Day 1 – August 30th: Arrival in Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park
Day 2 – August 31st: Bishkek City Tour – Opening Ceremony World Nomad Games
Day 3 – September 1st: Transfer to Cholpon Ata – World Nomad Games
Day 4 – September 2nd: World Nomad Games
Day 5 – September 3rd: Cholpon Ata – Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Skazka Canyon – Bokonbaevo
Day 6 – September 4th: Bokonbaevo – Ak Sai Canyon – Son Kul Lake
Day 7 – September 5th: Son Kul Lake – Bishkek
Day 1: Bishkek – Day trip to Ala Archa National park
Your adventure begins in the early afternoon as you meet the group at the hotel in Bishkek and set out toward the stunning Ala Archa National Park, just a short drive from the capital. Nestled in the Tian Shan Mountains, this picturesque park is known for its glacier-fed rivers, alpine meadows, and crisp mountain air.
We’ll take a leisurely stroll to admire the area’s natural beauty with its fragrant coniferous forests, dramatic valleys, and snow-capped peaks in the distance. It’s a peaceful and inspiring start to your journey through Kyrgyzstan’s landscapes. Overnight in Bishkek.
Meals included: Not included on this day
Accommodation: Shared room in hotel.
Facilities: Electricity, Wi-fi, hot shower
Day 2: Bishkek City Tour & World Nomad Games Opening Ceremony
Today, we explore the highlights of Bishkek, a lively capital surrounded by mountains. Our city tour includes Ala-Too Square, Oak Park, the Gallery of Artists, the Old Square, and the White House, a mix of Soviet-era architecture, leafy boulevards, and open-air art.
August 31 is Kyrgyzstan’s Independence Day, one of the country’s most festive holidays. We’ll witness the city’s vibrant energy as people gather for parades, music, and celebrations. In the evening, we attend the official opening ceremony of the World Nomad Games, a spectacular event showcasing nomadic traditions, music, and dance. Overnight stay in Bishkek.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shared room in hotel.
Facilities: Electricity, Wi-fi, hot shower
Day 3: Bishkek – Cholpon Ata – World Nomad Games
After breakfast, we drive east toward the northern shore of Issyk Kul Lake, the world’s second-largest alpine lake and a centerpiece of Kyrgyz culture. The scenic road winds through mountain passes and valleys before revealing the vast turquoise waters of Issyk Kul.
The World Nomad Games take place here: a grand celebration of nomadic heritage with competitions in traditional sports, eagle hunting, horseback archery, and more. We’ll spend the day immersed in the festivities, soaking up the atmosphere and the cultural displays. Overnight in a guesthouse near Cholpon Ata.
Meals included: Breakfast
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower
day 4: World Nomad Games
We continue our experience at the World Nomad Games, where the spirit of the steppe comes alive. Watch athletes compete in centuries-old games like kok-boru (goat polo) and wrestling, or wander among the traditional yurt camps to witness music, crafts, and cuisine from across the nomadic world.
This is a rare opportunity to see Kyrgyzstan’s cultural identity in motion, a gathering that connects people from all over Central Asia and beyond. Enjoy another full day of exploration before returning to your accommodation near Cholpon Ata.
Meals included: Breakfast.
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower, indoor toilets.
Day 5: Cholpon Ata – Karakol – Jeti Oguz – Skazka Canyon – Bokonbaevo
After breakfast, we set off for Karakol, the main town of the Issyk Kul region and one of Kyrgyzstan’s most charming destinations. We’ll stop along the way to visit Karakol’s Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Cathedral, two landmarks that reflect the town’s rich cultural diversity.
Continuing along the southern shore of Issyk Kul, we make a detour to Jeti Oguz, famous for its striking red cliffs known as the Seven Bulls. Later, we visit the surreal Skazka (Fairy Tale) Canyon, where erosion has shaped the sandstones into colorful, otherworldly formations. A short walk lets us admire the canyon’s shapes and colors before arriving in Bokonbaevo village for dinner and overnight stay in a family-run guesthouse.
Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower, indoor toilets.
Day 6: Bokonbaevo – Ak Sai Canyon – Son Kul Lake (Yurt stay)
This morning, we explore the beautiful Ak Sai Canyon, where a short hike leads us to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking Issyk Kul and the distant peaks.
After enjoying the views, we begin our drive toward Son Kul Lake, a breathtaking alpine lake located at 3,016 meters above sea level.
The journey takes us through high mountain passes and sweeping pastures where nomadic herders graze their livestock. Upon arrival, we settle into a traditional yurt camp, experiencing the nomadic way of life first-hand. Optional horse riding is available for those who wish to explore the open steppe on horseback. Dinner and overnight in yurts under a sky full of stars.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt.
Facilities: No wi-fi, no electricity, no hot shower, outdoor toilets
Day 7: Son Kul Lake – bishkek
Enjoy a peaceful morning by Son Kul Lake, soaking in the stillness and pristine mountain air. This is the perfect moment to reflect on the journey, the landscapes, the culture, and the spirit of the nomads that define Kyrgyzstan.
After breakfast, we begin our scenic drive back to Bishkek (approximately 7 hours), passing through dramatic valleys and rural villages along the way. Upon arrival in the capital, you’ll be dropped off at a central location. The tour finishes around 6pm. Optional farewell dinner with the group in the evening.
Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.
Most international flights from Bishkek leave in the early morning. You can choose to spend the evening in Bishkek before going to the airport after the farewell dinner or stay an extra night at a ho(s)tel in Bishkek and leave the day after. You’ll receive lodging suggestions for Bishkek upon confirming your booking.
Note: This itinerary can be modified in case of weather conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.