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Route Through Kyrgyzstan (and Possibly Uzbekistan) – August 2025

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(@mmmmakarov)
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Topic starter  

Planning a trip through Kyrgyzstan and maybe Uzbekistan this coming August 2025. I’ve got quite a few questions and would really appreciate your advice and recommendations.

Here’s the tentative itinerary (exact dates still undecided, but aiming for early August):

Day 1

Arrival in Bishkek.
Question: If we arrive early enough, will there be time to exchange money, buy a SIM card, and make our way to Cholpon-Ata the same day?


Day 2

Cholpon-Ata: Ruh-Ordo Cultural Center and the Petroglyphs.


Day 3

Trip to Semenov and Grigoriev Gorges (I read you can loop this route).
Question: How much should I expect to pay for a private trip like this?


Day 4

Travel to Karakol, explore the town.


Day 5

A one-day trek to Aksu Arboretum.
Question: Is it possible to hike to the lake lightly packed and stay overnight in yurts, so we don’t have to carry tents and sleeping bags? (If yes, it could turn into a two-day trek).


Day 6

Jety-Oguz – Trek to the Cosmonauts’ Meadow.
Question: As I understand, getting to the trailhead and back to Karakol by private transport is manageable. Is that correct?


Day 7

Travel to Kaji-Sai.


Day 8

A trip to Barskoon Gorge and Arabel Plateau (trek to the waterfalls + car ride to the plateau).
Question: Any idea about the cost of such a trip?


Day 9

Visit Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon.


Day 10

Travel to Son-Kul Lake.
Question: What’s the best way to get there from Kaji-Sai, and how much might it cost?


Day 11

Son-Kul Lake.


Day 12

Return to Bishkek.
Question: Where and how would it be best to arrange this transfer? Any ballpark cost estimates?


Day 13

Bishkek. A short trek in Ala-Archa.


Day 14

Fly to Tashkent.


Main Question:

Does it even make sense to add Uzbekistan to this trip? Or would it be better to focus entirely on Kyrgyzstan, expand the itinerary, and include more interesting places?


   
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(@komijama)
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Joined: 2 months ago
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Hello.

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 1

Arrival in Bishkek.
Question: If we arrive early enough, will there be time to exchange money, buy a SIM card, and make our way to Cholpon-Ata the same day?

If you land in the morning, you’ll manage just fine. SIM cards are available at the airport (often free), and you can top them up at terminals in most stores. There are ATMs and currency exchange booths at the airport, though the exchange rate isn’t great.
A taxi from the airport to the bus station is about 700 KGS (per car). Official taxi stands are inside the arrivals hall.
From the bus station, a marshrutka to Cholpon-Ata costs roughly 400–500 KGS ссылка удалена

 

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 2

Cholpon-Ata: Ruh-Ordo Cultural Center and the Petroglyphs.


Day 3

Trip to Semenov and Grigoriev Gorges (I read you can loop this route).
Question: How much should I expect to pay for a private trip like this?

Day 2 and 3 sound great! For a private car trip, the price depends on how far into Grigoriev Gorge you go. Looping the route in a 4WD will cost around 3,000–5,000 KGS per car.

 

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 5
A one-day trek to Aksu Arboretum.
Question: Is it possible to hike to the lake lightly packed and stay overnight in yurts?

I’d still recommend bringing a tent and sleeping bags just in case.

 

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 6
Jety-Oguz – Trek to the Cosmonauts’ Meadow.
Question: Getting to the trailhead and back to Karakol by private transport—doable?

Absolutely. From Karakol, you can grab a marshrutka to Jety-Oguz from the bus station or hitch a ride from the main road. Returning to Karakol should be manageable by hitching a ride as well.

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 8
Barskoon Gorge and Arabel Plateau (trek + car ride).
Question: How much might it cost?

The road to Arabel Plateau is good, and you’ll likely need to hire a driver in Kaji-Sai. Budget around 3,000 KGS per car for the day.

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 10
Travel to Son-Kul Lake.
Question: Best way to get there from Kaji-Sai?

Tricky one. Hitchhiking is unlikely. I’d suggest hiring a driver in Kaji-Sai. Prices can range from 3,000 to 6,000 KGS per car, depending on negotiations.

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 12
Return to Bishkek.
Question: Where to arrange the transfer, and what might it cost?

Main Question
Does it make sense to add Uzbekistan?

August in Uzbekistan is scorchingly hot. If that’s not a dealbreaker, go for it, but I’d personally recommend expanding your Kyrgyzstan route instead.

 


   
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(@freezer)
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Uzbekistan’s August heat can be unbearable. I’d suggest saving it for September–October when it’s far more pleasant.


