Kyrgyzstan Tours & Trips
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Table of contents
- The best Kyrgyzstan tour packages
- What people love about Kyrgyzstan Tours
- Travel Kyrgyzstan your way
- Best tour companies for Kyrgyzstan tours
- Best places to start your Kyrgyzstan tour
- Discover Kyrgyzstan tours for every budget
- Kyrgyzstan tours for every type of group
- Top Kyrgyzstan travel itineraries to fit your plans
- Demographics
- Best time to visit Kyrgyzstan
- What our customers ask about Kyrgyzstan Tours & Trips
The best Kyrgyzstan tour packages
Compiled by
SteffKyrgyzstan travel expert at TourRadar
Mountains and valleys stretch from Bishkek to Son-Kul Lake on this alpine adventure. The 12th-century Burana Tower and Ala-Archa National Park's glacial valleys lead to Cholpon-Ata's ancient petroglyphs. Traditional yurt camps at 11,485ft provide authentic nomadic experiences near Kalmak-Ashuu Pass.
Duration 10 days Destinations Bishkek, Burana, Chong-Kemin National Park, Cholpon-Ata, Karakol, Issyk Kul Lake, Kochkor, Barskoon, Son-Kul Age Range Ages 16+ Operator Exodus Adventure Travels From
- NZ$3,630
Duration 10 days Destinations Bishkek, Issyk Kul Lake, Karakol Age Range Ages 15+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
- NZ$3,625
9 Days Tailor-Made Best Kyrgyzstan Family Holiday, Daily Start & Private Guide
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The structure, the amount of walking and attractions were exactly what we wanted.”
Nahman, traveled in July
The route through Kyrgyzstan leads from Bishkek's Ala-Too Square to the ancient Burana Tower. Visitors trek through Chui Valley's fir forests, lodge at Light House Hotel near Issyk-Kul Lake, and view Karakol's unique architecture. Traditional eagle hunting and yurt-making await in Kyzyl-Tuu Village.
Duration 9 days Destinations Bishkek, Burana, Chong-Kemin National Park, Cholpon-Ata, Grigorievka Gorge, Karakol, Jeti-Oguz Valley, Fairytale Canyon (Canyon Skazka), Bokonbayevo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Agate Travel From
- NZ$4,819
Essentials of Kyrgyzstan
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The Orion hotel was excellent, the hotel in Karakol was best available and certainly satisfactory.”
David, traveled in June
Kyrgyzstan's landscape unfolds from Soviet-era monuments in Bishkek to the pristine Issyk-Kul Lake, the world's second-largest alpine lake. The medieval Burana Tower, vibrant Karakol bazaar, and traditional felt-making in Tamchy village highlight the trip. Guests stay at quality accommodations including the Orion Hotel and share traditional meals with local families.
Duration 6 days Destinations Bishkek, Chong-Kemin National Park, Karakol, Cholpon-Ata Age Range Ages 12+ Operated in English, German, Spanish, Russian Operator Flo Tours From
- NZ$3,015
On The Shore of The Pearl Ysyk-Kul Lake
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“We were showed a lot of beautiful nature and learned a lot about the Kyrgyzstan culture.”
Amber, traveled in October
Kyrgyzstan's largest lake features in this total costs around $800 adventure from Bishkek. Hiking leads to the 'Maiden's Spit' waterfall, while Karakol's distinctive Dungan Mosque and authentic yurt camping in Jeti-Oguz Valley provide cultural insights. Tours include the Petroglyphs Museum and the mystical Fairy Tale canyon.
Duration 5 days Destinations Bishkek, Cholpon-Ata, Karakol, Jeti-Oguz Valley, Bokonbayevo Age Range All Ages Welcome Operated in English, Russian Operator Nomads Yurt From
- NZ$1,125
What people love about Kyrgyzstan Tours
- Essentials of Kyrgyzstan
Personal guide and driver were excellent. The Orion hotel was excellent, the hotel in Karakol was best available and certainly satisfactory. The Four Seasons hotel in Cholpan Ata was a serious problem. I gave our key to our guide to check out and did not realize that there was a charge for making tea in the morning and I should have checked out myself and paid the charges. The phone in the room would not work, I went to reception and asked them to send a repairman, he came but could not fix the phone. Internet access was only provided after we requested it. I asked the receptionist how our evening meal was to be paid for she had no knowledge so I paid for it.
