Day-by-Day Itinerary
Settle into Kyrgyzstan's capital and explore its Soviet-era architecture and vibrant bazaars.
Morning
Arrival and city orientation
Arrive at Manas International Airport and transfer to your accommodation. After settling in, begin exploring
Bishkek's tree-lined boulevards. The city's Soviet-era planning creates wide streets perfect for strolling. Get oriented with the city's grid layout and exchange currency at a reliable exchange office.
3-4 hours
$10-15
Arrange airport transfer in advance through your accommodation for easier arrival
Lunch
A traditional Kyrgyz restaurant near the city center serving lagman and plov
Kyrgyz
Budget
Afternoon
Ala-Too Square and State History Museum
Visit Ala-Too Square, the heart of
Bishkek, where the Manas Statue stands proudly. Watch the changing of the guard ceremony if timing allows. Explore the State History Museum to understand Kyrgyz history from ancient nomadic tribes through Soviet times to independence. The museum provides essential context for your journey ahead.
3 hours
$5-8
Evening
Dinner and evening stroll
Dine at a local restaurant serving traditional Kyrgyz dishes, then walk through the illuminated
Kara-Jygach Park to experience local evening life
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bishkek (Mid-range hotel or guesthouse near Ala-Too Square)
Central location provides easy access to restaurants, attractions, and transportation for tomorrow's excursion
Download offline maps before arriving as WiFi can be spotty. Keep small denominations of som for bazaars and local transport.
Day 1 Budget: $55-75
Experience Kyrgyzstan's dramatic mountain scenery just 40km from the capital with a day hike in pristine alpine terrain.
Morning
Ala Archa National Park trek
Depart early for Ala Archa National Park, a spectacular gorge in the Tian Shan mountains. Choose from several trails based on fitness level—the moderate trail to the waterfall offers stunning views without extreme difficulty. Snow-capped peaks tower above as you hike through juniper forests and alpine meadows. The crisp mountain air and dramatic scenery provide an immediate introduction to Kyrgyzstan's natural beauty.
4-5 hours including transport
$20-30
Hire a marshrutka or taxi for the day; shared transport is available from
Osh Bazaar
Lunch
Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy in the national park with mountain views
Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Return to
Bishkek and dive into the sensory overload of
Osh Bazaar, the city's largest market. Navigate through sections selling everything from dried fruits and nuts to traditional felt products and spices. This is the perfect place to buy snacks for upcoming journeys, try local honey, and observe daily Kyrgyz life. The bazaar's energy and colors provide excellent photography opportunities.
2-3 hours
$10-20
Evening
Cultural dinner and rest
Enjoy dinner at a restaurant featuring traditional Kyrgyz cuisine, perhaps trying beshbarmak, the national dish. Early night to prepare for tomorrow's journey east
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bishkek (Same accommodation as Day 1)
Convenient for early morning departure to Issyk-Kul region
Bring layers to Ala Archa—temperatures can be 10-15°C cooler than
Bishkek, and weather changes quickly in the mountains.
Day 2 Budget: $50-75
Travel through Boom Gorge to reach Issyk-Kul, stopping at the ancient Burana Tower along the way.
Morning
Burana Tower and Silk Road history
Depart
Bishkek heading east, stopping at Burana Tower near Tokmok. This 11th-century minaret is all that remains of the ancient Silk Road city of Balasagun. Climb the tower's narrow stairs for panoramic views of the Chuy Valley. Explore the surrounding field of balbals—ancient Turkic stone grave markers with carved faces—providing a tangible connection to the region's pre-Islamic past.
2 hours
$5-8
Lunch
A roadside café in Tokmok serving fresh lagman and samsa
Kyrgyz/Central Asian
Budget
Afternoon
Drive to Issyk-Kul and arrival in Cholpon-Ata
Continue through dramatic Boom Gorge, where red rock formations create a Mars-like landscape. Emerge to your first view of Issyk-Kul, a massive alpine lake that never freezes despite its 1,600m altitude. Arrive in Cholpon-Ata, the lake's northern shore resort town. Settle into accommodation and take a late afternoon walk along the pebbly beach, enjoying the mountain backdrop across the water.
4 hours including stops
$15-25
Book shared marshrutka or arrange private transport through your
Bishkek accommodation
Evening
Lakeside dinner and sunset
Dine at a lakeside restaurant with fresh Issyk-Kul fish, watching the sunset paint the Terskey Ala-Too mountains pink and gold
Where to Stay Tonight
Cholpon-Ata (Guesthouse or small hotel near the lake)
Cholpon-Ata serves as an excellent base for exploring the northern Issyk-Kul region
The water temperature of Issyk-Kul reaches swimmable levels (18-20°C) by July-August, though the shore can be pebbly—water shoes help.
