My friends and I are travelling to Central Asia this June. We are looking for a tour from Kazakhstan (Almaty) > Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek) > Uzbekistan (Tashkent). We are more interested in the Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan parts of the trip, and the Yurt stay and horse riding trekking is our priority.

We do not offer any custom tours here at Explore as we specialize in small group travel for our existing itineraries. If you are interested in our itineraries as is, we do have a June 28th 2025 departure for this tour that we can still request 8 spaces on.

Will the alpine lake be frozen over in June still?

If it is Lake Issyk Kul, this rarely freezes over. The second largest alpine lake in the World, it is 182 kilometres/113.10 mile long, up to 60 kilometres/37.30 mile wide and lies at an altitude of just over 1600 metres/5250 feet. Issyk Kul translates as 'warm lake' - the lake's saline waters never freeze over despite the region's sub-zero winters.

Is this tour guaranteed even if I am tge only person who bought the tour?

This trip on 15th June is a guaranteed departure and there are 4 people already booked so it will definitely be going ahead.

I have a few questions regarding the 2-9 Sep 2023 itinerary: 1) It has been stated that 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners are catered for. May I ask how do we settle lunch and other meals if we're out exploring the wilderness? 2) Will we always return to Bishkek every night? In other words, will there be overnight stays outside Bishkek? 3) What kind of gears and travel tips do you have for a 20-year-old solo traveller? (Especially tips for adapting to seasonal changes as it is near Winter)

Your local guide will always give you experienced suggestions on where to eat and also offer group meals on at times which meals aren't catered for, so there will always be options to ensure that everyone is fed & no one needs to eat alone. There will be overnight stays outside Bishkek, I have attached the trip notes which have detailed information on where you will be staying each night throughout your trip, you will see there are four different accommodations. Also on the trip notes attached, if you click on the Trip Information section you will see a suggestion list of clothing, footwear and packing information in relation to the seasonal changes.

Is the trip guaranteed to take place after booking or does it require a minimum number of participants?

Which departure date are you interested in? If you are ready to book please select the 'book now' button to secure your spot on Walking in Kyrgyzstan.

Will any later dates be put on the site? Was hoping to go in March 2023.

The closest date to march 2023 is Sat 17 Jun 2023 - Sun 25 Jun 2023

From

US $1,660 per person

Walking in Kyrgyzstan

9 days

•

Start and end in Bishkek

4.0

7 traveler reviews

View all
Excellent introduction to Kyrgyzstan, we saw a variety of different landscapes and were immersed in the local culture.
Emily, traveled in October
5.0
View all

From

US $1,660 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Operator: Explore!
Hiking & Trekking: Epic trails and breathtaking landscapes await
Group Tour: Join a group and forge lifelong friendships
Fully Guided: An experienced guide will be with you for the entire tour
Guided in English
Group Size 7 - 16
Ages 16+

