Are you planning your trip to Kyrgyzstan as a first-time visitor and unsure where to start and what to see on your itinerary? I got you covered here! Featuring the best hikes, how to get around the country, my recommendations on how many days are ideals and I’ll share all the places and gems you need to see!
From snow-capped mountain ranges to turquoise alpine lakes and fairytale-like canyons, this country in Central Asia will surely enchant you as much as it did me.
A Brief Overview of Kyrgyzstan
The Switzerland of Central Asia, Kyrgyzstan is a mountainous country in Central Asia. It is nestled between Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and China. In total, 88 major mountain ranges occupy over 90% of the country – a paradise for any hiker!
With its visa-free policy, developed network of yurt-like homestays and affordable prices the country is often the first Central Asia destination for many.
It’s a place where you can be in a desert-like canyon and see snowcapped mountain ranges and an alpine lake at the same time. Not possible? Keep on reading!
They also call it the Land of the Last Nomads and rightfully so, a big part of the population lives semi-nomadic to this day! Shepherds still spend the summer months up on the meadows of higher altitudes, living in yurts and tending to their animals.
Believe me, you will encounter the most amazing things to visit in on this Kyrgyzstan itinerary!
Map of unique sights and places for your Kyrgyzstan itinerary + where to stay and where to eat!
Kyrgyzstan Itinerary: 13 Unique Things to See and Do
Bishkek (1-2 Days)
Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, is a vibrant and culturally rich city nestled in the heart of Central Asia. With a backdrop of the majestic Tien Shan mountain range, Bishkek boasts this unique blend of Soviet-era architecture, bustling markets, and modern developments.
I remember the city being big enough to need a taxi to see most sights. Wandering around my myself I visited a few spots here and there and I always felt safe, without any issues whatsoever.
However, if you really want to dive deeper into what makes Bishkek special, I recommend booking this private half-day city discovery tour to tick off the best spots. Led by your English-speaking Kyrgyz guide, you’ll learn more about Victoria Square, Ala-Too Square or Kyrgyz State Philharmonic Hall. The city center is also home to the iconic Manas Monument, and the Ala-Too Panorama, which offers panoramic views of the city and surrounding mountains.
Osh Bazaar
Starting your Kyrgyzstan itinerary in Bishkek, you will not come around Osh Bazaar, the most popular spot to visit. It’s one of these unique places in Central Asia that one just has to see. Osh Bazaar is an authentic and original Bazaar that’s not only a place to buy & sell, but also to socialize.
It is here where you can find a Green Market with fresh vegetables, next to the Kiyal Market and handicraft Market with national souvenir figures and miniature yurts. A few other sections included military supply and of course, anything you could need to care for a horse!
It’s free to visit and never too crowded. However, I suggest you take extra care of your belongings.
How to get to Osh Bazaar: it’s best to take a Yandex Taxi I ~ 2 USD. Alternatively, I’d recommend booking an organized sightseeing tour to explore and learn about the best things in Bishkek!
Opening times: Tuesday – Sunday, Monday closed I Free to visit!
Where to Stay in Bishkek
My absolute favourite place to meet people and still have the luxury of my room was at People Hostel. Book ahead as it’s in demand!
Book Your Stylish City Hotels in Bishkek here!
Issyk Kul (2 Days)
Explore Issyk Kul Lake
Lake Issyk is the second largest high-altitude lake in the world, just after Titicaca Lake. You can reach the lake on an easy 3-hour drive in a Marshrutka from Bishkek. It sits at 1608 metres above sea level and serves as a popular resort destination for local Kyrgyz as well as Russians in summer. With its stunning beauty and exciting activities, Issyk Kul has to be part of every Kyrgyzstan itinerary!
Are you a fan of nature and culture? I recommend you book this Full-Day Issyk Kul Lake Adventure Tour for the best of both worlds. You’ll get to sail on Issyk Kul Lake, explore ancient Silk Road sights, and learn more about Kyrgyz history.
If you’re up for an independent trip – the most popular places for tourists to stay in are Cholpon-Ata, the village of Bosteri, Bokanbayevo, Chok-Tal, Sary-Oi and Karakol.
As I visited one of the traditional festivals, I stayed in a village called Tamchy. It’s a tiny place with a few local guesthouses, a beach bar and a nice and clean beach. The vibe is really relaxed and despite Kyrgyzstan having Islam as their main religion, it’s fine to go swimming in a bikini/bathing suit.
If you have more time I suggest that the southern side of the lake is one of the most beautiful areas to visit when in Kyrgyzstan.
How to get there: Take a Marshrutka Van from Bishkek Western Bus Terminal I ~5 hours
Cost: 400-500 Som (4-5 USD) depending on the city you go to
Traditional Kyrgyz Festival
You cannot visit Kyrgyzstan and visit a place for traditional Eagle Demonstration or Horse Games, it’s just a unique thing to attend on every itinerary!
