10-Day Kyrgyzstan Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 10-day Kyrgyzstan tour itineraries

Compiled by

SteffKyrgyzstan travel expert at TourRadar

• 10 Days in Kyrgyzstan, incl. Bishkek and Karakol

  The Kyrgyz landscape reveals itself over 10 days across 9 destinations for around $2,600. Bishkek opens to Ala-Archa National Park's trails, Burana Tower's history, and Son-Kul Lake's yurt camps. Issyk Kul Lake, Karakol's landmarks, and Barskoon Gorge's waterfalls showcase nomadic traditions.

  

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  • Days 1-2

    Bishkek & Ala-Archa

    Start in Bishkek, arriving before noon to explore the Soviet-style capital. Your first stops should be Ala-Too Square and Oak Park. Pack clothing layers since Bishkek gets hot but mountain temperatures change often. On Day 2, head to Ala-Archa National Park for a rewarding hike to Ak-Sai waterfall at 9,200ft. Get an early start to beat the heat and wear solid hiking boots with good ankle support for the rocky paths.

    
  • Days 3-4

    Chon Kemin & Lake Issyk Kul

    Take a 3-hour drive to see the historic Burana Tower, then continue to Chon Kemin Valley. You can do an afternoon ridge hike with valley views at 6,500ft. The next day, check out the impressive red Konorchek Canyons before driving to Lake Issyk Kul through Boom Gorge. Stop at Cholpon-Ata's open-air petroglyph gallery. Bring water and sun protection since there isn't much shade.

    
  • Days 5-6

    Karakol & Southern Shore

    Stay in Karakol to explore Jergalan Valley, which sits among seven peaks. The hike to Turnaluu-Kol lake goes up to 8,530ft. Take it slow and drink plenty of water. Next day brings a 6-hour scenic drive along Issyk Kul's southern shore. You'll stop at Djety Oguz Gorge and Barskoon waterfall before ending in Kochkor to watch traditional felt-making.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Son-Kul Lake

    Drive to Son-Kul Lake over the 10,800ft Kalmak-Ashuu Pass. The road is bumpy but the scenery makes up for it. You'll sleep in traditional yurt camps used by local shepherds. The facilities are basic but authentic. As one visitor shared: "Bring a good sleeping bag – nights at Son-Kul can drop below freezing, but watching the stars above the lake while sipping kumis with local families made it all worthwhile."

    
  • Days 9-10

    Return to Bishkek

    Take the scenic 6-hour drive back to Bishkek via the 33 Parrots Pass (10,827ft). Leave early since mountain weather can change quickly. Spend your last evening at a traditional folklore show before departing the next day.

    

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• 10 Day Kyrgyzstan Itinerary, incl. Bishkek and Karakol

  Kyrgyzstan unfolds over 10 days across 7 major sites, from the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower to the pristine Song Kol Lake and Issyk-Kul Lake. Trails wind through Konorchok Canyon, artisans work in Kochkor's felt workshops, and Karakol's Russian Orthodox Cathedral stands proud. Nights alternate between 5-star hotels and authentic yurt camps.

  

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  • Day 1

    Bishkek

    Start exploring Kyrgyzstan's capital with visits to Ala-Too Square and Oak Park. The Osh Bazaar is best visited in the afternoon when you'll find the most local activity and freshest produce. Plan your airport transfer outside the busy morning rush hour of 8-10 AM to avoid traffic delays.

    
  • Days 2-3

    Burana Tower & Chon Kemin Valley

    Take a 1.5-hour drive to the UNESCO-listed Burana Tower. The tower has steep narrow stairs so wear good shoes and use the rope guide provided. The journey continues to Chon Kemin Valley where you can hike or go horseback riding. Bring layers since valley temperatures change a lot between morning and afternoon.

    
  • Day 4

    Song Kol Lake (3,016m)

    The drive to Song Kol Lake goes through Kalmak Ashuu Pass at 3,446m. Take it slow when you arrive because of the altitude and drink lots of water. You'll stay in a basic but authentic yurt camp. Bring a warm sleeping bag since nights are cold even in summer months. One visitor shared: "Waking up to horses grazing by the lakeside with snow-capped mountains in the background was magical, but I wish I'd brought warmer clothes for the evening."

    
  • Days 5-6

    Southern Issyk-Kul Lake

    Visit Central Asia's biggest alpine lake. Stop in Bokonbayevo for eagle hunting shows in the morning when the birds are most active. You can also explore Fairy Tale Canyon. Bring good walking shoes and watch your step after rain when the red rocks get slippery. Sunset here is particularly beautiful.

    
  • Days 7-8

    Karakol

    Explore Karakol's Russian Orthodox Cathedral and Chinese-style Dungan Mosque. If you're there on Sunday get to the animal market by 7 AM before crowds arrive. Visit the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz on your way. The drive from Issyk-Kul takes about 3 hours on rough roads.

    
  • Day 9

    Northern Issyk-Kul Lake

    Start with a morning hike in Grigorievka Gorge then head to Cholpon-Ata. Get a local guide at the petroglyphs site to learn about the ancient rock art. The lake water is warmest for swimming in the afternoon.

    
  • Day 10

    Return to Bishkek

    The 4-hour drive back to Bishkek includes a stop at the New Nomad Museum to learn about Kyrgyz culture. Schedule an afternoon flight to avoid morning traffic.

    

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• Trek the wild Tian Shan Mountains of Kyrgyzstan

  Mountains and cities merge in this 10-day Kyrgyz adventure. The Soviet-era center of Bishkek leads to Jurgalan Valley's 9.2km trek, Tyrgon Pass at 3,500m, and celebratory dips in Altyn-Arashan's hot springs. Karakol's wooden mosque and the ancient Burana Tower showcase architectural diversity.

  

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  • Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

    196 mi

  • Karakol Kyrgyzstan

    196 mi

  • Bishkek Kyrgyzstan

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