Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

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10 Days From

$2400

Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer

10 Days Starting and ending in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan

Visiting: Bishkek, Ala-Archa National Park, Chon Kemin, Issyk Kul, Jergalan Valley, Son-Kul

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

TKY

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 12

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-99

From: $2400

NB: Prices correct on 22-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

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

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with the Kyrgyzstan Walking Explorer tour, where you'll traverse the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan, the Silk Road, and the Tien Shan mountains. This journey offers a unique blend of cultural immersion and natural beauty, as you hike to stunning alpine lakes in the Jergalan Valley, explore the southern shores of Issyk Kul, and experience nomadic life with a yurt stay at Son-Kul. Discover the rich history of the region with visits to the 12th-century Burana Tower and the petroglyphs of Cholpon-Ata. Walk through the serene spruce forests of Ala-Archa National Park and enjoy the hospitality of Kyrgyz village life in Chon Kemin. With comfortable accommodations ranging from four-star hotels to traditional yurts, this tour promises an authentic and enriching experience in the heart of Central Asia.

Highlights

  • Hike the wilds of Kyrgyzstan: towering mountains, alpine lakes and age-old cultures

  • Experience the life of Kyrgyz nomads with a yurt stay by Son-Kul Lake

  • Walk to alpine waters in the Jergalan Valley and explore the southern shores of Issyk Kul

  • Enjoy true peace in the spruce forests of Ala-Archa National Park

  • Visit Burana Tower, one of the most famous minarets in Central Asia

  • 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 Bridges (or similar)

Day 2 : Walk In Ala-Archa Gorge

Location: Ala-Archa National Park

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.



Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (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).



Accommodation: Kemin Guesthouse (or similar)

Day 4 : Konorchek Canyons And Cholpon-Ata; To Karakol

Location: Issyk Kul

Accommodation Name: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Chon-Kemin, we head to the Konorchek Canyons. We walk along a rocky dried-up riverbed to enter the canyons. Rocky columns of red sandstone stretch for many kilometres. Following our walk, 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 then 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: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Day 5 : Walk In The Jergalan Valley; Drive To Djety Oguz

Location: Jergalan Valley

Accommodation Name: Amir Hotel or Matsunoki Hotel (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

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. Following the walk, we drive to Djety Oguz with a stop at Ak-Suu village to enjoy the thermal baths there (payable locally).Accommodation: Golden Yurt Camp

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

Location: Issyk Kul

Accommodation Name: Homestay

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we drive (six hours) along the undeveloped southern shore of Issyk Kul to Kochkor. We make stops and have short walks along the way.First, we explore Djety Oguz Gorge where we can see the Seven Bulls and Broken Heart rock formations. Next is Barskoon Gorge, known for high waterfalls and dense spruce forests and visited by Yuri Gagarin, the first man in space. We hike to a waterfall called Bowl of Manas (named for a Kyrgyz national hero).We drive onwards to Kochkor, the main centre in Kyrgyzstan for the production of felt goods. We visit a workshop and can participate in the manufacturing of traditional rugs.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

Accommodation Name: Yurt camp

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).



Accommodation: Yurt camp

Day 9 : Scenic Drive Back To Bishkek Via Mountain Passes

Location: Bishkek

Accommodation Name: Hotel Bridges (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today’s journey is a breathtaking six-hour drive back to Bishkek. We traverse the Teskey Torpok Pass, also known as the 33 Parrots Pass (10,827ft/3,300m). Along the way, we pass through remote villages, offering a glimpse into the traditional lifestyles of local farmers.



In the evening, enjoy a delightful dinner followed by a folklore show, where talented artists showcase national musical instruments and their unique playing techniques.



Accommodation: Hotel Bridges (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

  • All accommodation

    All accommodation is included, with stays in a four-star hotel in Bishkek, a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, a family-run hotel in Karakol, a homestay in Kochkor, and a yurt camp at Son-Kul.

  • All listed transport and activities

    All transport and activities listed in the itinerary are included in the tour package.

  • Tour leader throughout

    A tour leader will accompany the group throughout the entire trip.

  • Meals

    All breakfasts and five dinners are included in the tour package.

  • Drinking water

    Drinking water is included and will be provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle from.

What's Not Included

  • Travel insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.

  • Single accommodation (available on request)

    Single accommodation is not included but can be requested for an additional charge.

  • Visas or vaccinations

    Visas and vaccinations are not included and must be arranged separately by the traveler.

  • Special dietary items

    Special dietary items, such as gluten-free or dairy-free products, are not provided and should be brought from home if needed.

Food

All breakfasts and six 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, one night in a family-run hotel in Karakol, one night in a yurt camp at Djety-Oguz, 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:

Mode of Transport

The tour includes various modes of transport, including drives through scenic gorges and mountain passes. There are approximately three hours of driving to Chon Kemin, a 4.5-hour drive to Karakol, and a six-hour drive from Karakol to Kochkor. The journey back to Bishkek is a breathtaking six-hour drive through mountain passes.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    During the tour, you will stay in a variety of accommodations including a four-star hotel in Bishkek, a guesthouse in Chon Kemin, a family-run hotel in Karakol, a homestay in Kochkor, and a yurt camp at Son-Kul. The yurt camp involves shared yurts with traditional decorations and shared facilities.

  • Are there any special recommendations for staying at the yurt camp in Son-Kul?

    Yes, it is recommended to bring a sleeping bag for additional warmth as temperatures can drop below freezing at night. The yurts are heated by wood or dung stoves, and shared toilets, sinks, and showers are located outside.

  • What kind of meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes all breakfasts and five dinners. On certain days, the tour leader will assist in purchasing food for lunches, and lunches can be arranged at Son-Kul. Common dishes include shish-kebabs and plov, and drinking water is provided in large containers for you to refill your bottle.

  • What should I know about the walking and trekking activities on this tour?

    The tour includes several walking and trekking activities, such as a full-day hike to Ak-Sai waterfall in Ala-Archa National Park, a walk to Turnaluu-Kol lake in the Jergalan Valley, and hikes in the gorges of the southern shore of Issyk Kul. The walks vary in altitude, with some reaching up to 11,485ft (3,500m) at Son-Kul.

  • Will I have the opportunity to experience local culture during the tour?

    Yes, the tour offers several opportunities to experience local culture, including a stay in a yurt camp at Son-Kul where you can learn about the traditional lifestyle of Kyrgyz nomads, and a visit to a workshop in Kochkor to participate in the manufacturing of traditional rugs.

  • Is there any special advice for vegetarians or those with dietary restrictions?

    Vegetarian food choices are limited, and if you have special dietary requirements, it is advised to notify the tour operator well in advance. The availability of specialized products for restricted diets, such as gluten-free or dairy-free items, is minimal or non-existent, so it is recommended to bring such items from home.

  • 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 (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

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
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

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.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

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.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

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

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels 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 adventure travels charges.

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