This 10-day Kyrgyzstan adventure tour is designed for travellers who want to experience more than the country’s best-known viewpoints. The journey begins with Bishkek and the red sandstone formations of Konorchek Canyon before continuing to the high pastures of Song Kul Lake, where you spend two nights in a yurt camp.

From Song Kul, you travel to Issyk Kul for panoramic viewpoints, a felt-making workshop, an eagle-hunting demonstration and walks through the colourful formations of Skazka Canyon and Jeti Oguz. The final part of the journey is its most demanding and rewarding: a 4-day guided trek from the Karakol Valley to turquoise Ala Kul Lake, across the 3,860-metre Ala Kul Pass and down to the hot springs of Altyn Arashan.

The programme combines shorter walks, cultural encounters and locally run accommodation with a serious multi-day mountain trek. It is ideal for active, open-minded travellers who love the outdoors, and want to combine Kyrgyzstan’s mountain lakes and local culture with a challenging multi-day trek

If you’re from Belgium or the Netherlands, you can read the description in Dutch.

10-day Kyrgyzstan Tour Departures 2027:

July 4th – July 13th
August 1st – August 10th

August 22nd – August 31st
September 2nd – September 11th

Tour price: €1950 per person
→ Book by December 1st, 2026, and receive a 5% early-booking discount!

Limited places available – reserve your spot now!

The 10-day Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour at a glance

  • Duration: 10 days/9 nights
  • Group: Small international group (maximum 10 travellers)
  • Arrival & Departure: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
  • Main highlights: Bishkek city tour, Konorchek Canyon, Song Kul Lake, Issyk Kul Lake, Eagle Hunting, Skazka Canyon, and a 4-day trek to Ala Kul Lake.
  • Activity level: Demanding during the Ala Kul trek, good fitness is required! The tour includes a 4-day trek of 55km at high altitude, several shorter hikes, and an optional half-day horseback ride.
  • Accommodation: one night in hotel, 4 nights in locally run guesthouses, 2 nights in yurt camps and 2 nights at mountain camps.
  • Guide: experienced English-speaking local tour guide, arranged by my trusted local partner Emir from E2 Travel.

The 10-day itinerary has been refined and updated for 2027. The reviews below are from travellers who joined previous Journal of Nomads trips in partnership with Emir from E2 Travel.

What Makes This 10-day Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour special?

Instead of treating Song Kul, Issyk Kul and Ala Kul as separate trips, this route connects them in one logical journey from Bishkek through central and eastern Kyrgyzstan. You move from red sandstone canyons and high nomadic pastures to the shores of Issyk Kul, forested valleys, a turquoise alpine lake and a 3,860-metre mountain pass.

The first half of the tour combines shorter hikes with cultural experiences. You stay beside Song Kul Lake, learn how traditional felt is made and meet an eagle hunter before the journey builds towards the 4-day Ala Kul trek. This progression gives the trip variety and allows you to settle into the altitude and rhythm of Kyrgyzstan before its most demanding section.

The Ala Kul trek is not a brief viewpoint stop. You cross the complete 55-km route from the Karakol Valley to Ala Kul Lake, over Ala Kul Pass and down through Altyn Arashan to Ak-Suu. Two nights in a yurt or tent and one night in a mountain guesthouse allow you to experience the landscape properly.

The journey also supports locally run guesthouses, yurt camps, guides, drivers, craftspeople and mountain teams. The group remains small (limited to 10 travellers), making difficult rural logistics easier while preserving a personal atmosphere.

The tour is led by a professionally trained, English-speaking local guide arranged by my trusted local partner Emir from E2 Travel, with support from experienced drivers, local mountain guides and locally run guesthouses and yurt camps.

Why Travel with Journal of Nomads

I first arrived in Kyrgyzstan in 2017 while hitchhiking from Europe to Asia. What was meant to be a short visit turned into nearly a year of living and travelling around the country. Since then, I have kept returning to its mountains and remote valleys, building friendships and learning how different the reality of travel here can be from what appears on a map.

I have been organising tours in Kyrgyzstan since 2018. The routes are shaped by places I know personally, feedback from previous travellers and the practical knowledge of local teams. I want these journeys to feel adventurous and genuine while also being honest about long distances, high altitude and the modest accommodation found in remote areas.

This adventure is organised together with Emir from E2 Travel, one of my trusted local partners in Kyrgyzstan with whom I’ve been working since 2022. Emir coordinates his personally trained English-speaking guide, drivers, accommodation and local teams along the route. Working directly with local guides, horsemen and family-run camps also helps ensure that a meaningful part of the tour price stays with the communities you visit.