- On The Shore of The Pearl Ysyk-Kul Lake
We had a great tour around Issyk-Kul. We were showed a lot of beautiful nature and learned a lot about the Kyrgyzstan culture. Would definitely recommend!
Joining the trekking tour to Kyrgyzstan with YellowWood Adventures was the best experience ever. You embark on a true adventure going to remote non-touristy places unlike other rival tour operators that boast of going to unbeaten paths. The company offers a bespoke personalised service and you are certainly not treated like a reference number. I highly recommend the YellowWood Adventures experience.
Trek the wild Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan
Travel Kyrgyzstan your way
Kyrgyzstan's Tian Shan range gives hikers some really excellent trail options. The paths through Ala Archa National Park take you past pine forests and alpine meadows on the way to Ak Sai waterfall - keep your eyes open for Marco Polo sheep or traces of snow leopards in the area. In the Altyn-Arashan Valley, there's a solid 15km route that follows the river through pine-covered slopes until you reach views of Palatka Peak sitting at 4740m. Our travelers often mention loving the 8km walk through Djety-Oguz, which locals call the Valley of Seven Bulls, where nature's carved these amazing red sandstone formations. Around Song-Kol Lake at 3016m you can walk right through actual nomad settlements, while over in Grigorievka Gorge you'll find easier day hikes that are perfect for spotting wildflowers if you visit in spring.
See all Hiking & Trekking toursOur most popular private tours take you right into the heart of Kyrgyzstan's natural and cultural highlights. You'll appreciate the freedom to set your own pace while exploring the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower and examining ancient petroglyphs along Issyk-Kul Lake. In Karakol City, you can take time to study the distinct mix of Russian Orthodox churches and local mosques. What makes these tours special is how they blend outdoor activities - like hikes through Grigoryevka Gorge and Juuku Valley - with real cultural connections such as visiting local families who share their traditional yurt-making skills. Our travelers often tell us how much they value having a private guide who lets them linger at the places that catch their interest.
Select from our extensive range of 67 fully guided tours to enjoy a worry-free experience through Kyrgyzstan with our expert guides leading the way.
These multi-day cultural tours across Kyrgyzstan create lasting connections through genuine local experiences. Travelers dive into traditional felt-making workshops in Kochkor, where skilled artisans share techniques that span generations. The evenings unfold in family homestays and yurt camps near Song Kul Lake, offering natural insights into nomadic traditions. Our guests particularly connect with Dungan families in Karakol, exploring Chinese-Muslim heritage while crafting meals side by side. Near Bokonbaev village, you'll meet eagle hunters who keep ancient practices alive in the mountain terrain. Some itineraries combine stays at the 5-star Orion in Bishkek with authentic yurt camps, balancing modern comfort and cultural immersion. What makes these journeys special is their blend of hands-on cultural elements - like mastering yurt construction with local craftsmen, discovering ancient petroglyphs at Cholpon-Ata, visiting Russian Orthodox churches and also Dungan mosques constructed without nails.
Best tour companies for Kyrgyzstan tours
Based on our travelers' recent feedback, Intrepid Travel runs tight, well-planned tours with guides who really know their destinations inside out. The only consistent note from customers is that the pace can be a bit quick - you'll see a lot, but you might feel rushed at times. G Adventures seems to hit the sweet spot when it comes to cultural immersion and good value. Our customers particularly loved sleeping in traditional yurts, giving them a genuine taste of local life. It's these authentic touches that keep coming up in the reviews. Exodus Travels is more of a mixed bag, according to recent feedback. Some of our travelers weren't too happy with their accommodation choices, and several mentioned that the walking tours dragged on longer than expected. While their itineraries look solid on paper, the actual experience hasn't been quite as consistent as the other two companies. If you're trying to choose between them, G Adventures might be your best bet if you want to really dig into local culture, while Intrepid works well if you're okay with a faster pace and want to cover more ground. With Exodus, you might want to really check the specific tour details, accommodations and walking distances before booking.
