Overview
Get ready for a journey to an uncharted land in the heart of Central Asia! Kyrgyzstan, a crossroads of civilizations and great empires, a country of endless natural beauty untouched by mass tourism, takes us into the unparalleled charm and traditions of a glorious past.
We will follow in the footsteps of the historic Silk Road, which transported wealth and culture across continents! We will discover up close how it influenced the history, peoples, ethnicities, and customs of the region.
We will have the unique and rare opportunity to connect with nomadic tribes who live in harmony with nature and have preserved their traditions over the centuries. Kyrgyzstan is the ultimate destination for those seeking an authentic encounter with the true culture of a civilization. Join us for a one-of-a-kind exploration of this enchanting country and its people!
Ηighlights του ταξιδιού:
– Burana Tower
– Chong-Kemin Valley
– Al-Kul Lake
– Song-Kul Lake
– Accommodation in yurt tents
Itinerary
Day 1 Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
Arrival at Manas Airport and transfer to Bishkek. Check-in at the hotel and lunch. After lunch, visit Ala-Archa National Park for a short hike. Next, transfer to the Ata Beyit Memorial Complex, dedicated to the victims of the 1916 revolution against the Tsar. Return to the hotel and prepare for the welcome dinner.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2 – Bishkek – Karakol
After breakfast, transfer to Karakol. On the way, stop at an open-air rock painting exhibition (5 km from Cholpon-Ata, on the route towards the mountains). There will also be a stop for lunch at a local café. Arrival in Karakol, check-in at a local guesthouse, and dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3 Karakol Town – Jety Oguz Gorge – Camp near Telety Pass
Trek Day 1: We start the day trekking towards Telety Pass. After crossing the first pass, we descend into the valley where we may encounter wild horses. We then proceed to the Jety Oguz Gorge valley, where it meets the Telety River, and continue walking towards the Telety Valley, reaching our campsite. The first part of the trek is approximately 8 km. Upon arriving in the valley, we stop for lunch. After lunch, we continue trekking through slightly more challenging terrain for about 1.84 km. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 Camp – Telety Pass – Karakol Valley
Trek Day 2: We will trek for roughly half of the day and spend the rest resting in Karakol Valley. Our camp will be set up near a Yurt camp. We start the trek towards Telety Pass (1.3 km, 3786 m). After reaching the pass, we descend for 6.39 km, stopping for lunch in a small valley after the pass. We then continue walking towards the Karakol Gorge.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 Karakol Valley – Sirota Camp Site
Trek Day 3: We will trek for roughly half the day, spending the rest resting in Karakol Valley. Our camp will be set up near a Yurt camp. In the morning, we will descend along the Karakol River for about 3.46 km. Lunch will be taken before crossing a bridge, after which we start ascending towards the Sirota campsite. The first part of the trek passes through a forest before opening into a field as we approach the camp. Dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Trekking time: 5–6 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 Sirota – Ala Kul Lake – Pass (3860m) – Keldike
Trek Day 4: After breakfast, we will trek towards Ala Kul Lake (3500m). Throughout the hike, we will enjoy panoramic views of the valley and pass two beautiful waterfalls. Lunch will be served at the edge of the lake. Afterwards, we will continue trekking over the Ala-Köl Pass (3860m) towards the Keldike Gorge. During the pass, there will be opportunities to admire the panoramic view of the Takyr-Tor Glacier along with the impressive 5000m peaks of the Terskey Ala-Too range. We descend into Keldike Gorge, where we will have dinner and overnight stay in tents.
Trekking time: 6–7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 Keldike – Arashan
Trek Day 5: Our day begins with a trek towards the Altyn-Arashan resort, located at 2450m altitude. Our camp will be set up in a beautiful area surrounded by stunning rock formations and streams originating from local glaciers. Lunch will be enjoyed at the Arashan hot springs. Afterwards, we will explore the springs and relax in the surrounding area. Dinner and overnight stay will be in traditional yurts.
Trekking time: 3–4 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8 Arashan – Karakol
Trek Day 6: Today we will trek from Arashan to Karakol, reaching the last bridge where we will transfer to 4×4 vehicles. Lunch will be served at a local guesthouse or hotel. Free time in the afternoon, followed by dinner and overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Trekking time: 4–5 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 Karakol – Bokonbaevo
After lunch, we will transfer to the Bokonbaevo Yurt Camp on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. Accommodation will be in a traditional yurt camp. Lunch and dinner will be served at the yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10 Bokonbaevo – Kochkor
In the afternoon, we will transfer to the village of Kochkor. On the way, we will stop at the Jaichy Yurt Camp to watch a demonstration of eagle hunting and have our lunch. Upon arrival in Kochkor, dinner and overnight stay will be in local family homes.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 Kochkor – Kyzart Village – Kilemche
Trek Day 1: After breakfast in Kochkor, we will head west along the Kochkor–Jumgal road. We will follow the route to Kyzart Village and drive towards the Kilemche Gorge, whose name means “like a carpet” as the grass spreads across all the surrounding mountains. Overnight stay and dinner will be in a traditional yurt.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 12 – Kilemche – Song Kul Lake
Trek Day 2: After breakfast in Kilemche, we will hike uphill towards the Jalgyz Karagai Pass (3400 m), located in the Song-Kul mountains near the Basin lakes. The morning walk will reward us with views of the Kilemche jailoo. The pass itself is impressive, dominated by large rocky formations. After crossing the Song-Kul pass, we will begin our descent along the mountain slopes, with the opposite mountains gradually appearing taller, until we reach the lake, whose waters reflect the northern sides of the mountains. After lunch at Jaman Echki, we will follow the shores of the lake to the local yurt camp and meet the families of local herders who will host us. Dinner and overnight stay in the yurts of the local shepherds.
