Kyrgyzstan or Kyrgistan, the country made up of about ninety percent mountains, where nomads still roam around with their yurts and where you encounter more horses than people. Tucked away in Central Asia, this beautiful country is an unspoiled destination where your eyes will feast in terms of landscapes. It is still untouched by tourism, which also makes it an adventurous destination that requires some planning and flexibility. We trekked there ourselves for a month with a 4×4 and are now happy to help you plan a trip to Kyrgyzstan. The ideal itinerary, how to get around and more handy tips for exploring Kyrgyzstan on your own!
Everything you need to know before traveling to Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan or Kyrgyzstan is located in Central Asia. When you land in the capital city of Bishkek you can apply for a visa-on-arrival on the spot that is valid for 60 days. So you don’t need to apply for a visa in advance, but you do need a valid passport that is still valid for 6 months after arrival. In Kyrgyzstan, they speak Kyrgyz or Russian. The people there barely speak English, so it can be useful to install the Google Translate app on your phone. Because the country is mostly mountains, you also don’t have coverage in many places. Therefore, download the languages offline, as well as the map of Kyrgyzstan. This way you can be sure that you will always find your way around even when you don’t have coverage.
How to get around in Kyrgyzstan
The best way to get around for this itinerary in Kyrgyzstan is to drive yourself. It is important that you do rent a 4DW, because the roads in Kyrgyzstan are in very poor condition. Therefore, many places you can only reach via a bumpy gravel road and some self-confidence while driving. But the landscapes you drive through are insanely beautiful, and we can only recommend self-driving! Make it extra adventurous by renting a 4×4 with rooftop tent, so you can also camp wherever you want!
Marshrutkas also run between the main cities, which are shared minibuses that act as the public transport system as in Georgia. This is a very inexpensive way to get around, but it takes longer to get to your destination and you can’t stop anywhere you want. We met fellow travelers who move this way, so in itself it is possible. You can often reach the outlying places with a local cab, but this way the cost can add up quickly. In our Kyrgyzstan Travel Guide & Google Maps you will find all the exact locations of marshrutkas and more!
Everything for your trip to Kyrgyzstan in one place!
Our unique 90+ page travel guide & Google Maps compiles everything you need to know: routes, transportation, lodging, hikes, tips and all locations in one convenient overview!
Where to stay in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is the land of yurts. Everywhere you go you will find a yurt camp where you can spend the night, some more comfortable than others. In the cities and villages you will also often find guest houses where the hospitable Kyrgyz people are happy to welcome you. Nice to know is that overnight stays in the yurt camps often include breakfast, and for a few euros you can also get a fantastic evening meal. At each stop in this itinerary, we give you our places to sleep in advance, all of which we can recommend!
The ultimate travel itinerary Kyrgyzstan in 3 weeks
A tour of Kyrgyzstan promises to be unforgettable! Its rugged landscapes, sometimes erratic weather and pristine nature make it an adventurous destination. You come to Kyrgyzstan to hike, horseback ride and learn about local customs. This itinerary is designed so that you always have enough time to enjoy the surroundings and also get used to the altitude. You can shorten and extend this itinerary as you wish, but for a tour of Kyrgyzstan, 2 weeks is really the minimum.
Day 1-2: Bishkek
When you land in capital city Bishkek you immediately see the mountains of Kyrgyzstan looming. In Bishkek you can admire the stately Soviet buildings such as at the central Ala Too square. At the latter you will also find the State History Museum where you can learn more about the history of Kyrgyzstan. Finally, be sure to visit the Osh bazaar. At this giant bazaar, locals come to buy everything they need: from bread, vegetables and meats to shoes, clothes and jewelry. If you want a taste of Kyrgyz cuisine, be sure to dine at the traditional restaurant in the evening Navat.
Lodging in Bishkek
In Bishkek we stayed at the Interhotel Bishkek, a fine hotel including breakfast for once competitive price. A good alternative is Compass Hostel if you like to meet fellow travelers. If you would like to start your trip in comfort, then you should stay overnight at Sheraton Bishkek.
Day 3: Ala Archa National Park
Today your first hiking day is scheduled and you will dive into the mountains of Kyrgyzstan! A 45-minute drive from Bishkek you will find the Ala Archa National Park. Located in the Tien Shan Mountains, you can take beautiful hikes here. We did the 5 km hike to the Ak Sai waterfall, where you slowly climb up through a green valley. The views along the way are fantastic and make you forget the sometimes steep sections. If you like a challenge, you can hike further to the Ratzek hut on the Ak Sai glacier or spend the night there yourself. From Bishkek you can arrange a cab to take you there and back to the start of the hike. Or book your guided tour to Ala Archa National Park here.
Day 4-6: Jyrgalan
+/- 450 km ● 8h drive
Day 4 of this itinerary Kyrgyzstan has a long drive planned, but one full of impressions! Try to pick up your rental car as early as possible in Bishkek so you can drive straight to your first stop: the Burana tower. This gigantic minaret can be climbed and is surrounded by balbals, ancient tombstones in the shape of a face. Next, you will drive on through the north side of Lake Issyk-Kul to Jyrgalan. On the way you can stop in the town of Cholpon Ata where you can visit the open petroglyph museum.