View Kyrgyzstan operators
Best places to start your Kyrgyzstan tour
Looking at our recent tour data, Bishkek is clearly the main gateway with 21 tours starting from the capital. Some of our travelers choose Almaty in Kazakhstan as their kickoff point, and a smaller group begins from Tashkent in Uzbekistan. We've found booking about 29 days ahead works well to lock in your spot, particularly if you're aiming for summer when the weather's just right for outdoor activities and yurt stays. June through September gives you the best conditions for hiking, riding horses and experiencing cultural festivals. May and October are solid options too - you'll find fewer tourists and good prices, though some high-altitude spots might be harder to reach. Our guests often mention how much they value the community tourism projects across the country, which create genuine local connections and put money directly into small communities.
Discover Kyrgyzstan tours for every budget
Our most popular budget-friendly tours run for 15 days from Bishkek, combining outdoor activities with genuine cultural experiences. You'll camp beside Lake Issyk-Kul and sleep in traditional yurts near Lake Song Kol, getting far from the usual tourist spots through our overlanding approach. The outdoor activities are really hands-on - there's the mountain 'Fast Coaster' ride in Almaty and treks into secluded valleys. While you won't find luxury at the camping sites, our travelers tell us that waking up to mountain panoramas and spending evenings with local nomad families makes the basic facilities worthwhile.
Kyrgyzstan budget tours15 tours
Starting from
$92
per day
Kyrgyzstan tours for every type of group
Who are you traveling with?
Group
47 tours in KyrgyzstanExplore Kyrgyzstan on a pre-planned itinerary and meet like-minded travelers
Small Group
55 tours in KyrgyzstanOur Kyrgyzstan tours blend outdoor exploration with authentic cultural immersion, while keeping the groups small and intimate. The hiking routes wind through Ala Archa Gorge's pine forests and alpine meadows, leading travelers 6km to spots like Ak Sai waterfall. What makes these trips special is staying in traditional yurt camps by Issyk Kul Lake, where families welcome guests to share meals and pass down stories of nomadic life. The mountain tours take on more challenging terrain with 15km treks through Altyn-Arashan Valley, offering views of Palatka Peak at 4740m before guests unwind in 50-degree natural springs. Cultural connections run deep - from watching eagle hunters demonstrate age-old techniques in Bokonbaev village to joining felt-making workshops in Kochkor and exploring Karakol's mix of Chinese-influenced Dungan mosque and Russian Orthodox cathedral. Our travelers often tell us how the small groups let them take their time, whether they're capturing photos of red sandstone formations, learning cooking secrets from Dungan families or lingering at spots that catch their eye.
Private / Personalized
24 tours in KyrgyzstanPrivate tours across Kyrgyzstan give you real flexibility without sacrificing comfort. The guides adjust everything to match what interests you - like spending more time taking photos at Konorchek Canyon's red sandstone formations or learning traditional felt-making from artisans in Kochkor. You'll stay at quality hotels including the 5-star Orion in Bishkek and also authentic yurt camps. Our customers particularly love the personal experiences, such as sharing meals with Dungan families to learn about their Chinese-Muslim culture and meeting eagle hunters who pass down generations of stories. These tours typically last 9-10 days, mixing cultural connections with natural sites like the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.
Top Kyrgyzstan travel itineraries to fit your plans
The 7-day winter tours through Kyrgyzstan blend outdoor activities with genuine cultural connections. Starting in Chon Kemin Valley, you'll ride horses past mountain slopes and into small villages. Moving on to Issyk Kul lake, our guests really appreciate soaking in the hot springs near Karakol - it's perfect after active days exploring. What makes these trips special are the local connections - you'll share meals with Dungan families who tell fascinating stories about their ancestors' journey here 140 years ago. The route takes you through Russian Orthodox cathedrals, Dungan mosques and also quiet mountain trails. Our travelers often mention how much they like mixing cultural visits with nature walks, like hiking to the waterfalls in Barskoon Gorge.
