Expeditions
ModerateKyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan Yurt & Trek Experience
Duration
8 days
From
Price on request
Best Season
June–September
Overview
Designed for travellers who like active days and simple, authentic overnights, this trip connects Issyk-Kul, Karakol and Song-Kul in a compact loop. You’ll stay in yurt camps and village guesthouses, enjoy short hikes to viewpoints and can try horse riding on the high pastures while learning about everyday nomadic life.
Highlights
- —Stay in traditional yurt camps by Issyk-Kul or Song-Kul lakes
- —Easy hikes in classic Tien Shan landscapes around Jeti Ögüz or Altyn Arashan
- —Visit felt-making cooperatives and learn about Kyrgyz handicrafts
- —Optional horse riding on alpine jailoo pastures
- —Explore colourful Osh Bazaar and leafy parks in Bishkek
Day by Day
1
Arrival in Bishkek
Meet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. City orientation: Ala-Too Square, Oak Park and Osh Bazaar. Group briefing and welcome dinner.
2
Bishkek – Burana Tower – Issyk-Kul Lake
Drive east to Burana Tower, a Silk Road era minaret with open-air museum of balbal stone figures. Continue to the shores of Issyk-Kul, the “warm lake” framed by snowy peaks. Sunset walk along the shore. Overnight in guesthouse or yurt camp.
3
Issyk-Kul – Jeti Ögüz – Karakol
Travel along the lakeshore to the red rock formations of Jeti Ögüz. Short hike to a viewpoint over the gorge. Continue to Karakol, visiting the wooden Orthodox church and Dungan mosque. Overnight in a guesthouse.
4
Karakol – Day Hike (Altyn Arashan or similar)
Day trip into the mountains for an easy-moderate hike (3–5 hours, tailored to the group). Option to soak in hot springs when routes allow. Return to Karakol for dinner.
5
Karakol – South Shore – Skazka Canyon – Kochkor
Drive along Issyk-Kul’s south shore, stopping at Skazka (“Fairy Tale”) Canyon for a fun walk among colourful rock formations. Continue to Kochkor village. Visit a felt-making workshop. Overnight in a family guesthouse.
6
Kochkor – Song-Kul Lake (yurts)
Climb via a mountain pass to the high-altitude lake of Song-Kul (around 3,000 m). Free time to walk on the jailoo, meet herder families and optionally go horse riding. Dinner and overnight in shared yurts.
7
Song-Kul – Bishkek
Morning at the lake, then descend back towards Bishkek with photo stops on the pass. Afternoon free time in the city for cafe-hopping or shopping. Farewell dinner.
8
Departure from Bishkek
Airport transfer for your onward flight.
Starting from
Duration8 days
DifficultyModerate
CountriesKyrgyzstan
Best SeasonJune–September
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Kyrgyzstan Yurt & Trek Experience