yurt Hotel at Skazka Canyon or similar

5. 5Transfer to Bokonbayevo (Golden Eagle Hunting); Drive 5 Hours to Song Kol Lake⌄

   After breakfast, we’ll drive to Bokonbayevo to watch the golden eagle hunting show. Kyrgyz people believe hunting with man-made weapons is unethical, so they turn to the formidable predators, the golden eagles, a tradition dating back to the 12th century. Next, embark on a 5-hour scenic drive to the country’s second-largest lake, Song Kol Lake, with an altitude of 3,016 meters (9,895 ft.).

   Later, we’ll hit the road through Kalmak Ashuu Pass, 3,447 meters (11,309 ft.) above sea level, which rewards you with lush western grasslands, eastern canyons surrounded by gravel, and panoramic views of Song Kol Lake. Upon arrival at Song Kol Lake, check into a yurt camp on its southern bank.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Nomad’s Dream Yurt Camp, Song Kol Lake or similar

6. 6Song Kol Lake Discovery, Visit a Nomad’s House⌄

   ★ Song Kol Lake: Nomadic Adventure with a Yurt Stay Today, you’re ready to enjoy a leisurely day at Song Kol Lake! The nearby nomads are already busy with their daily tasks, with someone guiding the flocks to the verdant pastures while someone milks horses with a kettle. After that, they will prepare breakfast. Then, accept the heartfelt invitation of a nomad and step into their colorful yurts, where a central stove crackles with warmth. Then, you can wander along the lake’s shoreline and occasionally encounter drinking horses. Then, return to our camp and gather around the campfire with other travelers, sharing unique travel experiences under a Milky Way-like sky.

   Meals: Breakfast · Lunch · Dinner

   Overnight: Nomad’s Dream Yurt Camp, Song Kol Lake or similar

7. 7Drive 4 Hours to Naryn Town via Moldo-Ashu Pass⌄

   After breakfast, let’s head to Naryn, a 4-hour drive through the Moldo-Ashu Pass at an altitude of 3,346 meters (10,987 feet).

   Upon arrival in Naryn, start our visit at the Historical Museum of Ethnography, and you can explore yurts of various sizes, local wooden crafts, and handmade carpets. Then, walk westward to the Central Square, where a statue of Tunduk, a yurt roof, replaces the original Lenin statue to stand at its center. Before going to the hotel, we’ll also stop by the Blue Mosque (Azreti Ali Mosque), whose domes resemble those of traditional yurts and facades are adorned with nomadic embroidery known as Oymo.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Grand Khan Tengri Hotel, Naryn (4 stars) or similar

8. 8Naryn - Koshoy Korgon Ruins - Tash Rabat Caravanserai - Naryn⌄

   Today’s sightseeing begins with another Silk Road relic in Kyrgyzstan, the Tash Rabat Caravanserai, about a 2.5-hour drive away. On the way, we’ll stop at Koshoy Korgon Ruins, a square fortress built by Turks along the ancient Silk Road in the 7th century.

   Later, we’ll arrive at Tash Rabat Caravanserai, a partly underground stone structure from the 15th century. Afterwards, you can walk along the left trail to the viewpoint, which offers panoramic views of the caravanserai and yurt camps in the valley. In the afternoon, we’ll drive back to the hotel in Naryn.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Grand Khan Tengri Hotel, Naryn (4 stars) or similar

9. 9Naryn - Chon Tuz Salt Mine - Kochkor Village (Watch Felt-making)⌄

   This morning will start with a 1.5-hour drive to Kochkor. On the way, we’ll stop by the Chon Tuz Salt Mine, with a small sanatorium inside, as its rich mineral salt beds are beneficial for respiratory issues. ★ Wool and Wonder: Witness Felt-making in Kochkor After that, continue on our way to Kochkor Village. In Kyrgyzstan, felt is used not only to cover yurts but also to make clothing, toys, and various types of rugs. Upon arrival, we’ll visit the Altyn Kol Workshop, an NGO founded to provide more job opportunities to support local unemployed women while preserving the traditional felt-making. Finally, you’ll be whisked away to a local hotel for check-in.

   Meals: Breakfast

   Overnight: Nomad Lodge Kochkor or similar

10. 10Drive 3 Hours back to Bishkek⌄

    Today, we’ll drive for 3 hours back to Bishkek and arrive in the early afternoon. You’ll be escorted to the hotel, or you can spend the rest of the day moving around freely.

    Meals: Breakfast

    Overnight: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel (4 stars) or similar

11. 11Departure from Bishkek, Airport See-off⌄

    Your Kyrgyzstan private tours will end today. Our guide and the driver will transfer you to the airport based on your flight schedule. May this trip bring you unforgettable memories!

    Meals: Breakfast