Day 3 Budget: $45-70
Explore the stunning Grigorievka Gorge with its alpine meadows and rushing streams.
Morning
Grigorievka Gorge exploration
Journey into Grigorievka Gorge, one of Issyk-Kul's most accessible and beautiful valleys. The gorge opens into vast alpine meadows dotted with wildflowers in summer. Hike along the river, passing through juniper forests with views of snow-capped peaks. The landscape transitions from green valleys to rocky outcrops, offering varied scenery. Keep eyes open for herds of horses grazing freely—this is quintessential Kyrgyz mountain scenery.
4-5 hours
$20-30
Arrange transport through your guesthouse; 4WD vehicles can drive deeper into the gorge
Lunch
Picnic lunch in the gorge or simple meal at a seasonal yurt serving kumis and bread
Picnic/Nomadic
Budget
Afternoon
Return to Cholpon-Ata and petroglyphs
Return to Cholpon-Ata and visit the open-air petroglyph museum near town. Walk among thousands of rock carvings dating from 800 BCE to medieval times, depicting hunting scenes, animals, and solar symbols. The site sprawls across a hillside with lake views, combining archaeology with natural beauty. The petroglyphs offer insight into the region's ancient inhabitants and their relationship with these mountains.
2 hours
$3-5
Evening
Relaxed lakeside evening
Enjoy a leisurely dinner at a local restaurant, then walk along the beach. Consider visiting a traditional banya (sauna) if available at your accommodation
Where to Stay Tonight
Cholpon-Ata (Same accommodation as Day 3)
Another night here avoids packing and allows for a relaxed exploration pace
Bring sun protection—the combination of altitude and reflection off the lake makes sunburn likely even on partly cloudy days.
Day 4 Budget: $50-70
Travel along Issyk-Kul's northern shore, stopping at the dramatic Fairytale canyon before reaching Karakol.
Morning
Fairytale canyon exploration
Depart for Karakol, stopping at the remarkable Fairytale canyon (Skazka). This geological wonder features red and orange sandstone formations eroded into fantastical shapes—towers, castles, and creatures seem to emerge from the rock. Hike through the canyon as morning light illuminates the vibrant colors. The otherworldly landscape looks like something from Mars or Arizona's desert, contrasting dramatically with yesterday's green gorges.
2-3 hours
$5-10
Lunch
A roadside café along the northern shore serving fresh fish and traditional dishes
Kyrgyz
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival in Karakol and city exploration
Continue to Karakol, Issyk-Kul's largest town and gateway to eastern mountains. Explore the unique wooden Dungan Mosque, built without nails by Chinese Muslims, and the Russian Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral with its colorful onion domes. Visit the local market to observe the cultural mix of Kyrgyz, Russian, Dungan, and Uyghur communities. The town's tree-lined streets and mountain backdrop create a pleasant atmosphere.
3 hours
$5-10
Evening
Dungan cuisine experience
Try Dungan cuisine at a local restaurant—ashlyam-fu (cold spicy noodle soup) is a regional specialty not to miss
Where to Stay Tonight
Karakol city center (Guesthouse or homestay)
Karakol guesthouses are known for hospitality and serve as excellent bases for mountain excursions
Karakol's Sunday animal market (6-10am) is fascinating if your timing aligns—locals trade horses, cattle, and sheep in traditional fashion.
Day 5 Budget: $45-65
Trek or drive to the stunning Altyn-Arashan valley with its natural hot springs and dramatic mountain scenery.
Morning
Journey to Altyn-Arashan
Head to Altyn-Arashan, a spectacular alpine valley accessible by 4WD or a 12km hike. If hiking, the trail follows a river through forest, gradually ascending to reveal increasingly dramatic mountain views. The valley sits at 2,600m surrounded by peaks reaching over 5,000m. Soviet-era sanatoriums and simple guesthouses dot the valley, which is famous for natural hot springs. The scenery is quintessentially Kyrgyz—rushing rivers, pine forests, and jagged peaks.
