Example Itinerary

Exploring the Jewel of Central Asia: The Natural Charms of Kyrgyzstan

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Off the Grid, National Parks
Destinations
Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyzstan is full of extremes: from deserts to lakes, mountains to gorges, big cities to quiet “jailoos”, this landlocked Central Asian country can offer something to everyone. This action-packed nine-day itinerary will take you through you some of the best Kyrgyzstan has to offer: you’ll start and end in the capital Bishkek, visiting a renowned handicraft workshop and checking out the local sites before hiking around the Chunkurchak mountain meadow, enjoying local cuisine in the Kyzyl-Oi village, taking a dip in Song-Kul Lake, and exploring Chon-Kemin National Park. From learning about the local feltmaking industry to milking a cow, the possibilities are endless on your exploration of this Central Asian jewel.

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

 Great Outdoors: Hike and horseback ride through Chon-Kemin National Park, along the banks of Song-Kul Lake and through Chunkurchak's mountain pastures.

 Kyrgyz Nomads: Break bread with nomadic families, overnight in a yurt and watch the famous traditional horseback game, Ulak Tartish.

 Textile Artisanry: Local artisans introduce you to generations-old crafts, including felt making and weaving, which make for unique and authentic Kyrgyz souvenirs.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Bishkek

Your adventure begins in Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan that was once a stop on the ancient silk road. After being picked up at the airport and taken to your hotel, you will have a chance to explore the highlights of this city. Start out in the Central Square, and then check out the Philharmonic House with the Statue of Manas, Lenin's statue, the National Historical Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. In the evening, enjoy dinner at the “Supara” ethnic complex.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is ideally situated in the center of Bishkek yet within a short driving distance from the international airport.

Services: The only five-star hotel in the country, the Hyatt Regency prides itself on world-class service, catering to guests’ every need, around the clock.

History: Since its opening, the Hyatt Regency has enjoyed a history of acclaim for its excellent quality including being twice named Kyrgyzstan's Best Hotel in the World Travel Awards.

Read More
Hyatt Regency Bishkek Preferred Hotel
About

With excellent views of the capital and the Tien Shan mountains, the Sheraton Bishkek is comprised of deluxe rooms, plus junior, king and executive suites, some of which include club access. Rooms are furnished in a warm and homely classic style, with air-conditioning, writing desks, WiFi and terraces.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Map

Chunkurchak

The second day of your journey will kick off with a visit to the handicraft workshop of Aidai Asangulova, a renowned feltmaker in Bishkek who developed a technique for incorporating silk into felt making. Afterward, you’ll take a tour of Tumar Studio, a modern Kyrgyz atelier which produces a wide variety of felts. Following lunch, you’ll head to the weaving studio of Gulmira Akmatova, a founder of Kyrgyz Oimo studio, where she makes handmade ponchos, shawls, hats, and scarves. Finally, you will travel to Chunkurchak, around 1 hour's drive, a stunning valley with wonderful snowy peaks, fine alpine meadows, and rapid mountain streams.

Hotel Options
About

Supara Chunkurchak is a "yurt hotel" or "ethno-hotel," with a concept of combining uniquely Kyrgyz hospitality with the comforts of a holiday resort. This mountain retreat is elevated at 2,500 meters above the Chunkurchak Gorge and lies only 25 miles from capital city, Bishkek.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Chunkurchak
Chunkurchak

Day 3

Map

Chunkurchak

Today, you have the chance to explore Chunkurchak, known as a “jailoo” - a high mountain pasture or meadow. Take a hike through the open pastures and along side the rivers and streams, or ride a horse along the scenic landscapes. For those in search of a little quiet, this is a wonderful destination for meditating.

Day 4

Map

Suusamyr Valley

After spending the morning and enjoying lunch in Chunkurchak, you will head to Kyzyl-Oi village in the Suusamyr Valley - a scenic 4-hour drive away. Along the way, you will pass the Kara-Balta gorge, go through a 1.8-mile mountain tunnel, and enjoy spectacular panoramas of the Suusamyr valley itself. There will also be chances to stop to take photos near livestock flocks, as well as meet local Kyrgyz nomads. Once you reach Kyzyl-Oi village, you will enjoy local cuisine for dinner and spend a night in a family-run accommodation.

