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
ⓘ Health & Insurance
High Altitude Readiness – Expect elevations over 3,000m, with Kel Suu Lake at 3,500m.
Medical Kit—If you have any medical conditions, please bring your own medicine kit and inform us in advance.
Insurance Requirement – Travel insurance covering high-altitude activities is mandatory for participating in this tour.
ⓘ Food & Extras
Vegetarian Meals are available upon request with prior notice.