Kyrgyzstan: Mountains, Yurts & Lakes
Trek canyons, ride horses to waterfalls & sleep in yurts on this 9-day Kyrgyzstan group tour.
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This 9-day adventure throws you straight into the heart of Kyrgyzstan. Get ready for snow-capped Tian Shan peaks, alpine lakes, and nomadic yurt camps under a sky full of stars. Ride horseback to hidden waterfalls, watch golden eagle hunters at work, soak in natural hot springs and learn how to build a real Kyrgyz yurt with your own hands.
Travel Style
When we say classic, we mean the perfect balance of culture, adventure, beaches and parties. High number of inclusions, low cost. Tru-ly authentic experiences from home-stays & hostels to beach huts, hotels and boats. A classic tour means maximum adventure, minimum hassle.
Bucket List
Itinerary
welcome to bishkek
Kyrgyzstan starts here. Land in Bishkek and make your way to the hotel. This capital city is famous for its epic snowy Tian Shan mountains backdrop and it's laid back vibe. Enjoy spending the day exploring and then head back to meet your crew over a welcome dinner and get the ice broken before nine days of mountains, yurts and wild sunsets.
ala-archa national park hikes
Fuel up with breakfast, then head out to Ala-Archa National Park, one of the most jaw-dropping mountain parks in the country, tucked into the northern Tian Shan range. Walk the alpine valley, lose your mind at the insane mountain peaks and breathe in all the mountain air then head back to Bishkek for free time and a group dinner. The perfect first day in the mountains!
canyons, eagles & issyk-kul lake
Time to head for the coast! We'll drive towards the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, stopping en route at Kok Moinok Canyon for its wild sandstone formations and narrow gorges. In Bokonbaevo, we'll watch a traditional golden eagle hunting demonstration, an ancient nomadic skill passed down for centuries. In the afternoon, we'll arrive at our Yurt Camp right on the shore for a magical sunset, some swimming, and dinner under the stars.
canyons & yurt building
Today we're kicking off with the amazing Skazka (Fairytale) Canyon. These epic rock formations are like something straight out of Dune. Then it's on to Barskoon Gorge for waterfalls and mountain views, followed by a delicious home-cooked traditional lunch with a local family. In the afternoon, get hands-on and learn how to build a real Kyrgyz yurt before settling in at our next ranch.
horseback riding to jeti-oguz
Saddle up! Today we're heading to Jeti-Oguz Gorge and Kok-Djaik for a horseback ride to a hidden waterfall. This is one of the trip's highlights. In the afternoon, we'll hike the panoramic trails of the gorge before ending up in Karakol for a well-earned group dinner.
hot springs at altyn arashan
This morning we're trading the minibus in for an off-road vehicle and climbing up into the epic Altyn Arashan valley! Here we'll find the natural hot springs waiting for us, and we'll bathe, explore, and soak up the peace before heading back to Karakol for dinner.
karakol culture and the chon-kemin valley
We'll start this morning with a slice of Karakol culture: the Dungan Mosque (built without a single nail) and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral. Then we'll travel along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, taking in sweeping views of water and mountains, before arriving at the peaceful Chon-Kemin Valley for a night in a yurt camp surrounded by forest and river. This spot is really something special; we're really living the Kyrgyzstan dream!
back to bishkek
It's our final full day in Kyrgyzstan! Today we'll head back to Bishkek, stopping with a visit to the Burana Tower and the open-air museum. In Bishkek, we'll have free time for last-minute shopping and sightseeing before wrapping up the trip with a farewell dinner and a toast to nine unforgettable days.
chilled checkout
No alarms, no rush. Enjoy breakfast, check out, and say your goodbyes - Kyrgyzstan will already be calling you back.
Thank you for your interest in this Tour.
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FAQS
Where does the trip start & finish?
The trip starts and ends in Bishkek.
Which airport do I need to fly into and out of?
Manas International Airport (BSZ)
What kind of accommodation is included on this trip?
The accommodation is a mix of twin-share hotels and yurts.
Can I book a pre-night/airport transfer?
You can book pre-nights, airport transfers and other extras at the time of booking or up to 7 days before the tour starts.
These can be booked:
-Through your online account area
-Through our sales team, you can contact them at info@trutravels.com
Is my money protected?
Yep! You will never lose your money. Youâre protected. TruTravels is both ABTA and ATOL registered meaning your money is safe.