Once arrived in the green valley of Jyrgalan you can get to know authentic Kyrgyzstan better. This old mining village is a real hiking paradise. You can go on several day hikes for every level, or multi-day treks through the beautiful landscapes. You can also go horseback riding, mountain biking and get to know the local culture.
Where to stay in Jyrgalan
There are several guesthouses in Jyrgalan where you can stay. Alakol Jyrgalan Guesthouse also serves as the local information center. Here you will find all the info about the walks, hours of the marshrutka and often fellow travelers. Also Salamat Guesthouse and Rahat Guesthouse we can recommend!
Day 6-10: Karakol & Ala Kol Lake
+/- 65 km ● 1h30 drive
Today you drive on to the town of Karakol. Here itself is not a lot to do, but it is the ideal base for the three-day trek to Lake Ala Kol.. In half a day you can easily visit the wooden Holy Trinity Cathedral and the Dungan Mosque, the two most beautiful sights in Karakol. Furthermore, you can stock up on food and drink at the supermarket here for your multi-day trek. In the evening, be sure to eat at Duet Coffee Shop. Despite the name, you can also have dinner here, and we found this to be one of the best restaurants in Kyrgyzstan!
Days 7, 8 and 9 of this itinerary in Kyrgyzstan revolve around the multi-day hike to Ala Kol Lake. If there is one hike you must do in Kyrgyzstan it is this one, and you can read all about it here! During this hike you climb to Ala Kol Lake located at 3500 m altitude. You trek from one valley to another and cross a mountain pass at 4000m altitude! Along the way you will hike along rivers, over mountain sides and through green valleys with horses and cows. Spend the night in your own tent or in one of the yurt camps along the way. It is a very tough hike and some basic fitness is required. In Karakol you can ask for more information at the CBT Karakol information center and book your yurts for the hike.
Where to stay in Karakol
During the multi-day trek to Ala Kol Lake, you can sleep in your own tent or in one of the yurt camps. You book these in advance at CBT Karakol. In Karakol itself we recommend Snowleopard Hostel Hostel. Here you can also leave your luggage until you return from the hike. Also Ordo Hotel is highly recommended!
Day 10-12: Bokonbayevo
+/- 135 km ● 2h20 drive
After taking one of the most beautiful hikes ever, today you will travel further along the south side of Lake Issyk-Kul. Issyk-Kul is the largest lake in Kyrgyzstan where you can swim in the warm summers. Driving from Karakol to Bokonbayevo you will pass Jeti Ogüz canyon and Fairytale canyon. Especially the latter is definitely worth a stop! You can drive up to the entrance with your 4×4 vehicle and explore the canyon from there. The landscape consists of rough, orange rocks that give you the feeling of being on Mars.
Afterwards, drive on to Bokonbayevo, a small town near Issyk-Kul. Here you can refuel or do some shopping again, but we recommend spending the night near the shores of the lake. Take a refreshing dip in the lake from which, on a clear day, you can see the snow-capped mountain peaks in the distance. One of the best activities to do in Bokonbayevo is an eagle hunting show. Eagle hunting is an ancient tradition in Kyrgyz culture. In the summer, families train the eagles and then hunt rabbits, foxes and even deer in the winter. We booked our eagle hunting show at our Guesthouse Aktan and the show lasts about 1 hour.
Where to stay in Bokonbayevo
Do not stay in the center of Bokonbayevo but choose one of the cozy guest houses on the edge of the lake. We stayed at Guesthouse Aktan but also Yurtcamp Meiman Ordo was recommended to us. Both have a fantastic view of the lake and also offer delicious breakfast and dinner.
Day 12-14: Tash Rabat
+/- 280 km ● 6h drive
Another longer drive awaits you on day 12 of these Kyrgyzstan road trip, but the landscapes you drive through never bore you. From Bokonbayevo you will first drive towards the town of Naryn. Here you can do your shopping and refuel, because afterwards you won’t encounter anything else. Your destination is the ancient caravanserai Tash Rabat located on the Silk Road. Here again you will find beautiful hikes and nature, but nothing else. We also found this the most beautiful place to take a horseback ride, going all the way up to Panda Pass with phenomenal views of Lake Chatyr-Kol.
Where to stay in Tash Rabat
Tash Rabat is a remote place, where in summer you will find only yurt camps. Also keep in mind that there is no coverage here and you book the yurt camps locally. We slept in the cozy Sabyrbek yurtcamp. You can stay here in a yurt or a small, wooden house and breakfast and dinner are included.
Day 14-15: Naryn
+/- 115 km ● 2h20 drive
Today you will drive back towards the town of Naryn. Be sure to stop by the information center CBT Naryn, to prepare for your trip to Kol-Suu Lake the next day. This is perhaps the most beautiful lake in Kyrgyzstan. Because of its location near the Chinese border, you need a special permit to visit Kel-Suu. You apply for that at CBT Naryn via email and at least 2 weeks in advance. If you still have time to spare, you can drive to Eki-Naryn. This is a beautiful valley where you can see two rivers converging, each with a different color. An extraordinary natural phenomenon. Be sure to look up too, as you will often see eagles flying here.