Journal of Nomads is not a large anonymous tour operator. I remain your personal point of contact before, during and after the journey, help you prepare and work directly with Emir on the programme. The spirit of the tour is rooted in places and experiences that genuinely made me fall in love with Kyrgyzstan.

Is this tour for you?

This journey is designed for active and open-minded travellers who want to combine Kyrgyzstan’s mountain landscapes and alpine lakes with culture. Previous Journal of Nomads groups have included solo travellers, couples and friends of different ages and nationalities. This tour is a good match if you:

  • have great general fitness and experience with full-day (mountain) hikes,
  • can hike for 4 consecutive days on steep, rocky and uneven terrain,
  • are prepared for a day with a 1,000 meter ascent and crossing a pass at 3,860 meter,
  • can carry your own essential gear during the Ala Kul trek (around 8 -10kg),
  • are comfortable with shared rooms, yurts, tents and simple mountain facilities,
  • accept that several road journeys are long and that mountain conditions can change the programme,
  • enjoy travelling with an international group and approach local customs with curiosity and respect.

The Ala Kul section requires no technical mountaineering skills, but it is not suitable for casual walkers. You need confidence on steep ascents and descents, loose rock and exposed high-altitude terrain. Weather can bring rain, strong wind, cold nights or even snow at any point in the season.

This tour may not be the right choice if you prefer private accommodation every night, want hotel-style comfort in the mountains or are looking for a relaxed sightseeing programme. If you enjoy a physical challenge, remote landscapes and travelling with an open mind, it offers an unusually complete way to experience Kyrgyzstan.

10-day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek and guided city tour, overnight in hotel.

Day 2: Bishkek – hike in Konorchek Canyon (8km) – Song Kul, overnight in yurt camp.

Day 3: Full day at Song Kul with a hike or optional horseback ride, overnight in yurt camp.

Day 4: Song Kul – Shatyly Panorama – Felt Workshop – Bokonbayevo, overnight in guesthouse.

Day 5: Bokonbayevo – Eagle Hunting – Skazka Canyon – Jeti Oguz – Karakol, overnight in guesthouse.

Day 6: Transfer from Karakol – Hike to Karakol Valley (12km), overnight in camp.

Day 7: Hike to Ala Kul Lake (8km), overnight in camp.

Day 8: Hike to Altyn Arashan (10km), overnight in guesthouse.

Day 9: Hike to Ak Suu Village (18km) – transfer to Karakol, overnight in guesthouse.

Day 10: Karakol – Cholpon-Ata – Bishkek, the tour finishes in the evening (no lodging included).

Note: Distances, driving times, hiking times and elevation figures are approximate. Weather, road, trail conditions, and local circumstances may require the guide to adjust the programme.

DAY 1: Arrival in Bishkek and guided city tour

Welcome to Bishkek, the capital city of Kyrgyzstan! Your adventure begins at 2 pm as you meet the group at the hotel and set out to explore the highlights of Bishkek, a lively capital surrounded by mountains. The 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.

The evening is free, so you can choose to join the group for dinner at a restaurant in the city or enjoy a quiet evening and relax after your journey.

Note: Regular hotel check-in begins at 2 pm. If your flight arrives early and you would like immediate access to your room, you can request an additional night or early check-in at an extra cost, subject to availability.

Meals included: none.
Accommodation: Shared room in hotel.
Facilities: Electricity, Wi-fi, hot shower

Day 2: Bishkek to Konorchek Canyon and Song Kul LAke

After breakfast, you leave Bishkek and drive for around 2,5 hours to the trail leading into Konorchek Canyon. An 8 km return walk through the canyon reveals sculpted red sandstone walls and dry, open scenery. It’s not a difficult hike, but there is little shade and the terrain can be hot and dusty in summer.

After lunch, you continue the 4-hour drive into Naryn Province and climb up towards Song Kul Lake, located at 3,016 meters altitude. The final part of the road crosses high mountain terrain before opening onto the wide summer pastures around the lake. You settle into a shared yurt and have dinner at the camp.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt.
Facilities: Outdoor toilets

Day 3: Full Day at Song Kul

Today is devoted to Song Kul and the nomadic landscapes surrounding the lake. Your guide leads a walk through the surrounding hills or along the lakeshore, with the exact route adapted to the weather, ground conditions and interests of the group.

At 3,016 metres, the broad plateau feels far removed from the towns and roads below. During summer, local families bring their livestock to the jailoo, or high pasture, and live in yurts close to the water.

You explore the area on foot with your guide, with time to appreciate the scale of the lake and meet local hosts. An optional horseback ride can usually be arranged at the camp for travellers who would like to experience the landscape from the saddle. This activity is not included in the tour price and remains subject to weather, horse availability and the guide’s assessment.

