Tour program: Day 1
Following the Nomads: Adrenaline and Bright Traditions

Period: May – October
Duration: 7 days | 6 nights
Route Description
Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata – Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Barskoon Gorge – “Skazka” Canyon – Ak-Sai – Bishkek

A rich journey combining active recreation, unique sports, as well as an introduction to the culture and traditions of the Kyrgyz people.
7 days of this tour will provide you with aesthetic pleasure from admiring natural beauties during hiking and horseback riding. You will experience an adrenaline rush while rafting on a turbulent mountain river and enjoy unforgettable emotions from other extreme activities. Relax on the warm beaches of Lake Issyk-Kul and, of course, savor the vibrant palette of national cuisine.

Day 1
Bishkek
Distance: 90 km
Elevation change: +1370 m
Overnight: Hotel

Meeting at the airport.
Check-in and breakfast at the hotel, then we will explore the capital’s attractions: Ala-Too Square, the Historical Museum, the flagpole (and the changing of the guard), and the monument to the national hero Manas.
Lunch at the “Navat” restaurant on Southern Highway.
We then head to the Chon-Kurchak Gorge to the Hanging Sky Bridge, where we can enjoy beautiful panoramas and admire the Golubiniy Waterfall. Afterward, we’ll go on a zipline ride, where we will feel like birds and enjoy the views from above while experiencing extreme sensations from descending on a steel cable stretched between two points.
We have dinner and return to the hotel.

 

Day 2
Bishkek – Cholpon-Ata
Distance: 280 km
Elevation change: +850 m
Overnight: Guesthouse or Hotel

Breakfast at the hotel and a fun ride on the “rodelbahn,” the longest toboggan track in Kyrgyzstan, 860 meters long. On special sleds with wheels, you can reach speeds of up to 70 km/h while controlling the speed with built-in brakes. The route includes thrilling curves, offering beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. After the rodelbahn, we head towards Lake Issyk-Kul, stopping for lunch in the Boom Gorge.
Accommodation in the city of Cholpon-Ata and a boat ride on the lake with swimming.
Free time for swimming in Lake Issyk-Kul.
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse or hotel.

Day 3
Cholpon-Ata – Karakol
Distance: 170 km
Elevation change: +750 m
Overnight: Guesthouse or Hotel

After breakfast, we leave for the Grigoryev Gorge, a place where nature has created a perfect picture that captivates at first sight.
We then pass through a small pass and arrive at the Semenov Gorge, where we will enjoy every moment spent in this magical place.
During lunch, we’ll enjoy a folklore performance by local artists and take interesting photos in national costumes.
After the cultural activities in the Semenov Gorge, we head to Karakol, where we will check into a guesthouse or hotel, then dine at the “Altyn-Kumara” cafe and return to our accommodation for the night.

Day 4
Karakol
Distance: 55 km
Elevation change: +1440 m
Overnight: Guesthouse or Hotel

After breakfast, we head to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul to participate in a unique adventure called kayaking, combining active physical recreation on the water with picturesque views.
On the way back to Karakol, we will visit the museum of the Russian traveler N.M. Przhevalsky.
After lunch at a national cafe, we head to the “Karakol” ski resort, where we will take a cable car ride to the 3040-meter panoramic viewpoint, offering views of the snowy peaks of the Terskey Ala-Tuu mountain range.
After dinner at the “Saymaluu” cafe, we return to the hotel for the night.

Day 5
Karakol – Altyn-Arashan – Karakol
Distance: 50 km
Elevation change: +1130 m
Overnight: Guesthouse or Hotel

After an early breakfast, we head to the Altyn-Arashan Gorge, where nature reveals its most sacred beauty. Its green valleys, surrounded by fresh coniferous forests, are framed by turbulent rivers and natural mineral spring deposits with varying temperatures, which have healing properties.
In the gorge, we will enjoy a lunch in a national style, followed by a dip in the natural hot springs.
After returning to Karakol, we will have dinner at the “Saymaluu” cafe and head back to the hotel for the night.

