Kyrgyzstan 6 Day Itinerary

Title: 6-Day Itinerary for Exploring Kyrgyzstan

Day 1: Bishkek City Tour

  • Arrival at Manas International Airport (visitors from many countries can get a visa on arrival, but it’s best to check your country’s specific requirements)
  • Transportation: Taxis or pre-arranged pickups are available. A shared taxi (marshrutka) is an affordable option for those on a budget.
  • Sightseeing in Bishkek: Visit the Osh Bazaar, Ala-Too Square, and the National Philharmonic Hall. Don’t forget to explore the beautiful parks and streets of the city.
  • Accommodation: There are numerous hotels and guesthouses available in Bishkek.

Day 2: Bishkek to Issyk-Kul Lake

  • Transportation: Private taxi or shared marshrutka services are available for travel to Issyk-Kul Lake. The journey takes around 3 hours.
  • Activities: Enjoy the beautiful beaches, take a boat tour, visit the ancient petroglyphs at Cholpon-Ata, and explore the nearby town of Skazka (Fairy Tale Canyon).
  • Accommodation: There are many hotels, resorts, and guesthouses around Issyk-Kul Lake to choose from.

Day 3: Issyk-Kul to Song-Köl Lake

  • Transportation: Arrange a 4x4 vehicle for the off-road journey to Song-Köl Lake (roughly 6 hours). Alternatively, join a tour group.
  • Activities: Spend the day at this stunning alpine lake, enjoy the clear waters, hike, and take in the breathtaking views. Overnight will be in yurts (traditional nomad tents).

Day 4: Song-Köl to Tash-Rabat

  • Transportation: Continue your journey by 4x4 vehicle. Tash-Rabat is around 3 hours from Song-Köl Lake.
  • Activities: Visit the ancient stone caravanserai of Tash-Rabat, explore the surrounding yurt camps and enjoy a traditional Kyrgyz dinner.
  • Accommodation: Overnight in yurts.

Day 5: Tash-Rabat to Naryn

  • Transportation: Travel by 4x4 vehicle or shared marshrutka to Naryn (around 3 hours).
  • Activities: Explore the town, visit the central mosque and bazaar. You can also rent horses for a day trip to the nearby mountainous regions.
  • Accommodation: Hotels, guesthouses, and hostels are available in Naryn.

Day 6: Naryn to Bishkek

  • Transportation: Return to Bishkek by shared marshrutka or taxi (around 5 hours).
  • Activities: If time permits, visit the Burana Tower and Balbansky Cemetery on the way back.
  • Departure: Depart from Manas International Airport.

Kyrgyzstan 6-Day Travel Itinerary (Markdown Format)

Day 1: Bishkek

  • Arrival at Manas International Airport, Bishkek.
  • Check into your accommodation and rest.
  • Visit Oak Park and the White House of Kyrgyzstan.
  • Explore the Osh Bazaar, a large market selling everything from food to traditional crafts.
  • Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, trying dishes like Lagman and Kyzyl Maqsama.
  • Things to Know: Bishkek operates on Eastern European Time (GMT+6). English is widely spoken here.

Day 2: Ala-Archa National Park

  • Morning trip to Ala-Arch National Park, about 40 km from Bishkek.
  • Hike up to the beautiful Ala-Archa Gorge.
  • Spend the afternoon relaxing and enjoying the nature.
  • Return to Bishkek in the evening.
  • Transportation: Taxis or shared minivans are available.

Day 3: Burana Tower & Lake Issyk-Kul

  • Drive to the Burana Tower, a historical monument and museum complex.
  • Continue to Lake Issyk-Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world.
  • Spend the afternoon on the beach or try water sports like jet-skiing, parasailing, or boat tours.
  • Overnight stay near Lake Issyk-Kul.
  • Things to Know: Lake Issyk-Kul is at a high altitude (1608m), so bring warm clothing.

Day 4: Karakol & Jeti-Oguz Valley

  • Visit the Dungan Mosque and Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral in Karakol town.
  • Head to the Jeti-Oguz Valley, famous for its red sandstone formations called “Seven Bulls”.
  • Explore the nearby Broken Heart Valley.
  • Overnight stay near Jeti-Oguz.
  • Transportation: Taxis, shared minivans, or rental cars are available.

Day 5: Song-Kul Lake

  • Drive to Song-Kul Lake, a high-altitude (3016m) freshwater lake surrounded by mountains and yurt camps.
  • Spend the day exploring the area, meeting locals, and experiencing traditional Kyrgyz life.
  • Overnight stay in a yurt.
  • Things to Know: Song-Kul Lake is at an even higher altitude than Issyk-Kul, so dress warmly.

Day 6: Return to Bishkek & Departure

  • Drive back to Bishkek (approximately 7 hours).
  • Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in Bishkek.
  • Check-in at the airport for your departure.
  • Visa Requirements: Citizens of many countries can get a 60-day tourist visa upon arrival at Manas International Airport. Always check the latest requirements for your nationality.
  • Transportation: A rental car or shared minivan can be arranged for this journey.