This tour is designed for travelers who have limited time but want to experience the absolute best of Kyrgyzstan’s nature and culture. The itinerary includes an off-road mountain driving experience, an authentic overnight stay in a traditional yurt camp under the stars, incredible canyon hiking, and a traditional eagle hunting show, all while exploring the breathtaking landscapes of both Song-Kul and Issyk-Kul lakes.
Salam! Your trip starts early this morning. We leave the green city of Bishkek and drive to the
ancient Burana Tower. This is an 11th-century minaret and an important site on the old Silk Road. You can climb to the top and see old stone statues called balbals. Next, we drive to the village of Kochkor. For lunch, we will stop at a local cafe to taste authentic Kyrgyz cuisine.
After lunch, our adventure goes high into the mountains. We drive over the beautiful Kalmak-Ashuu Pass, which is 3,446 meters high. Keep your camera ready because the mountain views are amazing. Finally, we arrive at Song Kul Lake, a huge alpine lake surrounded by green grass and horses. Tonight, you will eat a home-cooked dinner and sleep like a nomad in a traditional yurt camp under the stars.
Wake up early to see the beautiful sunrise over the lake. After breakfast, we leave Song Kul and drive down toward the south shore of the famous Issyk-Kul Lake. Our stop today is the Ak Say Canyon. This place is famous for its bright red and orange clay rocks that look like mini-mountains. We will take a 1-hour walk through the canyon to enjoy the views and take photos.
Next, we drive to the village of Bokonbaevo. This area is famous for keeping old traditions alive. We will meet a local berkutchi (eagle hunter). He will show you his golden eagle and explain how hunters train these massive birds. You will see a real eagle demonstration.
Tonight, we stay in a cozy local guesthouse or a yurt camp near the lake.
After breakfast by the lake, we start driving back to Bishkek. On the way, we stop at Kok Moynok Canyon. This canyon is a hidden gem with narrow sandy paths and tall, smooth rock walls that were shaped by water a long time ago. It feels like walking through a natural maze.
After a short hike, we get back in the car and drive through the scenic Boom Gorge. We will arrive back in Bishkek in the late afternoon (around 4 pm or 5 pm). You can spend your last evening walking around Ala-Too Square or shopping for souvenirs at the Osh Bazaar. To celebrate the end of the tour, find a local restaurant to eat some delicious samsa
(meat pastries) or lagman (noodles).
