Embark on an exhilarating journey through Kyrgyzstan’s breathtaking landscapes with our Kyrgyzstan Adventure: Rafting, Riding & Culture tour! Spanning 11 action-packed days, this tour is your gateway to discovering the authentic heart of Central Asia, where history meets nature, and ancient traditions blend seamlessly with thrilling adventures.
From June to mid-September, you’ll immerse yourself in a world of stunning mountain gorges, lush valleys, and crystal-clear lakes. Dive into the nomadic lifestyle as you stay in traditional yurts, sample delicious Kyrgyz cuisine, and engage with local folklore. Every day presents a new adventure – from adrenaline-pumping rafting on the Chu River to scenic horseback riding across high-altitude pastures and trekking through pristine wilderness areas. The journey also includes visits to historical landmarks like the iconic Burana Tower and engaging cultural experiences such as eagle hunting demonstrations, felt carpet workshops, and tasting freshly made boorsok bread.
Our expert guides ensure that you get the most out of every moment, making this tour a perfect mix of adventure, cultural immersion, and natural beauty. Whether you’re hiking through the spectacular Ala-Archa Gorge or exploring the unique rock formations of Jety-Oguz, each experience is crafted to provide an unforgettable insight into Kyrgyzstan’s rich heritage.
This tour offers everything an adventurous traveler seeks – stunning landscapes, thrilling outdoor activities, and an authentic taste of nomadic culture. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind journey that will leave you with memories to cherish for a lifetime!
Upon arrival in Bishkek, you’ll be greeted at the airport and transferred to your hotel, where you can relax after your journey. In the afternoon, we’ll start our tour with a sightseeing trip around the city, visiting prominent sites like Oak Park, Ala-Too Square, the Philharmonic Hall, the Manas Statue, and Victory Square. Afterward, head to the stunning Ala-Archa National Park, where you can hike amidst breathtaking alpine scenery. Return to Bishkek for an overnight stay.
Today, we embark on a scenic drive towards Jergalan. En route, we stop at Cholpon-Ata to explore the Ruh-Ordo Cultural Center, which offers insights into the diverse cultures and religions of the region. Upon arrival in Jergalan, check into a cozy guesthouse for the night.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Experience a day of Kyrgyz nomadic traditions and hospitality. You’ll participate in traditional games, including «Arkan Tartmai» (tug-of-war). Afterward, enjoy a hands-on boorsok-making session, where you’ll learn how to prepare this classic Kyrgyz bread and, of course, taste your creations. Spend the rest of the day exploring the guesthouse’s grounds, meeting the resident animals like thoroughbred horses, and trying your hand at horseback riding.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The journey continues with a transfer to Karakol. There, you’ll visit the museum of the famed Russian explorer M.V. Prjevalsky, who made significant contributions to the study of Central Asia. Other highlights include the stunning Dungan Mosque, constructed entirely without nails in traditional Chinese style, and a beautifully crafted Orthodox Church made from wood. Later, we drive to the spectacular Jety-Oguz Gorge, known for its red rock formations. Enjoy a short hike before heading back to Karakol, where you’ll enjoy a delightful dinner with a local Uighur family, accompanied by a live performance of Kyrgyz folk music.
Meals: Breakfast and Dinner
Today, we travel to Tamga, located along the south shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. The drive offers stunning views of the lake and mountains. Upon arrival, you’ll begin a trek to Tamga-Tash, where ancient Tibetan inscriptions etched on stones tell stories of the past, dating back to the 8th and 9th centuries.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Boxes, and Dinner
Trekking Duration: 3-4 hours
Depart Tamga for Kochkor, passing over the 2,160-meter mountain pass and the Orto-Tokoi water reservoir. Stop in Bokonbaevo to witness an eagle hunting demonstration, a fascinating glimpse into Kyrgyzstan’s ancient traditions. In Kochkor, you’ll visit a felt carpet workshop, where you’ll have the chance to observe and participate in the crafting process of these intricate artworks. Continue to Kyzart village, where the evening is spent preparing for the trek.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Start your trek toward the stunning Son-Kul Lake. You’ll traverse the beautiful Chaar Archa Valley, crossing the Chaar Archa Pass, and enjoy a picnic lunch by a rushing river with views of the towering Baba Ata Mountain. End the day at the Tulpar Tash pasture, where you’ll dine and spend the night in a traditional yurt, experiencing the authentic nomadic lifestyle.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trekking Duration: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 1,400 m to 3,000 m
Saddle up for an unforgettable day of horseback riding through the Son-Kul area. Ride across the vast landscape, dotted with the yurts of shepherds and wildflowers such as edelweiss and forget-me-nots. Stop for lunch at Kambar Ata Yurt Camp and enjoy the opportunity to spot various bird species, including golden eagles and cranes. Continue to Tuulga Tash pasture for dinner and an overnight stay in a yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Leave Son-Kul’s beauty behind as you journey to Chon-Kemin, crossing the Kalmak Asu Pass. At Boom Gorge, an exciting rafting experience on the Chu River awaits! The 15 km rafting stretch offers a mix of thrill and beauty, accompanied by stunning views of the surrounding mountains. Continue to Chon-Kemin village for some relaxation and an overnight stay at a guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Rafting: 15 km, Class 3-4
Begin your day with a drive to the historic Burana Tower, the remains of an ancient city from the 11th to 13th centuries, which was once a key stop along the Silk Road. Afterward, enjoy an exciting game of “Ulak Tartysh” – a traditional horse game similar to polo but played with a goat carcass instead of a ball. The tour concludes with a transfer to Bishkek for a farewell dinner and overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
| Number of Tourists | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy* (per tourist) | $4550 | $2590 | $2100 | $1750 | $1650 |
| Comfort** (per tourist) | $4750 | $2690 | $2190 | $1830 | $1730 |
* — based on 3* hotel accommodation / ** — based on 4* hotel accommodation /
All transportation throughout the tour Sightseeing tour program with English speaking guide Entrance fees to the museums, mausoleums and other sights Accommodation (shared double/twin room) Meals as per program Eagle hunting show in Bokonbayevo Felt carpet workshop in Kochkor Horses for the trek in Son-Kul Horseman for trek From 3 pax assistant of horseman and horses for luggage Rafting on Chu river Horse game: Ulak-Tartysh in Burana Mountain guide for Tamga Tash
Any Private Expenses Tips are not included, but would be appreciated Travel insurance Consular fees for tourist visa
This tour was beyond incredible! The blend of adventure, culture, and breathtaking landscapes made it an unforgettable journey. The rafting on the Chu River was exhilarating, and the horse riding experience to Son-Kul Lake was like stepping back in time. I was deeply impressed by the warm hospitality of the locals and the opportunity to witness traditional Kyrgyz games and folklore. The yurt stays were comfortable and added authenticity to the trip, allowing us to truly immerse ourselves in Kyrgyz nomadic culture. I also loved exploring the historical Burana Tower and learning about the Silk Road’s rich history. Highly recommend this tour for those seeking a mix of adventure and cultural exploration.
An amazing journey that surpassed my expectations! The 11-day adventure was packed with diverse activities, from thrilling rafting to serene horseback riding through stunning landscapes. I felt the essence of Kyrgyz culture during the eagle hunting show and the warm nights spent in yurts. The guides were knowledgeable, friendly, and ensured everyone felt comfortable throughout the tour. The stops at local villages, cultural sites, and especially the breathtaking views of Son-Kul Lake made this tour a unique experience. I left Kyrgyzstan with incredible memories and a newfound appreciation for its rich heritage and natural beauty. I’d love to return someday!