   
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(@mmmmakarov)
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Posts: 15
Topic starter  

Agreed... Any suggestions for additional places to visit in Kyrgyzstan? I’m considering the Naryn Tian Shan, Tash Rabat, and the Bishkek–Osh Road (maybe with stopovers along the way). I might adjust the route and fly home from Osh instead.


   
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(@mmmmakarov)
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Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 15
Topic starter  

I have revised my plan focusing solely on Kyrgyzstan:

**Day 1**
- Arrival in Bishkek
- Transfer to Cholpon-Ata

**Days 2–3**
- Stay in Cholpon-Ata

**Day 4**
- Transfer to Karakol

**Day 5**
- Explore Karakol

**Day 6**
- Day trip to Jety-Oguz

**Day 7**
- Transfer to Kaji-Sai

**Day 8**
- Visit Barskoon Gorge

**Day 9**
- Explore Fairy Tale Canyon

**Day 10**
- Transfer to Naryn
Question: How much would such a transfer approximately cost?
I understand that the journey itself is part of the attraction. Are there any hiking opportunities starting from Naryn?

**Day 11**
- Transfer to Tash-Rabat
Questions:
- What’s the approximate cost for this trip?
- Are there currently options for overnight stays at Tash-Rabat?
- How long does the trek to Chatyr-Kul Lake typically take?

**Day 12**
- Return to Naryn
Question:
Should I arrange the return from Naryn in advance, or can this be done on-site in Tash-Rabat?

**Day 13**
- Transfer to Song-Kul Lake
Question:
The map shows a distance of 135 km. Is it feasible to organize this transfer, and what might the approximate cost be?

**Day 14**
- Stay at Song-Kul Lake

**Day 15**
- Transfer to Bishkek
Question:
Honestly, I’m a bit unclear about the best and most cost-effective way to organize this transfer. I’d appreciate any advice!

**Day 16**
- Bishkek to Ala-Archa

**Day 17**
- Reserve day

**Day 18**
- Flight back home

I’d really appreciate your feedback and any comments!

Thanks in advance!


   
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(@komijama)
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Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 14
 

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

**Day 10**
- Transfer to Naryn
Question: How much would such a transfer approximately cost?
I understand that the journey itself is part of the attraction. Are there any hiking opportunities starting from Naryn?

You're correct; the road itself is the main attraction. I’m not aware of hiking options directly from Naryn, but if you’re into horseback riding, you’ll easily find someone to arrange a ride around the area.

Getting off the main highway to Naryn might be tricky. The closest major town to the Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon is Bokonbayevo, where there should theoretically be a bus station. It’s possible transport runs from there to Naryn. However, I’d recommend arranging a transfer locally from wherever you’ll be staying; it’s the most budget-friendly option.

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 11
Travel to Tash Rabat
Questions: How much might such a trip cost? Is it possible to stay overnight there? How long is the trek to Chatyr-Kul Lake?

Without your own transport, it’s a bit challenging since regular public transport doesn’t go there. At Tash Rabat, there are yurt camps where you can stay overnight for approximately 1000 KGS per person.

If you plan to trek to Chatyr-Kul Lake, you’ll need border permits: <a href=" ссылка удалена " target="_new" rel="noopener">Border Permit Info.
A round-trip trek will take a full day to reach the plateau offering beautiful views of the lake (if you’re a good hiker). If not, plan for two days.

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Day 12
Return to Naryn
Question: Should I arrange the return from Naryn in advance, or can it be done locally from Tash Rabat?

Day 13
Travel to Song-Kul Lake
Question: The map shows a distance of 135 km. Can such a transfer be arranged, and how much might it cost?

Your itinerary would require either negotiating transfers with locals at each stop, hiring a driver with a car, or renting a car yourself. Alternatively, you’d need to adjust your route to rely on public transport.

The cheapest option is to arrange locally, but it could be tricky. The most comfortable option would be hiring a driver with a car.

 


   
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(@komijama)
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Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 14
 

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Agreed... Any suggestions for additional places to visit in Kyrgyzstan? I’m considering the Naryn Tian Shan, Tash Rabat, and the Bishkek–Osh Road (maybe with stopovers along the way). I might adjust the route and fly home from Osh instead.

There are plenty of beautiful and interesting places, but the challenge is that public transport doesn’t reach many of them. For example, the Bishkek-Osh route is incredibly scenic, with breathtaking mountain views and passes. Parts of it can be traveled on mountain roads rather than the main highway.

Marshrutkas (shared minibuses) follow the main road and take about 12 hours, with a stop for lunch. However, in my opinion, it’s hard to enjoy the trip that way because it’s not comfortable. If you travel independently, you could take 2–3 days to complete this route with stops along the way.

 


   
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(@freem)
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Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 21
 

Posted by: @mmmmakarov

Planning a trip through Kyrgyzstan and maybe Uzbekistan this coming August 2025.

