Kyrgyzstan 2 Day Itinerary
Day 1: Exploring Bishkek & Surroundings
Morning:
- Arrival at Manas International Airport, Bishkek. Complete necessary customs and immigration procedures. (Note: It’s recommended to have a valid passport with at least six months validity from the date of entry.)
- Get acquainted with the city by taking a stroll around the downtown area, visit the Oak Park (Аларчу), and the Central Square (Площадь Правды) where you can find the famous “Dance of the Nations” monument.
Lunch:
- Taste traditional Kyrgyz cuisine at local restaurants like “National Cafe Dastorkon”, “Ak-Beshim”, or “Café Coffee Day Bishkek”.
Afternoon:
- Visit the National Philharmonic (Госфилармония), Osh Bazaar (Ош базары), and the White House (Белый дом).
- In the late afternoon, head to Ala-Too Square to witness the changing of the guards ceremony.
Dinner:
- Enjoy dinner at “Tamga” or “Café Lucky” which offer a mix of Kyrgyz and international dishes.
Evening:
- Rest and prepare for Day 2.
Day 2: Scenic Journey to Song-Köl Lake
Morning:
- Depart Bishkek early in the morning towards Song-Köl Lake (approx. 4-5 hours drive). The journey offers stunning views of the Tian Shan Mountains.
- On the way, stop at Boom Gorge (Боомский ущелье) for a quick photo opportunity.
Lunch:
- Packed lunch on the road as there are limited dining options in the area.
Afternoon:
- Arrive at Song-Köl Lake and settle into your homestay or yurt camp.
- Spend the afternoon exploring the pristine lake, hiking around the shore, or simply enjoying the breathtaking scenery.
Dinner:
- Dinner with a local family, who will share stories about their nomadic life and traditional customs.
Evening:
- Stargaze at the clear night sky away from city lights.
- Rest in your homestay or yurt camp.
Day 3 (Optional): Return to Bishkek & Departure
Morning/Afternoon:
- Depart Song-Köl Lake and return to Bishkek (approx. 4-5 hours drive). You may also opt for a detour to the Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret near Tokmok town.
Lunch:
- Depending on your travel schedule, have lunch in one of the roadside cafes or restaurants during your return journey to Bishkek.
Afternoon/Evening:
- Arrive back in Bishkek and prepare for your departure.
- If time allows, do some last-minute souvenir shopping at Osh Bazaar before heading to the airport.
Transportation:
- Taxis are readily available in Bishkek, or you can arrange a tour agency for longer trips. For the Song-Köl Lake journey, it’s recommended to book a 4x4 vehicle with a driver for safety and comfort.