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Best of Kyrgyzstan

Best of Kyrgyzstan

Eight days from Silk Road towers to hidden Kel-Suu Lake on the Chinese border

Duration: 8 days
Level: Moderate, high altitude
Price: On request

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan!

We are thrilled to welcome you to the “Best of Kyrgyzstan” tour — a journey that brings together the most iconic, wild and breathtaking experiences of our country.

A true nomadic adventure awaits you: from ancient Silk Road towers and crimson canyons to high-altitude gems like Son-Kul Lake and the mysterious Kel-Suu Lake, hidden right near the Chinese border. You will hear soul-stirring live folk music, learn the art of traditional shyrdak felt-rug making, witness ancient eagle hunting and spend cozy nights in yurt camps under skies full of stars.

Step away from the ordinary and get ready to discover the raw beauty of Kyrgyzstan!

The route

A loop from Bishkek through Kochkor and Son-Kul to Kel-Suu Lake in the border zone, then back via the southern shore of Issyk-Kul.

Bishkek Day 1
Kochkor Day 2
Son-Kul Day 3
Kel-Suu Day 4–5
Kochkor Day 6
Bokonbaevo Day 7
Bishkek Day 8

Day by day

Day 1
Day 1: Bishkek — City Tour

Welcome to the capital! A guided walking tour of Bishkek's central squares, green parks and key historical landmarks.
- Format: City walking tour
Day 2
Day 2: Bishkek — Kochkor

Head southeast toward Kochkor. On the way, visit the 11th-century Burana Tower, then hike into the crimson rock formations of the Konorchek Canyons. In the evening, enjoy an authentic Kyrgyz folklore show in Kochkor.
- Format: Sightseeing, canyon hike and live folk music
- Drive: ~200 km, 3–4 hours
Day 3
Day 3: Kochkor — Son-Kul Lake

Take part in an interactive shyrdak show — a masterclass in making traditional Kyrgyz felt rugs. Then climb to high-altitude Son-Kul Lake (3,015 m) and check in to a traditional yurt camp on its shore.
- Format: Scenic drive, craft masterclass, night in a yurt camp
- Drive: ~120 km, 3–4 hours
Day 4
Day 4: Son-Kul — Kel-Suu Lake area

An epic overland journey toward the Chinese border area. We pass border control checkpoints — a special border permit is required, and we arrange it in advance. Arrival at the high-altitude base camp in the Kok-Kiya valley.
- Format: Expedition drive and border zone entry
- Drive: ~280–300 km, 6–7 hours
Day 5
Day 5: Kel-Suu Lake

Trek or ride on horseback up to Kel-Suu Lake (3,500 m), a hidden jewel enclosed by sheer, towering cliffs. Explore its surreal emerald water, the caves and the alpine wilderness around it.
- Format: Mountain trekking or horseback riding
Day 6
Day 6: Kel-Suu — Kochkor

Farewell to the remote highlands. We drive back to the welcoming village of Kochkor to rest and relax after the mountain expedition.
- Format: Scenic overland drive
- Drive: ~270 km, 6–7 hours
Day 7
Day 7: Kochkor — Bokonbaevo

Travel to Bokonbaevo village on the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Discover local artisan crafts, enjoy the lakeside scenery and relax with views of the snow-capped Tian Shan peaks.
- Format: Lakeside exploration
Day 8
Day 8: Bokonbaevo — Bishkek

Watch a thrilling eagle hunting show that demonstrates the ancient art of hunting with birds of prey. Then return to Bishkek. Conclusion of the tour program.
- Format: Eagle hunting show and return drive to Bishkek
- Drive: ~271 km, 3–4 hours