Kyrgyzstan 360°: Bishkek, Yurt Nights & Eagle Hunters of Central Asia

Route: Bishkek→Issyk Kul→Jeti Oguz→Kalmak-Ashuu→At-Bashy→Ak Sai→Kol Suu→Bishkek

1. 1Day 1Our adventure begins in BishkekOvernight: Bishkek

   • Check in and a first taste of Kyrgyz food

     Round trip flights are not included in the package, so you can choose from where and when you want to fly. This is to give you maximum freedom of choice!

     Bishkek is one of the most fascinating cities in Central Asia, so if we feel a little lost at first, it's normal: the good food and the warmth of the people will make us feel at home.

     • Center and local markets: we start with a quick tour of the center and the local markets.

     • First Kyrgyz dishes: then it's time to taste delicious national Kyrgyz dishes, starting with a nice bešbarmak.

     • 
2. 2Day 2On the way to Issyk Kul LakeOvernight: Issyk Kul

   • Burana Tower, Konorchek Canyon and our first yurt night

     Early start: fairy-tale landscapes await, far beyond our imagination!

     • At the Burana Tower: our first stop is the Burana Tower, which reveals the remains of Balasagyn, the ancient capital of the Karakhanids.

     • Walk in Konorchek Canyon: we enjoy the view from our minivan, and can we not stop for a scenic break? At the Konorchek Canyon we can stretch our legs among ancient rock formations unique in the world.

     • First yurt camp on Issyk Kul: towards evening we reach our first yurt camp on the southern shore of the legendary Issyk Kul Lake, at 1,600 meters above sea level.

     • Night under the stars: eyes up to the starry sky, then our first sleep in a yurt.

     • 
3. 3Day 3Skazka Canyon, Jeti Oguz and hunting with eaglesOvernight: Jeti Oguz

   • The legendary art of falconry

     Rocks from another planet, eagles and a 5,000-metre peak: what a day!

     • Morning in Skazka Canyon: the fairytale Skazka Canyon has surreal red, ocher and yellow sedimentary rocks to explore and photograph.

     • Hunting with eagles: an eagle is waiting for us! We experience the thousand-year-old Kyrgyz tradition of hunting with eagles and learn the techniques and legends of falconry.

     • Trek in the Jeti Oguz Valley: in the afternoon, in the Jeti Oguz Valley, we leave the vans for a simple trek to the viewpoint over Oguz Bashy Peak, rising to 5,000 metres.

     In the evening we reach the tented camp: another night in the yurt!

     • 
4. 4Day 4Travelling to Song Kul LakeOvernight: Kalmak-Ashuu

   • Kochkor, Kalmak Ashuu Pass and nomad bread

     Every curve reveals fairy-tale panoramas: today we climb towards Song Kul Lake!

     • Lunch in Kochkor: we stop in the picturesque town of Kochkor for a traditional lunch full of ancient flavors.

     • Over the Kalmak Ashuu Pass: we cross the incredible Kalmak Ashuu Pass, at an altitude of 3,447 meters.

     • Arriving at Song Kul Lake: then the vastness of Song Kul Lake appears, nestled between mountains that seem to touch the sky at more than 3,000 meters, and we spend the night in a charming yurt camp.

     • Fancy baking nomad bread? At the camp we have the chance to organize a cooking class on local sweet bread, straight out of Kyrgyz nomad legends.

     • 
5. 5Day 5Trekking the Moldo-Ashuu PassOvernight: At-Bashy

   • Seven-level switchbacks in the Tian Shan

     Ready for a high-mountain day? Our expedition continues!

     • Trek to the Moldo-Ashuu Pass: the Moldo-Ashuu Pass is a spectacular high-mountain pass at around 3,300 metres in the Naryn region of the Tian Shan, famous for its seven-level switchbacks and views of peaks, valleys and spruce forests.

     • On to the Oiurma Pass: in the alpine beauty of Song-Kul, the Oiurma Pass has wide views of the lake, pastures and mountain ranges, before we descend to the base of the Moldo-Ashuu Pass.

     • Lunch in Kurtka, night in At-Bashy: after lunch in the village of Kurtka, we head on to At-Bashy for the night.

     We end the day with a warm cup of tea prepared according to centuries-old Kyrgyz traditions.

     • 
6. 6Day 6On the border with China: the Ak Sai ValleyOvernight: Ak Sai

   • The adventure continues on the Kakshaal Too range

     Today we head towards China, through vast alpine pastures that disappear on the horizon.

     • Exploring the Ak Sai Valley: in the Ak Sai Valley we will have the chance to see the mysterious wild sheep with spiral horns and the nomadic shepherds.

     • Facing the Kakshaal Too range: we glimpse and touch the majestic Kakshaal Too range, and every corner of the valley is a wonder.

     • Night in a yurt camp: we stay in one of the most fascinating yurt camps of the trip, under a starry sky, warmed by sheep's wool and a dinner around the fire.

     • 
7. 7Day 7Trekking to Lake Köl SuuOvernight: Kol Suu

   • Turquoise waters and yak calves

     A rich breakfast first: today brings the most incredible view of our trip!

     • Trek to Köl Suu Lake: about 3 hours of walking to the enchanting Köl Suu Lake, hidden between dizzying mountains, with a turquoise color we will remember for a lifetime.

     • Not into walking? If so, there's also the option of a horse ride, nomad style.

     • Lunch by the lake: we eat on the lake shore and, if we are lucky, we might even spot some yak calves.

     Then back to the yurt camp for our last night in the wild!

     • 

   • Night in a guesthouse in Naryn

     Tonight's accommodation: a guesthouse in Naryn.

8. 8Day 8Let's go back to BishkekOvernight: Bishkek

   • A final farewell to Kyrgyzstan

     A slightly melancholy day: landscapes, people and stories we never dreamed of fill our thoughts.

     • Back to Bishkek: the last mountains in the background, a last lunch and quite a few kilometers (you have been warned!) back to the capital, Bishkek.

     • Traditional Kyrgyz dinner: our last evening brings a traditional Kyrgyz dinner.

     • One last night out? Who knows if we will be able to finish on a high note with the vibrant nightlife of Bishkek!

     • 
9. 9Day 9Goodbye Kyrgyzstan

   • Check out and goodbye

     Check-out and goodbye – until your next WeRoad adventure!

     •