Kyrgyzstan Explorer

Kyrgyzstan Explorer

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15 Days
From

$2825

$2684

Kyrgyzstan Explorer

15 Days Starting and ending in BISHKEK

Visiting: Bishkek, Chychkan, Sary-Chelek, Arslanbob, Kazarman, Song-Kul, Tash-Rabat, Naryn, Yurt camp Sonun

Tour operator:

Wild Frontiers

Tour code:

KYR

Recommended For:

Couples, Singles

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

1-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements

Tour operated in:
English
Private Available:

Request A Private Tour

From:
$2825
$2684 (USD) The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$141

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Kyrgyzstan is quite simply one of the most beautiful countries on earth. The aptly named Tien Shan or “Mountains of Heaven” that stretch across its length and breadth are lush and green, high and wild, and are dissected by sweeping steppe lands, primal forests, crystal streams and turquoise lakes.  Far away, scratching the belly of the endless sky is a never-changing vista of lofty snow-capped peaks. With 90% of the country lying above 1500m this is very much a destination for lovers of epic mountain scenery and this comprehensive “Kyrgyzstan only” trip seeks to do justice to one of our favourite countries.From the beautiful alpine scenery of Sary Chelek and the ancient walnut forests of Arslanbob, to the dramatic Silk Road valley of Tash Rabat and the endless grasslands that surround Son Kul, we’ll not only be endlessly awed by the stunning landscapes of the “Switzerland of Central Asia”, but in addition we’ll meet the nomads who call this land home and who are amongst the most welcoming people on the planet.

Highlights

  • Walk and ride amongst striking mountain scenery, including UNESCO Sary Chelek

  • Stay in varied accommodation; from yurt camps, to homestays and wild camping

  • Explore inside Tash Rabat, an ancient caravanserai of the Silk Roadamping

  • Experience nomadic culture on walks and nomadic hospitality in yurt camps

  • Enjoy an eagle hunting demonstration at Issyk Kul Lake

  • See Burana Tower, once part of the Silk Road city of Balasagun

Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 : Join Tour In Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Accommodation: Asia Mountains Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner,

The tour starts around lunchtime in Bishkek. This afternoon we will have a look around this city, one of the world’s more relaxed capitals, visiting the excellent National History Museum and taking a wander around one of the bustling bazaars.

Day 2 : Bishkek - Chychkan Gorge
Location: Bishkek, Chychkan
Accommodation: Oson Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Leaving the capital today, it is not long before we get into the mountain scenery for which Kyrgyzstan is so rightly famed. Our route will take us over two mountain passes - the dramatic Tuu Ashuu (3586m) and the Ala Bel (3184m) which in Kyrgyz means “colourful pass”. As we travel through the Suusamyr Valley we will make several stops for some short acclimatisation walks and opportunities hopefully to meet some of the nomads who are often found here in the summer. We should be able to see their traditional yurts; observe mare milking and see how they control their huge flocks of sheep. This is a great introduction to the life of the nomadic shepherd. Upon arrival at Chychkan Gorge there should be time to explore some of the surrounding area.

Day 3 : Chychkan Gorge - Sary Chelek
Location: Chychkan, Sary-Chelek
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

With an early departure from Chychkan, we aim to arrive by mid-afternoon at Sary Chelek, which was included in the list of UNESCO Protected Biosphere Reserves in 1978. This is one of Kyrgyzstan’s least visited but most striking locations. Centred around a spectacular lake, which
sits at an altitude of 1873m, Sary Chelek is almost alpine in appearance and provides some of the finest scenery in Central Asia. We base ourselves here for two nights.

Day 4 : Sary Chelek
Location: Sary-Chelek
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today we plan to head out with a picnic lunch and take an easy but exhilarating walk between and around two of the lakes of Sary Chelek. Being home to over 1000 species of plant, 160 species of bird and 34 different types of mammal we can never be sure of exactly what we might see, but the views all around are spectacular.

Day 5 : Sary Chelek - Arslanbob
Location: Sary-Chelek, Arslanbob
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Leaving Sary Chelek this morning we head south towards Arslanbob village. Considered to be one of the country’s most attractive villages, it not only sits in the middle of a vast walnut forest, but it is also interestingly predominantly inhabited by ethnic Uzbeks. On arrival we will visit the local bazaar and settle in to our community-based homestay, where we stay for the next two nights.

