Cultural Tour Kyrgyzstan

Tour description

This 9-day overland journey across Kyrgyzstan offers a perfect combination of breathtaking nature, nomadic culture, historical heritage, and authentic local experiences. Starting from Bishkek and finishing in Osh, travelers will explore alpine lakes, mountain valleys, red rock canyons, hot springs, traditional yurt camps, and remote Kyrgyz villages. The tour includes hiking in national parks, eagle hunting demonstrations, horseback riding near alpine lakes, relaxing in natural hot springs, and discovering Silk Road monuments. Guests will stay in hotels, guesthouses, and traditional yurts while experiencing warm Kyrgyz hospitality throughout the journey.

Tour highlights

• Hiking in Ala Archa National Park with panoramic Tian Shan mountain views
• Visiting the ancient Burana Tower, a Silk Road monument
• Watching a traditional eagle hunting show near Bokonbaevo
• Exploring Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon) and Barskoon waterfalls
• Discovering Jeti-Ögüz Valley and Kok-Jaiyk pasture
• Relaxing in the natural hot springs of Altyn Arashan
• Staying overnight in traditional yurts at Song-Kul Lake
• Crossing scenic mountain passes: Kalmak Ashuu and Moldo Ashuu
• Visiting Arslanbob, home to the world’s largest walnut forest
• Finishing the journey in the ancient southern city of Osh

Day by day

1. Day 1

   Arrival in Bishkek → Ala Archa National Park → Bishkek

   Pick-up from Manas International Airport and transfer to Bishkek city for breakfast and a short rest. Afterward, depart for Ala Archa National Park, located about 1 hr and 30 min (40 km) from Bishkek. Enjoy hiking through beautiful mountain trails, pine forests, rivers, and spectacular views of the Tian Shan mountains. Accommodation will be at the hotel.

2. Day 2

   Bishkek → Burana Tower → Ton village (Issyk-Kul)

   After breakfast, depart towards Issyk-Kul Lake. On the way, visit the historic Burana Tower, an important 9th-century Silk Road monument. Continue driving along the northern route before reaching the southern shore of the lake. In the afternoon, enjoy a traditional eagle hunting show near Ton village.

3. Day 3

   Ton village (Issyk-Kul) → Jeti-Oguz → Kok-Jaiyk

   After breakfast, visit Skazka Canyon (Fairytale Canyon), famous for its colorful red rock formations. Continue to Barskoon Gorge to see its beautiful waterfalls. Later, arrive at Jeti-Ögüz Valley, known for the Broken Heart and Seven Bulls red cliffs. In the evening, continue uphill to Kok-Jaiyk pasture. Overnight and dinner in a yurt camp.

4. Day 4

   Kok-Jaiyk → Altyn Arashan

   After breakfast, transfer to Karakol city and change to a Soviet UAZ vehicle for the off-road drive to Altyn Arashan. This valley is famous for alpine scenery and natural hot springs. In the afternoon, enjoy walking in the valley and relaxing in the hot springs. Overnight and dinner at the hot springs in Altyn Arashan.

5. Day 5

   Altyn Arashan → Kochkor

   After breakfast, we leave the beautiful mountain area of Altyn Arashan and begin our journey toward the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Our first stop is Cholpon-Ata, one of the most famous resort towns on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake. Here, you can enjoy a short walk by the lake, relax by the beach, or visit Rukh Ordo and the petroglyph museum. In the afternoon we arrive in Kochkor town, famous for local handicrafts and warm hospitality. Overnight and dinner in a family guesthouse.

6. Day 6

   Kochkor → Song-Kul Lake

   Depart for Song-Kul Lake, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most beautiful alpine lakes located at 3,000 meters above sea level. Cross the scenic Kalmak Ashuu Pass (3,447 m). Upon arrival, enjoy lunch in a traditional yurt camp. In the afternoon, optional horseback riding and hiking around the lake. Overnight and dinner in a yurt camp.

7. Day 7

   Song-Kul Lake → Kazarman

   Travel through the spectacular Moldo Ashuu mountain pass with dramatic serpentine roads and colorful landscapes. Continue towards the remote village of Kazarman, located by a peaceful river surrounded by mountains. Overnight and dinner in a local guesthouse.

8. Day 8

   Kazarman → Arslanbob (Walnut Forest)

   Drive to Arslanbob, home to the world’s largest natural walnut forest. Upon arrival, explore the village, waterfalls, and scenic walking paths. Hike to Panorama Hill for beautiful views over the valley. Overnight and dinner in a local guesthouse.

9. Day 9

   Arslanbob (Walnut Forest) → Osh city

   In the morning, visit the famous Big Arslanbob Waterfall and enjoy panoramic views of the village. After lunch, depart for Osh. On the way, stop at the historic Uzgen Minaret from the Karakhanid period. In the evening, arrive in Osh and enjoy a farewell dinner at a panoramic restaurant. Overnight in a hotel.

Route plan

Frequently asked questions