The exact walking route is adapted to the weather and the group. You can also choose a quieter afternoon near the camp and go for a swim, if the weather and lake temperature allows it.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt.
Facilities: Outdoor toilets

DAY 4: Song Kul to Shatyly and Bokonbayevo

After breakfast, you leave Song Kul and descend from the high plateau towards Issyk Kul, the vast alpine lake known as the “Pearl of Central Asia”. The changing scenery takes you from open grassland into drier valleys and the mountain landscapes surrounding the lake. The expected driving time is around 4 hours.

Along the way, you stop for a hike to the panoramic viewpoint of Shatyly. From the ridge, wide views open over Issyk Kul and the snow-capped ranges beyond it. The walk is relatively short but includes an uphill section on exposed terrain.

After a late lunch at the guesthouse in Bokonbayevo, you join a felt-making workshop. Felt has played an important role in Kyrgyz nomadic culture for generations and is still used to make carpets, decorations and the coverings of traditional yurts. The workshop offers a practical introduction to this living craft.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Electricity, Wi-fi, hot shower

Day 5: Bokonbayevo via Skazka Canyon and Jeti Oguz to Karakol

The morning begins with an eagle-hunting demonstration. A local eagle hunter explains the relationship between hunter and bird and introduces a tradition that has long been part of life in the region. The activity is a cultural demonstration.

You then travel along the scenic southern shore of Issyk Kul for a total drive of around 2,5 hours (the stops not included). Your first nature stop is Skazka Canyon, also known as Fairytale Canyon. Centuries of erosion have sculpted the colourful sandstone into shapes resembling castles, animals and mythical creatures. A short walk leads through formations in shades of red, orange, pink and yellow.

The journey continues to Jeti Oguz, one of Kyrgyzstan’s most recognisable landscapes. Its name means “Seven Bulls” and refers to the striking red cliffs at the entrance to the valley. A short walk rewards you with views of the formations, surrounding forest and mountain backdrop.

You arrive in Karakol in the late afternoon and check into the guesthouse. Dinner is not included, giving you the freedom to choose your own restaurant and menu in town.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Electricity, Wi-fi, hot shower

Day 6: Start of the 4-day Trek: Transfer & Hike the Karakol Valley

Hiking distance: 12km Hiking time: 4 -5 hours Ascent: +650m 

After breakfast, you meet the trekking team and make a final equipment check before transferring from Karakol to the trailhead. The Ala Kul trek begins gently along the Karakol River, passing through pine forest and open alpine meadows.

Over 4 to 5 hours, you gain approx. 650 metres and reach the Karakol Base Camp at around 2,600 metres. Depending on availability and local conditions, you sleep in either a shared yurt or tent. Facilities are basic, with an outdoor toilet and no shower.

You carry your own personal equipment and daily lunch during the trek (no camping or cooking equipment). Pack carefully so you don’t carry more than 8 to 10kg (a packing list for the trek will be provided upon booking) and leave anything you do not need in the guesthouse in Karakol.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt or tent.
Facilities: Outdoor toilets

Day 7: Hike from Karakol Valley to Ala Kul Lake

Hiking distance: 8km Hiking time: 6 hours Ascent: +1000m 

Today’s stage is shorter in distance but much more steeper and challenging. The trail climbs over rocky terrain towards Ala Kul, gaining 1,000 m over a distance of around 8 km. This is a demanding day that requires steady pacing and good fitness.

On reaching the lake at 3,560 metres, you are rewarded with turquoise water framed by rugged peaks. There is time to explore the surroundings and watch the colours change as the light moves across the valley.

You spend the night near the lake in a shared yurt or tent, depending on availability. Temperatures can drop to freezing point after sunset, even in midsummer, so bring warm gear!

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared yurt or tent.
Facilities: Outdoor toilet.

Day 8: Hike from Ala Kul Lake to Altyn Arashan

Hiking distance: 10km Hiking time: 6 hours Ascent: +400m Descent: -850m

An early start takes you towards the highest point of the journey: Ala Kul Pass at 3,860 metres. The final ascent is steep and can be loose underfoot, but the pass offers a magnificent view back across Ala Kul Lake and towards the snow-capped Terskey Alatau range.

From the pass, you make a steep descend into the Keldike Valley and continue towards the greener terrain in Altyn Arashan. The descent is long and steep in places, requiring care and stable footing.

At the guesthouse, a hot meal and a proper bed provide a welcome end to the day.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Electricity, shower (depending on availability), no Wi-Fi.

