Self-Drive Adventure
NOMADIC LIFE, MOUNTAIN TREKKING & LAKE ISSYK KUL
15 DAYS
Bishkek - Ala Archa National Park - Chon Kemin valley - Son Kul Lake - Tash Rabat - Issyk Kul Lake - Karakol - Altyn Arashan valley - Cholpon Ata - Bishkek
15 DAYS
Bishkek - Ala Archa National Park - Chon Kemin valley - Son Kul Lake - Tash Rabat - Issyk Kul Lake - Karakol - Altyn Arashan valley - Cholpon Ata - Bishkek
Watching the national horse games like Buz Kashi; Gorgeous nature at Lake Issyk Kul and Son Kul; Driving through beautiful valleys and high mountains; Visiting a family of hunters with eagle; Living in a yurt- traditional nomadic dwelling; Tasting national cuisine; Process of making traditional felt carpets and etc.
AVAILABLE DATES:
- Individual dates are also available. Please contact us via email.
TRIP DETAILS
SEASON ........................................................June-SeptemberGROUP SIZE........................................max 8pax, min 2pax
LEVEL...............................................beginner & intermediate
PRICE:
$1580 (≥ 8 people)≥ 6 people in the group: $1820 per person
≥ 4 people in the group: $1670 per person
= 2 people in the group: $2480 per person
Car rental deposit: $800
GUARANTEED FROM 2 PAX
This trip offers the chance to explore the country's breathtaking landscapes and unique culture at their own pace. Along the way, you can take in the stunning scenery of the Tian Shan Mountains, the dramatic landscapes of vast valleys and the turquoise waters of mountain lakes.
Accompany of experienced driver-guides, you will drive to remote villages, see traditional nomadic life, and experience the warm hospitality of the Kyrgyz people. Whether you're looking for an adventurous road trip or a relaxing getaway, a guided self-drive tour in Kyrgyzstan is the perfect way to explore the country.
Let's start!
Day 1: Arrival in Bishkek
Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Bishkek (approx. 30 minutes). After hotel check-in, you will have some time to rest. Later, you will explore Bishkek together with your guide. The city tour includes Victory Square, the shady Oak Park with its numerous stone sculptures, the Old Square, the Parliament, the White House, Ala-Too Square, and the Historical Museum. You will also visit the Asian Bazaar, an authentic oriental market where fruits, vegetables, spices, felt handicrafts, clothing, and many other goods are sold.
Meals: -
Accomodation: Garden Hotel or similar
Day 2: Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park (40 km) – Chon Kemin Valley (150 km)
In the morning, you will familiarize yourself with your vehicle and begin your journey with your first excursion. You will drive to Ala Archa National Park near Bishkek, where you will enjoy a guided hike to a waterfall (7.4 km, +640 m). After the hike, you will return to Bishkek, say goodbye to your guide, and continue driving to the Chon Kemin Valley. Overnight in a family-run guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: ASHU Guesthouse (Home - Ashu Guest Hotel) or similar
Day 3: Chon Kemin – Kochkor – Son Kul Lake (200 km)
Today you continue your self-drive journey to Son Kul Lake. Along the way, you stop at the Konorchek Canyons and enjoy a walk through the striking red rock formations. You then drive on to Kochkor, a village famous for traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets. Here you have lunch with a local family and attend a demonstration of traditional carpet making.
Afterwards, you continue driving toward Son Kul Lake. The road winds through spectacular mountain scenery along a series of mountain passes. Upon reaching the pass, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the deep-blue Son Kul Lake surrounded by high mountains.
Overnight in a yurt camp. In the evening, be sure to look up at the sky — Son Kul offers some of the most impressive starry skies in Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Baiysh Yurt Camp or similar
Day 4: A Day at Son Kul Lake
Today you spend the entire day at Son Kul Lake and immerse yourself in traditional Kyrgyz nomadic life. You may enjoy a walk past grazing sheep and cattle, take a refreshing swim in the lake, or optionally book a guided horseback ride. Overnight in the yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Baiysh Yurt Camp or similar
Day 5. Son Kul Lake - Naryn (140 km)
In the morning, you say goodbye to Son Kul Lake and begin your drive to Naryn. Along the way, you are treated to beautiful views of vast mountain ranges stretching across the horizon. With some luck, you may spot grazing yaks on the slopes or an eagle circling high above the mountains.
In Naryn, you are welcomed to a family-run guesthouse for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Kezgin Guesthouse (ГОСТЕВОЙ ДОМ КЕЗГИН (Нарын) - отзывы, фото и сравнение цен - Tripadvisor) or similar
Day 6. Naryn - Tash Rabat (108 km)
Today you continue your drive from Naryn to Tash Rabat, traveling along a branch of the ancient Silk Road toward the Kyrgyz–Chinese border. Tash Rabat, a historic caravanserai, is located in a picturesque side valley surrounded by mountains. Explore this remarkable stone structure — legend says that no one has ever been able to count the exact number of its interior rooms.
