The Grand Loop of Kyrgyzstan

Fourteen days that join Kyrgyzstan's three great lakes: two nights at Song-Kul, an off-road journey to hidden Kel-Suu, the canyons of Issyk-Kul and the hot springs of Altyn-Arashan.

Overview

Two weeks around the Tien Shan, with every highlight of the country in one loop: two days with nomad families at Song-Kul, an off-road expedition into the border highlands to Kel-Suu lake, and the canyons, waterfalls and shores of Issyk-Kul.

You walk among the red rocks of Kok-Moinok, Skazka and Jeti-Oguz, meet a golden eagle hunter, soak in the hot springs of Aksu and Altyn-Arashan, and stay with families in village homestays. The journey ends in the green Chon-Kemin valley and with a farewell dinner in Bishkek.

Who it suits

Travellers with time who want to see the whole country. Hikes are one and a half to three hours, horse riding is offered on several days (you can always walk instead), and four days have long drives of four to six hours with stops.

Day-by-day itinerary

D1 Bishkek – Burana tower – Kok-Moinok canyon – Kochkor

Arrive in Bishkek the day before: the transfer from Manas airport and your first hotel night are included, so you start rested.
The Silk Road tower of Burana and a walk in the red Kok-Moinok canyon. Night in a homestay in Kochkor.

D2 Kochkor – Song-Kul

Up to Song-Kul at 3,016 m and the yurt camp by the lake.

D3 Song-Kul: meet the nomads

A day with a nomad family: horses, milking, tea and fresh bread. Stars at night.

D4 33 Parrots pass – Naryn

Down the hairpin road past a waterfall to Naryn and a walk in town. Night in a comfortable hotel.

D5 Naryn – Kyndy pass – Kok-Kiya valley

Off-road through the Bosogo gorge and over the Kyndy pass to the remote Kok-Kiya valley. Night in a wooden camp.

D6 Kel-Suu lake

By horse or on foot to Kel-Suu, with an optional boat between the canyon walls. Night in Kok-Kiya.

D7 Kok-Kiya – Naryn – Tash-Bashat

Back to the valleys and a homestay in the village of Tash-Bashat.

D8 Aksay canyon – Issyk-Kul

A canyon hike on the way to the south shore of Issyk-Kul. Night in a yurt camp by the lake.

D9 Eagle hunter – Skazka canyon – Kok-Jaiyk

A golden eagle demonstration, the Fairy Tale canyon and the Barskoon waterfall, then the Kok-Jaiyk valley.

D10 Jeti-Oguz – Karakol

The red cliffs of the Seven Bulls, then the town of Karakol. Night in a hotel.

D11 Aksu – Altyn-Arashan

A soak at the Aksu hot spring and the 4×4 track up to the Altyn-Arashan valley.

D12 A full day in Altyn-Arashan

Hike or ride in the valley under snowy peaks, and finish in the natural hot springs.

D13 Across Issyk-Kul to Chon-Kemin

Down to Karakol, an optional boat trip at Cholpon-Ata and the drive to the Chon-Kemin valley. Night in a homestay.

D14 Chon-Kemin – Bishkek

A last ride or forest walk, back to Bishkek for a farewell dinner and an evening transfer to Manas airport.

Included and not included

Included

  • English-speaking local guide for the whole trip
  • Private car and driver (4×4 on mountain roads)
  • Hotel night in Bishkek before the tour
  • All accommodation listed in the itinerary
  • Meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Airport transfers on arrival and departure
  • Entrance fees and activities in the itinerary
  • 4×4 and UAZ transport on the off-road sections
  • Border zone permit for Kok-Kiya and Kel-Suu
  • Farewell dinner in Bishkek

Not included

  • International flights
  • Travel insurance (required)
  • Drinks and snacks between meals
  • Tips for guides, drivers and hosts

What to bring

  • Walking shoes with good grip
  • Warm layers, hat and gloves: mountain nights are cold even in August
  • Rain jacket
  • Sun hat, sunglasses and high-factor sunscreen
  • Power bank: charging is limited in the mountains
  • Swimsuit for hot springs and the lake
  • Sleeping bag liner
  • Headlamp

Questions and answers

Is two weeks too long for a first trip?

Not in Kyrgyzstan. Distances are long and the roads slow, so two weeks lets you see the high lakes and Issyk-Kul without rushing. We can also shorten the loop.

Which flight should I book home?

Day 14 ends with dinner in Bishkek and an evening transfer to Manas airport, so a night flight works best. Tell us if you want to stay longer.

Do I need a permit?

Yes, for Kok-Kiya and Kel-Suu on days 5 and 6. We arrange it with your passport details, which we ask for after you book.

14 days

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The Grand Loop of Kyrgyzstan · 14 days

A private trip for your group, on your dates, with your own guide. Send a request and a manager will confirm the details and the final price by email. Nothing is paid on the website.

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