Kyrgyzstan 7 Day Itinerary

Kyrgyzstan 7-Day Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Bishkek (Capital City)

  • Arrival at Manas International Airport, Bishkek.
  • Visit Osh Bazaar for local goods and traditional Kyrgyz cuisine.
  • Explore Ala-Too Square and the White House of Parliament.
  • Overnight stay in Bishkek.

Day 2: Burana Tower & Son-Kul Lake (Approx. 300 km, ~6 hours travel)

  • Morning drive to Burana Tower, an 11th-century minaret and a complex of Balbals (stone warrior grave markers).
  • Continue to Son-Kul Lake, one of the highest alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan.
  • Experience nomadic life by staying overnight in yurts (traditional felt tents).

Day 3: Son-Kul Lake - Naryn (Approx. 240 km, ~6 hours travel)

  • Morning drive to Naryn city.
  • Visit the picturesque Tash Rabat Caravanserai on the Great Silk Road.
  • Explore the town and try local dishes like Kyzyl Kumis (fermented horse milk).
  • Overnight stay in a guesthouse or yurt camp near Naryn.

Day 4: Naryn - Tuz Ashu (Approx. 160 km, ~5 hours travel)

  • Drive to Tuz Ashu, a salt lake with therapeutic mud.
  • Spend the day relaxing and exploring this unique natural wonder.
  • Overnight stay in a local homestay or yurt camp.

Day 5: Tuz Ashu - Issyk Kul Lake (Approx. 320 km, ~7 hours travel)

  • Morning drive to Issyk-Kul Lake, the second largest alpine lake in the world.
  • Visit Cholpon-Ata town and see the petroglyphs at the Rippon Cliffside.
  • Enjoy a relaxing evening on the lake shore or swim in its crystal clear waters.
  • Overnight stay in a hotel near Issyk-Kul Lake.

Day 6: Issyk Kul Lake - Jeti Oguz & Skazka (Approx. 150 km, ~3 hours travel)

  • Morning drive to Jeti Oguz Gorge, famous for its red rock formations and the Broken Heart Rock.
  • Visit nearby Skazka (Fairytale Canyon) for more stunning rock formations and panoramic views.
  • Overnight stay in a yurt camp or guest house near Jeti Oguz.

Day 7: Return to Bishkek (Approx. 300 km, ~6 hours travel)

  • Drive back to Bishkek, with a stop at Burana Tower if you missed it on Day 1.
  • Last-minute shopping for souvenirs and traditional crafts.
  • Departure from Manas International Airport.

Things to Know:

  • Kyrgyzstan is a cash-based society, so it’s recommended to bring enough local currency (Som) with you.
  • The language spoken is Kyrgyz and Russian. English is less common outside of Bishkek.
  • Mobile network coverage is generally good across the country.

Visa Requirements:

  • Citizens from many countries can obtain a 60-day tourist visa on arrival at Manas International Airport for $60 USD. Check your country’s requirements before travel.