I suggest you keep checking the events calendar from the Kyrgyzstan Community Based Tourism Organisation for upcoming festivals.
Central Asia is the birthplace of the ancient tradition of eagle hunting and falconry. It is pretty much a trademark of the Kyrgyz nomads.
Since ancient times, birds of prey were tamed and used by hunters and warriors. The Golden Eagles and Falcons were trained and treated as a member of the family. Nowadays I’ve been told, they train and participate in hunting demonstrations with the birds for only one year and then led the birds free again.
The Golden Eagle can have a span width of 2.3 metres and can weigh between 3-7kg. This beauty will compete in the World Nomad Games in Turkey this year. The event (similar to the Olympic games) is held every 2 years and sees 3000 athletes from 102 countries competing in national sports from nomadic people around the world.
Kok Boru is a traditional Kyrgyz Horseback competition that requires teams to throw a dead sheep or goat into their opponents well on the playing field. The main goal in the past was to train for fighting, the men and horses were taught to be fearless.
It looked super though, imagine grabbing a 30kg dead animal body
Another game you might see is Er Oordarys. It’s a traditional struggle of horsemen where each participant manoeuvres his horse and tries to throw the opponent to the ground.
There are other villages around Issyk Kul where you can book a demonstration on request also.
How to Get to Issyk Kul Lake
If you start in Bishkek, you need to go to the Western Bus Terminal. I went the same day and booked my ticket, to Issyk Kul Lake. As there are many villages around the lake, you have a lot of options of buses.
Cost: 350-500 Som (3-5 USD) depending on the village I 1000 Som (10 USD) for the Festival incl food
Where to Stay in in Issyk Kul Lake:
Find Your Seaside Hotel in Issyk Kul Lake Here!
Karakol (1-3 Days)
The city of Karakol in eastern Kyrgyzstan is a melting pot of the various cultures that left their mark on it. Here, you’ll find the history to be a unique mix of Kyrgyz, Russian, Dungan, Uighur, Uzbek and more.
Undeniable, Karakol is one of Kyrgyzstan’s prime hiking hubs and a must on every itinerary throughout the country. If you’re ready to learn more about what makes this city special, book this Culture & History-Filled Karakol City Tour. Stopping by the Historical Museum, Dungan Mosque and other spots will give you all the insights.
It’s THE place for you to plan a day or multiple-day hike in the area!
If you’re keen to hike Ala Kul or visit Altyn Arashan Valley, staying in Karakol is your best choice. At least, leave your main baggage in one of the hostels or hotels. The nearby Tian-Shan Mountain Range is the most notable feature of the city and boasts over 20 marked hikes – certainly a dream for any hike enthusiasts, right?
How to Get to Karakol
Take a Marshrutka Van from the Bishkek Western Bus Terminal. It should take about 5 hours to reach Karakol.
Cost: 500 Som (5 USD)
Where to Stay in Karakol: Hotel Caravan is a great option for a more luxurious stay in a modern setting
Check Out All The Best Mountain Hotels in Kyrgyzstan, Karakol!
Dungan Mosque
In the 1880s Karakol’s population increased due to an influx of Dungans, Chinese Muslims that flew warfare in China. In the end, it was Chinese artisans who built the Dungan Mosque in 1907 for the local Dungans and it’s a gem to visit! The beautiful wooden mosque was built without the use of nails and features a wooden pagoda.
The Dungan Mosque is very much a unique thing to visit on your Kyrgyzstan itinerary! This was one of my favorite spots in the city, and is also included in this guided Karakol City Tour.
Entry is by donation and women will need to cover up to enter.
How to get there: you can walk from your hotel, the city isn’t too big otherwise take a Yandex for 1 USD or 100 Soms
Cost: 50 Som (0,50 ct USD) donation
Jeti Oguz
Jeti Oguz is a village 28 km west of Karakol and makes a great day trip! The place is famous for its red rock formations that remind of Bulls ‘The Seven Bulls’ and the ‘Broken Heart’ Rock. It lies in a green valley and hosts a sanatorium, which was popular for hot spring treatments in Soviet times.
If you’re lucky you’ll also see some boys showing off their Eagle on their bare arms!
From the village and viewpoint, you can continue walking to the Valley of Flowers. Make your way along the river and keep walking through the Jeti Oguz gorge. You will come across a spring to fill up your water, and some nice resting areas.
It’s a rocky but easy 6km path along the river, leading you past dewy green fields. Immersed in pine forests, you think you’re in Switzerland after all.
