Kyrgyzstan Express

7 days · Kyrgyzstan

Duration: 7 days
Countries: Kyrgyzstan
Group size: 4–8 people
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Basic · guesthouses
Best season: June–September
Meals: All included · full board

Starting from$1,450/ person

Overview

Kyrgyzstan Express is a seven-day expedition across the country’s wildest high country, built for travellers who would rather spend their days in remote valleys than in cities.

The route runs from the hot springs of Altyn Arashan to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, then deep into the Naryn region to Kel-Suu — a lake hemmed in by sheer cliffs near the Chinese border, and one of the least-visited places in Central Asia. It finishes on the summer pastures of Song-Kul among herders and their horses.

You travel by private vehicle and Soviet-era 4×4, sleep four nights in traditional yurts and two in mountain guesthouses, and eat every meal with the group. Days are spent on short hikes, in the saddle, and watching nomadic life at close range — eagle hunting, yurt building, and horse games played the way they have been for generations.

This is a small-group trip capped at eight travellers, with all meals, permits and transport included.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Bishkek → Issyk-Kul Lake → Karakol → Altyn Arashan

Drive: approximately 7–8 hours. The journey begins with an early departure from Bishkek, heading east towards one of Kyrgyzstan’s most spectacular mountain valleys. The route follows the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake to Karakol, where we transfer into legendary Soviet-era 4×4 vehicles built for the rugged track that climbs into Altyn Arashan. On arrival, settle into a traditional guesthouse surrounded by alpine forest, rushing rivers and snow-capped peaks. Dinner is homemade, and the evening is yours to take in the quiet of the valley. Accommodation: guesthouse. Meals: full board. Good to know: this is one of the longest drives of the trip. The final stretch is bumpy — part of the adventure, but keep a light jacket, camera, water and personal essentials within reach. Altyn Arashan is considerably colder than Bishkek, especially after dark.

What's Included

Included

Complimentary arrival transfer in Bishkek
Soviet-era 4×4 transfer into Altyn Arashan
Altyn Arashan Valley — hiking and horseback riding
Natural hot springs in Altyn Arashan
Barskoon Gorge and waterfalls
Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyons
Southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake
Kel-Suu Lake — exploration and border-zone permit
Eagle hunting demonstration
Yurt building workshop
Traditional Kyrgyz horse games at Song-Kul
Visit to local shepherd families at Song-Kul
Walk around Song-Kul Lake
Kok-Moinok Canyons hike
Campfire evenings and stargazing
Farewell dinner
All accommodation — 2 nights in guesthouses, 4 nights in yurt camps
All meals throughout the trip (full board)
Private transport and 4×4 vehicles throughout
English-speaking guide

Not included

International flights
Kyrgyzstan visa fees (if applicable)
Travel insurance (mandatory)
Optional boat trip on Kel-Suu Lake (seasonal, paid locally)
Hotel night in Bishkek before or after the tour
Personal expenses and shopping
Tips for guides and drivers
Alcoholic beverages
Single supplement ($300)

Before You Go

What to bring and arrange

Weatherproof warm clothes — nights drop close to freezing even in summer
Trekking boots with good ankle support
Hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
Swimsuit and towel for the Altyn Arashan hot springs
Passport details at the time of booking — a border-zone permit is required for Kel-Suu
Any personal medication — services around Kel-Suu are extremely limited

Pricing

One price for everyone

Small group of up to 8 travellers

$1,450/ person

Travelling solo? Single occupancy carries a supplement of $300. Otherwise rooms and yurts are shared on a twin-share basis with a traveller of the same gender.

All prices in USD.