Kyrgyzstan Nomad Adventure: Issyk Kul, Tash Rabat & Song Kul Expedition

Arrive in Bishkek and meet your driver at the airport for a short transfer to your centrally located hotel. After check-in, join your guide and fellow travellers for a welcome briefing before heading out on a guided walk through the city. Enjoy your first traditional Kyrgyz lunch, explore Osh Bazaar and the surrounding leafy parks, then return to the hotel for some rest. In the evening, gather for a welcome dinner featuring local cuisine and drinks before preparing for the overland adventure ahead.

Airport transfer, guided city walk, cultural introduction to Bishkek, local market visit and a traditional welcome dinner with the group.

Leave Bishkek behind and hit the road towards the wild southern shore of Issyk Kul, the second-biggest mountain lake in the world situated at an altitude of 1607m. Immensely large, unfathomably deep, and totally out-of-this-world, Issyk Kul is without doubt one of the most unique locations on earth – you'll see red sand beaches, pristine clear water, and snowy mountain views all in one place. As you wind through valleys edged by the Kungoi Ala-Too ('sunny slopes') to the north and Terskei Ala-Too ('shady slopes') to the south, you’ll feel the scenery growing more expansive. By lunchtime, you’ll arrive at a traditional eagle hunter’s homestead tucked into the foothills. Here, you’ll share a hearty lunch with your host (with freshly prepared local specialities) before witnessing a captivating demonstration of how he uses his eagles to hunt. After this unforgettable encounter, continue on to your yurts at Tong Beach, perched right on Issyk Kul’s shoreline. Settle into your yurt, then enjoy free time to wild swim in the crystal-clear water, soak up the sun on the beach, or simply relax with games and conversation on the shore. As dusk falls, gather with your fellow travellers for a delicious Kyrgyz dinner at camp.

Scenic drive to Issyk Kul, cultural eagle hunter visit, yurt camp stay by the lake and relaxed time for swimming or отдых on the beach.

Grab breakfast then prepare for an action-packed morning on the water. Meet your kayaking guide right at the beach in front of camp and – after a safety briefing – push off to paddle along Issyk Kul’s pristine shoreline. With high peaks rising on either side, you’ll glide past hidden coves and vibrant turquoise shallows, gaining perspective on the lake’s sheer scale. Return to shore by late morning, change into hiking gear, and head deeper into the mountains of Barskoon, one of the most magnificent alpine valleys of Kyrgyzstan. Refuel with a tasty picnic before a short but steep hike through the famous Tien Shan fir trees and pastures dotted with edelweiss flowers and barberry bushes, to reach the impressive Barskoon Falls. Back at the vehicles, prepare for a dramatic change of scenery as you travel from verdant valleys to the striking red shades of Skazka Canyon (also known as Fairytale Canyon), with colourful sedimentary rocks which seem to be from another planet. You'll be back to your yurt camp in time for dinner and perhaps even a sunset swim and drink by the lake.

Kayaking on Issyk Kul, guided hike to Barskoon waterfalls, exploration of Skazka Canyon and a second night in a lakeside yurt camp.

Kayaking · 3 hrs · 12 km

Hiking · 3 hrs · 7 km · 350m up/down

Driving · approx. 2.5 hrs · Private 4WD vehicle.

After breakfast you'll hit the road, crossing the scenic Naryn region in the heart of Kyrgyzstan. Although you'll be in the vehicle for most of today, prepare to be blown away by the scenery you'll encounter along the way – expect towering peaks, vast plains, huge swathes of woodland, high passes and remote villages as you go. There'll be a few stops for you to stretch your legs such as Kyzyl Tuu village, where you'll meet a family who has been crafting yurts for generations, as well as Kochkor, where you can learn about the Shyrdak felt carpets at the local women’s cooperative (a traditional craft that's on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list). Continue your journey westwards, stopping to stretch your legs and take in the views at Dolon Pass (3030m). Eventually, you'll reach the remote and isolated site of Tash Rabat, the highest caravanserai in the world at 3150m, nestled in a beautiful valley. This 15th-century monument used to welcome a multitude of Silk Road merchants and travellers and you can visit the original network of small rooms that served as bedrooms, prison cells, pantries and prayer halls. Acclimatise with a short hike in the valley before settling in your simple but cosy yurt camp, which is managed by a herder’s family. Tuck into a warm meal then fall asleep in the peace of this remote corner of the world.

Scenic Silk Road drive, cultural stops with local artisans, visit to Tash Rabat and overnight in a high-altitude yurt camp.