3-5 hours depending on transport method
$15-30
Arrange 4WD transport through your Karakol guesthouse if not hiking; book overnight accommodation in advance during peak season
Lunch
Simple meal at your guesthouse in Altyn-Arashan
Kyrgyz home cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Hot springs and valley exploration
Soak in the natural hot springs—several pools of varying temperatures offer relaxation with mountain views. The mineral-rich water is believed to have therapeutic properties. After soaking, explore the valley on short hikes to viewpoints or along the river. The combination of alpine scenery, fresh air, and warm springs creates a memorable mountain experience. Evening brings incredible star visibility due to the altitude and remoteness.
4-5 hours
$5-10
Evening
Guesthouse dinner and mountain night
Enjoy hearty home-cooked meal at your guesthouse, share stories with other travelers, and experience the profound quiet of mountain nights
Where to Stay Tonight
Altyn-Arashan valley (Simple guesthouse or yurt)
Overnight stay allows for evening hot springs soaking and sunrise mountain views
Bring a headlamp and warm layers—temperatures drop significantly at night at this altitude, and facilities are basic but authentic.
Day 6 Budget: $40-60
Return to Karakol and travel along Issyk-Kul's southern shore, stopping at Barskoon Waterfall.
Morning
Return to Karakol
Enjoy sunrise in the mountains before returning to Karakol. If you hiked up, the descent offers different perspectives and is easier on the knees. If using 4WD, the bumpy ride down provides last views of the valley. Back in Karakol, freshen up and prepare for the journey along Issyk-Kul's southern shore, which offers a completely different character than the northern route.
3-4 hours
$15-25
Lunch
Late lunch in Karakol before departing, or packed lunch for the road
Kyrgyz
Budget
Afternoon
Barskoon Waterfall and southern shore drive
Travel along the southern shore, stopping at Barskoon Waterfall. A series of cascades tumble down the mountainside, accessible via a road with several viewpoints. The main waterfall crashes dramatically into a gorge—the spray creates rainbows on sunny days. The southern shore is less developed than the north, with the road hugging the lake and mountains rising steeply behind. The landscape feels wilder and more remote.
4 hours including stops
$10-15
Evening
Arrival and lakeside dinner
Settle into accommodation in a small village along the southern shore, enjoying dinner with lake views and mountain sunset
Where to Stay Tonight
Southern shore village (Barskoon or Tamga area) (Guesthouse or yurt camp)
Southern shore offers authentic village life and serves as a base for tomorrow's canyon exploration
The southern shore has fewer ATMs and services—bring sufficient cash from Karakol for the next few days.
Day 7 Budget: $45-65
Explore the dramatic Kok Jaiyk valley and nearby natural attractions along the southern shore.
Morning
Kok Jaiyk valley exploration
Venture into Kok Jaiyk valley, a stunning gorge with red rock formations, green meadows, and a rushing river. The valley offers excellent hiking through varied terrain—narrow canyon sections open into broader valleys with grazing livestock. The contrast of red rocks against green grass and blue sky creates spectacular photography opportunities. Local shepherds may be encountered with their flocks in summer months.
4-5 hours
$15-25
Arrange 4WD transport through your guesthouse as the road can be rough
Lunch
Picnic lunch in the valley or return to guesthouse for a meal
Picnic/Home cooking
Budget
Afternoon
Lakeside relaxation and local village
Return to the lake for a more relaxed afternoon. Walk through the local village, observing rural Kyrgyz life—children playing, women tending gardens, men working with livestock. If weather permits, swim in Issyk-Kul from a quiet beach. The southern shore's beaches are often less crowded than the northern resort areas. Visit a local family if your guesthouse can arrange it, learning about traditional crafts or daily life.
3-4 hours
$5-10
Evening
Traditional dinner and cultural exchange
Enjoy dinner at your guesthouse with opportunity to learn Kyrgyz phrases, try traditional games, or hear local stories
Where to Stay Tonight
Southern shore village (Same accommodation as Day 7)
Another night allows deeper immersion in local life and avoids constant packing
Ask your hosts about local honey—southern shore villages often produce excellent mountain honey that makes a great souvenir.
Day 8 Budget: $40-60
Travel south through mountain passes to reach the remote 15th-century Tash Rabat caravanserai.
Morning
Mountain drive toward Naryn
Depart early for one of the journey's most spectacular drives. The road climbs away from Issyk-Kul through increasingly dramatic mountain scenery. Pass through small villages and over high passes with panoramic views. The landscape becomes more austere and beautiful—vast valleys, distant peaks, and the sense of remoteness intensifies. This is the Kyrgyzstan of imagination—endless mountains and sky.
