ⓘ Entry & Visa Requirements

• Kyrgyzstan is visa-free for up to 60 days for citizens of many countries (including the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia). We advise checking the specific visa requirements for your nationality before you travel.
• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your date of departure is required.

ⓘ Accommodation

• This tour features 6 nights in family-run guesthouses and 1 night in a traditional yurt camp. This style of lodging is chosen to provide an authentic, immersive cultural experience.
• Please be prepared for simple but clean and welcoming environments, often with shared bathroom facilities.

ⓘ Meals & Water

• This is a full-board tour. All meals (breakfast, lunch/picnic, and dinner) are included from Day 1 to Day 7, with breakfast included on Day 8. This allows you to enjoy a variety of home-cooked Kyrgyz dishes.
• Vegetarian meals are available. Please inform us of any specific dietary needs when you book.
• 1 liter of bottled water per person per day is provided.

ⓘ Packing Tips

• Weather can vary significantly between valleys and high-altitude lakes. Packing in layers is the best strategy.
• Essential items include: a waterproof/windproof jacket, a warm fleece or down jacket for cool evenings, sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), and comfortable walking or hiking shoes.

ⓘ Health & Safety

• Mandatory Travel Insurance: All participants must have comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation.
• Arrival on Day 1: Please note that this tour departs from Bishkek at 8:00 AM on Day 1. If your flight arrives very early in the morning on Day 1, you may wish to book pre-tour accommodation for the night before. This can be arranged at an additional cost.
• Personal Medication: If you have any medical conditions, please bring your personal medication kit and inform your guide at the beginning of the tour.

ⓘ Transport & Logistics

• Vehicle & Guide: Your journey will be in a comfortable, private vehicle suitable for navigating Kyrgyzstan's mountain roads. You will be accompanied by an experienced, English-speaking local guide and a skilled driver who will handle all the navigation and logistics.
• Hassle-Free Travel: This is a fully guided tour. We manage all the driving, allowing you to relax and fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes, from the high-altitude Too-Ashuu Pass to the scenic shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.
• Route: The tour follows a comprehensive loop starting and ending in Bishkek, designed to showcase the best of Kyrgyzstan's natural and cultural highlights.
• Permits & Fees: All necessary entrance fees for national parks, gorges, and cultural sites mentioned in the itinerary (like Burana Tower and the petroglyphs) are included in your tour package.

ⓘ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is this tour suitable for a first-time visitor to Central Asia?
A: Absolutely. This guided tour is a perfect introduction to Kyrgyzstan. With all transportation, meals, and activities organized for you by an expert local guide, you can experience the country's rugged beauty and authentic culture with complete peace of mind. The "Moderate" difficulty refers to some light hiking and long travel days, not the complexity of the travel itself.

Q: What is the accommodation like in the yurt and guesthouses?
A: This tour focuses on authentic experiences. The yurt stay at Son-Kul Lake is in a traditional felt dwelling run by a nomadic family, offering a unique glimpse into their lifestyle. Guesthouses in villages like Kyzyl-Oi and Jyrgalan are clean, cozy, and hosted by local families, providing warm Kyrgyz hospitality. In most of these rural accommodations, toilet and washing facilities are basic and shared.

Q: What kind of hiking is involved on this tour?
A: The tour includes several short, scenic day hikes rather than strenuous multi-day trekking. You will enjoy guided walks to the waterfalls in Barskoon Valley, explorations of the red-rock canyons in Jeti-Oguz Gorge, and scenic walks through the pristine landscapes of Jyrgalan Valley and the Semenov & Grigoriev Gorges. All hikes are optional and of moderate difficulty.

Q: What is the eagle hunting demonstration like?
A: The demonstration in Bokonbaevo is a private cultural experience with a local Salbuurun (hunter). You will learn about the ancient nomadic tradition of hunting with trained golden eagles and witness the incredible bond between the hunter and their bird. It is a respectful showcase of a proud piece of Kyrgyz heritage.

Q: What is the best time of year to take this tour?
A: The ideal seasons for this journey are from late May to mid-end of August. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant for hiking, the high mountain passes are open, and the semi-nomadic families are at the summer pastures of Son-Kul Lake with their yurt camps.

Q: Are there opportunities for horse riding?
A: Yes, the itinerary includes optional horse riding at the beautiful Son-Kul Lake. This is a classic Kyrgyz experience and a fantastic way to explore the vast alpine meadows. Your guide can arrange this for you at an additional cost.