Nomadic Experience in Kyrgyzstan

9 Days Private Tour of Bishkek - Burana Tower - Kochkor - Song Kol Lake - Bokonbayevo - Skazka Canyon - Jeti-Oguz - Karakol - Grigoryevka - Cholpon Ata - Bishkek
Tour Type: Private guided tour, flexible and customizable
Transportation: Air-conditioned private car with experienced driver
Hotels: 3 or 4 stars well-selected hotels & yurt camps, open to your choice
Meals: 8 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 2 dinners
Code: TKG101
This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
From USD1689USD1486Free Inquiry
Trip Highlights
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Day 1 Bishkek Airport Pick-up; Visit Old Square, Oak Park, Ala-Too Square
Welcome to choose this 9-day Kyrgyzstan tour package, during which you’ll reconnect with the untamed nature amid refreshing mountain air, turquoise lakes, and diverse cultures. After landing, our driver and the guide will meet you at Bishkek Airport and then escort you to the downtown hotel. 

If time permits, we’ll take a Bishkek city tour. Once known as Frunze, Bishkek was an industrial hub in the Soviet era. After 1991, it was renamed and reborn, with giant colorful murals and mosaics brightening soulless concrete buildings. Your guided sightseeing commences with a visit to Old Square, the former city’s heart now surrounded by dark grey government buildings with a dystopian aesthetic and no decorations. Then, we’ll stroll to Oak Park (Dubovy Park), which boasts numerous centuries-old oak trees and over 90 statues, and pay homage at the Eternal Flame dedicated to soldiers who fought on the Eastern Front in WWII. Moving south, we’ll reach Ala-Too Square, home to the statue of national hero Manas in the north, facing the majestic Heavenly Mountains, and the statue of literary master Aitmatov in the south, gazing towards Russia and the grasslands of his writings. Today’s tour will wrap up at the neoclassical National Opera and Ballet Theatre of Abdylas Maldybayev, and after taking photos from outside, you’ll be transferred back to the hotel.

► Useful Information:
1. Currency: Credit cards and USD cash are accepted only in some large restaurants, hotels, and malls in Bishkek. It is suggested that you exchange your USD cash into local Som (USD 1 ≈ KGS 90) at downtown banks with licensed exchange logos for better rates than at the airport. Although ATMs are common in major cities, they usually charge a 3% fee.
2. SIM Card: Megacom offers the broadest network coverage, and you can buy a SIM card with your valid passport at nearby convenience or retail stores. A 40 GB data package for KGS 490 (USD 5.6) is sufficient for your 9-day trip.

Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel (4 stars) or similar
Victory Square, Bishkek
Victory Square, Bishkek
Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre
Kyrgyz National Opera and Ballet Theatre
Day 2 Bishkek - Burana Tower - Kochkor Village
This morning, our guide and the driver will accompany you to Burana Tower, located in the heart of the lost Balasagun civilization, one of the most vital cities along the Silk Road built by the Sogdians during the 9th-11th centuries. After successive control of the Kara-Khanid Khanate (840-1212) and the Mongol Empire (1206-1368), the city lost most of its infrastructure, leaving only the Burana Tower. A 15th-century earthquake damaged its upper sections, reducing its height from 45 meters (148 feet) to 24 meters (79 feet). Six decorative brick bands still encircle the cylindrical tower today. An internal staircase leads to the top, offering views of the Heavenly Mountains and surrounding valleys. You can also explore nearby fields dotted with Balbals - stone carvings erected by Turkic tribes after defeating enemies. Some figures holding wine cups are believed to be early Christians from Balasagun.

Next, we’ll drive 3 hours to Kochkor Village, the country’s felt-making center. One of the outstanding creations is the Shyrdak rug, which is crafted by laying wool on a woven plant mat and repeatedly rolling it to shape dense and durable felt. The artisans will then cut the felt into intricate designs, such as mountains, bird claws, and flowers, and stitch the pieces together to form colorful and textured carpets. You will witness this process at Altyn-Kol Workshop, an NGO established in the late 20th century to create employment and increase income for local unemployed women. Then, let’s stretch at the local bazaar, where traditional costumes, fresh produce, and local snacks are vying for attention. You may be tempted by golden Naan, a round, smoky bread baked in clay ovens, stamped with floral and vine patterns. Taste it for just USD 1! Finally, you’ll be escorted to check in at the local nomad lodge.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Nomad Lodge Kochkor or similar
Burana Tower
Burana Tower
Song Kol Lake
Song Kol Lake
Day 3 Drive to Song Kol Lake via Kalmak Ashuu Pass, Visit a Nomad’s Yurt
Today’s destination is Song Kol Lake, Kyrgyzstan’s second-largest alpine lake, which is about a 2-hour drive away. We’ll pass by the Kalmak Ashuu Pass at 3,446 meters (11,305 feet) on the way, where stone deserts gradually give way to lush alpine meadows, and airy clouds lazily drift in the sky.