Overnight in a yurt camp near Tash Rabat.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Yurt Camp Nazira (“Nazira’s” Yurt camp ‹ Ak-Sai Travel – Silk Road tours, Mountaineering: Lenin peak, Khan Tengri peak, Pobeda peak, trekking, fixed depature dates) or similar
Day 7. Tash Rabat - Bokonbaevo (350 km)
Today you drive from Tash Rabat to the shores of Lake Issyk Kul. Although this is a long driving day, the roads are mostly in good condition, allowing for a comfortable journey. Upon arrival at Issyk Kul, you can refresh yourself with a swim in the cool, crystal-clear waters of the lake after the drive. Overnight in a yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp (BEL TAM SEASIDE YURT CAMP (Боконбаево) - отзывы, фото и сравнение цен - Tripadvisor) or similar
Day 8 Bokonbaevo- Barskoon - Jety Oguz (125 km)
Today you start your day meeting a traditional eagle hunter. He will show you how he trains together with his eagle! Afterwards continue driving along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. Along the way, you stop at the Barskoon Gorge and enjoy a hike to a waterfall. Afterwards, you drive on to the famous Jety Oguz rocks. The Jety Oguz Gorge is well known for its striking red sandstone formations set within a beautiful mountain landscape. Overnight in a yurt or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Eco Village Lodge or similar
Day 9 Jety Oguz - Karakol
Today you enjoy a relaxed day hike in the Jety Oguz Valley with views of the Oguz Bashi Glacier. The hike begins along an unpaved road through a spruce forest before opening up to wide views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
After the hike, you drive to Karakol, the largest city in the Issyk Kul region. Here you may take a short city tour, visiting the Orthodox wooden church and the Dungan Mosque. In the evening, you prepare independently for the trekking adventure starting the following day. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Karakol.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Guesthouse Matsunoki (MATSUNOKI (Каракол) - отзывы, фото и сравнение цен - Tripadvisor) or similar
Day 10. Karakol - Altyn Arashan (17 km hike on a gravel road, +700 m elevation gain)
Today you leave your car in Karakol, and a driver transfers you to the starting point of the hike. From there, you hike from 1,800 m up to the Altyn Arashan Valley at 2,500 m. This beautiful valley is known for its rich vegetation, with a variety of trees and alpine herbs. The trail follows a gravel road through pine forests and along rushing mountain streams. The valley stretches for about 20 km and ascends gradually.
A picnic lunch is enjoyed along the way. After arrival, you can relax in the natural hot springs of the valley.
Dinner and overnight in a yurt.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Jurtencamp Altyn Arashan (ECO YURT CAMP ARASHAN (Теплоключенка) - отзывы и фото - Tripadvisor) or similar
Day 11 Altyn Arashan - Karakol
After breakfast, you hike back along the same route to the meeting point with your driver, who transfers you to Karakol.
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse in Karakol.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Guesthouse Matsunoki or similar
Day 12. Karakol - Cholpon Ata (150 km)
Today you drive to Cholpon Ata, one of the most popular resort towns on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. Along the way, you make a detour to the Grigorievka Gorge. The drive takes only about two hours, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day by the lake.
Overnight in a small hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to relax on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Silence Mini Hotel (SILENCE HOTEL - Prices & Reviews (Cholpon Ata)) or similar
Day 13. Cholpon Ata
Today you have the entire day to relax in Cholpon Ata after the days of travel. Enjoy time at the beach, go swimming, take a walk along the shore, or simply unwind. If you wish, you may visit the nearby village of Bosteri, where a Ferris wheel offers wonderful panoramic views over Lake Issyk Kul. Overnight in Cholpon Ata.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Silence Mini Hotel or similar
Day 14. Cholpon Ata - Bishkek (262 km)
Today you depart for Bishkek. Along the way, you visit the ancient city of Balasagun and the Burana Minaret. Balasagun existed from the 9th to the 12th century and was one of the most developed cities along the Great Silk Road. Lunch is taken en route before continuing to Bishkek.
Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel and have free time in the afternoon. In the afternoon or evening you give back your rental car. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with kyrgyz life folkmusic show!
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Garden Hotel or similar
Day 15. Departure
Today marks the end of your journey. Transfer to Manas International Airport according to your flight schedule for your return flight.
Meals: Breakfast
**END OF SERVICES***
Upon arrival at Manas International Airport, you will be met by your driver and transferred to Bishkek (approx. 30 minutes). After hotel check-in, you will have some time to rest. Later, you will explore Bishkek together with your guide. The city tour includes Victory Square, the shady Oak Park with its numerous stone sculptures, the Old Square, the Parliament, the White House, Ala-Too Square, and the Historical Museum. You will also visit the Asian Bazaar, an authentic oriental market where fruits, vegetables, spices, felt handicrafts, clothing, and many other goods are sold.
