Kyrgyzstan 4 Day Itinerary

Kyrgyzstan 4-Day Itinerary (Bishkek, Issyk-Kul Lake, Song-Kul Lake, and Jeti-Oguz Valley)

Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek & City Exploration

  • 🛬 Arrive at Manas International Airport, Bishkek. (Check visa requirements before travel)
  • 🏨 Check-in at a hotel. Recommendations: Hotel Plaza, Bishkek City Hotel, or Ambassador Hotel.
  • ☕ Morning: Visit the Osh Bazaar, one of the largest bazaars in Central Asia. It offers a variety of local produce, handicrafts, and traditional Kyrgyz items.
  • 🍲 Lunch: Try some delicious Kyrgyz cuisine at Restaurant Dastorkon or Cafe Europe.
  • ❗️ Afternoon: Visit the Ala-Too Square, White House (seat of Kyrgyz Parliament), and National Philharmonic Hall.
  • 🚌 Evening: Stroll along June 4 Street, known for its vibrant cafes, restaurants, and shops.

Day 2: Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake (280 km - ~5 hours by car)

  • 🚗 Morning: Depart from Bishkek towards Issyk-Kul Lake.
  • 🏨 Afternoon: Check-in at a hotel near the lake, such as Hotel Djagat or Issyk-Ata Resort & SPA.
  • 🛶 Late Afternoon: Enjoy a boat trip on the crystal-clear waters of Issyk-Kul Lake.
  • ☀️ Evening: Relax and enjoy the sunset over the lake.

Day 3: Issyk-Kul to Song-Kul Lake (170 km - ~5 hours by car)

  • 🚗 Morning: Depart from Issyk-Kul Lake towards Song-Kul Lake.
  • 🐎 Afternoon: Arrive at Song-Kul Lake and experience the nomadic lifestyle by staying with a Kyrgyz family in a yurt (traditional dwelling).
  • 🌄 Evening: Enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner, listen to Kyrgyz music, and spend the night in a yurt.

Day 4: Song-Kul Lake to Jeti-Oguz Valley (130 km - ~3 hours by car) - Departure from Bishkek

  • 🚗 Morning: Depart from Song-Kul Lake towards Jeti-Oguz Valley.
  • 🌄 Afternoon: Arrive at Jeti-Oguz Valley, visit the Seven Bulls (Seven Bulak) rock formation, and hike to the Broken Heart Rock.
  • ☁️ Late Afternoon: Depart from Jeti-Oguz Valley towards Bishkek for your flight departure.

Other things to know:

  • Kyrgyzstan is known as the “Land of Celestial Tents” due to its vast nomadic culture.
  • The official language is Kyrgyz, but Russian and English are widely spoken.
  • Kyrgyzstan uses the Som (KGS) currency. It’s best to exchange money at banks or authorized exchange offices rather than in informal settings.
  • Electrical outlets in Kyrgyzstan use European two-pin plugs. Make sure you have an appropriate adapter for your devices.
  • The driving standard in Kyrgyzstan is right-hand traffic. Consider using a local guide or driver for safer travel.