From Tcholpon-Ata to the Son-Kul Steppes - Confirmed Departure from August 7 to 14, 2026
From the crystal shores of Issyk-Kul to the high-altitude pastures of Son-Kul, an authentic Kyrgyz odyssey.
Duration
8 days
From
€875/pers.
Ideal seasons
Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends
The spirit of travel
Travel alongside Gwenola for a unique journey to Kirghizistan, from the sparkling shores of Lake Issyk-Kul to the vastness of Son-Kul pastures. Between hiking, nights in yurts and encounters with nomads, this adventure immerses you in the authenticity of Kyrgyz traditions and the wild beauty of the mountains.
The larger your group, the more advantageous the rate becomes
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Departure for Altyn Arashan
North of Grigorievka, we take a small mountain trail that goes up the Chong Ak-Suu valley for 40 minutes. A short walk through the wooded valley.
You are heading on a hike towards the Golden Hot Springs of Altyn Arachan, located at 3,000 meters above sea level. The trail follows the Arashan River and the climb is gradual, at the pace of the valley.
Upon arrival, you enjoy a remarkable panorama of the snow-capped peaks of Mount Palakta. Vehicle assistance is provided to facilitate access if necessary.
After this ascent, you take time to relax in the hot springs of Altyn-Arachan, renowned for their healing properties and peaceful setting.
Arrival in Karakol
We head back down towards Karakol.
Assistance of a Soviet 4x4 vehicle 2h30 vehicle descent Descent on foot approximately 4 hours.
Arrival in Karakol, a peaceful small town on the shores of Lake Issyk Kul. You take time to visit the Cathedral of the Holy Trinity, a 19th-century Orthodox church; the Chinese mosque with the appearance of a Mongolian Buddhist temple, built by Dungan Chinese craftsmen.
For dinner, we are welcomed by our Dungan family, who will treat us to a traditional meal and introduce us to the history of this Muslim people originally from western China, who came to settle in the region more than 140 years ago.
View of Issyk-Kul from Jety-Oguz
We head very early in the morning to one of the largest livestock markets in Kyrgyzstan, located in Karakol.
We can observe the particular life of this market ("mal bazar" in Kyrgyz), where horses, cattle, yaks, pigs and many other animals are sold, bought and exchanged. People come from all over the Issyk Kul region, and even from neighboring countries.
Note: the market takes place only on Sundays. It operates from 1 am in the morning until 1 pm in the afternoon. Therefore it is recommended to go early in the morning, as around 10-11 am most herders and sellers leave.
We continue our tour of the lake, and take the circular road that will lead us to the southern shore of the lake. A wilder region than the northern coast, we will discover new amazing natural sites.
Arrival in the Jety-Oguz valley. Covered with lush vegetation, this superb gorge, one of the most beautiful in the country, stretches 37 km between Lake Issyk-Kul and the Heavenly Mountains. Monumental ridges of red rock, nicknamed "the 7 bulls" complete this postcard landscape immortalized on Soviet postage stamps in 1968. A few hours hiking in the valley.
Jeti-Oguz Valley → Canyon De Skazka
You visit the Skaska canyon, whose name means "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. Its multicolored rock formations dominate Lake Issyk-Kul. Resulting from ancient volcanic eruptions, these natural sculptures with varied shapes evoke landscapes worthy of a fairy tale.
Canyon De Skazka → Bokonbaevo
In the late afternoon, we settle in with our hosts for the day in Bokonbayevo.
Meeting with a falconer
In Bokonbayevo, you attend an Eagle hunting demonstration. The Kyrgyz falconer, on horseback, presents the complicity that unites him with his eagle and demonstrates his hunting technique on small prey such as rabbits.
We are watching the traditional equestrian game: kok boru, when the riders will compete for the carcass of the beheaded goat.
A beautiful day ahead that will immerse you in Kyrgyz culture.
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 in this activity.
Arrival at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu renowned for yurt making.
A family from the village will have the honor of showing us how a yurt is built, and if you wish, you will be able to help them in this activity.
You will go to the salt lake, a small lake with high salinity neighboring its bigger brother Lake Issyk-Koul where you can swim before diving into the fresh and warm waters of Issyk-Kul.
Tash Rabat Visit
We return to the main road heading to the village of Kochkor, renowned for its local development initiatives.
You visit the women's cooperative, where traditional felt carpets (sherdaks) are made, showcasing the region's artisanal craftsmanship.
Kochkor → Tach Rabat
Arrival in the city of Naryn, a charming small town nestled in the middle of the mountains and crossed by the Naryn river.
Travel back in time with a visit to the ancient Tach Rabat Caravanserai. Located on the route to Khasgar, the Tach Rabat caravanserai, the Stone Hotel, is probably the best-preserved site on the Silk Road, and you will be able to feel its original atmosphere here. Dating from the 15th century, it featured numerous rooms that served to shelter merchants.
From the steppes to Lake Son-Kul
Tach Rabat → Lac Son Koul
Arrival on the shores of Lake Son-Koul, the second marvel of Kyrgyzstan. This immense Alpine lake is the country's first freshwater reserve. Located in the middle of the Celestial Mountains, it reaches an altitude of 3016 meters and has long stimulated the imagination of foreign travelers. Its crystalline water is of unheard-of purity and changes color with time, shifting from blue to green, sometimes turning orange.
If you wish, you can leave after lunch for a short horseback riding excursion.
Visit to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan
Last day on the road before reaching the Kyrgyz capital.
We are leaving the green mountains of Kirghizistan where we discovered a warm-hearted people with traditions still so persistent and arriving in Bishkek. Check-in at your hotel where you can rest for a few moments.
Price per person
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
- Passport fees
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Extra drinks / alcohols
- Meals in Bishkek
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the program
- Single room supplement
Included
- Hotel / airport transfer on day 8
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Bishkek, breakfast included
- 1 night with a local family
- 1 night in guesthouse
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Karakol, breakfast included
- 1 night with a local family, in a host's yurt
- 2 nights in yurt camp
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- Vehicle + driver
- Essence
- English-speaking guide
- Local equestrian guides
- Horse rental
- Entry fees for parks and museums mentioned
- Kitchen equipment and sleeping gear (down sleeping bag)
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
