Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

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10 Days From

$2548

$2340

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

10 Days Starting and ending in Bishkek

Visiting: Bishkek, Ala Archa National Park, Chon-Kemin, Karakol, Jyrgalan, Issyk Kul, Kochkor, Son-Kul'

Tour operator:

Exodus

Tour code:

TKY

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

Activities:

Hiking

From:
$2548
$2340 (USD) Operator discount: -$208

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

Tour Overview

Dominated by majestic mountain ranges, Kyrgyzstan has been nicknamed the Switzerland of Central Asia. Yet despite its seemingly endless natural beauty, it remains undiscovered by mass tourism, making it the ideal destination for culturally curious travellers. Come and explore this magnificent land on foot, the best way to truly appreciate the natural wonders.



Starting from the capital, Bishkek, we head into the wild and walk among marvels of nature, including the Tian Shan mountains, Ala-Archa Gorge, and alpine lakes, such as Issyk Kul and Son-Kul. We also experience the nomadic traditions of the country, staying in a lakeside yurt camp, before returning to Bishkek with a scenic drive over mountain passes.

Highlights

  • Hike to alpine lakes in the Jergalan Valley

  • Explore the southern shores of Issyk Kul on foot

  • Get a taste of nomadic life with a yurt stay at Son-Kul

  • Walk amid spruce forests in Ala-Archa National Park

  • Visit Burana Tower, a 12th-century minaret

  • Experience Kyrgyz village life in Chon Kemin

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Start Bishkek; Afternoon City Tour

Location: Bishkek

Accommodation Name: Hotel Bridges (or similar)

The tour starts in Bishkek. You should be at the start hotel no later than midday as we have a city tour in the afternoon. We have requested an early check-in for all clients, so the rooms should be ready for when you arrive.



Bishkek is the modern capital city and industrial centre of Kyrgyzstan; this afternoon, we have a walking tour to explore its wide avenues and Soviet heritage. We visit the most important square in the country, Ala-Too Square, which is home to several monuments and is the setting for state celebrations. We also visit an open-air picture gallery, Oak Park (one of the oldest parks in Bishkek), and see marble government buildings, theatres and Victory Square.



Accommodation: Hotel Garden (or similar)

Day 2 : Walk In Ala-Archa Gorge

Location: Ala Archa National Park, Bishkek

Accommodation Name: Hotel Bridges (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast

Today we visit Ala-Archa National Park. The reserve is a small valley inside the gorge, where ridges are covered with eternal ice, and the slopes with spruce forests. The streams are fed by glacial meltwater, which leads into the Ala-Archa River. Though hard to see, the reserve is home to snow leopards and a rare blue bird the Kyrgyz call the bird of happiness. Here we take a full-day hike to Ak-Sai waterfall, reaching a maximum altitude of 9,200ft (2,800m). After, we return to Bishkek.



Ascent: 2,130ft (650m)



Accommodation: Hotel Garden (or similar)

Day 3 : Burana Tower. Walk In Chon-Kemin National Park

Location: Chon-Kemin

Accommodation Name: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

We leave Bishkek this morning and drive to Burana Tower, a 12th-century Karakhanid minaret. We'll visit the museum complex, including the tower itself, reconstructions of mausoleums found on the site, remains of a citadel, balbals (gravestones used by nomadic Turkic peoples) and petroglyphs. We then continue to Chon Kemin, a quiet valley of small villages and agricultural land with mountains and fir forests beyond. There is approximately three hours of driving in total today.



On arrival in Chon Kemin, we walk up to a ridge for an excellent view over the valley, reaching an altitude of just over 6,500ft (2,000m).



Ascent: 1,150ft (350m)



Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)

Day 4 : Cholpon-Ata Petroglyphs. North Shore Of Issyk Kul To Karakol

Location: Karakol

Accommodation Name: Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast

Leaving Chon-Kemin, we drive through the Boom Gorge to Issyk Kul. This impressive lake is 110mi (180km) long and 37mi (60km) wide, reaching depths of 2,300ft (700m). It sits in a hollow at 5,250ft (1,600m), surrounded by snow-capped peaks of the Terskei and Kungei Ala-Tau mountain ranges. More than 100 streams and rivers flow into the lake but none flow out.