Meals: Breakfast, Picnic Lunch, Dinner
Day 13 Song Kul – “Day Off”
Time to swim, go horseback riding, and relax at Song-Kul Lake. We will observe and participate in the traditional life of the local shepherds. Activities include milking animals and preparing traditional dairy products such as kymyz (fermented mare’s milk) or ayran. Dinner and overnight stay at the yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 14 Song Kul Lake – Bishkek
Drive back to Bishkek (approximately 5–6 hours). Transfer to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 15 – Day in Bishkek
Time to explore the city of Bishkek. Overnight stay at the hotel and farewell dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Rates
| Room TypeCost | CostE | Early bird (μεχρι 31/5/24) |
| Double room (Double Bed) | 2.300,00€ | 2.150,00€ |
| Twin room (2 single beds) | 2.300,00€ | 2.150,00€ |
| Sinlge room (private room) | 2.600,00€ | 2.450,00€ |
| Bookings are confirmed upon payment of the deposit (40% of the total amount). | ||
What’s included in the price:
– Greek guide from NomadsPath,
– Accommodation: 3 nights in Bishkek hotel, 2 nights in Karakol guesthouse, 1 night in traditional yurt at Bokonbaevo, 1 night in Kochkor guesthouse,
– Meals according to the itinerary (excluding alcoholic drinks),
– Transportation by minibus,
– Visits to historical and archaeological sites (entrance fees included),
– All events mentioned in the itinerary,
– 6-day Ala-Kul trek (fully supported: local guide, cook, porters, meals, local transfers, entrance fees, camping in tents),
– 2-day Song-Kul Lake trek (fully supported: local guide, pack horses, meals, accommodation in yurts),
– Local guides,
– All local taxes.
What is NOT included in the price:
– Flights to/from Kyrgyzstan,
– Visa expenses,
– Travel insurance,
– Activities not mentioned in the itinerary,
– Alcoholic drinks,
– Bottled water,
– Souvenirs and tips,
– Personal expenses,
– Horse riding and rafting,
– Any costs for early departure or extended stay,
– Any expenses arising in case of hospitalization
Useful Information
Accommodations
During the trip, accommodations include hotels in Bishkek and Karakol, guesthouses, stays in local homes, as well as campsites and yurts in more remote areas.
The yurt camp at Song-Kul Lake is shared, with four people per yurt. The yurts are decorated in a traditional style with plenty of carpets. There are shared toilets and sinks outside the yurts, and drinking water is sourced from a well. Temperatures can drop below zero during the night at Song-Kul.
Packing List
Preparing for the trip requires the right equipment and clothing to ensure you remain comfortable and safe. It is important to bring all essential items, especially for hiking and staying in areas with low temperatures and remote locations. Proper layering of clothing, along with a waterproof jacket and suitable footwear, will allow you to fully enjoy the Kyrgyzstan experience.
Small backpack, 20–30 liters
Rain cover for the small backpack
Four-season sleeping bag
Winter jacket (preferably down – vest style)
Quick-dry hiking pants
Hiking t-shirt
Fleece or wool sweater/jacket
Waterproof and breathable jacket
Fleece/wool gloves
Hiking socks (synthetic or wool)
Headlamp
Sunscreen
Sunglasses (high UV protection)
Sun hat
Small camping towel
Copy of passport (2 copies, only the first page)
Valid passport
Trip Requirements
Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner traveler, you should train well to participate smoothly in this trip. Since you will be walking on uneven and rocky trails for at least 6 days, for 4 to 7 hours continuously, we recommend engaging in aerobic activities at least one month prior to the trip. Prepare and maintain your physical condition with activities such as swimming, hiking, cycling, and jogging.
Altitude
The maximum altitude we will reach is 3,400 meters. This trip is designed to allow your body to acclimatize properly before reaching higher elevations.
Altitude sickness occurs when the body is exposed to low oxygen levels at high altitude. The most common symptoms include nausea, shortness of breath, headache, and decreased physical performance. If you experience any of these symptoms, inform your group members or guide immediately. Guides are trained to recognize symptoms and can assist you on the spot. It may be necessary to descend to a lower altitude to allow your body to acclimatize properly.
We strongly recommend consulting your doctor regarding your ability to travel at high altitudes. If you take any prescription medications, it is also recommended to bring a sufficient supply. Speak with your doctor about any vaccines required for international travel and ensure your routine vaccinations are up to date.
Participation Requirements
To participate in this trip, ALL of the following requirements must be met. For any clarifications, you can contact us.
– You must have read the detailed itinerary and agree with its contents,
– Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months,
– You must have travel insurance (the policy number will be required to complete your booking). Travel insurance is considered essential for adventure trips, especially when they include multi-day hikes and overnight stays in high-altitude mountain areas.
Is this trip for me? – English Translation
The trekking part of this trip is considered demanding. You will be hiking 5 to 7 hours each day, so a relatively good level of physical fitness is required, which can be easily achieved with proper preparation.
Keep in mind that trekking in Kyrgyzstan is not a luxury experience, and this trip is no exception. During the hikes, you will be staying in tents, which are definitely not as comfortable as city hotels.
If you feel you can adapt to a more basic lifestyle for a few days, then this trip is perfect for you.