★ Unveil Untouched Song Kol Lake with a Yurt Stay

Kyrgyzstan is known for its pristine wilderness, and Song Kol Lake exemplifies the essence. Its glimmering waters are set among rolling mountains and crisp air; yurts and herds grazing on grasslands reflect the nomadic culture. We’ve specially arranged a nomadic family visit for you to witness their daily life awakened by natural light: each member of the family is busy milking and grazing livestock, as well as preparing meals. They turn yurts into cozy and functional spaces decorated with low furniture and colorful rugs, and you’ll have the chance to savor homemade flatbreads and Kumis (fermented mare’s milk) while communicating with them about their hard but free lifestyle. In summer, they arrive here with livestock and folded yurts, traveling to nearby towns every three days for supplies and waste removal. 

The rest of the day is yours to enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Perhaps stroll along the lakeside or take the camp’s transparent boat to observe aquatic life. For a cultural experience, you can watch paid horse games like Kyz-Kuumai (Girl Chasing) at camp, a competition between male and female riders. The male rider who reaches the finish line first is rewarded with a quick kiss as a victory sign. At night, gaze at the starry sky through the yurt’s hollowed roof and drift off to sleep.

 Tips:
1. The lake is 3,000 meters (9,842 feet) above sea level, which may cause altitude sickness symptoms like headaches and vomiting. A thorough physical examination before the trip is recommended; consult your doctor about precautionary pills, and engage in strenuous activities according to your health condition.
2. During the hottest month, the average temperature here is around 11℃ (52°F), dropping even lower at night. The yurt camp has stoves, but you can wear socks or a base layer for extra warmth.
3. Since the generator supplies power to the camp at night, it may be unreliable, so it’s wise to bring a power bank for emergencies.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Nomad's Dream Yurt Camp, Song Kol Lake or similar
Day 4 Song Kol Lake - Issyk-Kul Lake - Bokonbayevo (Golden Eagle Hunting) - Skazka Canyon
Today, we’ll explore the charming southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. After breakfast, a 4.5-hour drive will take us to Kyzyl-Tuu Village. En route, curl up by the window to watch the lake’s turquoise surface stretching endlessly, snow-topped mountains puckering up on the horizon, and occasional birds fluttering overhead. As an enclosed inland lake, Issyk-Kul has high salinity, which keeps it unfrozen in winter, with temperatures around 8-12℃ (46-54℉).

The Kyrgyz people are always on the move in their lifetime, with their families, livestock, and the iconic yurt. After arrival in Kyzyl-Tuu Village, you’ll witness the art of yurt construction preserved through generations. The process includes crafting a circular foundation, reinforcing it with interlocked wall lattices, installing the roof, covering the yurt with felt, and decorating the interior with vibrant handmade ornaments. No nails are used, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly. 

★ Explore Nomadic Tradition of Golden Eagle Hunting 

Later, transfer to Bokonbayevo Village to gain insight into the country’s golden eagle hunting tradition dating back to the 12th-13th centuries. In the golden eagle hunting show, you’ll see a hunter dressed in ethnic attire on horseback, with his bird proudly standing on his right arm. Upon receiving a signal from its owner, the eagle will soar at breakneck speed, hovering to locate the marked animal fur with its vision eight times sharper than a human’s, and finally dive down to capture it. After cleaning its beak against the rock, it will return to the hunter’s arm and get meat as a reward for its skill. 

After this immersive experience, we’ll check into the hotel near Skazka Canyon (Canyon Fairy Tale) and walk to the canyon for hiking. Rock formations with surreal orange-red hues and intricate folds make it an incredible Instagram hotspot, and you can capture these on the Lower Viewpoint and spot more whimsical rocks huddling together. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes, follow the guide’s footsteps to avoid slipping, and bring sun protection gear and enough water.

Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accommodation: Royal Gate Yurt Hotel at Skazka Canyon or similar
Day 5 Skazka Canyon - Juuku Valley - Jeti-Oguz Canyon - Karakol
A La Archa National Park
Today, let’s explore Karakol, located on the eastern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, about a 2-hour drive away. En route, we’ll stop at Juuku Valley to hike among its red sandstone cliffs and edelweiss-dotted grasslands. You may have a chance to spot wandering wild goats and soaring partridges. Many tourists also come here for soothing hot springs, and you can unwind at your own expense if interested.

Before arriving in Karakol, we will also visit Jeti-Oguz Canyon, renowned for its crimson sandstone rock formations represented by Broken Heart Rock and Seven Bulls Rocks. Follow our guide to the platform for the best view while admiring some secluded communities and grazing horses along the riverbank. Along the way, you may see beekeepers with colorful hives and have the chance to chat with them about local life with the help of our guide. Upon arrival in Karakol, you’ll check into the hotel and plan the remainder of the day at your own pace.

► Activity Suggestion (at your own expense):
To glimpse Karakol’s past, you can head to the Russian Quarter, where intricately carved ‘gingerbread houses’ illustrate its past as a military garrison during the Tsarist Russian Empire (1547-1721). Another popular activity is dining with a Dungan family and exploring their cultural heritage. The Dungans are Muslims from northwestern China who fled war to settle in Karakol in the late 19th century. Their signature dish is Aslyan-Fu, noodles mixed with cornstarch, served in a cold soup with garlic, chili peppers, and bean sprouts. Many Dungan families in the Yrdyk village, a 15-minute drive from Karakol, offer this experience, and you can hail a taxi to go by the Yandex Go app.  

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 stars) or similar
Day 6 Karakol: Holy Trinity Cathedral, Dungan Mosque, Karakol National Park
If it is Sunday, we’ll take an early visit to the Animal Market today, where an array of livestock, mainly fat-tailed sheep, horses, and cattle, awaits their new owners. Some fat-tailed sheep are tied neatly in a row, and their fluffy and bouncy butts look like heart-shaped clouds viewed from behind. Instead of digital scales, buyers often gauge the livestock’s approximate weights and examine their bellies, butts, and teeth for bargaining. When visiting, it is advisable to wear a mask and easy-to-clean shoes to avoid animal dung. 

After that, let’s move to one of Karakol’s most iconic landmarks, Holy Trinity Cathedral. Its golden onion-shaped dome is an uplifting symbol for prayers as it resembles a burning candle soaring heavenward. Inside, you can take in walls adorned with exquisite murals and icons. Then, we’ll proceed to Dungan Mosque, a wooden masterpiece that reflects the cultural intersection of its creators, the Dungans, with roots in northwestern China. All components are interlocked by mortise and tenon joint structure, featuring a palette of red, green, and blue; they represent Dungans’ cultural identity: red wards off evil spirits, green is dedicated to Islam, and yellow pays homage to the Chinese emperor. What’s more, the roof’s eaves are decorated with Chinese dragon and phoenix figures. 

Conclude today’s visit with a hike in Karakol National Park, home to vibrant wildflowers, turquoise glacial lakes, and elusive wildlife like snow leopards and wild goats. Finally, you’ll be escorted back to the hotel.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Green Yard Hotel, Karakol (3 stars) or similar
Jeti-Oguz Canyon
Jeti-Oguz Canyon
Karakol National Park
Karakol National Park
Day 7 Karakol - Grigoryevka Gorge - Cholpon Ata
Bid farewell to Karakol, and today’s adventure will extend to the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, which is more prosperous than the southern shore thanks to numerous resorts. After about 2 hours, we’ll reach Grigoryevka Gorge, and our guide will accompany you on a 1-hour hike. The trail’s first half features striking 50-meter (164-foot) high blue spruces clinging to the steep rock faces, and as the altitude ascends, coniferous forests and vast pastures come into view, where nomads may herd livestock onto fertile meadows. Along the way, three moraine lakes with marshy banks also await, dotted with wild sea buckthorn and raspberries.