We reach the resort town of Cholpon-Ata and visit nearby petroglyphs, a large open-air collection of rock carvings sometimes referred to as a Stone Garden, which covers some 104 acres (42ha) and contains a number of prehistoric stone structures. We also visit the Cholpon‐Alta Museum of History, which contains a large collection of national embroidery.



We continue our drive to Karakol. We’ll be driving for about 4hr 30min today.



Accommodation: Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 : Walk In The Jergalan Valley

Location: Jyrgalan, Karakol

Accommodation Name: Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast

Today we drive to the Jergalan Valley, about 37mi (60km) from Karakol, along a partially paved road. The valley is surrounded by seven peaks and is a region of turquoise alpine lakes, rivers, waterfalls and coniferous forests. We walk to Turnaluu-Kol lake at an altitude of 8,530ft (2,600m), giving us fantastic views along the way. On the way back to Karakol, we stop at Ak-Suu village to enjoy the thermal baths there.



Ascent: 1,970ft (600m)



Accommodation: Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Day 6 : Walk In The Gorges Of The Southern Shore Of Issyk Kul

Location: Issyk Kul, Kochkor

Accommodation Name: Homestay

Meals Included: breakfastdinner

Today we'll drive from Karakol via the undeveloped southern shore of Issyk Kul to Kochkor. The drive takes about six hours. We'll make stops and have short walks along the way.



We head first to Djety Oguz Gorge where the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rocks formations can be seen. Next is Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We'll hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named for a Kyrgyz national hero).



We continue to one of the most magnificent gorges at the southern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, Barskoon, known for having high waterfalls and dense spruce forests. The gorge is famous because it was visited by the cosmonaut Gagarin.



Next, we continue to Skazka Gorge, where we'll see red sandstone formations and have an hour of walking.



We drive onwards to Kochkor, the main centre in Kyrgyzstan for the production of felt products. We visit a workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of traditional rugs.



Ascent: 820ft (250m)



Accommodation: Homestay

Day 7 : Drive To Son-Kul

Location: Son-Kul'

Accommodation Name: Yurt camp

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

We drive to Son-Kul, the largest body of freshwater in the country, via the 10,800ft (3,330m) Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. The route is only partially paved. It is surrounded by summer pastures dotted with yurts, grazing cattle and mountains beyond. These lands are used by shepherds of neighbouring regions as summer pastures for their flocks. They drive the livestock up in the mountains and set up a yurt camp where they live during summer. We'll learn about the traditional lifestyle of Kyrgyz nomads.



Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 8 : Walking At Son-Kul

Location: Son-Kul'

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

We have the day at Son-Kul. We walk to the mountains for views of the lake and surrounding mountains. There is also time to meet the shepherds or participate in cooking traditional meals. Our walk takes us to an altitude of about 11,485ft (3,500m).



Ascent: 1,640ft (500m)



Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 9 : Drive To Bishkek Via Mountain Passes

Location: Bishkek

Accommodation Name: Hotel Bridges (or similar)

Meals Included: breakfast, dinner

We have a very scenic drive today, taking about six hours, back to Bishkek. Our journey takes us over the Kara-Keche (11,500ft/3,500m) and Tuya-Asuu (10,170ft/3,100m) passes and through remote villages.



The day ends with dinner and a folklore show. Artists will demonstrate national musical instruments and techniques of playing.



Accommodation: Hotel Garden (or similar)

Day 10 : End Bishkek

Location: Bishkek

Meals Included: breakfast

Our adventure ends today in Bishkek. If you’d like a bit longer to explore, speak to your sales representative about extending your stay.

What's Included

  • Meals
    9 breakfasts, 0 lunches, 5 dinners.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

  • Visas or vaccinations

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

Food

All breakfasts and five dinners are included.



On days 2 and 5, the leader will assist in purchasing food for lunches. Lunches can be arranged at Son-Kul. On other days, there are places to eat lunch during the journeys.



