Nowrouz, Kyrgyz New Year: Between Tradition and Culture
Celebrate the Kyrgyz New Year in the heart of nomadic traditions and wild landscapes of Central Asia.
Duration
7 days
From
€950/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
This circuit in Kyrgyzstan immerses you in the heart of a vibrant and warm culture, between ancestral traditions and mountain landscapes. You take time to feel the atmosphere of local festivals, explore nature and share simple moments with local people. Between alpine lakes, colorful canyons and protected valleys, this journey blends gentle adventure, nature and cultural immersion.
Throughout your stay, you celebrate Nowruz, discover the skills of craftspeople, meet herding families and observe daily life in villages. Stops on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake, musical evenings and experiences centered on traditions make this journey particularly human, designed for those who wish to approach Kyrgyzstan with curiosity and respect.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and day at Ala Archa Natural Park
Aéroport International De Manas → Bishkek
Welcome upon your arrival at Manas airport by your driver. Transfer to your hotel.
Your guide will meet you at 11am in the lobby of your hotel.
You then head towards Ala-Artcha National Park, a vast mountainous area located about forty kilometers south of Bishkek.
Celebration of Nowruz Festival
On March 21st, the Kyrgyz New Year Nowruz is announced. We head to the hippodrome where numerous competitions are organized, bringing together the best participants from all regions of the country. The festivities thus unite all Bishkek residents who came to attend the games. In the heart of the city, on the Ala-Too Square, the celebration is in full swing.
You arrive in the lush Chon Kemin valley, a nature reserve that stands out for the diversity of its landscapes, between semi-desert areas, glaciers and gorges.
You share the evening with a local family, around a meal composed of Kyrgyz dishes. The conviviality continues with komuz musicians, who perform traditional melodies and offer you a moment of immersion in the heart of local culture.
Horse trekking in Chon Kemin National Park
For those who prefer to stay on foot, it is possible to opt for a short hike in the surrounding area.
You will set off to discover the beauty of the surroundings on horseback, departing from your host's house where you will spend the night.
On the shores of Lake Issyk Kul
This morning, you will visit Konorchek Canyon, a preserved site where scarlet rock formations evoke the American Grand Canyon. The red sand columns rising all around create an intimate and striking atmosphere.
You reach the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake (1,609 m altitude), considered the world's second largest alpine lake. A veritable inland sea, it is often nicknamed the pearl of Kirghizistan. Surrounded by the Celestial Mountains range, snow-capped peaks exceeding 5,000 m are reflected in its clear waters. From the neighboring mountains, numerous rivers descend towards the lake by crossing contrasting valleys.
Discovery of Ancestral Traditions
This morning, in Bokonbayevo, you attend an eagle hunting demonstration. The Kyrgyz eagle hunter, on horseback, presents his expertise with his eagle and shows how he hunts small prey, such as rabbits.
You visit the Skaska canyon, whose name means "fairy tale" in Kyrgyz. Its multicolored rock formations dominate Lake Issyk-Kul. Born from ancient volcanic eruptions, these natural sculptures with varied shapes evoke landscapes worthy of a tale.
During the day, you participate in a traditional archery demonstration and discover this ancestral know-how at the heart of Kyrgyz culture.
You arrive at the village of Kyzyl-Tuu, renowned for the traditional making 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 will be able to help them in this activity.
Visit to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan
Last day of travel before reaching the Kyrgyz capital. You leave the lush mountains, after sharing moments with a people attached to their traditions, then arrive in Bishkek. Check-in at your hotel, where you take time to rest before continuing your stay.
You stop to visit the ruins of the Burana Minaret, an ancient Jami mosque destroyed in the 13th century during the Tatar invasions. You then climb to the top of the minaret, where you enjoy a clear view of the surrounding countryside. The visit continues with the associated museum, which allows you to better understand the history of the site.
You visit the Osh Bazaar, considered one of the most vibrant markets in Kirghizistan. As you stroll through, the stalls of dried fruits and spices bring colors and scents reminiscent of Central Asia. You can also find many traditional souvenirs of the country there.
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 on day 6
- Phone calls
- Any excursion not mentioned in the itinerary
Included
- Airport / hotel / airport transfers
- 1 night in a 3-star hotel in Bishkek, breakfast included
- 4 nights with a local host
- 1 night in a guesthouse
- English-speaking guide
- Vehicle + driver
- Horse rental
- Full board during the excursion
- Mineral water
- Essence
- Entrance fees for the parks and museums mentioned
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 — North and Bishkek
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
