Nomadic stay in Kyrgyzstan
Between ancestral yurts and alpine lakes, live to the rhythm of Kyrgyz shepherds in the high plateaus of the Celestial Mountains.
Duration
7 days
From
€900/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Itinerant travel
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
This trip to Kirghizistan invites you to experience a friendly immersion in the heart of vast nomadic spaces, between nature, culture, trekking and pastoral life. From the craft villages of the Kochkor valley to the yurts set up near alpine lakes, you move through a serene atmosphere, rhythmed by encounters, sharing and observation of nomadic daily life.
You set off on a hike to the lakes Kol-Ukok and Kol-Tor, accompanied by a local guide and pack horses, to reach a preserved natural setting. At lake Son-Koul, you live at the pace of your host family, between kumiss preparation, horseback rides and evenings by the stove. On the return journey, the Konorchek canyons, Osh bazaar and Ala-Too square reveal to you the cultural richness and gentleness of the capital.
This stay combines soft adventure, local hospitality, nights under the yurt and authentic encounters, in a natural setting marked by vast plateaus, nomadic herds and endless sky.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and route to Kochkor
Aéroport International De Manas → Bishkek
Upon your arrival at Manas International Airport, your driver warmly welcomes you 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.
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 over the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which helps you better understand the history of the site.
You visit the women's cooperative, where traditional felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, testament to the region's artisanal expertise.
Hiking to Lake Kol Ukok
Early in the morning, you are transferred to the village of Isakaev, the starting point of your trek. You meet your local guide, who will accompany you during these two days of hiking.
After loading the logistics onto pack horses, you begin your ascent through the fields, crossing a few streams before gradually gaining altitude. The landscapes evolve gradually, vegetation becomes sparser and the jailoos welcome herds coming to graze at higher elevations.
The last hour requires more effort with the climb to the pass at 3,000 meters. At the summit, the Kol Ukok lake finally appears, revealing turquoise waters that contrast beautifully with the greenish hues of the valley.
You settle in with your host, under the yurt, for an evening of immersion.
You begin a 2-day independent trek, with logistics and your personal belongings transported by pack horses.
Visit of a small lake and relaxation in Kochkor
You have the possibility of leaving early to visit Kol Tor lake, located at 3,500 m altitude. The walk lasts approximately three hours round trip.
You walk along the river before crossing a rocky area and a zone where the slope becomes more marked. In case of rain, the terrain can become slippery. After an hour and a half of climbing and passing the col, the Kol Tor Lake reveals itself, nestled at altitude in a preserved natural setting.
You take the return path towards Kochkor. The descent is easier and faster, allowing you to reach the village gently.
In the evening, you attend a traditional Kyrgyz folk show. On the program: a Manas storyteller, traditional music and songs that immerse you in the country's epic and legends.
On the banks of Lake Son Kul
You arrive on the shores of the Son Kul Lake, one of the largest alpine lakes in Kirghizistan and the country's primary freshwater reserve. Located at 3,016 meters altitude, in the heart of the Heavenly Mountains, it has inspired many travelers over time. Its crystalline waters vary according to the light, shifting from blue to green and sometimes revealing orange reflections.
Day 5
Enjoy a free day to relax and discover the lifestyle of your host family. Depending on the season, you can watch the preparation of koumis or other dairy products, observe the herding of livestock or even the milking of cows, an immersion into the heart of nomadic daily life.
After lunch, you set off for a short horseback ride to explore the surroundings of the lake.
In the morning, you will discover the beauty of the surroundings on horseback, departing from your host's house where you will spend the night. For those who prefer to stay on foot, this experience can be replaced by an accessible hike around the village.
Visits to the Konorchek Canyons
This morning, you will visit the Konorchek canyon, an unspoiled natural site where scarlet rock formations are reminiscent of the Grand Canyon landscape. The tall red sand columns dominate the trail and give the place a peaceful and intimate atmosphere.
This last day of travel takes you back to the Kyrgyz capital. You leave the lush mountains and their still very much alive traditions to reach Bishkek.
You settle into your hotel and enjoy a moment of rest before the rest of your stay.
You set off to visit the Osh Bazaar, one of the most lively markets in Kirghizistan. Among the dried fruit stalls, spices and traditional souvenirs, you discover a colorful atmosphere typical of Central Asia.
You stroll through Ala-Too Square, located in the heart of Bishkek. A favorite meeting place for young people, it comes alive each evening with strollers. The square has also been the setting for several important events in Kyrgyz history.
Good comeback and see you next time!
Bishkek → Aéroport International De Manas
You are then driven to Bishkek international airport. The return transfer is carried out 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 & Visa Fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Bishkek
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
Included
- Airport/hotel/airport transfers
- 1 night in 3-star hotel in Bishkek, breakfast included
- 2 nights with a family in a yurt
- 2 nights in guesthouses
- 1 night in yurt camps
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- English-speaking guide
- Transfers in vehicle + driver
- Essence
- Entrance fees to sites
- Equestrian guides
- Horse rental
- Local guides
- Kitchen and bedding equipment (sleeping bags)
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 45 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 — High Valleys of Tian Shan
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