Where to stay in Naryn
Naryn is a fairly large city where you have many options. We slept in Guest House Kezgin which was surprisingly modern. Be sure to ask in advance if you can have dinner because you will be spoiled here. Also Khan Tengri Hotel is a good option.
Day 15-17: Lake Köl-Suu (Kel Suu).
+/- 130 km ● 4h – 5h drive
We have arrived at the most adventurous part of this travel itinerary in Kyrgyzstan. Over the next few days, you will visit Lake Köl-Suu or Kel Suu , which we found even more beautiful than Lake Ala Kol. It is not the easiest destination, but the reward is all the greater! From Naryn you drive for 1h15 to the town of Bosogo. Here you cross the bridge and turn right, followed by a steep climb full of hairpin turns. Once on the mountain pass you will arrive at the border post where you will have to show your permit. Then you will drive through vast landscapes like you will never have seen before! The drive alone is very special and an unforgettable experience. Be sure to bring plenty of food and drink because there really is nothing here.
TRAVEL TIP: This road can only be done with a 4×4 vehicle and you do need some self-confidence while driving. Would you rather not drive yourself? Then arrange for a cab at CBT Naryn. In the Kyrgyzstan ebook you will find the contact details of all CBTs in Kyrgyzstan.
Once you arrive at the yurt camps, you can enjoy the spectacular mountain scenery in the Kok-Kiya Valley and sit down for a delicious dinner! The next day you will hike to Köl-Suu Lake. This hike is a 15 km round trip that takes you through a beautiful valley up to the lake. Those who want can take a boat ride on the lake, which we did and can recommend! Be sure to take plenty of cash with you. We paid 1000SOM (€10) per person. A bit more expensive by Kyrgyz standards but a unique experience once you are here!
Where to stay at Köl-Suu Lake
Despite its remote location, there are quite a few yurt camps in the Kok-Kiya valley near Köl-Suu. Personally, we can very much recommend Golden Moon yurt camp. In addition to traditional yurts, they also offer wooden cottages and a dormitory. This is often a little warmer, because at such an altitude it can be very cold in the yurt at night.
Day 17-18: Naryn
+/- 130 km ● 4h – 5h drive
In the morning you can enjoy the beautiful scenery in the Kok-Kiya valley one last time or take a walk along the river. Then you drive back along the same road you came. We found the drive back smoother, but again you are on the road for several hours. Therefore, we recommend staying another night in Naryn to rest before continuing your Kyrgyzstan road trip to Song Kul Lake. The road to Song Kul is also an adventurous ride, and it is best to start this trip rested.
Day 18-20: Song Kul Lake (Son-Köl).
+/- 135 km ● 2h – 3h drive
The last destination on this travel itinerary is the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan, Lake Song Kul. From Naryn you have two roads going to the lake: a regular road and a 4×4 road. Depending on how you travel (driving yourself or going with a taxi) you will take a different road. The 4×4 road also passes a waterfall and takes you over Parrots Pass, an adventurous steep road with as many as 30 hairpin turns! So again, an adventurous drive, but well worth it. At Song Kul you will stay in one of the traditional yurt camps. The landscape here is characterized by the typical jalooi: vast grassy plains filled with horses, sheep and cows. Go hiking along the lake or take a horseback ride that takes you to a beautiful viewpoint over the lake.
Where to stay at Song Kul lake
We recommend sleeping at the top of the lake where there are more yurt camps. We slept at Yurt Camp Tuzashuu Azamat where we also went horseback riding with a guide! An alternative is Rima Yurt Camp, which is right on the shore of the lake.
Day 20-21: Bishkek
We end this 3-week itinerary in Kyrgyzstan back where we started. In Bishkek you can return your rental car and sample local, Kyrgyz cuisine one last time! Prefer to try something different? We are big fans of Georgian cuisine and went to eat twice at the amazing Zaanduki in Bishkek. Then it’s time to return home after an adventurous but amazing journey through rugged Kyrgyzstan!
Travel itinerary Kyrgyzstan in 2 weeks
Want to travel to Kyrgyzstan but only have 2 weeks? You can keep this trael itinerary Kyrgyzstan but skip the day trip to Ala Archa National park. You can also skip the days in Jyrgalan and choose between either Tash Rabat or Kol-Suu at the end. That way you can still see the highlights of Kyrgyzstan in two weeks!
Best time to visit Kyrgyzstan
The best travel time for Kyrgyzstan is from June through September. In June there is still a chance of snow on some of the hiking trails and in September it can also cool down at night, especially in the mountains. July and August are the warmest and best months for touring Kyrgyzstan. Do not underestimate the heat, as during these months it can sometimes even get up to 35°C in Bishkek.
Do you have any questions about this itinerary Kyrgyzstan? Let us know in a comment below! Looking for more information for your next trip? Please do not hesitate to contact us contact or send an email to info@snoezelsontheroad.com
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