From North to South: Immersion in the Heart of Kirghizistan
From nomadic steppes to high-altitude lakes, a complete crossing of authentic Kirghizistan.
Duration
14 days
From
€1,900/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Explore Kyrgyzstan from north to south through an itinerary rich in nature, soft adventure and local immersion. This circuit takes you from the bustling streets of Bishkek to vast high-altitude spaces, between lush valleys, alpine lakes and mountain villages, where nomadic traditions still shape daily life.
Over the days, you discover contrasting landscapes: canyons with red rocks, walnut forests, high passes and vast wind-swept plateaus. Nights spent with local families offer privileged moments of exchange, through meal sharing, discovery of local cuisine and observation of pastoral life. The visit to the Tach Rabat caravanserai, a vestige of the Silk Road, and the peaceful shores of Son-Kul Lake invite you to slow down and feel the soul of the country.
A balanced journey, designed for travelers seeking hiking, human encounters and preserved landscapes, possible between June and mid-September.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and city tour of Bishkek
Aéroport International De Manas → Bishkek
Upon your arrival at Manas International Airport, your driver welcomes you warmly and accompanies you as you exit.
You then take the road for your transfer to your hotel, where you can settle in peacefully and rest after your flight.
Your accompanying team will pick you up around 11:30am. After lunch, you head to the Osh Bazaar, an emblematic market of Kyrgyzstan. As you explore, stalls of dried fruits and spices reveal the colors and scents of Central Asia, while numerous stands offer traditional souvenirs from the country.
Stroll through the Ala-Too Square, located in the center of Bishkek. A meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive each evening with strollers. This square has also been the stage for several significant episodes in the country's political history.
Immerse yourself in the history of Kyrgyzstan with a visit to the National History Museum. You discover a rich past steeped in tradition, with the first floor dedicated to Kyrgyz culture, while the second floor traces the main events of the Soviet period.
Visit to the Chon Kemin Valley
Bishkek → Parc National D'Ala-Artcha
Parc National D'Ala-Artcha → Minaret De Burana
Meet at 9 a.m. in the lobby of your hotel, where your guide will be waiting for you.
You stop to visit the ruins of the Burana Minaret, an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Tatar invasions. You then climb to the top of the minaret, where you enjoy a clear view of the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which provides a better understanding of the site's history.
Minaret De Burana → Chon-Kemin
Arrival in the lush Chon Kemin valley, a nature reserve offering great landscape diversity, between semi-desert areas, glaciers and gorges. You take advantage of this natural setting for a walk in the surrounding area.
Konorchek Exploration Day in Naryn
This morning, you visit the Konorchek canyon, a preserved site whose scarlet rock formations evoke the American Grand Canyon. The columns of red sand rising all around create an intimate and enveloping atmosphere.
Driving
You head back to the main road towards the village of Kochkor, renowned for its local development initiatives. Visit to the women's cooperative where felt carpets, called sherdaks, are made.
Visit of the Tach Rabat Caravanserai
Travel back in time with a visit to the ancient Tach Rabat caravanserai. Located on the road to Khasgar, the Tach Rabat caravanserai, the Stone Hotel, is probably the best-preserved site on the Silk Road, and you will be able to feel its original atmosphere here. Dating from the 15th century, it featured many rooms used to shelter merchants.
On the shores of Lake Son-Kul
This morning you leave the Tash Rabat caravanserai and we head towards the Son Kul lake.
We cross the magnificent Ak-Talaa valley and pass through the Mels pass at 3420 m.
Arrival on the shores of Son-Koul lake, one of the great natural wonders of Kirghizistan. This vast alpine lake is the country's main freshwater reserve. Located in the heart of the Celestial Mountains, it reaches an altitude of 3,016 meters and has long fueled travelers' imagination. Its crystalline water changes color over time, shifting from blue to green and sometimes taking on orange hues.
Day 6
You take this day to relax and discover the way of life of the family hosting you. You can witness the preparation of dairy products, the gathering of the herd or the milking of cows.
If you wish, departure after lunch for a short Horse riding.
Landscape in the South direction of the country
You head towards the village of Kazarman, situated at 1,310 m altitude. The road is winding and can prove long depending on weather conditions. The journey allows you to gradually gain altitude and cross the Kaldama pass.
The duration of the journey varies depending on the condition of the terrain.
Conquering the Waterfalls of Arslanbob
Arrival in Jalal-Abad, the third largest city in Kirghizistan, located in the Ferghana valley, close to the border with Uzbekistan. Daytime arrival in the village of Arslanbob, where you spend the night. This small town is located at 1,600 meters altitude, at the foot of a vast walnut forest covering 60,000 hectares, appreciated for its hiking trails.
Day 9
Today, you set off on a hike through a walnut forest, leading to waterfalls. Lunch is scheduled along the way, in this natural setting.
You discover the village of Arslanbob, where time seems to have stood still. With your host family, you are introduced to local cuisine, with the preparation of plov (a rice-based dish), mastava or even boorsok, small Kyrgyz breads.
Scenic route to Lake Sary-Chelek
You head back on the road towards the Sary-Chelek Lake. The journey crosses mountainous landscapes with contrasting colors, with lunch planned along the way.
