13 Days Fly-Drive Kyrgyzstan
Overview:
Explore Kyrgyzstan’s stunning landscapes and rich history on this 13-day self-drive tour. From Bishkek’s lively streets to Son Kul’s alpine beauty and Tash Rabat’s ancient caravanserai, journey through mountain passes, scenic gorges, and cultural hubs like Karakol. Experience nomadic hospitality, breathtaking nature, and the freedom of self-guided adventure.
Guesthouse x 5 nights,
Yurt Camp x 2 nights
Highlights:
Bishkek: Explore the green parks, vibrant bazaars, and cultural landmarks of Kyrgyzstan’s capital.
Ala Archa National Park: Hike through alpine scenery with snow-capped peaks, fast-flowing streams, and juniper forests.
Son Kul Lake: Relax in a yurt camp surrounded by lush meadows and experience traditional nomadic life.
Tash Rabat Caravanserai: Visit a 10th-century Silk Road monastery and marvel at its historical significance.
Issyk Kul Lake Region: Discover the unique rock formations of Skazka Canyons, hike in Jeti Oguz Gorge, and enjoy cultural sites in Karakol.
Chon Kemin Valley: Immerse yourself in scenic beauty with panoramic hikes and village explorations.
Burana Tower: Explore this ancient 9th-century archaeological site and learn about the Silk Road heritage.
Itinerary:
Day 1: Bishkek
Arrive at Manas Airport, where our team will pick you up and transfer you to Bishkek. Pick up your rental car from our office (open from 09:00) and begin your self-drive adventure. Visit Ala-Too Square, stroll through Oak Park, and explore the lively Osh Bazaar.
Overnight in Bishkek hotel.
Meals | No meals included.
Day 2: Bishkek – Ala Archa – Bishkek
Drive to Ala Archa National Park for a scenic hike through alpine landscapes. Return to Bishkek for lunch and explore souvenir shops.
Overnight in Bishkek hotel
Meals | Breakfast
Day 3: Bishkek – Kyzyl Oy
After breakfast, drive over the Too Ashu Pass and through the scenic Suusamyr Valley. Continue off-road along the Kokemeren River to reach the mountain village of Kyzyl Oy, surrounded by stunning landscapes.
Overnight | Guesthouse (Shared facilities)
Meals | Breakfast
Day 4: Kyzyl Oi – Son Kul
After breakfast, depart via mountain roads through Kara Keche Pass and reach Son Kul Lake, surrounded by lush nomadic pastures. Arrive at the yurt camp and experience traditional nomadic hospitality.
Overnight | Yurt camp (shared facilities)
Meals | Breakfast
Day 5: Son Kul – Tash Rabat
After breakfast, drive over Moldo Ashu Pass to reach Tash Rabat, a 10th-century monastery that later served Silk Road caravans.
Overnight | Yurt Camp (shared facilities)
Meals | Breakfast
Day 6: Tash Rabat – Eki Naryn – Kochkor
After breakfast, drive to Eki Naryn to see the scenic confluence of the Big and Small Naryn rivers. Continue to Kochkor village, enjoying the mountain views. Relax and refresh at the guesthouse.
Overnight | Guesthouse
Meals | Breakfast
Day 7: Kochkor – Bokonbaevo – Skazka – Tamga
Drive along Issyk Kul’s south shore, meet an eagle hunter (optional) in Bokonbaevo, explore the Skazka Canyons, and relax in Tamga.
Overnight | Guesthouse
Meals | Breakfast
Day 8: Tamga – Jeti Oguz – Karakol
Visit Jeti Oguz Gorge, known for its "Seven Bulls" rock formations. Explore Karakol, visiting the Orthodox Church and Dungan Mosque, and try ashlan fu (optional).
Overnight | Hotel
Meals | Breakfast
Day 9: Karakol (Free Day)
Today is a free day to explore the cultural city of Karakol in the Issyk Kul region. Enjoy hiking in Karakol Gorge, visit the Przhevalsky Museum, explore the local bazaar, or join a Dungan family meal. You can also relax at Ak Suu Kench hot springs in Teplokluchenka, surrounded by mountain views and glacial streams.
Overnight | Hotel
Meals | Breakfast
Day 10: Karakol – Grigoriev & Semenov Gorges – Chon Kemin
Drive through Grigoriev & Semenov Gorges, known for stunning alpine scenery, then continue to Chon Kemin Valley to experience local life.
Overnight | Guesthouse
Meals | Breakfast
Day 11: Chon Kemin Valley (Free Day)
Breakfast at the guesthouse. Spend the day in the scenic Chon Kemin Valley, surrounded by hills and lush trees. Enjoy a hike to a panoramic viewpoint for fresh alpine air and stunning mountain views.
