Escape to Kyrgyzstan
Five days to venture into the heart of Kirghizistan, between the wild shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, dizzying gorges and encounters with nomads. A journey where you are an actor, not a tourist.
Duration
5 days
From
€570/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct, Nov, Dec
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
budget
Travelers
groupe
The spirit of travel
Kyrgyzstan is explored, not contemplated from a window. In five days, this circuit takes you across the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul, dive into the Grigorievka gorges, climb up to the Jety-Oguz rocks and live at the rhythm of Kyrgyz families who open their doors.
From arrival in Tamchy, the blue waters of Central Asia's largest lake set the scene. The road then hugs the northern shore towards Karakol, the starting point for venturing into the wild Grigorievka gorges. On the third day, heading towards Bokonbayevo and the heights of Jety-Oguz, from where your gaze embraces the lake in all its expanse. In Kyzyl-Tuu, an encounter with an eagle hunter and his raptor paints a vivid portrait of nomadic traditions. The circuit ends in Bishkek, a bustling capital where Soviet architecture dialogues with contemporary Kyrgyz life.
Nights with local families, gorges to discover on foot, ancestral falconry: this journey is not told, it is lived.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
On the way to the blue pearl of Central Asia
Bishkek - Burana Minaret
We stop to visit the ruins of the Burana Minaret, the Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Mongol invasions. We climb onto the roof of the minaret where we can enjoy the splendid view of the surrounding countryside. Visit to the associated museum.
Burana Minaret - Konorchek
This morning we visit the Konorchek canyon, an immaculate place where scarlet rock formations remind us of the American Grand Canyon. The red sand columns rising all around us dominate and make the places intimate.
Konorchek - Tamchy
Arrival on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul (1609 meters altitude), the world's second largest alpine lake. This lake, a veritable inland sea, is the pearl of Kirghizistan. Surrounded by the Celestial Mountains range, snow-capped peaks culminating at over 5000 meters are reflected in the lake's crystalline waters. From the surrounding mountains, dozens of rivers flow towards the lake via numerous valleys rivaling in beauty.
In the Grigorievka Gorge
Tamchy - Cholpon-Ata
Visit to the Ruh-Ordo cultural centre in Cholpon-Ata, or how to blend culture and serenity. In a peaceful environment, this complex is dedicated mainly to the 4 major religions: Islam, Catholicism, Judaism and Buddhism. There are also spaces presenting Greek philosophers and famous figures from Kirghizistan.
Cholpon-Ata - Grigorievka
North of Grigorievka, we take a small mountain trail that goes up the Chong Ak-Suu valley for 40 minutes. We stay with a local family and set out on an excursion in the wooded valley.
Grigorievka - Karakol
Arrival in Karakol, a small peaceful town on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul. We take time to visit the Holy Trinity Cathedral, a 19th-century Orthodox church; the Chinese mosque with the appearance of a Mongolian Buddhist temple, built by Dungan Chinese craftsmen.
View of Issyk-Kul from Jety-Oguz
Karakol - Jeti-öghüz
Arrival in the Jety Orguz valley. Covered with lush vegetation, this superb gorge, one of the most beautiful in the country, extends for 37 km between Lake Issyk-Kul and the Celestial Mountains. Monumental red rock ridges, nicknamed "the 7 bulls" complete this postcard-like landscape immortalized on Soviet stamps in 1968.
Jeti-öghüz - Bokonbayevo
Before joining our hosts for the day, we visit the superb Skaska canyon, meaning "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. These multicolored rock formations dominate Lake Issyk-Kul. Resulting from ancient volcanic eruptions, these rocks with multiple shapes will surely evoke fairy tale landscapes for you.
After visiting the Skazka canyons we can rest and relax in the waters of Lake Issyk Kul.
Meeting with a Falconer
This morning we have the opportunity to witness a falconry demonstration. The Kyrgyz eagle hunter on horseback, proudly holding his eagle, will demonstrate his skill on small prey such as rabbits.
Arrival at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu renowned for the traditional manufacture of Kyrgyz yurts. A family from the village will have the honor of showing us how a yurt is built, and if you wish you can help them with this activity.
A Visit to Bishkek, the Capital of Kyrgyzstan
Kyzyl-Tuu - Bishkek
Last day of travel before reaching the Kyrgyz capital. We leave the green mountains of Kirghizistan where we discovered a warm people with traditions still so persistent and arrive in Bishkek. Check-in at your hotel where you can rest for a few moments.
We head to the Osh Bazaar, the busiest market in Kirghizistan. Stalls of dried fruits and spices multiply as you explore the colors of Central Asia. You will also find many traditional souvenirs from the country.
A stroll through Ala-Too Square in the center of Bishkek. A meeting place for Kyrgyz youth, it comes alive every evening with crowds of passersby who come here to walk around. This square has also been the scene of numerous revolutions in the country's history.
Hover over a destination or activity to learn more
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
- Airport-hotel-airport transfers
- Passport fees
- Repatriation Insurance
- Travel insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Bishkek
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
- Supplement for "single" room
Included
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Bishkek, breakfast included
- 3 nights in a guest house
- 1 night with a local family
- Mineral water
- Full board during the excursion
- English-speaking guide
- Driver with their vehicle
- Droits d’entrée des parcs et musées mentionnés
Your accommodations
Guesthouse à Tamchy
Guesthouse Jamilia ou similaire
Grand Hotel
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
Non, les ressortissants français peuvent séjourner jusqu'à 60 jours au Kirghizistan sans visa. Passeport valide au moins 6 mois après l'entrée requis. Une destination particulièrement accessible pour découvrir le Tian Shan et la culture nomade. Vérifiez les conditions à jour avant le départ.
Rendez-vous dans la section Mes Voyages pour retrouver tous vos projets.
Vous pouvez envoyer un message à votre hôte directement depuis le Salon de Thé.
Pour un voyage sur mesure de qualité, comptez entre 110 et 180 euros par jour et par personne, incluant hébergement, repas, transports internes et guide. Les vols internationaux (500-900 euros A/R, souvent via Istanbul) sont en supplément. Le Kirghizistan est l'une des destinations de montagne les plus abordables au monde.
Vos documents sont accessibles dans l'onglet Documents de votre voyage.
Absolument. Nous adaptons chaque circuit au profil des voyageurs. Pour les familles, nous privilégions des rythmes détendus, des hébergements familiaux, des activités ludiques et pédagogiques, et des transferts privés confortables. Nos guides locaux francophones savent capter l'attention des enfants avec des anecdotes adaptées à leur âge.
C'est simple. Vous échangez avec notre équipe locale pour définir vos envies, votre budget et vos dates. Vous recevez une proposition d'itinéraire détaillée sous 48 heures. Vous ajustez ensemble chaque détail jusqu'à la version parfaite. Vous confirmez et partez l'esprit tranquille. Votre agence locale reste disponible 7j/7 pendant toute la durée du voyage.
En cas d'urgence, contactez immédiatement votre agence locale.
Le paiement s'effectue généralement en deux fois.
Notre agence fait partie du réseau Nomadays, immatriculé en France. Vous bénéficiez de la garantie APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) qui couvre 100% de vos fonds. Paiement sécurisé, assurance rapatriement incluse, et assistance francophone 24h/24 sur place pendant tout votre séjour.
Let's talk about your adventure — Issyk-Kol Region
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
