Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
Destinations

Landlocked Kyrgyzstan may be bordered by Kazakhstan to the north, Uzbekistan to the west, Tajikistan to the southwest, and China to the east, but it has more than enough natural beauty in the form of mountains, lakes, and forests to keep you exploring for days and days. This packed eight-day adventure takes you through the big city life in the country’s capital, Bishkek, the natural beauty of the Suusamyr valley, the incredible lakes of the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve, the traditional culture of Arkit village, and the color of the markets in Jalal-Abad and Osh. For an adventure matching that of Alexander the Great, come with us!

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

  • Horseback Riding: Trot through the woodlands of Arslanbob to a small, sacred waterfall, and picnic at the famous walnut forests.
  • Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve: Hike to five of the reserve's seven mountain lakes, exploring the rare flora and fauna of the area.
  • Osh: Swapping the great outdoors for history and culture, discover Jalalabad's towers, mausoleums and markets.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Bishkek

Your exciting journey starts in Bishkek, the largest city in Kyrgyzstan with a newly thriving tourism industry. You will be picked up at the airport and brought to your hotel; after you have time to settle in, you will have the chance to check out the city’s sites, including the Philharmonic House with the Statue of Manas, Central Square, Lenin's statue, and the National Historical Museum and Museum of Fine Arts. Afterwards, enjoy your first dinner and night in the 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.

See Hotel
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

Toktogul

Today, you will travel to the Toktogul reservoir by way of the Suusamyr valley - a drive of around 4.5 hours. With stunning views - and stops for pictures along the way - this drive will set into motion the rest of the trip. Enjoy lunch in a pretty Chichkan gorge before continuing on to Toktogul, where you will stay overnight in a family-run accommodation.

Hotel Options
About

Exploring the gems of Kyrgyzstan will take you to distant lands, often hundreds of miles away from the nearest city. In these remote areas, from the outskirts of Karakol to the Tian Shan mountains, the only accommodation to be found are homestays at which local families happily host weary travelers in their houses for a peaceful night’s rest.

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 3

Arkik Village

After breakfast, you will traverse along Naryn river and Toktogul reservoir to the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve. Along the way you will have the chance to observe the stunning scenery before enjoying dinner and a night in a family-run accommodation in Arkik village.

Hotel Options
About

Exploring the gems of Kyrgyzstan will take you to distant lands, often hundreds of miles away from the nearest city. In these remote areas, from the outskirts of Karakol to the Tian Shan mountains, the only accommodation to be found are homestays at which local families happily host weary travelers in their houses for a peaceful night’s rest.

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.

Arkik Village
Arkik Village

Day 4

Arkik Village

Today, you’ll visit one of the most beautiful lakeside destinations in the world in the Sary-Chelek Biosphere Reserve. The Sary-Chelek lake is located over a mile above sea-level, and its largeness and deepness have earned it the title of the “Jewel in the Crown”, even when compared to the reserve’s seven other lakes. Explore five of the seven lakes today by hiking and enjoying a picnic lunch. In the evening, you will return to Arkik village for dinner and overnight.

Day 5

Arslanbob Valley

You’ll head to the Arslanbob village today, where sprawls the largest walnut forest in the world, at 130 miles long. Enjoy a picnic along the way to the village, and spend the afternoon exploring the village and the lovely forested areas around it. You will spend the night in a family-run accommodation in Arslanbob.

Hotel Options
About

Exploring the gems of Kyrgyzstan will take you to distant lands, often hundreds of miles away from the nearest city. In these remote areas, from the outskirts of Karakol to the Tian Shan mountains, the only accommodation to be found are homestays at which local families happily host weary travelers in their houses for a peaceful night’s rest.

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.

Arslanbob Valley
Arslanbob Valley

Day 6

Arslanbob Valley

After breakfast, get ready to giddy up! You’ll spend four hours this morning horseback riding through the forested areas surrounding Arslanbob village. Along the way, you will check out a small sacred waterfall, where you’ll enjoy a picnic lunch, and stroll through the famed walnut forest. After your horseback riding adventure, you’ll head back to Arslanbob village for dinner and overnight.

Day 7

Osh & The Fergana Valley

Today, you’ll leave Arslanbob to travel to Osh, the second-largest city in the country (around 3 hours' drive). Along the way, you’ll enjoy lunch in Jalalabad, explore the Uzgen tower and mausoleums from the Karakhanids’ period, and visit the Uzgen’s market to take a look at the many different goods that are sold there on a daily basis. After arriving in Osh, you’ll enjoy dinner in a restaurant and the night in a comfortable hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Classic Hotel is a city-center property with a prime location, just a minute's walk from City Hall and five minutes' walk from the Central Park. Room types are available as standard, superior and suite, with double, twin and triplet bed options.

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.

Osh & The Fergana Valley
Osh & The Fergana Valley

Day 8

Bishkek

On your final full day of the trip, you will enjoy breakfast in Osh before flying back to Bishkek for your final afternoon and evening in Kyrgyzstan. Spend some time taking in any of the sights you may have missed, and enjoy an optional traditional folklore program during the dinner.