Day 6 : Arslanbob
Location: Arslanbob
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today we will have the whole day to explore on foot the surrounds of Arslanbob and to see its famous walnut forests, as well as some of the waterfalls and streams which dot the region. The walnut forests are believed to pre-date the 11th century and may even date back to the times of Alexander the Great. In fact legend has it that Alexander brought back large quantities of the nuts from Central Asia, but had to give them up once he reached Greece as payment to the boatmen who transported his troops. While this may just be the stuff of legend, what is certainly true is that Central Asian walnuts regularly formed part of the goods that were transported along the Silk Road, branches of which ran close to Arslanbob. Those preferring a less active day can take shorter walks and relax amidst the beautiful scenery of this small village.

Day 7 : Arslanbob - Kazarman
Location: Arslanbob, Kazarman
Accommodation: Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

We have a long drive today through the country’s interior as we head through the central ranges of the Tien Shan over the Kaldama Ashuu pass (3062m) to Kazarman. This remote town sits on the Naryn River, one of the major tributaries of the Syr Darya River which was known to Alexander and the ancient Greeks as the Jaxartes.

Day 8 : Kazarman - Son Kul
Location: Kazarman, Song-Kul
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Son Kul Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Leaving Kazarman this morning we drive over the Moldo Ashuu pass (3660m), cross the Naryn River and head for Son Kul, a spectacular 3000m high mountain lake, to stay in our yurt camp. Arriving late afternoon, we will have a chance to venture out and meet the local nomads who spend their summers here.

Day 9 : Son Kul
Location: Song-Kul
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Son Kul Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today there will opportunities for full or half day walks (or horse rides) up into the hills to enjoy the mind-blowing views over this amazing lake. Alternatively, those wishing to can just hang out at the yurt camp and enjoy some down time. We also hope to be able to observe a game of kok buru (perhaps better known by its Afghan name buzkashi) in which riders compete to place a headless goat in a goal!

Day 10 : Son Kul - Tash Rabat
Location: Song-Kul, Tash-Rabat
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

This morning we’ll take another beautiful drive on to Tash Rabat, the famous ancient Silk Road caravanserai, where we will spend the next two nights. Dinner will be provided by the family of Jergal, the caretaker of the caravanserai with whom Wild Frontiers have been staying for over a decade.

Day 11 : Tash Rabat
Location: Tash-Rabat
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today is free to explore the stunning mountain surroundings. The walking in this area is wonderful and those wishing to ride also have the chance do so. We might head up to the 3,500m Tash Rabat Pass or follow another beautiful circular route, or you could just do your own thing. This valley, just 35km as the crow flies from the Chinese border, is lush and green, groaning with horses, yaks and sheep and the nomads who live by them. We will take a packed lunch with us, as the ride or walk will take most of the day. We’ll have a traditional dinner again with our friends.

Day 12 : Tash Rabat - Naryn - River Camp
Location: Tash-Rabat, Naryn
Accommodation: Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

This morning we’ll drive on to Naryn, stopping en route at At Bashy to view the 11th century ruins here. In the afternoon we take a beautiful drive following the Little Naryn River along a quiet road. We will spend the night at our camp by the river. Dinner will be cooked in camp by our own cooks.

Day 13 : River Camp - Issyk Kul Yurt Camp
Location: Yurt camp Sonun
Accommodation: Camp
Accommodation Name: Yurt
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

Today we will make a full day trek from the camp, over the 4100m Ton Pirival Pass and on to a yurt camp. The scenery on this walk is magnificent but it should be made clear that it is a reasonably tough trek that will need to be completed in 6 hours. If you prefer not to walk, you can travel in one of our vehicles via Sary Bulak to meet up with the trekkers at the yurt camp on the north side of the pass. Whichever way you choose to travel, there are wonderful views down on to Issyk Kul Lake.

Day 14 : Issyk Kul Yurt Camp - Bishkek
Location: Yurt camp Sonun, Bishkek
Accommodation: Asia Mountains Guesthouse or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner,

This morning we will have a chance to see an eagle hunting demonstration. This ancient skill was something for which our dear friend Sogan Bai, who passed away in 2009, was most famous and regarded as a national hero. Although he is no longer with us, there are others in the region who continue his legacy. Later we will walk down through the foothills of the verdant Tien Shan, the Mountains of Heaven, to Bokenbaevo and drive to Tok Mok to visit the restored 11th century Burana Tower. We will then continue on to Bishkek and check in to our hotel in time to freshen up for our final night in Kyrgyzstan.