Ten days gives you time to really experience Kyrgyzstan's wild places and local life. Some routes focus on trekking the Tian Shan mountains, where skilled guides lead you through passes at 3,671m. Other trips mix culture with gentle hikes - you might spend your morning looking at ancient rock art, then walk through lovely walnut forests in the afternoon. Our guests especially love staying in traditional felt yurts at Song Kul Lake, where you can take optional horse rides, go hiking or just watch countless stars fill the night sky. The pacing works well, with rest stops planned at places like Altyn-Arashan where natural hot springs help ease those hiking muscles.
See all tours
Two weeks lets you take in an amazing journey from Bishkek all the way to Tashkent. These routes connect Kyrgyzstan's natural areas with Uzbekistan's rich Silk Road culture. You'll explore Issyk Kul Lake's shoreline, meet traditional eagle hunters and then cross into the fertile Fergana Valley. The evening music performances in Kochkor are a real highlight - our travelers love hearing traditional songs while sharing dinner in local homes. There are some longer driving days through the mountains, but the views keep everyone interested. You'll learn felt-making from local craftswomen and stay with families where you can help prepare traditional meals - it's these personal moments that make the trip special.
Demographics
Our solo travel program really shines with that 9-day Kyrgyzstan journey - it's quite special how it combines active walks with genuine cultural moments. The trip kicks off with walks in Ala Archa Gorge before moving to homestays in Chon Kemin Valley. What makes it work so well is the balance: you'll trek to waterfalls, check out ancient petroglyphs and spend your evenings learning traditional felt-making from local artisans who are happy to share their craft. The accommodation mix keeps things interesting with comfortable guesthouses and authentic yurt camps, where the shared meals become a natural way to connect with other travelers. Our guides are particularly good at helping solo guests feel part of the local scene, whether you're watching eagle hunting demos or joining Dungan families in Karakol for cooking sessions.
Private couples' tours through Kyrgyzstan run for 9 days, letting partners explore cultural sites and natural wonders at their own rhythm. The journey takes you from the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower to ancient petroglyphs along Issyk-Kul Lake, with time to discover local traditions in between. Couples who travel with us often mention how much they value the authentic experiences, from hands-on felt-making workshops in Kochkor to sharing meals with Dungan families who bring their heritage to life through stories and cuisine. Your accommodations start at Bishkek's luxurious 5-star Orion hotel, before moving to traditional yurt camps where you'll sleep beneath vast mountain skies filled with stars. These tours balance active exploration with cultural connections - you might spend a morning hiking through Grigoryevka Gorge, then watch eagle hunters practice their age-old skills near Bokonbaev village, and always have time to pause at places that catch your eye.
The young adult trips lean into more challenging routes, especially in the Tian Shan mountains where you'll trek through Tyrgon Valley and camp under incredibly clear night skies. These multi-day hikes put you right in it - you'll cross mountain passes at 3,500m and follow paths to hidden alpine lakes. It's not just about the physical side though; you might spend your morning hiking to Altyn-Arashan's hot springs and your afternoon learning about eagle hunting traditions. Our customers really get into the horseback riding options around Chon Kemin, where both new and experienced riders can explore the vast valleys at their own pace.
Our senior guests tend to go for private tours that run 8-10 days - they appreciate having things flexible while still getting real cultural experiences. They'll stay at quality spots like the Orion in Bishkek and enjoy carefully picked activities that suit their pace. Instead of tough hikes, they prefer exploring places like the ancient Burana Tower complex or visiting traditional felt workshops in Kochkor. Having their own guide and vehicle means they can take time to properly appreciate sites like the Dungan Mosque in Karakol and also the petroglyphs at Cholpon-Ata. We arrange meals at reliable restaurants but mix in special experiences too, like sharing dinner with local families who explain their customs and traditions.