Do you have age limits for your tours?
Most of the people that join us on tour are 18-thirtysomethings! We do have an upper age limit of 45 on our tours. If you are over 45 and have travelled with us before please contact our sales team at info@trutravels.com.
Our Backpacker trips are exclusively built for travellers aged 18-29! Don't worry if this isn't you - our incredible Classic, Flashpacker, Limited Edition, Multi-country and Ski tours are open to everyone under 45! There's a perfect style of tour for everyone - happy browsing!
Can you cater for my dietary requirements on this trip?
Yes! Let us know when you are booking your trip about any requirements you might have we can plan ahead and make sure this doesnât affect your trip!
Do many TruTravellers travel alone?
Yes, the majority of our travellers will be travelling on their own! Roughly 65% of our TruTravellers come solo! We have designed our trips specifically with solo travellers in mind, so you can be assured youâll meet lots of others travelling alone like yourself along the way. This of course doesnât mean our trips are only for solo travellers, but it does mean that you donât need to worry youâll be surrounded by a group that already knows each other.
Will I be able to contact/meet people before the tour starts?
Yes, of course! You will receive a welcome email from your tour leader a week before your tour starts. This will include a QR code to join the group chat on WhatsApp and other important information before joining. In the meantime, you can join our Facebook group TruTravellers to connect with others.
Are TruTravels tours drinking and party-oriented?
No! Whether you love a sunset beer or prefer an early night in order to make the most out of every day, or even a bit of both, it's up to you how you spend your time on tour! Our guides are always on hand to suggest a range of evening activities on tour. From night markets to rooftop bars, fire shows and local cultural experiences, there's a huge variety of options! There's no pressure, ever - it's your adventure after all!
Can I change the date of my tour?
Yes! If you are more than 60 days out from your tour you can change the date of your tour once. You can also switch to another tour which is the same value or more.
When is the best time to travel to Kyrgyzstan?
Summer (JuneâSeptember) is peak season and the sweet spot for trekking; high mountain passes are snow-free, jailoos (summer pastures) are green, and yurt stays are in full swing. Spring (AprilâMay) and autumn (SeptemberâOctober) bring fewer crowds and stunning colour, though some high-altitude trails may still be closed. Winter (DecemberâMarch) turns Kyrgyzstan into a ski and snowboard playground, with Karakol as the go-to base - just expect serious cold.
What vaccinations are required for Kyrgyzstan?
We always recommend speaking to your local doctors; we're not medically trained, so we can't give official advice on vaccines you need/don't need.
Do I need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan?
Great news for many travellers: Kyrgyzstan offers visa-free entry for citizens of over 60 countries for stays up to 60-90 days. UK, US, EU, and Australian passport holders can generally enter without a visa for tourism. That said, visa rules change, so always double-check the latest guidance from your government's official travel advice page before booking.
Is tipping required in Kyrgyzstan?
Tipping isn't traditionally expected in Kyrgyzstan, but it's becoming more common in tourist-facing restaurants, hotels, and with guides and drivers. Rounding up the bill or leaving 10% for good service is a nice gesture and genuinely appreciated. Your Tru Leader can give you more etiquette tips on the ground!
Are there ATMs in Kyrgyzstan?
ATMs are common in Bishkek and larger towns like Karakol and Osh, but they get scarcer once you're out in rural or mountain areas. Most accept international Visa and Mastercard. Card payments are increasingly accepted in cities, but cash (Kyrgyzstani Som) is still king in villages, markets, and homestays, so stock up before heading into the mountains.
What languages are spoken in Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyz and Russian are both official languages, with Russian widely spoken in cities. English is limited outside tourist hubs, so we always recommend learning a few key phrases before you go, this will impress the locals for sure!
Can you drink tap water in Kyrgyzstan?
Tap water in Kyrgyzstan isn't considered safe to drink, even in Bishkek. Stick to bottled or filtered water throughout your trip, including for brushing your teeth.
Is Kyrgyzstan safe?
Kyrgyzstan is one of Central Asia's safest and most welcoming destinations for travellers. Crime rates are low, and locals are famously hospitable. As with any adventure travel, the main risks come from the terrain rather than people, so sensible trekking prep matters. Travelling with TruTravels means you'll always have someone in your corner, unlocking local knowledge and showing you all the hidden gems along the way.
negombo - unawatuna