Image of a map showing the route of the tour

Itinerary

Day 1
Bishkek
Start point
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Hotel reception, 18:00 - 18:00)
Accommodation
Guesthouse (Asia Mountains 1 Hotel), Guesthouse (Asia Hotel (or similar))
Optional Activities
- Explore Ala-Too Square
- Dinner with tour leader at 6pm
Landmarks
Ala-Too Square
Manas International Airport
Day 2
Bishkek
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Guesthouse (Asia Mountains 1 Hotel), Guesthouse (Asia Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Welcome meeting
- Sightseeing tour of Bishkek by bus and on foot
- Visit to Oak Park
- Visit to Osh Bazaar
Optional Activities
- Try Kumis (fermented mare's milk)
Landmarks
Oak Park
Osh Bazaar
Day 3
Ala Archa Gorge
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Guesthouse (Asia Mountains 1 Hotel), Guesthouse (Asia Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Hike in Ala Archa Gorge to Ak Sai waterfall
Landmarks
Ala Archa Gorge
Ala Archa National Park
Ak Sai waterfall
Day 4
Bishkek to Chon Kemin Valley
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Home-stay (Chon Kemin Homestay), Home-stay (Chon Kemin Homestay (or similar))
Included Activities
- Visit Burana Tower
- Afternoon hike in Chon Kemin Valley
Landmarks
Burana Tower
Balasagun
Chon Kemin Valley
Chon Kemin National Park
Day 5
Chon Kemin Valley to Karakol
Meals
Breakfast, Dinner (Meal cooked by local Dungan or Uighur family; learn about their traditions and lifestyle)
Accommodation
Guesthouse (Altamira Hotel), Guesthouse (Altamira Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Stop at Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs
- Walking tour of Karakol
- Visit Dungan mosque
- Visit Orthodox Cathedral
- Visit Prjevalsky Museum
- Evening meal with local Dungan or Uighur family
Landmarks
Lake Issyk Kul
Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs
Dungan mosque
Orthodox Cathedral
Prjevalsky Museum
Day 6
Altyn-Arashan Valley
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Guesthouse (Altamira Hotel), Guesthouse (Altamira Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Hike in Altyn-Arashan Valley
- Soak in hot springs
Landmarks
Altyn-Arashan Valley
Palatka Peak
Day 7
Djety-Oguz to Yurt Camp
Meals
Breakfast
Accommodation
Yurt (Tosor Yurt Camp), Yurt (Tosor Yurt Camp (or similar))
Included Activities
- Morning sightseeing
- Hike in Djety-Oguz Valley
- Meet with golden eagle hunter and witness eagle hunting demonstration
Optional Activities
- Swim in Lake Issyk Kul
Landmarks
Djety-Oguz
Lake Issyk Kul
Day 8
Issyk Kul to Bishkek
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (Final night celebration meal)
Accommodation
Guesthouse (Asia Mountains 1 Hotel), Guesthouse (Asia Hotel (or similar))
Included Activities
- Continue along southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul
- Visit shirdak (traditional Kyrgyz felt rug) workshop in Kochkor
Landmarks
Lake Issyk Kul
Kochkor
Day 9
Bishkek Departure
End point
Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan (Hotel reception, 09:00 - 09:00)
Meals
Breakfast
Landmarks
Manas International Airport

Landmarks
Ala-Too Square
Manas International Airport

Landmarks
Oak Park
Osh Bazaar

Landmarks
Ala Archa Gorge
Ala Archa National Park
Ak Sai waterfall

Landmarks
Burana Tower
Balasagun
Chon Kemin Valley
Chon Kemin National Park

Landmarks
Lake Issyk Kul
Cholpon-Ata petroglyphs
Dungan mosque
Orthodox Cathedral
Prjevalsky Museum

Landmarks
Altyn-Arashan Valley
Palatka Peak

Landmarks
Djety-Oguz
Lake Issyk Kul

Landmarks
Lake Issyk Kul
Kochkor

Landmarks
Manas International Airport

What's Included

Expand All

Guide
Meals
Additional Services
Transport

What's Not Included

Flights
Insurance
Additional Services

Where You'll Stay

All accommodations are subject to change

Asia Mountains 1 Hotel
Guesthouse
Days 1, 2, 3, 8
Asia Hotel (or similar)
Guesthouse
Days 1, 2, 3, 8
Chon Kemin Homestay
Home-stay
day 4
Chon Kemin Homestay (or similar)
Home-stay
day 4
Altamira Hotel
Guesthouse
Days 5, 6
Altamira Hotel (or similar)
Guesthouse
Days 5, 6
Tosor Yurt Camp
Yurt
day 7
Tosor Yurt Camp (or similar)
Yurt
day 7

Operated by

Explore!

4.5

(8,631 reviews)

Number of tours

589

Age Range

16 to 85 years old

Response time

within 1 day

Response rate

96%

Explore Worldwide has over 40 years’ experience in creating expert-led small...

Sustainability Initiatives

Reduce Carbon Emissions

Animal Welfare

Supporting Destinations

Sustainability Programs

Other

Your Peace of Mind Options

Cancellation Policy

A transparent overview of applicable fees.

Travel Insurance

Be covered for any unforseen circumstances.

Traveler Reviews

4.0

Overall rating based on 7 Reviews

Itinerary
3.9
Transport
4.1
Guide
4.1
Accommodation
3.9
Food
4.3
Tour Operator
4.5