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.

See Hotel
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 9

Departure

Today, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to the airport, to take off back home or onto your next exciting destination, with a camera full of beautiful scenes and a mind full of wonderful memories.

Suggested Hotels For Day 1

Hyatt Regency Bishkek
Preferred Hotel

Hyatt Regency Bishkek

This stunning, modern destination in the center of the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek proudly holds the title of the only five-star hotel in the country. Within 35 minutes’ drive from the airport, this luxury hotel is surrounded by all of Bishkek’s sights of interest and history including The Museum of Fine Arts, Dubovy Park and the State Opera. What’s more, within the hotel, the facilities are first class. A range of 178 stylish rooms and suites are fitted with the latest amenities and guests can enjoy 24-hour concierge service for any and all their needs. Food lovers will be delighted by the range of cuisines, from authentic Mediterranean meals to laid-back barbecues by the pool. Meanwhile, the chic lobby bar and Opera Lounge are perfect spots for pre-dinner drinks or a romantic night cap. The comprehensive range of facilities on offer in the health club includes an outdoor pool, a spa with treatment rooms and a well-equipped gym so that guests can enjoy relaxation and reinvigoration during their stay.

See Hotel
Sheraton Bishkek

Sheraton Bishkek

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. Facilities include a health club and fitness center with a sauna, steam bath, spa and outdoor swimming pool. Guests can dine on international dishes at Feast, Indian cuisine at Iwa Roof Bar-Restaurant and grilled meats at Legend Steak Restaurant.

Suggested Hotel For Day 2

Homestay

Homestay

Exploring the gems of Kyrgyzstan will take you to distant lands, often hundreds of miles away from the nearest city. In these remote areas, from the outskirts of Karakol to the Tian Shan mountains, the only accommodation to be found are homestays at which local families happily host weary travelers in their houses for a peaceful night’s rest. Genuinely warm and hospitable, the hosts keep the rooms clean and comfortable, and the tasty authentic meals are carefully prepared. There is no better way to really get the sense of life in a community than to eat, talk, share and stay with the locals.

Suggested Hotel For Days 3–4

Homestay

Homestay

Exploring the gems of Kyrgyzstan will take you to distant lands, often hundreds of miles away from the nearest city. In these remote areas, from the outskirts of Karakol to the Tian Shan mountains, the only accommodation to be found are homestays at which local families happily host weary travelers in their houses for a peaceful night’s rest. Genuinely warm and hospitable, the hosts keep the rooms clean and comfortable, and the tasty authentic meals are carefully prepared. There is no better way to really get the sense of life in a community than to eat, talk, share and stay with the locals.

Suggested Hotel For Days 5–6

Homestay

Homestay

Exploring the gems of Kyrgyzstan will take you to distant lands, often hundreds of miles away from the nearest city. In these remote areas, from the outskirts of Karakol to the Tian Shan mountains, the only accommodation to be found are homestays at which local families happily host weary travelers in their houses for a peaceful night’s rest. Genuinely warm and hospitable, the hosts keep the rooms clean and comfortable, and the tasty authentic meals are carefully prepared. There is no better way to really get the sense of life in a community than to eat, talk, share and stay with the locals.

Suggested Hotel For Day 7

Classic Hotel

Classic Hotel

Classic Hotel is a city-center property with a prime location, just a minute's walk from City Hall and five minutes' walk from the Central Park. Room types are available as standard, superior and suite, with double, twin and triplet bed options. All rooms are designed in a classic style, but include modern amenities such as air conditioning, WiFi and a TV with international channels. There are facilities such as an indoor pool, meeting and event spaces, a sauna and a fitness center.

Suggested Hotels For Day 8

Hyatt Regency Bishkek
Preferred Hotel

Hyatt Regency Bishkek

This stunning, modern destination in the center of the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek proudly holds the title of the only five-star hotel in the country. Within 35 minutes’ drive from the airport, this luxury hotel is surrounded by all of Bishkek’s sights of interest and history including The Museum of Fine Arts, Dubovy Park and the State Opera. What’s more, within the hotel, the facilities are first class. A range of 178 stylish rooms and suites are fitted with the latest amenities and guests can enjoy 24-hour concierge service for any and all their needs. Food lovers will be delighted by the range of cuisines, from authentic Mediterranean meals to laid-back barbecues by the pool. Meanwhile, the chic lobby bar and Opera Lounge are perfect spots for pre-dinner drinks or a romantic night cap. The comprehensive range of facilities on offer in the health club includes an outdoor pool, a spa with treatment rooms and a well-equipped gym so that guests can enjoy relaxation and reinvigoration during their stay.

See Hotel
Sheraton Bishkek

Sheraton Bishkek

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. Facilities include a health club and fitness center with a sauna, steam bath, spa and outdoor swimming pool. Guests can dine on international dishes at Feast, Indian cuisine at Iwa Roof Bar-Restaurant and grilled meats at Legend Steak Restaurant.

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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.

Travelogues

An Asia-focused magazine brought to you by Remote Lands - a platform for adventure, luxury, and authenticity from experts and explorers around the continent.

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