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This journey takes through the highlights of Kyrgyzstan, from Soviet-era Bishkek, to the breathtaking Tien Shan Mountains and the ancient Silk Road. Explore dramatic gorges on foot, stay in a nomadic yurt camp, experience hunting with a golden eagle and cruise on Lake Issyk Kul in one of central Asia’s most fascinating countries.

  • Meet golden eagle hunters
  • Stay in a yurt & meet Kyrgyz nomads
  • See Tien Shan's magnificent peaks
  • Enjoy beautiful mountain flora
  • Walk through alpine meadows & forests

The journey takes you to the must-see sights of the this captivating country, beginning with a tour of the capital, Bishkek, before heading out to the forested valleys of Ala Archa National Park. Take a boat cruise on Lake Issyk Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world, and on to the town of Karakol. Walk alongside the river in the impressive Seven Bulls Gorge and continue into the mountains to meet the golden eagle hunters.

Spend a day hiking among the forests and alpine meadows of the Altyn Arashan valley and take a dip in the area’s hot springs. Cross over the dramatic Dolon Pass into Silk Road country and then on the shore’s of Kyrgystan’s second largest lake, Son Kul, as we step into Nomadic life and stay in yurts, exploring the lake and nearby petroglyphs on foot.

Typical Itinerary

  1. Day 1: Depart UK

    Depart the UK on an overnight flight to Bishkek.

  2. Day 2: Arrive Bishkek

    Arrive this morning in Bishkek. There is time to relax at the hotel before a sightseeing tour of the city.

  3. Day 3: Walking in Ala Archa National Park

    Visit a traditional Kyrgyz cemetery and the Mausoleum of Baitik Baatyr before spending the day walking in Ala Archa National Park.

    Ascent: 450 m | Descent: 450 m

  4. Day 4: Visit Burana Tower

    Drive to Tokmok to visit the famous Burana tower and ancient Turkic tombs. Afterwards continue driving to the Chon Kemin Valley.

  5. Day 5: Walking in the Chon Kemin Valley

    Walk deep into the gorge and up to the panorama for spectacular views of the surrounding area. Later, drive to Cholpon Ata and visit the Museum of Petroglyphs and the Ethnographical Museum.

    Walking distance: 9 km

  6. Day 6: Lake Issyk Kul & Karakol

    Join a boat cruise on Lake Issyk Kul for spectacular views of the lakeshore and mountains, before driving to the town of Karakol at the foot of the Tien Shan Mountains.

  7. Day 7: Seven Bulls Gorge & golden eagle hunters

    Morning walk in the Seven Bulls Gorge, following the course of the Djety Oguz mountain river. This afternoon meet the golden eagle hunters in the mountains with their eagles.

    Descent: 300 m

  8. Day 8: Hiking at Altyn Arashan Gorge

    Spend the day hiking in Altyn Arashan, one of the most beautiful gorges in the Tien Shan. Swim in the hot mineral springs.

    Walking distance: 15 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 200 m

  9. Day 9: Drive to Kochkor

    Drive along the southern shores of Lake Issyk Kul to Kochkor, stopping to walk in the Fairy Tale Canyon along the way. Visit the locals making carpets and other handicrafts and try your hand at making your own rug.

  10. Day 10: Scenic drive to Tash Rabat

    A long but scenic drive over the 3,030 metre Dolon Pass, through the lush At Bashi Mountains to Tash Rabat. Visit a hidden gorge housing a caravanserai of the Great Silk Road.

    Walking distance: 5 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 200 m

  11. Day 11: Full day walking in Tash Rabat

    The walking in this area is beautiful and varied with a number of different walking options available through lush green valleys or over the 2,500 metre Tash Rabat Pass.

    Walking distance: 12 km | Ascent: 100 m | Descent: 400 m

  12. Day 12: Drive to Son Kul Lake

    Drive through increasingly wild scenery over a dramatic pass to a peaceful Nomadic camp. Spend time with the nomadic families to learn about their way of life and try some local produce.

  13. Day 13: Full day hiking in Son Kul

    Spend the day exploring the beautiful plateau. Explore the lake shores, see wild flowers and hike up surrounding hills to see ancient petroglyphs.

    Walking distance: 15 km | Descent: 200 m

  14. Day 14: Return to Bishkek

    Another panoramic drive back to Bishkek, passing nomads, spectacular gorges and picturesque valleys alongside the snow covered peaks of the Tien Shan. Afternoon at leisure in Bishkek.

  15. Day 15: Fly back to the UK

    Depart Bishkek at anytime for your return flight to the UK.

Price and Other Information

  • Duration and price excluding international flights: 14 days from £2,019 per person
  • Duration and price including flights from/to UK: 15 days from £2,899 per person
  • Single room supplement: From £160
  • Walking grade: Moderate to Demanding
  • Guiding: Guided Group Private-Guided
  • Max alt: 3,100m
  • Group size: 3-12
  • When to go: View Dates & Prices
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  • Route map:
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  • What’s included
    • Hotel x 7 nights, guesthouse x 1 night, homestay x 1 night, yurt camp x 4 nights
    • 14 breakfasts, 13 lunches and 13 dinners
    • Experienced English-speaking guide
    • Airport transfers

Next Steps

Dates & Prices

Choose your preferred departure date from the 2 options below, then make a no obligation booking request, or enquire if you would like to ask us a question.

Guided Group Dates and Prices
Year Starts Ends Price From (Exc. Flights) Holiday Status Options
All prices are per person. All our guided group trips have the option to be taken as a private guided itinerary. * Available: this holiday is available to book. ** Guaranteed: this holiday is available to book and is guaranteed to run. *** Fully Booked: if your preferred holiday is full we may be able to offer you a private departure or tailor a holiday to suit your requirements, please contact us for more details.
2024 27 Jun 10 Jul £2,019 Guaranteed** Book or Enquire
2024 1 Sep 14 Sep £2,019 Available* Book or Enquire

If you can’t see the holiday or departure date that you are looking for please contact us. We may be in the process of finalising further departures and are often able to arrange a holiday for you according to your own requirements.