4-5 hours
$30-50
This journey requires 4WD vehicle arranged through your guesthouse or tour operator in advance
Lunch
Simple roadside café in Naryn or At-Bashi serving traditional dishes
Kyrgyz
Budget
Afternoon
Tash Rabat caravanserai arrival
Reach Tash Rabat, a remarkably preserved 15th-century stone caravanserai in a remote valley at 3,200m. This Silk Road waystation once sheltered merchants and their caravans. Explore the atmospheric interior with its maze of rooms, corridors, and central dome. The setting is extraordinary—the stone building sits alone in a vast valley surrounded by mountains. The isolation and architecture transport you to the Silk Road era.
2-3 hours
$5-8
Evening
Yurt camp experience
Stay in a traditional yurt camp near Tash Rabat, enjoying dinner and evening around the fire with incredible star visibility
Where to Stay Tonight
Tash Rabat valley (Traditional yurt camp)
Sleeping in a yurt at this remote location offers an authentic nomadic experience with stunning scenery
Temperatures drop dramatically at this altitude—bring all your warm layers. The yurt stove keeps it cozy, but nights are cold.
Day 9 Budget: $50-75
Cross high mountain passes to reach Song-Kul, a pristine alpine lake where nomadic families summer with their herds.
Morning
Morning at Tash Rabat and departure
Wake to mountain sunrise and explore the area around Tash Rabat. Short hikes reveal views of the valley and surrounding peaks. Photograph the caravanserai in morning light before beginning the journey to Song-Kul. The drive crosses passes over 3,500m with stunning vistas. Watch for eagles and possibly ibex on rocky slopes. The landscape is harsh but beautiful—this is high Central Asian steppe.
3 hours
$5-10
Lunch
Packed lunch to eat with mountain views during the drive
Picnic
Budget
Afternoon
Arrival at Song-Kul Lake
Crest the final pass to see Song-Kul spread below—a massive alpine lake at 3,016m surrounded by rolling grasslands. Dozens of yurts dot the shoreline where nomadic families spend summer with their livestock. Arrive at your yurt camp and settle in. Walk along the shore, observing herders on horseback managing their animals. The vastness and simplicity of the landscape is profound—just grass, water, sky, and mountains.
4-5 hours including drive
$30-50
Song-Kul accommodation should be booked in advance through tour operators or CBT networks
Evening
Traditional nomadic dinner and cultural immersion
Enjoy dinner in the yurt—likely including fresh dairy products, bread, and meat. Learn about nomadic life from your hosts, try kumis (fermented mare's milk), and experience the profound silence of the steppe night
Where to Stay Tonight
Song-Kul Lake shore (Traditional yurt with nomadic family)
Song-Kul offers Kyrgyzstan's most authentic nomadic experience in a stunning setting
Respect that these are working families, not performers. Ask permission before photographing people, and consider bringing small gifts like tea or candy.
Day 10 Budget: $45-70
Full day experiencing nomadic life—horseback riding, helping with daily tasks, and exploring the lake's shores.
Morning
Horseback riding and lake exploration
Wake to the sounds of horses and sheep, with sunrise reflecting on the lake. After breakfast, go horseback riding—the traditional way to explore Song-Kul. Ride along the shore or up into surrounding hills for panoramic views. Even beginners can enjoy gentle rides on the steady Kyrgyz horses. Alternatively, hike along the lake, enjoying wildflowers in summer and watching birds—Song-Kul is an important stopover for migratory species.
4-5 hours
$15-25
Lunch
Traditional lunch in the yurt with your host family
Nomadic/Kyrgyz
Budget
Afternoon
Nomadic life participation
Participate in daily nomadic activities if your hosts are willing—perhaps helping milk mares, make bread, or tend sheep. Learn about the seasonal migration patterns and traditional knowledge required for this lifestyle. The afternoon can also be spent simply relaxing, reading, and absorbing the peaceful atmosphere. The lack of connectivity and modern distractions creates a meditative quality. Watch shepherds work their dogs, or simply sit and watch clouds cross the vast sky.
4 hours
$0-10
Evening
Sunset and stargazing
Watch sunset paint the lake golden, then experience some of the world's best stargazing—the altitude, remoteness, and lack of light pollution create incredible celestial views
Where to Stay Tonight
Song-Kul Lake shore (Same yurt accommodation as Day 10)
Two nights allows deeper immersion and avoids rushing through this special experience
The weather at Song-Kul changes rapidly—be prepared for sun, wind, and possible rain in a single day. Layer clothing and keep rain gear accessible.