Hotel Options
About

In remote areas of Kyrgyzstan, travelers rely on basic guest houses where the accommodation may not be luxurious, but the welcome is warm. Typically located in the center of town, the guesthouse provides clean and comfortable rooms with double or single beds.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Suusamyr Valley
Suusamyr Valley

Day 5

Map

Song-kul Lake

Today, you will leave Kyzyl-Oi Village and head to Song-Kul Lake, one of the most picturesque places in Kyrgyzstan, via a stunning 4.5-hour drive. Enjoy long hikes or horseback rides through its large pastures, take a swim in the lake, and meet nomads who can show you how they milk cows - you may even want to have a try yourself! After your action-packed day, you will spend the night in a yurt.

Hotel Options
About

Set up camp in the remote outdoors of Kyrgyzstan, in a traditional yurt - a round, portable tent. Spending the night under the stars in a traditional yurt provides great insight into local nomadic lifestyle, while also allowing guests to get back in touch with nature and the area’s stunning surroundings.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 6

Map

Song-kul Lake

You will have the opportunity to spend the entire day by Song-Kul Lake: enjoy a horseback ride or a hike; check out a yak herd and all of the beautiful migratory birds in the area; take a boat out on the lake and meet local fishermen; and a take in a match of Ulak Tartish, a traditional nomadic sport played on horseback throughout Central Asia. Overall, soak in the beauty, culture, and tradition of Song-Kul Lake while enjoying nature and meeting the people who enjoy it every day.

Song-kul Lake
Song-kul Lake

Day 7

Map

Chon-Kemin Valley

After breakfast, you will head out to Kochkor, where you will visit local felt handicraft shops and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterwards, you will continue on through the pretty Orto-Tokoi reservoir and the Boom gorge to Chon-Kemin valley, 3 hours' drive away, which boasts sweeping mountain views. Tonight, you will enjoy dinner and spend the night in a guesthouse.

Hotel Options
About

Kemin Guesthouse is an idyllic rustic hotel located in the scenic Chon Kemin Valley. The guesthouse is owned by a local family who built the hotel from ground up, with focus on large space and wide windows to take in the views, as well as small details such as planting wildflowers gathered from around the country, adding heating in the floors of the rooms, and commissioning locally handmade wooden furnishings to create a warm and homey space.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Map

Bishkek

This morning, you will enjoy two to three hours of horseback riding or hiking in Chon-Kemin National Park, a gorgeous area featuring rivers, mountains, and even the desert in some areas. After you’ve worked up an appetite, you will enjoy lunch back at “Ashu” guesthouse restaurant before heading back to Bishkek, a 2.5-hour drive. On the way back, you will visit Burana tower, a large minaret from the Karakhanid period located about 50 miles east of the city. Tonight, enjoy a farewell dinner at a restaurant and the night in Bishkek hotel.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: This hotel is ideally situated in the center of Bishkek yet within a short driving distance from the international airport.

Services: The only five-star hotel in the country, the Hyatt Regency prides itself on world-class service, catering to guests’ every need, around the clock.

History: Since its opening, the Hyatt Regency has enjoyed a history of acclaim for its excellent quality including being twice named Kyrgyzstan's Best Hotel in the World Travel Awards.

Read More
Hyatt Regency Bishkek Preferred Hotel
About

With excellent views of the capital and the Tien Shan mountains, the Sheraton Bishkek is comprised of deluxe rooms, plus junior, king and executive suites, some of which include club access. Rooms are furnished in a warm and homely classic style, with air-conditioning, writing desks, WiFi and terraces.

If our Preferred Hotel is unavailable, this accommodation is a reliable alternative and has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Bishkek
Bishkek

Day 9

Map

Departure

After your exciting week of history, culture, and natural exploration, your trip has come to an end. Once you’ve checked out of your hotel, you’ll be transferred to the airport, whether you are heading back home or onto a new destination for more incredible adventures.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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