Day 6
Karakol – “Skazka” Canyon – Barskoon Gorge – Ak-Sai
Distance: 192 km
Elevation change: +400 m, -200 m
Overnight: Yurt camp

Breakfast and then we continue our journey to the remote Barskoon Gorge, where the waterfalls create a gentle yet powerful melody that touches the soul.
After lunch, we head down to the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul for swimming at a secluded beach.
Next, we head to the “Skazka” Canyon, which opens up a magical world of narrow passages between tall walls and fantastic rock formations resembling castles, towers, and mythical creatures.
We then continue our journey to the Ak-Sai Canyons, where we will feel at one with nature and enjoy the tranquility away from civilization. We will also experience an eagle hunting show and archery, immersing ourselves in the world of nomadic culture and lifestyle.
Optional horseback riding.
Free time for swimming at the crystal-clear shores of Issyk-Kul, enjoying the bright emotions and impressions.
Dinner featuring national cuisine.
Overnight in a yurt by the lake, where the peaceful surroundings will give a sense of warmth and safety.

Day 7
Ak-Sai – Bishkek
Distance: 245 km
Elevation change: -1370 m

After breakfast in the yurt camp, we continue our journey to the Chui Valley for a rafting adventure. Rafting is the perfect combination of physical activity, adventure, and unique nature, providing excitement and joy from conquering the elements.
After lunch, we head back to Bishkek, stopping on the way to visit the Burana Tower, located 12 km from the city of Tokmok. The tower was built in the 10th–11th centuries and originally stood at over 40 meters tall, though its upper part was destroyed by an earthquake. Today, its height is 21.7 meters. We will visit the local museum and see the collection of balbals (ancient Turkic monuments).
Farewell dinner.
Transfer to the airport.

Tour Prices (in USD):

Number of people

Standard

Comfort

VIP

2

1814

1957

2179

3-4

1436

1555

1752

5-6

1133

1233

1411

7-8

1003

1095

1265

9-10

931

1018

1184

11-12

885

969

1132

*Price differences are based on the level of comfort in hotels in Bishkek, Karakol, and Cholpon-Ata, as well as the type of transfer. Other services (overnights in guesthouses and yurt camps) are the same across all classes. *Prices include transportation. *Maximum group size: 14 people. *Prices are based on double occupancy. *The tour is designed for morning arrivals in Bishkek. If you arrive in the evening or after noon, we can discuss and adjust the itinerary.

Included in the tour price:

  • Transfers according to the itinerary
  • Accommodation (hotels, guesthouses, yurts)
  • Breakfast, lunch, dinner, and lunch boxes (for the entire duration of the tour)
  • Guide services
  • Entry tickets to museums and protected nature sites
  • National game shows and master classes
  • Activities (rafting, kayaking, zipline, rodelbahn, hot springs)
  • Souvenirs

Not included in the tour price:

  • International airfare
  • Early check-in or late check-out from hotels
  • Insurance
  • Visa support and visa costs
  • Cost of food (except as outlined in the itinerary)

  • Important to know!
    90% of Kyrgyzstan’s territory is mountainous, with half of it at high altitudes over 3000 meters above sea level. Therefore, be prepared for altitude changes ranging from 300 meters to 1000 meters above sea level during the trip. Temperatures can range from +38 to +5°C.

Recommended packing list for a trip to Kyrgyzstan depending on the season and tour type (excursion, trekking, etc.):

    • Raincoat or poncho
    • Windbreaker or light jacket
    • Hat or cap
    • Insect repellent
    • Short- and long-sleeve shirts
    • Loose shorts
    • Jeans or trousers
    • Sweater
    • Sunglasses (and sunscreen)
    • Sturdy, practical footwear for mountain treks
    • Light shoes for city excursions
    • Small backpack and shoulder bag for documents
    • Personal first aid kit
    • Toiletries
    • Swimwear for swimming
    • Flashlight (preferably headlamp)
    • Camera
    • Light backpack for hikes