Day 11
Today, you set out to discover the Sary-Chelek Lake, a small alpine lake nestled at 1,837 meters altitude. A walk allows you to explore the shores of this freshwater lake, located in the heart of a preserved natural environment. Sary-Chelek is one of the major natural sites in Kirghizistan. Isolated and surrounded by mountains, it offers a setting conducive to hiking and disconnecting, away from daily hustle and bustle.
The lake was formed approximately 10,000 years ago as a result of a landslide. In 1959, the site was studied to preserve its fauna and flora. A local legend tells of a beekeeper who spilled a bucket of honey into the lake, giving it its characteristic color, which is the origin of the name Sary-Chelek, meaning "yellow bucket." Others associate this name with the golden colors of the surrounding trees in autumn.
The lake extends 7.5 km, with a width varying from 150 to 350 meters and a depth that can reach 234 meters.
Relaxation around the lake.
Ride along Lake Toktogul
Road heading to Toktogul, a small artificial lake covering 284 km². The journey crosses contrasting landscapes, between the mining areas of Tachkomur and the Lower Naryn gorge, marked by its red sandstone walls, before reaching the Toktogul reservoir.
After settling in with your hosts, a walk is planned around the village or along the shores of Toktogul lake.
Crossing the Chichkan Gorge to Bishkek.
This morning, you leave Toktogul and cross the Chichkan gorge, whose name means "mouse" in Kyrgyz. A short walk is possible before resuming the drive.
You continue on the road towardsBishkek, passing through the Too Ashuu pass (3,586 m), which offers a clear view over the Soussamir valley. You travel on an asphalt road renowned for the diversity of its landscapes. You leave the verdant mountains of Kyrgyzstan, marked by traditions still very much alive, to reach Bishkek.
Good to see you back and see you next time!
Bishkek → Aéroport International De Manas
Breakfast at the hotel.
You are then taken to Bishkek international airport. The return transfer is arranged according to your flight schedule.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Transport
- Passport fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Airport / hotel / border post transfers
- 2 nights in a 4-star hotel in Bishkek, breakfast included
- 8 nights in guesthouses
- 2 nights with a host family, in a host's yurt
- 1 night in a yurt camp
- Full board during the excursion
- Restaurant dinners in Bishkek
- Mineral water
- Vehicle + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Horse trekking at Lake Son Kul
- Entrance fees for parks and museums mentioned
- Kitchen equipment and bedding (sleeping bag)
Your accommodations
Grand Hotel
Naryn Guesthouse
Chez Nazira
Guesthouse Kazarman
Guesthouse à Arslanbob
Guesthouse à Arkit
Guesthouse à Toktogul
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 30 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for tourism stays in Kyrgyzstan. Entry requirements may vary depending on your nationality. We recommend verifying the conditions with the embassy or consulate of Kyrgyzstan in your country of residence, as well as with your own country's authorities, before departure.
Passport
To enter Kyrgyzstan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the date of entry and must contain at least one blank page for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Tourism entry requirements
Entry requirements for tourism stays depend on your nationality and the applicable bilateral agreements between Kyrgyzstan and your country of citizenship.
Verify the specific conditions with the embassy or consulate of Kyrgyzstan in your country of residence to determine whether you require a visa or whether an exemption applies, and the maximum duration of stay permitted.
The authorities may request:
an exit ticket from the territory (return flight or onward travel),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
a confirmation of accommodation booking.
Registration with local authorities
Any traveller staying in Kyrgyzstan is required to register with the immigration services within five working days of arrival.
In practice, this registration is generally completed automatically by the hotel or accommodation provider. If staying with a private individual (private rental, host family), it is the responsibility of the host or the traveller to complete this formality at the local registration office (ОВИР).
It is advisable to keep a copy of the registration certificate, which may be requested during police checks or when leaving the territory.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay.
When a minor travels without one of their parents, an authorization to leave the territory may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Health and vaccines
No vaccination is mandatory to enter Kyrgyzstan. However, certain vaccinations are recommended for preventive purposes, including:
typhoid and hepatitis A, due to local sanitary conditions,
rabies, particularly for travellers planning activities in rural or mountainous areas,
tick-borne encephalitis, for hikers visiting forested or high-altitude areas.
It is advisable to consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before departure.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended that you have assistance and repatriation insurance as well as medical expense coverage abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to review the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to an insurance policy, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The complete insurance solution designed to travel peacefully!
Choose the plan that suits you best:
Explorer'Multirisque
Explorer'Annulation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer' Complementary Credit Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to one of these.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout the duration of their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
To enter Kyrgyzstan, a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your entry date is required. No visa is necessary for short-term tourist stays. Kyrgyzstan offers an accessible destination to discover the Tian Shan and nomadic culture. Check with Kyrgyzstan's consular authorities for entry conditions applicable to your nationality before booking.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 110 and 180 euros per day and per person, including accommodation, meals, internal transport and guide. International flights (500-900 euros return, often via Istanbul) are additional. Kirghizistan is one of the most affordable mountain destinations in the world.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate stories.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, your budget and your dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You adjust every detail together until you have the perfect version. You confirm and set off with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) coverage that protects 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — North and Bishkek
Our travel expert, Nomade, based in Bishkek
Kyrgyzstan isn't just visited. It's lived in, over a shared cup of tea in a yurt, at the pace of horses, wind, and human connection.
— Nazira