That’s the worst time to travel in Central Asia (I grew up there, so I know what I’m talking about). It’s unbearably hot! Everything is parched—bad for enjoying Kyrgyzstan’s nature—and cities in Uzbekistan feel like ovens.

If possible, shift your trip to early September. Later, it’ll be harder to visit places like Tash Rabat, and the yurts at Song-Kul will already be packed up for the season, leaving no overnight options. The best time to visit Kyrgyzstan’s mountains is mid-May to June—everything blooms, lush greenery everywhere, herds with their young, and kumis (fermented mare’s milk) season. But go easy on kumis if you’re not used to it, or you’ll be hunting for bushes with toilet paper.

 


   
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(@mmmmakarov)
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Joined: 2 months ago
Posts: 15
Topic starter  

If considering renting a car, what type would be suitable for trips like Kadji-Sai to Naryn, Naryn to Song-Kul Lake, or Song-Kul to Bishkek (and possibly Bishkek to Osh)?


   
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(@freem)
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Only a car with a driver (!), someone who knows the area, including where gas stations are, and drives these routes regularly. It must be a 4WD vehicle. Around Song-Kul, there are no proper roads, just paths, and only an experienced local driver will know where to cross rivers or take a bridge.

Keep in mind that in the mountains (Song-Kul, Tash Rabat), there’s no cell service—only near villages. It’s easier for locals to arrange overnight stays in yurt camps since they know the camp owners and have their contacts. These owners often only check messages and bookings when they come into range every few days. For example, our driver got a reply from Song-Kul’s owners after two days, and from Tash Rabat’s after 10(!) days.

In mid-June, we did this route: Bishkek–Song-Kul (overnight)–Tash Rabat (overnight)–Issyk-Kul (Cholpon-Ata Petroglyph Museum)–Bishkek.

Three days, two nights, with stops at beautiful spots like Burana Tower, gorges, reservoirs, passes, rivers, museums, etc.

As for costs: renting a car with a driver is around 30-35 US cents per kilometer (plus accommodation, which is very cheap). For instance, at Song-Kul, for three people: overnight stay, dinner, and breakfast was 2000 KGS. Food prices are ridiculously low—300–400 RUB gets you a feast with beer. In top Naryn restaurants or the fish places in Balykchy, you’ll be stuffed for that price.

Weather: Hot in the valleys in the morning, but snow and storms in the mountains! In Tash Rabat, it was -4°C at night, and locals say it’s like that till late August: sunny in the day, cloudy evenings, snowstorms, and freezing nights.

By the way, buy a local SIM card upon arrival. There are stands at the airport, but it’s cheaper at the baggage claim area. I got a “Mega-something” SIM for 240 KGS for a week, with unlimited internet and three hours of calls. Be mindful—there’s no signal in the mountains, and no electricity in yurt camps, so bring power banks and switch to airplane mode when out of range to save battery.

When exchanging currency for KGS ask for small bills, as change can be tricky in remote areas.


   
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(@freem)
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Joined: 2 months ago
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Posted by: @mmmmakarov


Main Question:

Does it even make sense to add Uzbekistan to this trip? Or would it be better to focus entirely on Kyrgyzstan, expand the itinerary, and include more interesting places?

Regarding this, I would limit the trip to Kyrgyzstan, especially since you have extensive plans there. Traveling through Uzbekistan's cities in August is very challenging due to the intense heat. Perhaps you can find another time in your schedule, like October (or even better, March). Then, you can spend a week in Uzbekistan.

 


   
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(@mmmmakarov)
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Topic starter  

Posted by: @freem

Weather: Hot in the valleys in the morning, but snow and storms in the mountains! In Tash Rabat, it was -4°C at night, and locals say it’s like that till late August: sunny in the day, cloudy evenings, snowstorms, and freezing nights.

Thank you for this information! Honestly, I didn't expect it to be so cold there at night in August. I haven't been able to find any weather forecasts for that specific location online. In the villages along the road to Tash Rabat marked on the map, it's significantly warmer.

 

Posted by: @freem

If possible, shift your trip to early September.

We're flying to Kyrgyzstan in early August. Unfortunately, it will be difficult to reschedule for September. I checked the weather forecasts for Bishkek, Cholpon-Ata, Karakol, and Naryn—it doesn't seem like there will be extreme heat. Regarding Song-Kul—if I understand correctly, it gets chilly in the evenings, right? Another question: in August, there might be rain—does it make sense to bring raincoats?

 


   
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(@mmmmakarov)
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Posted by: @freem

Only a car with a driver (!), someone who knows the area, including where gas stations are, and drives these routes regularly. It must be a 4WD vehicle. Around Song-Kul, there are no proper roads, just paths, and only an experienced local driver will know where to cross rivers or take a bridge.

We've decided to rent a four-wheel-drive vehicle and follow this route on our own. We understand there are certain risks. As for overnight stays in Tash Rabat and Song-Kul in yurt camps—we'll have to arrive at our own risk and assess the situation if there are no available spots.