If you’re into multiple canyon hikes, overnight stays in Kyrgyz yurts and exploring the mountains on horseback, this traveller-favorite 3-Day Issuk Kul Discovery Tour is perfect! Totally customizable, you’ll enjoy a round-trip from Bishkek, visiting mountains, lakes and nature sceneries while being active and experiencing the nomadic way of living.
If you are near Karakol, I’d definitely recommend you include this day trip in your Kyrgyzstan itinerary!
How to Get to Jeti Oguz
Head to the taxi spot in Karakol and ask around who goes that way. There are also private taxis leaving from Karakol.
Cost: ~900 Som (10 USD) for the transport I Village is free to visit!
Maiden Tears Waterfall
The famous Maiden Tears Waterfall is located right in the ‘Valley of Seven Bulls’ , at an altitude of 2500 metres. If you decide to go for a hike starting in Jeti Oguz you’ll eventually arrive at grand The Valley of Flowers. Remember they aren’t in bloom all the time, but it still makes a great photo location!
Local kids offered us a horse ride up to the Maiden Tears Waterfall, the main attraction of this area. This could be a good choice if you want to tick off horse riding in Kyrgyzstan!
The valley and yurt village is the starting point for the 2.5 km hike to the Maiden Tears Waterfall and should take about an hour.
You can stay a night in one of the yurt camps as it makes for some breathtaking views.
From there, you surely can catch a ride back into Jeti Oguz or right to Karakol. We managed to hitch a hike with a family and paid 300 Soms each (3 Euros/Dollar).
How to Get to Maiden Tears Waterfall
Take a taxi or Marshrutka from Karakol to the village of Jeti Oguz. From there, you start the hike from Jeti Oguz village for about 6 km
Cost: Free!
Ala Kul Hike (2-4 Days)
The hike to Ala Kul is one of the most popular hikes in Kyrgyzstan and has to be part of this itinerary. This one must be the most sought-after place to visit in Kyrgyzstan for hikers. The Pearl of Tian Shan is an alpine lake some 35oo metres above sea level. It can only be reached by foot and is considered a difficult hike. Most people seem to hike it in 2 days but you can take your time to do it 3-4 days.
If you’re not an experienced hiker, I recommend you to book this Private 4-Day Ala Kul Trekking Tour where the team takes care of everything for you. Stopping at unique viewpoints, giving you insight into the nomadic life to preparing food and arranging your nights in a traditional yurt camp, you can purely focus on the adventure ahead.
Even in summer, the conditions in this area seem to change all the time and people I met got surprised by a hail storm while on top. Prepare properly for this hike!
How to Get to Ala Kul
If you want to hike independently, you can start the trek in Karakol Valley and/or from Altyn Arashan Valley. Just take a local Marshrutka for about 100 Som (1 USD)
Cost: 250 Som (2,50 USD) for the National Park, 100 Som for Tent
Altyn Arashan Valley (1 Day)
If you aren’t a pro hiker like me, I’d recommend visiting Altyn Arashan Valley instead of Ala Kul as part of your Kyrgyzstan itinerary. This place might be your next best choice!
Altyn Arashan is a splendid valley at an altitude of 2500 metres and surrounded by the most breathtaking scenery. It’s also called ‘Golden Spa’ and refers to its many natural hot springs that are dotted throughout the valley.
If you’re on a shorter itinerary through Kyrgyzstan, this 4-Day Jam-Packed Adventure Tour leads you to Burana Tower, Issyk Kul, Jeti Oguz and also Altyn Arashan!
To spend a night up there is one of these places you have to visit when in Kyrgyzstan!
How to Get to Altyn Arashan
From Karakol to Ak Suu Village you can go with Marshrutka or taxi. From there, you would take a Soviet Jeep from Ak Suu Village to Altyn Arashan Valley.
Cost: 50 Som (0.50 ct) for the Marshrutka, 1000-1500 Som (10-15 USD) for the Jeep
Where to Stay in Altyn Arashan:
I stayed in Elza Guesthouse and really loved the experience. They have a cosy hut that fits some bigger groups as well as individual travellers. One night costs 700 Soms, 500 Soms for dinner and 300 Som for breakfast. There were no cooking facilities but I saw people having their own stoves.
Check Out All Hotels in Kyrgyzstan, Altyn Arashan
Bokonbayevo (1-2 Days)
Skazka Canyon or Fairytale Canyon
A jaw-dropping place you need to visit when in Kyrgyzstan is Skazka Canyon. It is only 30km away from Bokonbayevo and makes a great half-day trip -easy to fit into your Kyrgyzstan itinerary.
Download Map.Me for an easier overview of the area and where the best viewpoints are.
The well-known Fairy Tale Canyon was one of my favourite spots on this trip. The mini canyon with its yellow stripes glows the best closest to sunset. I just loved that you could wander around the area freely – how many places, that are that little commercialized still exist?