Day 11 Budget: $35-55
Journey back to
Bishkek via Kochkor, stopping to see traditional felt-making and reflect on mountain experiences.
Morning
Departure from Song-Kul
Say farewell to your nomadic hosts and begin the descent from Song-Kul. The journey to Kochkor offers last views of high pastures and mountain valleys. Arrive in Kochkor, a small town known for its felt-making cooperatives. Visit a workshop to see women creating traditional shyrdak (felt carpets) and other crafts using ancient techniques. These cooperatives support local women and preserve traditional skills.
4-5 hours including stops
$30-50
Lunch
Local restaurant in Kochkor serving home-style Kyrgyz food
Kyrgyz
Budget
Afternoon
Continue to
Bishkek, arriving in the afternoon. The transition from mountain remoteness to capital city feels dramatic after days in the wilderness. Check into accommodation and enjoy the simple pleasures of hot showers and reliable electricity. Take an evening walk through familiar streets that now feel different after your mountain journey. Visit a supermarket or bakery if needed.
4 hours
$25-40
Evening
Celebration dinner
Enjoy a nice dinner at a restaurant serving traditional or international cuisine, celebrating your mountain adventures with other travelers or new friends
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bishkek (Comfortable hotel or guesthouse)
Return to the capital allows for rest, laundry, and preparation for final days
If you fell in love with felt crafts at Kochkor,
Bishkek shops offer good selection but prices may be higher. Consider purchasing at the source.
Day 12 Budget: $60-85
Explore
Bishkek's cultural offerings and green spaces, with opportunities for last-minute shopping and reflection.
Morning
Gapar Aitiev National Museum of Fine Arts
Visit the Gapar Aitiev National Museum of Fine Arts to see Kyrgyz and Russian art spanning the 20th century. The collection includes Soviet-era propaganda art, traditional crafts, and contemporary works. The museum provides insight into how Kyrgyz artists navigated Soviet rule while maintaining cultural identity. After the museum, stroll through the nearby Botanical Garden, a peaceful green space perfect for reflection on your journey.
3 hours
$5-8
Lunch
A café near the museum district serving light meals and good coffee
International/Café
Mid-range
Afternoon
Shopping and final explorations
Visit craft markets or shops for last-minute souvenirs—felt products, honey, traditional hats, or local textiles. Return to
Osh Bazaar if you want more dried fruits, nuts, or spices. Alternatively, visit
Kara-Jygach Park for a relaxed afternoon among locals. If interested, explore more of
Bishkek's Soviet architecture or visit smaller museums. This flexible afternoon allows for personal interests and pacing.
4 hours
$20-40
Evening
Farewell dinner and evening entertainment
Enjoy a final dinner at a restaurant with traditional music or a lively atmosphere. Consider attending a performance if available, or simply walk through illuminated streets savoring your last evening
Where to Stay Tonight
Central Bishkek (Same accommodation as Day 12)
Familiar location makes the final morning departure easier
Many shops close by 6-7pm, so plan afternoon shopping accordingly. Save room in luggage for souvenirs—felt crafts compress well.
Day 13 Budget: $55-80
Final morning in
Bishkek before airport transfer, with time for last-minute activities depending on flight schedule.
Morning
Flexible morning based on flight time
If your flight allows, enjoy a final
Bishkek breakfast at a local café. Take a last walk through Ala-Too Square or revisit a favorite spot. Visit the Flag of Kyrgyzstan at Boz-Boltok Mount if time permits and you haven't seen it—a massive flag visible across the city. Otherwise, relax at your accommodation, organize photos, or pack carefully. Exchange remaining som if needed, keeping some for airport purchases.
2-4 hours
$10-20
Lunch
Early lunch in
Bishkek or at the airport depending on timing
Flexible
Budget
Afternoon
Airport transfer and departure
Transfer to Manas International Airport, allowing plenty of time for check-in and security. The airport has basic shopping and dining options if you arrive early. Reflect on your journey through Kyrgyzstan's mountains, lakes, and steppes—from Soviet squares to nomadic yurts, from ancient Silk Road sites to pristine wilderness. The country's warmth and beauty likely exceeded expectations.
Variable
$10-15
Arrange airport transfer the previous evening; allow 45 minutes for the drive from central
Bishkek
Evening
Departure
Depart Kyrgyzstan with memories of mountain adventures, nomadic hospitality, and landscapes that will call you back
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day
Keep a few som for airport coffee or snacks. The airport has limited but adequate facilities—don't expect extensive shopping or dining options.
Day 14 Budget: $30-50