A
Paula
July 23rd, 2023
4.7
Lots. The eagle hunter and his feathered friends were fantastic. The bumpy ride up to the hot springs. Swimming in...
Show more
Traveled in July 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Richard
August 27th, 2023
4
Walking up the valleys south of Karakol, the homestay and the hot spring
Traveled in August 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Jan
August 27th, 2023
3.8
the first day of hiking. the homestay and the walk at the homestay.
Traveled in August 2023
Review collected by Explore!
A
Caroline
September 14th, 2023
4.7
The landscape and people. Amazing walks Eagle hunters Homestay
Traveled in September 2023
Review collected by Explore!
P
PhilRisdale
September 17th, 2022
2
Far too many long travelling days on very poor roads with not enough breaks. Even on the 'stay put' day in Karakol,...
Far too many long travelling days on very poor roads with not enough breaks. Even on the 'stay put' day in Karakol, the itinerary includes another 4 hours on an army vehicle (there and back) with a very short walk included. All walks included, except one, were very short strolls and not 'hikes' as the itinerary suggests. The Bisktek guest house is OK but far too far out of town to allow any sort of exploration of the city when you first arrive. Homestay was fine, as was the Karakol hotel. One common feature was the very small beds with horribly lumpy mattresses - all except for the Yurt Camp, which had the most comfortable beds of the entire trip.Show more
Traveled in September 2022
A
David
December 23rd, 2019
3.8
Because Gatwick to Istanbul flight was late we missed connection. Turkish Airlines responded well with 4 hotel and...
Show more
Traveled in September 2019
Review collected by Explore!
Reply from: Explore!
Sorry to hear you had issues with your flights :(
Show more
E
Emily
October 2nd, 2019
5
Excellent introduction to Kyrgyzstan, we saw a variety of different landscapes and were immersed in the local culture...
Show more
Traveled in September 2019
Reply from: Explore!
Thanks for your great feedback :)
Show more

Dates & Availability

Select departure month and travellers

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Upcoming departures

From Saturday
13 Jun, 2026
To Sunday
21 Jun, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,880 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
11 Jul, 2026
To Sunday
19 Jul, 2026
English
Almost Sold Out
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,660 per person
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Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
25 Jul, 2026
To Sunday
2 Aug, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,660 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
8 Aug, 2026
To Sunday
16 Aug, 2026
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,750 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
22 Aug, 2026
To Sunday
30 Aug, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,750 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
5 Sep, 2026
To Sunday
13 Sep, 2026
English
Filling Fast
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,690 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
5 Jun, 2027
To Sunday
13 Jun, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,720 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
12 Jun, 2027
To Sunday
20 Jun, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,840 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
26 Jun, 2027
To Sunday
4 Jul, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,700 per person
Multiple Room Types
Instant Confirmation
From Saturday
10 Jul, 2027
To Sunday
18 Jul, 2027
English
This departure date is available and will 100% depart
Guaranteed departure
From:
US $1,700 per person
Multiple Room Types

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What our customers ask about this tour

The content in our FAQ section is subject to change.

All questions

We couldn't find results

Try a different search term or ask a question to this adventure's experts

J
Jill
Asked on June 2nd, 2025
My friends and I are travelling to Central Asia this June. We are looking for a tour from Kazakhstan (Almaty) > Kyrgyzstan (Bishkek) > Uzbekistan (Tashkent). We are more interested in the Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan parts of the trip, and the Yurt stay and horse riding trekking is our priority.
Group size
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written June 2025
  We do not offer any custom tours here at Explore as we specialize in small group travel for our existing itineraries. If you are interested in our itineraries as is, we do have a June 28th 2025 departure for this tour that we can still request 8 spaces on.
G
Gary
Asked on May 19th, 2024
Will the alpine lake be frozen over in June still?
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written May 2024
  If it is Lake Issyk Kul, this rarely freezes over. The second largest alpine lake in the World, it is 182 kilometres/113.10 mile long, up to 60 kilometres/37.30 mile wide and lies at an altitude of just over 1600 metres/5250 feet. Issyk Kul translates as 'warm lake' - the lake's saline waters never freeze over despite the region's sub-zero winters.
E
Eva
Asked on February 3rd, 2024
Is this tour guaranteed even if I am tge only person who bought the tour?
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written February 2024
  This trip on 15th June is a guaranteed departure and there are 4 people already booked so it will definitely be going ahead.
- E
  Eva
  Traveler•Written February 2024
  Are these leisure walks or high intensity level walks? Plus, your yurts are all shared? If I am paying for a single supplement room, will I be sharing rooms in a yurt?
- Explore!Operator•Written February 2024
  Walking grade Moderate. This trip is graded moderate with walks on 4 days for between 3 to 6 hours along earth and gravel tracks. You will mainly walk on well-maintained paths at altitudes of up to 2500-2700 m/8203-8859 ft, with occasional demanding ascents or descents.
D
Diana
Asked on June 24th, 2023
I have a few questions regarding the 2-9 Sep 2023 itinerary: 1) It has been stated that 8 breakfasts and 3 dinners are catered for. May I ask how do we settle lunch and other meals if we're out exploring the wilderness? 2) Will we always return to Bishkek every night? In other words, will there be overnight stays outside Bishkek? 3) What kind of gears and travel tips do you have for a 20-year-old solo traveller? (Especially tips for adapting to seasonal changes as it is near Winter)
Accommodation
Meals
Travel Support
- Explore!Operator•Written June 2023
  Your local guide will always give you experienced suggestions on where to eat and also offer group meals on at times which meals aren't catered for, so there will always be options to ensure that everyone is fed & no one needs to eat alone. There will be overnight stays outside Bishkek, I have attached the trip notes which have detailed information on where you will be staying each night throughout your trip, you will see there are four different accommodations. Also on the trip notes attached, if you click on the Trip Information section you will see a suggestion list of clothing, footwear and packing information in relation to the seasonal changes.
K
Kathy
Asked on March 7th, 2023
Is the trip guaranteed to take place after booking or does it require a minimum number of participants?
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written March 2023
  Which departure date are you interested in? If you are ready to book please select the 'book now' button to secure your spot on Walking in Kyrgyzstan.
C
Colleen
Asked on July 14th, 2022
Will any later dates be put on the site? Was hoping to go in March 2023.
Tour Details
- Explore!Operator•Written July 2022
  The closest date to march 2023 is Sat 17 Jun 2023 - Sun 25 Jun 2023