Day 15 : Tour Ends Bishkek
Location: Bishkek
Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast today at the hotel

What's Included

  • TRANSPORT

    On this tour we will use minibuses and our feet(!). There is also the option to go horse riding.

  • MEALS

    14 x Breakfasts, 14 x Lunches, 14 x Dinners

  • GROUP SIZE

    Maximum: 12

  • CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS

    Contributions to carbon offset & tree planting projects for all bookings

  • ACCOMMODATION

    All accommodation as outlined in the itinerary

  • EXPERT TEAM

    The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate

  • ENTRANCE FEES

    All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary

  • FITNESS RATING

    Moderate

What's Not Included

We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs

Visas

Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com  For this tour UK passport holders currently do not require a visa for Kyrgyzstan. Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.  Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.  

Key Aspects to Consider

Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour, as many of the activities are optional. However, please note that you will be camping and staying in yurts, so you should be prepared for long-drop toilet facilities and no showers for part of the trip. But don’t panic too much… this is genuine adventure travel and your overall experience will easily make up for the lack of mod cons!

Check out our Q&As

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights

  • What is the maximum group size?

    12

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Since 2002

  • Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?

    In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.

Reviews from Travellers on this Tour

Ann McCann  

Ann McCann

A wonderful trip through a little known but staggeringly beautiful country

Lisa Vaz  

Lisa Vaz

Kyrgyzstan Explorer takes you through some of the most breathtaking scenery on this planet. A land of superlatives and pristine nature, where solace can be found for those wanting to escape our busy pace of life.

Jenny Howard  

Jenny Howard

Experiencing the life of the nomadic people of Kyrgyzstan will stay with me for a long time

Helen Rose  

Helen Rose

Kyrgyzstan has the most stunningly beautiful landscape I have ever seen

Helen Edwards  

Helen Edwards

The most striking thing about Kyrgyzstan is the vast stunning landscape, but the people are lovely, warm and welcoming, and our tour really encompassed both.

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Jul 07, 2024 - Jul 21, 2024
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The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$145 (USD)

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Jul 27, 2025 - Aug 10, 2025
$2906 $2761 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$145 (USD)

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Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 31, 2025
$2906 $2761 (USD)

The Big ADVENTURE Sale: -$145 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Wild Frontiers allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 90 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Wild Frontiers requires a minimum deposit of 200 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of wild frontiers charges.

    Up to 71 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 51 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

  • Wild Frontiers' COVID Promise

    You will have the right to transfer without any transfer fee, from any of our trips at ANY time if your trip is not Covid Viable (see below).*
    We will not ask you to pay your final balance if your trip is not yet Covid Viable.
    If your trip is not Covid Viable, by 30 days prior to departure at the latest, we will cancel your holiday and you can either transfer your funds to another departure or have a refund.**


    We will only consider a trip Covid Viable*** if pre-departure it meets all of the following criteria:

    There is no national lockdown or ban on foreign travel for the period when your trip is due to depart.
    Destinations on the tour must not be on the UK’s Red List. ****
    No destinations visited on the tour have in place any significant COVID-19 restrictions for travellers.
    Tourist visas (if required) are available.
    There is reliable airline access to/from the start/end of the trip.
    Following an assessment by both Wild Frontiers and our local partners we are confident that your trip is able to run in both a safe and enjoyable manner.*****




    ** If you were originally booked to travel before 30 April 2020 and transferred to a later date, or if you have a tailor-made booking, there may be some irrecoverable costs which we cannot refund. Please speak to us and we will be able to advise you if this is the case for your booking.
    ***Since our HQ is in London, Covid Viable status for our Group Tours will be assessed on UK-based travellers. However we are fully aware that many of our clients live in the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and beyond. As such, when we deem a trip to now be Covid Viable, everyone booked will have a chance to review their own personal situation before deciding whether or not to remain booked on the trip. Anyone wishing to, will have the option to transfer without fees to another trip at this time. For tailor made bookings, we may also able to consider additional countries’ travel advice when deciding if a trip is Viable. Please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    **** This relates to bookings from UK clients only. We may operate trips to destinations which the British FCDO advise against travel for Covid reasons. If this is the case, anyone wishing to will have the option to cancel with a refund or transfer to another trip. In some cases we may choose to offer a tour to a Red destination but these will be at both clients’ and Wild Frontiers’ discretion and will be subject to alternative conditions to be discussed on an ad hoc basis.
    *****If a destination, that we have deemed to be Covid Viable, subsequently fails any aspect of the criteria for two consecutive weeks, you will have the right under our Covid Promise to transfer without any fees.

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