Driving · approx. 6.5 hrs · Private 4WD vehicle

Hiking · 1 hr · 3 km · 100m up/down.

Wake early and fuel up for the most challenging day of this trip. Climbing up to a 4025m-high pass is no easy task, but the reward and views will be worth the effort. You'll be hiking for around 12km one way, returning along the same path and covering the same distance on the way back. Leaving Tash Rabat caravanserai, the trail first weaves through verdant pasturelands and as you gradually gain altitude, the scenery changes to a barren, rocky environment – the high mountain kingdom of yaks, marmots, wolves and vultures. The final section is the biggest haul as you'll trek up a steep incline on loose scree for about 45 minutes before you reach Panda Pass. Soak in the stunning views – on a clear day, you'll spot Chatyr Kul Lake and China – then retrace your way back along the ancient path once walked by ancient Silk Road traders. At the end of this long day, relax and soothe your sore legs with a natural hot sauna that will be prepared for you back at the yurt camp.

Full-day high-altitude trek to Panda Pass, dramatic mountain scenery, remote wilderness experience and a relaxing sauna after the hike.

Trekking · 7–8 hrs · 24 km · approx. 1000m ascent/descent · On foot from Tash Rabat yurt camp.

Rest your legs this morning as you enjoy the drive south towards Song Kul, the nomadic gem of Kyrgyzstan. This high mountain steppe is surrounded by snow-capped mountains with a pristine lake at its centre. Sprawling meadows and numerous 4000m peaks looming above are all part of the spectacular scenery you'll find here, resembling places like Alaska, Mongolia or Iceland. During summer, nomads from the nearby regions move their yurts and livestock there, transforming Song Kul into a lively local hub where you'll witness locals living side-by-side with their flocks amidst total wilderness. By afternoon you'll be out kayaking on the blue lake and pedalling scenic cycling trails among the verdant pasturelands (if you prefer to take it easy, you're welcome to simply soak up the beauty of the lakeshore and relax in this wonderful landscape – but do note that the water is usually very cold for swimming, between 10 and 15°C). You'll spend the next two nights in a stunning (and award-winning!) yurt camp, which combines Kyrgyz style with comfort in unity with nature. In the late evening, if it's a clear night, prepare to witness one of the starriest skies you’ll ever see!

Scenic mountain drive, arrival at Song Kul, light cycling and kayaking activities, nomadic landscapes and stargazing opportunities.

Driving · approx. 5.5 hrs · Private 4WD vehicle

Cycling · 2 hrs · 15 km · 50m up/down

Kayaking · 2 hrs · 8 km.

If you experience horse riding only once in your lifetime, then it should be at Song Kul Lake. The nomadic atmosphere of this place, the dazzling vistas, plus the culture of the local herders are all hard to beat so we recommend giving today's activity a go, even if this is your first time. Once the horses are saddled, you'll ride through golden hills, zig-zagging through stony outcrops and crossing the rolling pastures overlooking the vast waters of Song Kul. Nomads, conquerors, and Silk Road merchants have traversed these landscapes for millennia and it almost feels like nothing has changed since. There are no paved roads, only grazing animals and the occasional yurt. You'll be out for around 5-6 hours with your horses and guides, enjoying a picnic with an epic view of the lake. In the afternoon, look for old petroglyphs made on the scattered rocks by the ancestors of Kyrgyz shepherds centuries ago. Back at the camp, relax over a dinner around the bonfire with music and games.

Guided horseback riding at Song Kul, nomadic culture encounters, panoramic mountain scenery and a relaxed evening at the yurt camp.

Horse Riding · approx. 5 hrs · Guided riding routes around Song Kul Lake.

Leave Song Kul after breakfast for the drive back to Bishkek city, stopping along the way to snap some last photos of the breathtaking landscapes of Kyrgyzstan. Once in the city, you're in for a treat – head to a modern spa centre for some well-deserved pampering, where you can enjoy Russian saunas, hammam, a salt cave, pools and more (entry to the spa complex is included and you'll be divided by gender, but massages and other special treatments are to be paid additionally). Refreshed and rejuvenated, join your group and guide for a farewell dinner in town.

Mountain drive back to Bishkek, relaxing spa session and a final farewell dinner with the group.

Driving · approx. 6.5 hrs · Private 4WD vehicle

Spa Session · approx. 2 hrs.

Wave goodbye to Kyrgyzstan and head back to the airport in time for your flight home. Transfers to Bishkek Airport are included any time you choose to depart today.

Hotel breakfast and included airport transfer for your onward journey.