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Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Name: Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer
Brand: Elife Travel
Price: 1900 USD
Availability: InStock

-21%

Country:

Kyrgyzstan

Flight:

Not included

Favorite

Tour id:

241637

Operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels
Length:

10 days
Group size:

16 pax
Age:

16 to 80
Difficulty:
Difficulty levels:
- Relaxing
- Easy
- Moderate
- Serious
- Heart-pumping

06.09-15.09.25 scheduled
19.09-28.09.25 guaranteed
23.05-01.06.26 scheduled
14.06-23.06.26 scheduled
16.08-25.08.26 scheduled
05.09-14.09.26 scheduled
18.09-27.09.26 scheduled

Itinerary

Dominated by majestic mountain ranges, Kyrgyzstan has been nicknamed the Switzerland of Central Asia. Yet despite its seemingly endless natural beauty, it remains undiscovered by mass tourism, making it the ideal destination for culturally curious travellers. Come and explore this magnificent land on foot, the best way to truly appreciate the natural wonders. Starting from the capital, Bishkek, we head into the wild and walk among marvels of nature, including the Tian Shan mountains, Ala-Archa Gorge, and alpine lakes, such as Issyk Kul and Son-Kul. We also experience the nomadic traditions of the country, staying in a lakeside yurt camp, before returning to Bishkek with a scenic drive over mountain passes.

Tour program

Day 1

Start Bishkek; afternoon city tour

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 (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 (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

Konorchek Canyons and Cholpon-Ata; to Karakol (breakfast)

Leaving Chon-Kemin, we head to the Konorchek Canyons. We walk along a rocky dried-up riverbed to enter the canyons. Rocky columns of red sandstone stretch for many kilometres. Following our walk, 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 then 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; drive to Djety Oguz (breakfast,dinner)

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. Following the walk, we drive to Djety Oguz with a stop at Ak-Suu village to enjoy the thermal baths there (payable locally). Accommodation: Golden Yurt Camp

Day 6

Walk in the gorges of the southern shore of Issyk Kul (breakfast,dinner)

Today we drive (six hours) along the undeveloped southern shore of Issyk Kul to Kochkor. We make stops and have short walks along the way. First, we explore Djety Oguz Gorge where we can see the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rock formations. Next is Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named for a Kyrgyz national hero). We drive onwards to Kochkor, the main centre in Kyrgyzstan for the production of felt goods. We visit a workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of traditional rugs. Accommodation: Homestay

Day 7

Drive to Son-Kul (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 (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 (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 (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.

Tour Details

accommodation

We spend three nights in a four-star hotel in Bishkek, one night in a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, one night in a family-run hotel in Karakol, one night in a yurt camp at Djety-Oguz, 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 (single supplement does not apply at the yurt camp). The yurts are decorated in traditional style with many rugs. Shared toilets, sinks and shower are outside. There is electricity provided by generators. Drinking water is taken from a well. Temperatures can get below freezing at night at Son-Kol. During cold nights, the yurts are heated by wood or dung stoves. We recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth in the yurts. Hotel Garden, Bishkek: Kemin guesthouse, Chon-Kemin: Matsunoki Hotel, Karakol: Kochkor homestays: Son-Kul yurt camp:

flights

International flights are not included

guide

The group generally comprises between four and 12 clients, plus a local tour leader.

insurance

Insurance is not included. Travel insurance is required for this tour. Please make sure you are adequately covered.

meals

All breakfasts and six 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.

optional

Other activities and services are not included

others

All listed transport and activities

— Travel insurance — Single accommodation (available on request, excludes yurt camp) — Visas or vaccinations

transport

Travel is by minibus.

Good to know

Currency

KGS

Som

Kyrgyzstan

Customer reviews

Operator

4.4

Faq Tour

How can I book a tour?

You can order a tour on our website by selecting the desired dates and clicking the “Confirm dates” button. You can also contact our sales department by phone or email.

Which payment options are available?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers and other popular payment methods.

Can I change or cancel my reservation?

Yes, changes or cancellations are possible, however penalties may apply depending on the time before the tour starts.

What documents are required to participate in the tour?

You will need a passport with a valid visa (if required) to visit countries along the tour route.