- Solo Travelers42 tours
- Couples7 tours
- Seniors (50+)8 tours
- Family39 tours
Best time to visit Kyrgyzstan
- Summer 2025
Summer in Kyrgyzstan opens up perfect conditions for mountain walks and treks. Many of our customers love the 6km trail through Ala Archa Gorge, where you'll walk past alpine meadows full of wildflowers on your way to Ak Sai waterfall. For those seeking more challenge, the Altyn-Arashan Valley offers a solid 15km trek with views of Palatka Peak rising to 4740m. After exploring the ancient rock art at Cholpon-Ata, Lake Issyk Kul provides a refreshing swim spot in the summer heat. We've built great connections with Dungan families in Karakol - you'll learn their traditional recipes and hear fascinating stories about their Chinese-Muslim heritage right in their homes.
- popular 57 tours
- Fall / Autumn 2025
Fall brings quieter trails and rich cultural experiences in Kyrgyzstan. You can explore the red rock formations of Skazka Canyon and watch traditional eagle hunting in Bokonbaev village. Our travelers often spend nights in yurt camps at Song-Kol Lake, sometimes catching nomadic families as they prepare for the coming winter. The hiking varies from easy walks in Kalmak-Ashuu gorge to more demanding routes near Tashrabat - an ancient Silk Road caravanserai - where passes reach 4000m. The fall air stays crisp and clean, and the night skies above your yurt camp fill with stars you can actually see clearly.
- popular 38 tours
- 16 tours
- 15 tours
- Winter 2025 / 2026
Winter brings a blend of snow-covered exploration and warm cultural encounters in Kyrgyzstan. Our travelers ride horses across the white blanket of Chon Kemin Valley before soaking in the natural hot springs at Issyk Kul. You'll visit Karakol's fascinating Russian Orthodox cathedral and get to see the Dungan mosque - built entirely without nails. Over in Ak Say village, eagle hunters keep their ancient traditions alive even through the cold months. We've arranged comfortable stays in heated guesthouses and hotels instead of yurts, though you can still experience yurt life at camps near the hot springs that stay open year-round.
- popular 20 tours
What our customers ask about Kyrgyzstan Tours & Trips
What Can I Experience of Local Culture in Kyrgyzstan?
You'll find amazing cultural experiences centered around nomadic life here. Head to Kyzyl-Tuu Village where locals will show you how to build traditional yurts its really fascinating to see how these portable homes come together. Over in Kochkor you can try your hand at felt-making and see how they create these beautiful shirdaks the traditional patterns are incredible. If you're into unique experiences the eagle hunters in Bokonbayevo will blow your mind watching them work with their birds of prey. And don't miss the horse games especially Ulak Tartysh its like polo but with a goat they often play near Song-Kol Lake and you might catch a game while you're there.
Where Are the Best Natural Areas to Visit?
The natural areas here are just stunning and you can reach them pretty easily. Ala Archa National Park is just south of Bishkek with this dramatic gorge and the amazing Ak-Sai Waterfall. Chon Kemin National Park is about 3 hours from Bishkek and you'll find yourself in this gorgeous valley full of wildflowers and fir forests. Song-Kol Lake sits up in this high mountain pasture they call jailoo you'll need to go through Kalmak-Ashuu Pass at 3446 meters to get there. Lake Issyk-Kul is seriously impressive its the second-largest alpine lake in the world and you can get there different ways the drive along Kalmak-Ashuu Pass is particularly beautiful.
What Are Some Off-the-Beaten-Path Routes Worth Taking?
The southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake is way less touristy than the north and gives you this authentic glimpse into rural life. The Tian Shan mountains are incredible especially around Tyrgon Valley you can hike there from Jurgalan. People choose these routes when they want to avoid crowds and really connect with the landscape and local communities its a much more genuine experience.
Which Hidden Gems Should I Know About?
You've got to check out the Caravanserai of Tashrabat its this amazing old Silk Road stopping point with incredible views across the plains. Skazka Canyon near Issyk-Kul is really cool the locals call it Fairytale Canyon because the rocks look like castles and faces its pretty unique. The Jergalan Valley is perfect if you want to get away from it all with these stunning turquoise lakes and pine forests you can get there on a partly paved road from Karakol.