Kyrgyzstan Tours
Kyrgyzstan Nomadic Life Tour
Explore authentic Kyrgyzstan nomadic life on this 9 day escorted tour, with felt and yurt production workshops and Kyrgyz cuisine cooking.
Discover Kyrgyzstan Nomadic Life
Join the Kyrgyzstan Nomadic Life Tour and discover how the local people work in harmony with the land and resources that sustain them, meeting passionate local service providers dedicated to creating a sustainable future for tourism in the area.
Enjoy the quiet charms and warm hospitality of the Kyrgyzstan people and experience a nomadic life, including sleeping in a yurt beside the alpine lake of Song Kul. Soak up the hustle and bustle of oriental bazaars as well as taking time to explore Kyrgyzstan's green, modern capital, Bishkek.
A highlight of this tour for many is the chance to take part in workshops on felt and yurt production, and learning how to cook Kyrgyz cuisine – an authentic travel experience that will leave lasting memories.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival in Kyrgyzstan
After customs and immigration, a local driver will meet you and transfer you to your hotel, with no activities planned for the rest of the day.
Overnight in Bishkek Hotel
DAY 2
Bishkek to Jaichy
Meet your guide and driver for the drive to the southern shore of Issyk-Kul, stopping at the old town of Balasagun and the 10th-11th century Burana Tower, plus Kyzyl-Tuu, where local masters make the wooden parts for yurts – you may even get to try making a piece yourself. Arrive at the Jaichy Gorge yurt camp for dinner and your first night sleeping in a yurt, as the nomads do.
Overnight in Jaichy Yurt Camp · Meals included: Breakfast, dinner
DAY 3
Jaichy to Tamga
Learn about the Eagle hunters known as Kusbergi or Berkutchi from a local hunter, who will talk about breeding and training eagles, with an optional 3-hour hike to the Boz-Salkyn panoramic viewpoint. In the afternoon, continue to Tamga village on the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, with a chance to swim or walk along the wild beach.
Overnight in Tamga Yurt Camp · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 4
Jety-Oguz
An easy 4-hour hike from Svetlaya Polyana to Jety-Oguz, enjoying beautiful views of the lake and mountains, with a picnic lunch along the way.
Overnight in Jety-Oguz Yurt Camp · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 5
Jety-Oguz to Karakol
A morning walk before transferring to Karakol, visiting the famous red rock formation and Dungan Museum in Yrdyk village, plus lunch with a local Dungan family. In Karakol, a city tour taking in the Russian Orthodox Church, the Muslim Mosque and the Museum of Przhevalsky, followed by dinner with an Uighur family cooking the local specialty noodle dish, Lagman.
Overnight in Family guesthouse · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 6
Karakol to Kochkor
An early visit to the Sunday animal market to experience local trading culture, before continuing to Kochkor village on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, the second largest mountain lake in the world. Take a one-hour boat excursion on the lake, then visit a women's cooperation called "Altyn Kol" (Golden Hand) for a felt production masterclass.
Overnight in Family guesthouse · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 7
Kochkor to Song-Kul
Travel to Song-Kul, with plenty of activities available – a day hike in the mountains meeting local shepherds, optional horse riding with a local stableman, or watching Horse Games competitions (payable locally, subject to availability).
Overnight in Song-Kul Yurt Camp · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 8
Song-Kul to Chon-Kemin
A free morning to explore, before transferring to Chon-Kemin Nature Park, one of the most picturesque parts of Kyrgyzstan, home to over 700 plant species and rare mammals including snow leopard, brown bear and golden eagle.
Overnight in Family guesthouse · Meals included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
DAY 9
Chon-Kemin to Bishkek
Learn to cook the local Boorsok bread before the final drive back to Bishkek for a city tour taking in the Historical Museum and Ala-Too central square, then transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Air-conditioned transportation with driver as described
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality (four-person accommodation in yurts, double/single upgrade available on request)
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Entrance fees to cultural places and nature parks
Yurt Production Show, Eagle Hunting Show, Lagman Cooking Class, Felt Show and Boorsok Bread-baking masterclass
Shared boat cruise
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Horse riding in Song-Kul or Chon-Kemin, or the Horse Games show in Song-Kul
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Dates & Prices
Regular departures run from May to September, with a minimum of just two people. This tour is also available as a private departure – contact us for further details.
£1,995 per person, based on two people sharing
Single Supplement – £225
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government’s travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice for Kyrgyzstan.
Your passport should be valid for six months from the date you arrive in Kyrgyzstan. British passport holders do not need a visa to enter Kyrgyzstan for stays of 60 days or less. Most UK prescriptions are accepted, but check in advance with individual pharmacies if travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Medical facilities in Kyrgyzstan are not as developed as in the UK, so make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds. In an emergency, dial 103 and ask for an ambulance.
Kyrgyzstan has a secular constitution, though most Kyrgyz people are Muslim – respect local traditions, customs and religions at all times, especially during Ramadan or when visiting religious areas. Possession and use of drugs is illegal, carrying lengthy prison sentences in basic conditions. Avoid photographing anything of military or security interest, and always carry your passport or a notarised copy, as police can arrest you without ID. Homosexuality is legal but not often publicly discussed – take care over public displays of affection.
What to Bring
Lightweight clothing that can be layered is advisable, alongside general warm clothing and a light raincoat – laundry will not be available in most places. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and/or walking boots are the ideal footwear.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack – you're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle and a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The currency in Kyrgyzstan is the Kyrgyzstani som – different from and not interchangeable with the Uzbekistan Sum. Major credit cards are accepted at shops and restaurants, though som banknotes are useful for small purchases and tipping. Kyrgyzstan uses type C and F plugs on a 220V/50Hz supply.
Kyrgyzstan is on GMT+6. Mobile internet is inexpensive and fast enough for research and staying in touch, with 3G available in major towns – Bishkek has plenty of wifi-equipped coffee shops, and your accommodation should have decent wifi too.
Ready to Book or Need More Information?
Get in touch with our expert travel consultants now. We can help you with tailormade options, best times to travel and much more.