Day 9: Hike from Altyn Arashan to Ak Suu Village, transfer to Karakol

Hiking distance: 18km Hiking time: 4-5 hours Descent: -750m

The final trekking stage is mostly downhill, following the river through a forested valley towards Ak-Suu. Although easier than the previous two days, it remains a long walk of 18 km, and tired legs can make the uneven trail feel demanding.

At Ak-Suu, a vehicle meets the group for the transfer back to Karakol. You check into the guesthouse and have the evening free to rest or join the group for dinner at a restaurant of your choice. Dinner is not included.

Meals included: Breakfast & lunch.
Accommodation: Shared room in guesthouse.
Facilities: Wi-Fi, electricity, hot shower.

Day 10: Karakol via Cholpon-Ata to Bishkek

After breakfast, you return to Bishkek along the northern shore of Issyk Kul. The route offers a final look at the lake from a different perspective.

You stop for lunch near the lake and visit the open-air petroglyph site near Cholpon Ata, where ancient rock carvings provide a glimpse into the region’s early cultures and beliefs.

You then continue west to Bishkek, arriving in the evening around 6 pm, depending on traffic and the length of the stops. Travellers who wish to can join an optional farewell dinner afterwards.

Meals included: Breakfast, lunch.

Avoid scheduling an early or tightly timed flight on the final day. The earliest departure time should be around 10 pm. Mountain roads and traffic can delay the planned arrival, and an additional night in Bishkek is a safe option before an international departure. We can help organizing your accommodation in Bishkek if needed.

TOur Costs

Price for the 10-day Kyrgyzstan Adventure Tour:

€1950 per person

The departure is guaranteed once 7 travellers have booked (this tour usually sells out). We will confirm the departure as soon as this minimum is reached and no later than 3 months before the tour begins. Please wait for this confirmation before booking non-refundable flights.

What’s included in this price?

  • Private transport with an experienced local driver throughout the tour
  • All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary. In Bishkek, Bokonbayevo and Karakol, travellers stay in twin or triple rooms in a hotel or guesthouse. At Song Kul, accommodation is in yurts, shared between 4 to 6 people. During the 4-day trek, lodging is either in a yurt or in tents, shared between people of the group. A single room is only possible at Bishkek and can be requested for an additional cost but availability can’t be guaranteed.
  • All meals mentioned in the itinerary
  • All activities and entrance fees to sites mentioned in the itinerary
  • Group camping equipment for the 4-day Ala Kul trek
  • Experienced English-speaking tour leader
  • Support from local mountain guides and teams where needed

What’s not included in this price?

  • International flights to and from Bishkek
  • Airport transfer (you’ll receive detailed info on how to arrange transfers)
  • Accommodation on Day 10 in Bishkek (you’ll receive recommendations upon booking)
  • Visa fees if applicable (Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for most EU and other countries). Check this link to see if you can visit the country without having to obtain a visa.
  • Medical or travel insurance (mandatory to join our trip). I recommend SafetyWing, HeyMondo or IATI backpacker if you want a good insurance provider (in case you don’t have one yet).
  • Dinners in Bishkek and Karakol (on day 1, 5, 9 and 10) (we want to leave you the option to choose your own meal those evenings)
  • Single room in Bishkek. Can be requested for an additional cost, depending on availability
  • Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, bottled water
  • Activities not specifically mentioned as included, such as horse riding at Song Kul lake
  • Porter during the Ala Kul trek, can be requested at an additional cost
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs

FAQ: WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW about THe 8-day Kyrgyzstan Tour

In case you have more questions about this tour, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Booking & Cancellation

Confirm your participation with a deposit of €350 per person.

Deposits can be made via a standard bank transfer in EUR or via online transfer (Wise) in EUR or USD.

As soon as I receive your booking, I’ll send out the payment details. Your booking is only confirmed once the deposit has been paid.

The remaining tour costs can be paid either in cash on the first day of the tour or via online transfer (fees might apply) at the latest three weeks before the start of the trip.

If you have any more questions or want more info, please contact me here!

Cancellation policy

If for any reason you can’t join this tour, we’ll refund your deposit – minus €100 administrative costs – if you cancel at the latest 3 months before the start date of the tour.

In case we have to cancel this tour due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control (pandemic, political reasons, natural disasters,…), you’ll receive a full refund of the tour costs (minus transaction costs). We’re not responsible for and therefore don’t refund any flight cancellations and/or flight expenses.

Reviews Journal of Nomads Tours in partnership with E2 Travel

Below are reviews from travelers who joined previous Journal of Nomads tours in partnership with E2 Travel. You can also find them on Google Reviews.

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