I ventured off to the right and found these amazing yellow/brownish rocks that reminded me of Peru’s rainbow mountain. To be honest, the whole area makes an ideal photo spot and was one of my favourite places on my Kyrgyzstan itinerary.
Yellow, orange and reddish rock towers, narrow paths that wind through the canyon and invite you to get lost it (actually happened to me). The gravel is super slippery so take care when going down any of them!
I arrived to Fairytale Canyon at 5.30 pm and unless you don’t have your own car, I wouldn’t go much later. I spent like 1.5 hours there and caught a ride back to town.
No wonder Skazka Canyon is also known as Fairy Tale Canyon. All the shapes and forms of the yellow & orange coloured rocks remind you of dragons and mystical creatures.
If you’re keen to hike in company, this 3-Day Issuk Kul Discovery Tour also includes a hike and visit here.
How to Get to Fairytale Canyon:
From the Bokonbayevo Centre, take a Marshrutka that leaves towards Karakol & tell the driver to let you out at the entrance. It should be 20 minutes ride only and you’ll be close to the canyon.
Cost: 100 Som (1 USD) Marshrutka I Entry: 50 Som (0.50ct) to the Canyon
Kyrgyz Handicraft Workshop
This was one of the places that struck me most, the workshop of Altyn Oimok. In the small village of Bokonbayevo, there is this social enterprise lead by a Kyrgyz woman Janyl. She has been making handicrafts for over 12 years and used to employ 35 women in her workshop.
Altyn Oimok Guesthouse works with single mums, women from poor families and such who have been abused and provides training and a safe space. It’s fantastic to see how this place gives these women a chance to develop new skills and earn income and respect within their families and communities.
You can visit the workshop and see the traditional felt handiwork such as Shyrdaks and Ala Kiyiz, as well as slippers, necklaces and other souvenirs.
If you want to support a fantastic cause, mark this place on your Kyrgyzstan itinerary.
Cost: Free!
Where to Stay in Bokonbayevo:
Guesthouse Altyn Oimok really was such a gem with fantastic breakfast, this beautiful workshop and in walking distance to restaurants and shops!
Son-Kul (1-3 Days)
Son-Kul Lake
The picturesque Son-Kul Lake is an alpine lake at an altitude of 3000 metres, in the middle of the Tian Shan Mountains. It’s the country’s second-largest lake and the destination of choice for many Kyrgyzstan visitors. And rightfully so, it’s like straight out of a painting!
Its surroundings consist of plain meadows, petroglyphs from ancient times and shepherds with their yurt camps and animals.
To really explore this region you would either go on a multiple-day hike or try horseback riding. I opted for the latter, and went on a 2-day horseback, similar to this Nomadic Son Kul Horseback Riding Trip. You’ll be in small groups exploring the scenery, sleeping in traditional yurts and eat local food – all the special things that travelling is about.
All in all, it makes one of the most beautiful places you can visit on any Kyrgyzstan itinerary and a trip serves as a real adventure!
If you’re interested in the full experience horse trekking to Son Kul Lake, read my post on what to expect & see during a 3-Day Horse Trekking Trip to Son-Kul!
How to get there: by hike or horse trekking from Kyzart for example
Cost: Free!
Sleeping in a Traditional Yurt
Another one of these things you just need to try when in Kyrgyzstan is sleeping in a traditional yurt. There is no experience that’s more authentic in my opinion. It will be possible only in the summertime, that you can sleep in a yurt under the stars. And, you will be happy because in the mountains it gets cold also in summer!
In the yurts, you traditionally sleep on small mattresses called “toshoks” on the ground. There are some yurt camps where they might offer you palette beds for a bit more comfort.
Sleeping in a yurt in the mountains is a great opportunity to get a glimpse into the real shepherd’s life. You can see the women milk their cows, take care of water supply, prepare food and care for their horses.
I’d recommend heading to Son-Kul Lake to visit an authentic Kyrgyzstan Yurt camp.
How to get to Son-Kul Lake: by hike or horse trekking from Kyzart for example
Cost: ~1000 Som per night + 500 Som breakfast/dinner
Kyrgyzstan, what a surreal place. You can be in the midst of the desert while seeing in the distance, the snow-covered Tian Shan mountain range bordering Kazakhstan, and the blue alpine Lake Issyk.
Kyrgyzstan is nothing but full of surprises, the feel of the nomadic lifestyle visible no matter where. The ancient hub of the Silk Road is as enchanting now as it was back then. I hope you get to go yourself one day and discover all these magical things for yourself on your own Kyrgyzstan itinerary!
Keen on more Asia travel inspo? Check out these articles:
Horse trekking Kyrgyzstan & everything you need to know and what to expect.
Ever been to Uzbekistan? Read more about Bukhara & The Best Things to See & Do!
Women Travel Essentials I Can’t Live Without
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