Best of Kyrgyzstan: 9-Day Small-Group Tour

Overview

If you want to see the best of Kyrgyzstan in one well-paced trip, this is it. Over nine days our small-group tour loops from Bishkek through Burana, a yurt night on the Song-Köl jailoo, the Naryn highlands and Tash Rabat, the south shore of Issyk-Köl and its canyons, Karakol and the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan — a mix of driving, gentle walking and horse riding, sleeping in yurts, guesthouses and small hotels. It's the trip most first-timers should book: comprehensive but not exhausting, with scheduled departures so solo travellers and couples can join a group and split the cost. Guide, transport, stays and meals all included.

Highlights

• ✦The country's greatest hits in one nine-day loop
• ✦A yurt night on the Song-Köl jailoo (~3,016 m)
• ✦Tash Rabat, Issyk-Köl, Karakol and Altyn-Arashan
• ✦Scheduled small-group departures — great for solo travellers
• ✦A relaxed mix of driving, walking and horse riding
• ✦All-inclusive: guide, transport, stays and meals

What's included

Itinerary

1. 1
   Day 1 — Bishkek

   Arrival, city highlights and welcome dinner.

2. 2
   Day 2 — Burana to Kochkor

   Burana Tower and the Chuy plain, then south toward the mountains.

3. 3
   Day 3 — Song-Köl

   Ride over the pass to Song-Köl; yurt night on the jailoo.

4. 4
   Day 4 — Naryn & Tash Rabat

   Down to Naryn and out to the Tash Rabat caravanserai.

5. 5
   Day 5 — To Issyk-Köl

   Drive to the south shore via Skazka Canyon; lakeside overnight.

6. 6
   Day 6 — Karakol

   Karakol's cathedral, market and Dungan food; Jeti-Ögüz.

7. 7
   Day 7 — Altyn-Arashan

   Up to the Altyn-Arashan valley for hot springs; mountain night.

8. 8
   Day 8 — Cholpon-Ata

   North shore, petroglyphs and beach time.

9. 9
   Day 9 — Return to Bishkek

   Drive back to Bishkek.

Meeting point

📍 Bishkek — hotel pickup included

Frequently asked questions

How long is this experience?

9 days

Can I cancel my booking?

Yes — you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before it starts.

Where does it start?

Bishkek — hotel pickup included

What's included?

Vetted English- and Russian-speaking local guide · All ground transport in a private vehicle (4WD where needed) · Accommodation as per the itinerary · All meals on the trip · National-park, reserve and conservation fees