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Discover Kyrgyzstan Walking

Nine days on foot through bazaars, canyons, gorges and high pastures

Duration
9 days
Walking
1–5 hours a day
Level
Moderate
Yurt camp
2 nights
Price
On request
Ask about this tour Day by day
Discover Kyrgyzstan Walking

Welcome to Kyrgyzstan!

We are delighted to welcome you to the land of celestial mountains, untouched nature, and nomadic hospitality. The “Discover Kyrgyzstan Walking” tour was created for those who want to experience Kyrgyzstan not only through a camera lens, but with every step — walking through vibrant Oriental bazaars, quiet mountain gorges, Martian-like canyons, and high-altitude pastures.

Ahead of you lie 9 days filled with contrasts: from Soviet architectural heritage and ancient Silk Road paths to a warm dinner by a yurt under the starry sky of Son-Kul Lake. Forget the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in a culture where every guest is treated like an honored family member.

We wish you an inspiring journey and happy trails!

The route

Our tour combines moderate walking, discovery of the ancient Silk Road history, traditional cultural shows, and immersion into local nomadic life.

  1. Bishkek Day 1
  2. Chon-Kemin Day 2
  3. Ak-Sai Day 3
  4. Karakol Day 4–5
  5. Kochkor Day 6
  6. Son-Kul Day 7
  7. Bishkek Day 8
  8. Ala-Archa Day 9

Day by day

  1. Bishkek — City Tour

    Immerse yourself in the capital's vibrant atmosphere. We begin at the colorful Osh Bazaar to experience authentic Oriental flavor. Next, we will see the Philharmonic Hall, main Ala-Too Square, visit the National Historical Museum, and finish our walk at the Victory Square memorial.

    • Format: City walking tour
    Victory Square memorial in Bishkek under a dramatic sky
    Bishkek — City Tour
    Bishkek — City Tour

  2. Chon-Kemin

    Heading east. On the way, we visit the Burana Tower historical site (11th century). Upon arrival in the picturesque Chon-Kemin Valley, enjoy a walk among pine forests and foothills, relaxing in the fresh mountain air.

    • Format: Valley walk and historical sightseeing
    • Walking: 3–4 hours, 9–10 km
    • Meals: Dinner included
    Group of hikers walking through a grassy valley with pine-covered hills
    Chon-Kemin
    Chon-Kemin

  3. Ak-Sai Canyon

    Drive to the southern shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Explore the Martian-like landscapes of Ak-Sai Canyon with its clay towers and scenic views. In the evening, arrive at a traditional yurt camp for rest and immersion in nomadic life.

    • Format: Canyon walk, night in a yurt camp
    • Walking: 2–3 hours
    • Meals: Dinner included
    Red clay towers of the canyon country on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul
    Ak-Sai Canyon
    Ak-Sai Canyon

  4. Karakol (Day 1)

    In the morning, watch a thrilling Eagle Hunting Show — a demonstration of traditional hunting with birds of prey. Then head to Barskoon Gorge to see its famous waterfalls. In the evening, arrive in Karakol for a culinary experience.

    • Format: Waterfall walk, ethno-show and cultural dining
    • Walking: 1–2 hours
    • Meals: Dinner with an Uighur family included
    Two eagle hunters on horseback with golden eagles spreading their wings
    Karakol (Day 1)
    Karakol (Day 1)

  5. Karakol (Day 2)

    Morning Karakol city tour visiting the unique Holy Trinity Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque. Afterwards, drive to Jeti-Oguz Gorge, famous for the “Seven Bulls” and “Broken Heart” rock formations, followed by a walk to a mountain waterfall.

    • Format: Guided city walk and gorge walking
    • Walking: 3–4 hours
    Red sandstone cliffs of the Seven Bulls in Jeti-Oguz Gorge
    Karakol (Day 2)
    Karakol (Day 2)

  6. Kochkor

    Visit the open-air Petroglyph Museum. Drive to Kochkor village for a Shyrdak Show — a masterclass in making traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets.

    • Format: Cultural exploration and masterclass
    • Meals: Dinner included
    Ancient petroglyph of an ibex on a boulder in the open-air museum
    Kochkor
    Kochkor

  7. Son-Kul Lake

    Ascent to high-altitude Son-Kul Lake via the scenic Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. Enjoy walks across alpine meadows and learn about nomadic life. In the evening, relax around the yurt.

    • Format: High-altitude walking, panoramic mountain passes
    • Walking: 3–4 hours
    • Meals: Dinner at the yurt camp included
    Yurt camp on the shore of Son-Kul Lake
    Son-Kul Lake
    Son-Kul Lake

  8. Son-Kul — Bishkek

    Descend from the highlands via the famous “33 Parrots” winding mountain pass. Return to Bishkek. Free time for rest and city strolls.

    • Format: Scenic drive and free time
    Hairpin bends of the 33 Parrots mountain road
    Son-Kul — Bishkek

  9. Bishkek — Ala-Archa

    The final day takes place in the majestic Ala-Archa National Park. Take a scenic walk along a rushing mountain river surrounded by Tian Shan spruces and snow-capped peaks to the waterfall. Conclusion of the tour program.

    • Format: Mountain trekking
    • Walking: 4–5 hours
    Waterfall cascading through a spruce-lined gorge in the Tian Shan
    Bishkek — Ala-Archa

Photos from the route

Son-Kul Lake and yurt camps seen from the pass
Golden eagle in flight during a hunting show
The 33 Parrots pass winding down to the valley
Golden domes of the Holy Trinity Church in Karakol
View down the Jeti-Oguz valley with yurts among the spruces
Mountain river in Ala-Archa National Park
Neoclassical government building in central Bishkek
Eagle hunter with his taigan hunting dogs
Golden eagle looking straight into the camera

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