Common dishes include shish-kebabs and plov (rice usually with mutton, onions, carrots, spices, raisins and peas). The kebabs can be from different meats, including lamb and beef, while plov is a rice-based dish.



Please note, vegetarian food choices are limited. If you are vegetarian or have any special dietary requirements, please notify us well in advance. In this region, the availability of certain specialised products for restricted diets, eg gluten-free or dairy-free, is minimal or non-existent and we strongly recommend you bring such specialised dietary items from home.



Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from – please bring a reusable bottle with you.

Accommodation

We spend three nights in a four-star hotel in Bishkek, one night in a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, two nights in a comfortable family-run hotel in Karakol, one night in a homestay in Kochkor and two nights in a yurt camp at Son-Kol.



Rooms at Chon-Kemin and Kochkor have shared bathrooms.



The yurt camp at Son-Kol is based on four people sharing each yurt (single supplement does not apply at the yurt camp).  The yurts are decorated in traditional style with many rugs. Shared toilets, sinks and shower are outside. There is electricity provided by generators. Drinking water is taken from a well. Temperatures can get below freezing at night at Son-Kol. During cold nights, the yurts are heated by wood or dung stoves. We recommend bringing a sleeping bag for additional warmth in the yurts.



Hotel Garden, Bishkek:







Kemin guesthouse, Chon-Kemin:











Matsunoki Hotel, Karakol:











Kochkor homestays:











Son-Kul yurt camp:

Check out our Q&As

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

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

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this Operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

Trustpilot
Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
John Edwards (Google Reviewer)  

I went cycling in Albania...

19-Aug-2023

I went cycling in Albania with exodus as my first holiday with them. Such a well organised and wonderful experience where I met multiple fellow travellers who have been advocates of them for many years. You can't argue with happy repeat customers and I'm planning my next adventure with them soon

Rob Burridge (Google Reviewer)  

I'v just come back from...

17-Jul-2022

I'v just come back from an amazing Wildlife & Wilderness trip in Botswana and I highly recommend Exodus Travels. Our guide Brian, was extremely knowledgeable on both the wildlife and history of Botswana and neighbouring countries. The other three staff, Abbis, Chief & Mr T, who accompanied us through out our 2 week trip, put in the hard work and made sure our camp was always prepared and that we we're well fed and looked after. The tour took us to some beautiful places and we saw some amazing wildlife, and on several occasions this was due to Brian's knowledge of the area and wildlife behaviour. Exodus have been very quick to respond to any queries I had, and the whole experience ran smoothly. I was also pleased to hear that during lockdown they provided staff with food packages 👍. I'd normally go on self organised trips, however, with this trip, the tour and guide Brian took us to places not possible otherwise and showed us things that we would'v missed out on. All of which were the highlights of the tour.

Daphne Partridge (Google Reviewer)  

After 14 roup adventure holidays...

26-Nov-2023

After 14 roup adventure holidays with Exofus we would not hesitate to recommend them as an excitingholiday company. They take you off the beaten track but offer great support and expertise :)

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

Dates & Availability

Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Tuesday

Jun 16, 2024 - Jun 25, 2024
$2550 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 18, 2024 - Aug 27, 2024
$2548 $2340 (USD)

Operator discount: -$208 (USD)

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Saturday - Monday

Sep 07, 2024 - Sep 16, 2024
$2400 (USD)
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Friday - Sunday

Sep 20, 2024 - Sep 29, 2024
$2550 (USD)
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Saturday - Monday

May 24, 2025 - Jun 02, 2025
$2550 (USD)
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Sunday - Tuesday

Jun 15, 2025 - Jun 24, 2025
$2550 (USD)
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Saturday - Monday

Jul 12, 2025 - Jul 21, 2025
$2550 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Sunday - Tuesday

Aug 17, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025
$2550 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Saturday - Monday

Sep 06, 2025 - Sep 15, 2025
$2550 (USD)
Instant Booking Available

Friday - Sunday

Sep 19, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
$2550 (USD)

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

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

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.