   
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(@freem)
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Posted by: @mmmmakarov

I haven't been able to find any weather forecasts for that specific location online. In the villages along the road to Tash Rabat marked on the map, it's significantly warmer.

When we arrived at Song-Kul in the evening, it was snowing(!). However, the snowstorm passed quickly, and the clouds dispersed, revealing a clear sunset. Despite the lower temperatures in Tash Rabat, it's a "stone enclosure" with no wind, whereas Song-Kul is an open area with water and wind—it was very, very cold.

Temperatures in the valleys and mountains differ greatly. You might be in a hot valley, but 20 minutes up into the mountains, it's freezing. Those villages in the valleys are of little concern—you'll only stop there for pit stops and snacks. It doesn't matter if it's hot there; there's nothing to see or do.

One advantage of summer is the long daylight hours, allowing you to travel further and reach mountain destinations before dark. Traveling in the mountains should only be during daylight(!). There are no road signs (occasionally, but only on main routes). There's no road lighting either (not even in populated areas at night). The main roads to Song-Kul and Tash Rabat are dirt roads. For Song-Kul, there are many turn-offs from the main road; it's unclear which one to take (the lake isn't visible from the road for a long time).

Regarding raincoats—bring everything! It's essential to have windproof and waterproof clothing. Even if it doesn't rain, it will protect against the wind.

From my experience in mountains worldwide at various altitudes, mainly during warm seasons: at elevations above 3,000 meters, it's always cool at night, sometimes very cold, even below freezing. There can be both rain and snow. It's common to have +30°C during the day and below zero at night. Layered clothing is best (I usually have two fleece jackets—one thicker, one thinner—and a windbreaker; fleece hat and gloves are compact but often very useful).

However, it depends on your plans. If you're just moving between a warm yurt and a warm dining area, you don't need much clothing. A short stop at a mountain pass to enjoy the view also doesn't require much. But if you're sleeping in the car or going on a trek, that's different.

Waterproof footwear is advisable—there might be some snow, and no one clears it. Stopping to enjoy the view can be wet and muddy (everything dries out by the yurt's stove).

Flashlights(!!!) are essential. In yurt camps, toilets are set apart; at night, you can't see anything, and there's no lighting in the yurts (they might turn on a bulb for a short time, powered by a generator or solar battery, but it doesn't last long). Phones can help, but remember, there's nowhere to charge them. If you're staying in yurt camps for several days, you can arrange to heat water during daylight hours(!) for an extra fee (100 som). One camp in Tash Rabat had a wagon labeled "bathhouse." Rubber slippers are useful. Bring your own towels—camps don't provide them. Sports stores offer affordable, compact, and lightweight

 


   
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(@freem)
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Posted by: @mmmmakarov

As for overnight stays in Tash Rabat and Song-Kul in yurt camps—we'll have to arrive at our own risk and assess the situation if there are no available spots.

There are many yurt camps at Son-Kul. They are all along one shore. Each "camp" has from 3 to 7 yurts. They are almost all lined up together, and sometimes it's unclear where one camp ends and another begins. At Son-Kul, there were six beds in our yurt, and four in Tash-Rabat. The driver mentioned that sometimes there are no beds available (only mattresses on the floor — it's freezing to sleep on the floor, but the yurt is heated). We arrived at the lake and there was no one around, but the day before us, there were two large groups of about 20 people (according to the hosts). Son-Kul is a very popular place, and the locals said that there are often a lot of foreigners, especially in August, when it's high season, and everything might be fully booked. So, just in case, if everything is occupied (although I think you'll find a spot), there are several "points" nearby where shepherds (chalbans) camp with their families and flocks during the summer. I think you could ask them to stay the night if needed. These "encampments" are visible from the main road. Some even set up "guest yurts" (I’ve seen ads saying "yurt for rent").
Since you’re not booking in advance, try to arrive early. The hosts need time to prepare dinner (you won’t go hungry, but Asian food takes time to prepare).
At Tash-Rabat, directly opposite the caravanserai, you’ll see both wagons and yurts with a parking lot. You can drive a bit further to find another camp, which is hidden around a bend (I recommend starting there — it's quieter, and you can see a lot of animals coming to the river for water from the yurts). The owners live there year-round and have a generator, so you can charge your phones there! However, their yurts have no electricity. That’s all, there's nothing further. If the caravanserai is closed, there’s a lady with the keys who will open it even after hours during daylight (paying in small bills without change). Inside the caravanserai is very damp, with holes in the ceiling, so when it rains or snows, everything comes in. It's a good idea to take a flashlight with you, just in case (after sunset, it’s pitch dark). If you walk around the caravanserai to the right, you can easily climb up to the roof!


   
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