7 Days Exploring the Heart of Kyrgyzstan
Small Group Cultural Tours
Up to 12 travelers · €1,500 per person · Female guide · All meals & transport
Mountains, meaningful connections, nomadic traditions, and good food.
Summer 2026 Departures
Three departures this season. Places are limited to 10 per group.
June 22-28
Limited spots
July 25–31
Limited spots
August 15–21
Not sure which date works? Get in touch, and we'll help you choose.
DAY 1
Your journey at a glance
Arrival in Bishkek
Welcome to Kyrgyzstan. Your guide meets you in the city for an orientation walk through Bishkek — beyond the main squares and into the neighbourhoods, markets, and cafés that locals actually use. The day ends with a welcome dinner together as a group.
Accommodation: Bugu Hotel or simmiliar
DAY 2
Bishkek → Song-Kul Lake
An early start for the drive south into the mountains. Song-Kul sits at 3,016 metres — a high-altitude lake surrounded by open grassland and nomadic families with their herds. Along the way, a stop at Altyn Kol — a women's cooperative where you'll watch shyrdak felt rugs being made by hand, each pattern carrying the story of Kyrgyz nomadic life. Afternoon arrival and optional horse riding, nomadic horse games, and your first taste of kymyz. Overnight in yurts. Stargazing after dark.
330 km · Accommodation: Yurt camp at Song-Kul
DAY 3
Song-Kul → South Issyk-Kul (Tong)
Down from the plateau and east toward Issyk-Kul. Stop to try yurt building with a nomadic family. Eagle hunting demonstration up close. Afternoon hike through the Ak-Sai canyons. Overnight on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul in Tong.
250 km · Accommodation: Yurt Camp in Tong
DAY 4
Tong → Karakol
Morning at the surreal Skazka Canyon — layered red rock formations carved by wind and water. Continue to Barskoon waterfalls and viewpoints over the lake. Afternoon in Karakol — visit local craftspeople and the Dungan Mosque. Dinner at the local Dungan family.
160 km · Accommodation: Guesthouse in Karakol
DAY 5
Karakol → Altyn-Arashan
A Soviet-era 4x4 takes you off-road through a dramatic river gorge to the remote valley of Altyn-Arashan. Hike through alpine meadows and soak in natural hot springs surrounded by the Tian Shan peaks.
30 km · Accommodation: Mountain guesthouse
DAY 6
Altyn-Arashan → Chon-Kemin
A long drive west through the northern ranges to Chon-Kemin National Park. Afternoon whitewater rafting on the Chu River or kayaking on Issyk-Kul Lake with local experts. Evening meal with a local family — home-cooked and unhurried.
320 km · Accommodation: Guesthouse in Chon-Kemin
DAY 7
Chon-Kemin → Bishkek
A gentle final morning in the park before returning to Bishkek. The tour ends in the city by early afternoon. Airport drop-off available on request.
150 km · Tour ends in Bishkek
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Private comfortable vehicle throughout
Professional local female guide (English-speaking)
Accommodation for 6 nights — yurts, guesthouses, family homestays
All meals throughout the journey
Eagle hunting experience
Yurt building activity
Off-road 4x4 to Altyn-Arashan
Hot springs entrance
Whitewater rafting in Chon-Kemin or Kayaking at Issyk-Kul
Entrance fees to all natural sites
Curated cultural experiences
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International flights
Travel insurance (required)
Personal spending and souvenirs
Alcoholic beverages
Secure your place.
Places are limited to 10 per group. Send us your details, and we'll confirm availability within 48 hours.