Classic Kyrgyzstan: Issyk-Kul and Song-Kul, 8 Days
Eight days among the lakes, mountain gorges, and summer pastures of Kyrgyzstan. The journey begins in Bishkek and follows the northern shore of Issyk-Kul through Cholpon-Ata to Karakol. Here, we will explore the city's architecture and head to the red rocks of Jety-Oguz. The route then continues along the southern shore of the lake through Barskoon Gorge to Kochkor, where local craftswomen will introduce us to the traditions of felt making. The final part of the journey is the high-altitude Lake Song-Kul: two nights in a yurt camp, walks along the shore, a horseback ride, and an introduction to life on the jailoo. The program combines car transfers, excursions, and walks without mandatory strenuous hiking. Hotels and guest houses are provided in the cities; at Song-Kul, traditional yurts with basic living conditions are used.
Trip Highlights
- Northern and southern shores of Issyk-Kul
- Petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata
- Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Cathedral in Karakol
- Red rocks of Jety-Oguz
- Barskoon Gorge
- Felt-making master class in Kochkor
- Two nights in yurts at Song-Kul
Day-by-Day Itinerary
What's Included
- Professional guide during the route
- Accommodation per program — 7 nights, including 2 nights in yurts
- Breakfasts on days 2–8, Lunches on days 5–6 at Song-Kul, Dinners on days 4–6
- Transport and all transfers per program
- Transport for mountain roads on the Song-Kul section
- Entrance fees for program sites
- Felt-making master class in Kochkor
- Horseback ride at Song-Kul with a local escort — up to 2 hours
Not Included
- International airfare
- Visa (not required for most)
- Meals not specified
- Personal expenses, tips
- Insurance
Accommodation
Seven nights: 2 nights in a hotel in Bishkek, 2 nights in a guest house in Karakol, 1 night in a guest house in Kochkor, and 2 nights in a yurt camp at Song-Kul. In yurts, shared accommodation is possible, and sanitary facilities are communal. Specific properties and accommodation conditions are specified upon tour confirmation.
Transport
Car, minivan, or minibus depending on the number of participants. For the Song-Kul section, transport suitable for mountain and dirt roads is used. The route through the passes is chosen based on weather, road conditions, and the location of the yurt camp.
Good to Know
At Song-Kul, two nights are planned at an altitude of approximately 3000 m. Bring warm clothes, a windbreaker, a raincoat, comfortable shoes, and sun protection. Mountain weather is changeable, so the order of walks may be adjusted. A yurt camp differs from a hotel: sanitary facilities are communal; the availability of showers, electricity, and the ability to charge devices depends on the chosen camp. Conditions are communicated before booking. The horseback ride is conducted with a local escort after a briefing, taking into account the weather and the preparation of the participants. A walk near the camp can be chosen instead.