From

US $1,660 per person

Price based on Cheapest Room

Price based on Shared Room

Price based on Private Single Room

Price based on Private Double Room

Select Date

1 Adult2 Adults, 1 Child2 Children

Best price guarantee Learn More

Plan your adventure:

Good to Know

Tour ID: 158063

Currency
с
Som
Kyrgyzstan
Plugs & Adapters
Vaccines
- These are only indications, so please visit your doctor before you travel to be 100% sure.
- Typhoid - Recommended for Kyrgyzstan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Hepatitis A - Recommended for Kyrgyzstan. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
- Tuberculosis - Recommended for Kyrgyzstan. Ideally 3 months before travel.
- Hepatitis B - Recommended for Kyrgyzstan. Ideally 2 months before travel.
- Rabies - Recommended for Kyrgyzstan. Ideally 1 month before travel.
- Yellow fever - Certificate of vaccination required if arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission for Kyrgyzstan. Ideally 10 days before travel.
Visa
- Unfortunately we cannot offer you a visa application service. Whether you need a visa or not depends on your nationality and where you wish to travel. Assuming your home country does not have a visa agreement with the country you're planning to visit, you will need to apply for a visa in advance of your scheduled departure.
- Here is an indication for which countries you might need a visa. Please contact the local embassy for help applying for visas to these places.
Payment information
- For any tour departing before May 27th, 2026 a full payment is necessary. For tours departing after May 27th, 2026, a minimum payment of 10% is required to confirm your booking with Explore!. The final payment will be automatically charged to your credit card on the designated due date. The final payment of the remaining balance is required at least 75 days prior to the departure date of your tour. TourRadar never charges you a booking fee and will charge you in the stated currency.
- Some departure dates and prices may vary and Explore! will contact you with any discrepancies before your booking is confirmed.
- The following cards are accepted for "Explore!" tours: Visa, Maestro, Mastercard, American Express or PayPal. TourRadar does NOT charge you an extra fee for using any of these payment methods.
Cancellation Policy
- Your money is safe with TourRadar, as we only pay the tour operator after your tour has departed.
- TourRadar is an authorized Agent of Explore!. Please familiarize yourself with the Explore! payment, cancellation and refund conditions.
Accessibility
Some tours are not suitable for mobility-restricted traveler, however, some operators may be able to accommodate special requests. For any enquiries, you can contact our customer support team, who are ready and waiting to help you.
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Sustainability

Walking in Kyrgyzstan

Itinerary

Bishkek

Optional Activities

Bishkek

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Ala Archa Gorge

Included Activities

Bishkek to Chon Kemin Valley

Included Activities

Chon Kemin Valley to Karakol

Included Activities

Altyn-Arashan Valley

Included Activities

Djety-Oguz to Yurt Camp

Included Activities

Optional Activities

Issyk Kul to Bishkek

Included Activities

Bishkek Departure

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What's Included

What's Not Included