Overnight | Guesthouse
Meals | Breakfast
Day 12: Chon Kemin – Burana – Bishkek
Breakfast at the guesthouse. On the way to Bishkek, visit the historic Burana Tower, a remnant of the ancient Balasagyn town. Upon arrival, explore the local market for souvenirs. Return the car at the office by 17:00.
Overnight | Hotel
Meals | Breakfast
Day 13: Departure from Bishkek
Transfer to Manas Airport for your flight.
Meals | Breakfast
✓ What's included
4x4 Car Rental (2pax per car)
Breakfasts (Except Day 1)
Airport transfers (Day1 & Day10)
Unlimited mileage
Car insurance
✕ Not included
International flights
Personal expenses
Single-room supplement
Travel Insurance
Early check-in; Late check-out
Driver and Guide
Fuel
Lunches & Dinners
Car safety deposit
A credit card hold of 30,000 KGS is required when signing the Car Rental Contract at our Bishkek office.
Entrance & Ecological fees
Eagle hunting-$90/pp
Russian sauna-$30/hour/pp
Any other services not listed as included
ⓘ Need-to-know
ⓘ Entry & Visa Requirements
• Kyrgyzstan offers visa-free entry for up to 60 days for citizens of many countries, including the EU, UK, USA, Canada, and Australia. However, please check the specific requirements for your nationality before you travel.
• Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned departure date.
ⓘ Accommodation
• This tour features a mix of accommodations: 3-4 star hotels in Bishkek and Karakol, welcoming family-run guesthouses in villages like Kochkor and Chon Kemin, and traditional yurt camps at high-altitude locations like Son Kul Lake and Tash Rabat.
• Please note that facilities in yurts and most guesthouses are shared.
ⓘ Meals & Water
• Daily breakfast is included, except on your arrival day. Lunches and dinners are not included, giving you the flexibility to explore local cafes (ashkhanas) and restaurants.
• Vegetarian meals are available but can be limited in remote areas. Please inform us of any dietary needs in advance so we can advise our local partners.
• We recommend drinking bottled or treated water throughout your trip.
ⓘ Packing Tips
• Temperatures vary greatly between the cities and high-altitude areas. Layered clothing is essential.
• Key items include: a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm down jacket (for evenings at Son Kul/Tash Rabat), sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat), sturdy walking shoes for hikes, and a small daypack for essentials.
• A detailed packing list is sent after booking confirmation.
ⓘ Driving & Safety
• High Altitude: This trip reaches elevations over 3,500m. Gradual ascent is built into the itinerary, but it's important to be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness.
• Insurance Requirement: Travel insurance is mandatory and must cover medical emergencies, accidents, and repatriation. Ensure your policy is valid for a self-drive tour.
• Road Safety: Drive cautiously, especially on mountain passes and unpaved roads. Be aware of livestock on the road in rural areas. We advise against driving after dark.
ⓘ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is this self-drive tour in Kyrgyzstan suitable for beginners?
A: This tour is rated as "Adventure" difficulty. It is best suited for confident drivers who are comfortable with mountain driving, including navigating high-altitude passes and some unpaved gravel roads. While you don't need to be an expert off-roader, previous experience driving in varied conditions is highly recommended.
Q: What is accommodation like in the yurt camps and guesthouses?
A: Staying in a yurt is a quintessential Kyrgyz experience. At Son Kul Lake and Tash Rabat, you'll stay in traditional felt yurts run by local nomadic families. These are basic but cozy, with shared toilet and washing facilities. Guesthouses in villages like Kyzyl Oy and Chon Kemin are typically family-run, offering a warm, authentic glimpse into local life, often also with shared facilities.
Q: Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for Kyrgyzstan?
A: While many national driving licenses are accepted, we strongly recommend obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP) before you travel. It provides a translation of your license and can prevent potential issues or delays with local authorities.
Q: What is the best time of year for this Kyrgyzstan road trip?
A: The ideal seasons are summer and early autumn, from late May to September. During this period, the high mountain passes like Too Ashu and Moldo Ashu are typically clear of snow, road conditions are at their best, and the yurt camps at Son Kul are operational.
Q: How does the car rental security deposit work?
A: A refundable security deposit is required upon collecting your vehicle. A hold of 30,000 KGS will be placed on your credit card when you sign the rental contract at our office in Bishkek. This hold is released after the car is returned in good condition.
Q: What kind of wildlife or scenery should I expect?
A: The scenery is the main star. Expect vast alpine meadows around Son Kul Lake dotted with herds of horses, dramatic red-rock formations in the Skazka Canyons and Jeti Oguz Gorge, and snow-capped peaks in Ala Archa National Park. Wildlife sightings can include marmots, eagles, and various mountain birds.