Our next stop is Cholpon Ata, the most thriving town around Issyk-Kul Lake. Its beaches buzz with tourists during summer (June-August), mainly from Russia, as it has been used as a resort since the Soviet era. Cholpon Ata also has a collection of Turkic stone carvings, which we’ll explore at the open-air Museum of Petroglyphs. Dating back 2,000 years, they mainly depicted Turkic figures and animal drawings like goats, bulls, and horses in hunting scenes, wars, and sacrificial ceremonies. Despite exposure to the elements, characters’ facial details and clothing remain visible. Later, we’ll return to Cholpon Ata and check into the hotel. 

Then, it’s your own time to explore this picturesque getaway. The eastern beaches are particularly popular with better infrastructure, offering numerous restaurants, sunshades, cruise ships, diving platforms, and water activity centers. Moreover, Cholpon Ata is the World Nomad Games site, where nomads (mainly from Central Asia) celebrate their nomadic traditions and horseback survival skills every two years in September. Expect exhilarating equestrian sports, traditional games, and folklore performances if you visit during this time!

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Kapriz Issyk Kul Resort, Cholpon Ata (3 stars) or similar
Issyk-Kul Lake
Issyk-Kul Lake
The Open-air Museum of Petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata
The Open-air Museum of Petroglyphs at Cholpon Ata
Day 8 Drive 4 Hours back to Bishkek, Stop by Nomad Museum
After breakfast, a 4-hour drive will lead us back to Bishkek. When passing by the Nomad Museum, we’ll stop to glimpse differences among Central Asian nomadic cultures in their exclusive halls, and peruse traditional horse and camel herding gear across their vast steppes, as well as nomadic crafts inherited by Uzbeks after they gradually settled. Next, we’ll drive through Boom Gorge to Bishkek, enjoying steep valleys and the rushing Chuy River along the way. Upon arrival in Bishkek, the remainder of the day is left for your free time exploration. 

► Recommended Restaurant (at your own expense):
Spend a leisurely evening at Café Relax, serving platters, entrees, pizza, soups, desserts, and drinks. The Baked Meat with Saffron Rice is highly recommended, which features roasted beef served over saffron-infused rice, topped with Parmesan cheese for a tempting golden appearance. Baked Pepper Rolls are also popular, combining cheese, herbs, and walnuts wrapped in baked bell peppers.
Average Cost per Person: KGS 1,000-1,200 (USD 11-14)
Address: 140 Toktogul Street, Bishkek

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Ramada by Wyndham Bishkek Centre Hotel (4 stars) or similar
Day 9 Departure from Bishkek, Airport See-off
Today, you’ll say goodbye to Kyrgyzstan, and our guide and the driver will escort you to the airport for your flight home according to your schedule.

► For Your Information: If your flight is in the late afternoon, consider reviewing the country’s past at the State History Museum for KGS 200 (USD 2) on your own, which showcases cave sculptures from the Bronze Age, ancient coins, and traditional costumes. Perhaps explore the Dordoi Bazaar and be dazzled by dried fruits, clothing, shoes, and electronics. Guess what? Containers are used as stalls here, with the top half for storage and the bottom for shopping. When browsing among huge crowds, please keep your backpack in front of you.

If you want to extend your trip to the other four-stan countries in Central Asia, or countries along the Silk Road like China and Turkey, please contact our travel consultants to tailor your itinerary!

Meals: Breakfast
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This trip can be customized to meet your individual needs!
Tour Prices
Christmas & 2026 Specials: 12% off - Book before October 31, 2025
Travelers2-3 travelers4-5 travelers
Year RoundUSD2349 USD2067USD1689 USD1486
  • Prices are per person on twin sharing.
  • The prices in red reflect 12% discount.
  • If you are a group of 6 people or more, we will offer a more favorable price by your group size.
Price Includes
  • Hotel/yurt accommodation with daily breakfast.
  • English speaking guide service per itinerary.
  • Private driver and air-conditioned vehicle service.
  • Meals as specified in the itinerary.
  • Entrance fees for mentioned sights visited.
  • Yurt setting up show at Kyzyl-Tuu village.
  • Eagle hunting demonstration at Bokonbayevo village.
  • Airport pick-up and see-off service.
  • Road taxes.
Price Excludes
  • International flights into and out Kyrgyzstan.
  • Personal expenses (such as laundry, telephone, drinks, etc.).
  • Tips for guide and driver.
  • Personal travel insurance.
  • Kyrgyzstan visa fees.
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