Meals: -
Accomodation: Garden Hotel or similar
Day 2: Bishkek – Ala Archa National Park (40 km) – Chon Kemin Valley (150 km)
In the morning, you will familiarize yourself with your vehicle and begin your journey with your first excursion. You will drive to Ala Archa National Park near Bishkek, where you will enjoy a guided hike to a waterfall (7.4 km, +640 m). After the hike, you will return to Bishkek, say goodbye to your guide, and continue driving to the Chon Kemin Valley. Overnight in a family-run guesthouse.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: ASHU Guesthouse (Home - Ashu Guest Hotel) or similar
Day 3: Chon Kemin – Kochkor – Son Kul Lake (200 km)
Today you continue your self-drive journey to Son Kul Lake. Along the way, you stop at the Konorchek Canyons and enjoy a walk through the striking red rock formations. You then drive on to Kochkor, a village famous for traditional Kyrgyz felt carpets. Here you have lunch with a local family and attend a demonstration of traditional carpet making.
Afterwards, you continue driving toward Son Kul Lake. The road winds through spectacular mountain scenery along a series of mountain passes. Upon reaching the pass, you are rewarded with breathtaking views of the deep-blue Son Kul Lake surrounded by high mountains.
Overnight in a yurt camp. In the evening, be sure to look up at the sky — Son Kul offers some of the most impressive starry skies in Kyrgyzstan.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Baiysh Yurt Camp or similar
Day 4: A Day at Son Kul Lake
Today you spend the entire day at Son Kul Lake and immerse yourself in traditional Kyrgyz nomadic life. You may enjoy a walk past grazing sheep and cattle, take a refreshing swim in the lake, or optionally book a guided horseback ride. Overnight in the yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Baiysh Yurt Camp or similar
Day 5. Son Kul Lake - Naryn (140 km)
In the morning, you say goodbye to Son Kul Lake and begin your drive to Naryn. Along the way, you are treated to beautiful views of vast mountain ranges stretching across the horizon. With some luck, you may spot grazing yaks on the slopes or an eagle circling high above the mountains.
In Naryn, you are welcomed to a family-run guesthouse for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Kezgin Guesthouse (ГОСТЕВОЙ ДОМ КЕЗГИН (Нарын) - отзывы, фото и сравнение цен - Tripadvisor) or similar
Day 6. Naryn - Tash Rabat (108 km)
Today you continue your drive from Naryn to Tash Rabat, traveling along a branch of the ancient Silk Road toward the Kyrgyz–Chinese border. Tash Rabat, a historic caravanserai, is located in a picturesque side valley surrounded by mountains. Explore this remarkable stone structure — legend says that no one has ever been able to count the exact number of its interior rooms.
Overnight in a yurt camp near Tash Rabat.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Yurt Camp Nazira (“Nazira’s” Yurt camp ‹ Ak-Sai Travel – Silk Road tours, Mountaineering: Lenin peak, Khan Tengri peak, Pobeda peak, trekking, fixed depature dates) or similar
Day 7. Tash Rabat - Bokonbaevo (350 km)
Today you drive from Tash Rabat to the shores of Lake Issyk Kul. Although this is a long driving day, the roads are mostly in good condition, allowing for a comfortable journey. Upon arrival at Issyk Kul, you can refresh yourself with a swim in the cool, crystal-clear waters of the lake after the drive. Overnight in a yurt camp.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Bel Tam Yurt Camp (BEL TAM SEASIDE YURT CAMP (Боконбаево) - отзывы, фото и сравнение цен - Tripadvisor) or similar
Day 8 Bokonbaevo- Barskoon - Jety Oguz (125 km)
Today you start your day meeting a traditional eagle hunter. He will show you how he trains together with his eagle! Afterwards continue driving along the southern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. Along the way, you stop at the Barskoon Gorge and enjoy a hike to a waterfall. Afterwards, you drive on to the famous Jety Oguz rocks. The Jety Oguz Gorge is well known for its striking red sandstone formations set within a beautiful mountain landscape. Overnight in a yurt or guesthouse
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Eco Village Lodge or similar
Day 9 Jety Oguz - Karakol
Today you enjoy a relaxed day hike in the Jety Oguz Valley with views of the Oguz Bashi Glacier. The hike begins along an unpaved road through a spruce forest before opening up to wide views of the surrounding mountain ranges.
After the hike, you drive to Karakol, the largest city in the Issyk Kul region. Here you may take a short city tour, visiting the Orthodox wooden church and the Dungan Mosque. In the evening, you prepare independently for the trekking adventure starting the following day. Dinner and overnight stay in a guesthouse in Karakol.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Guesthouse Matsunoki (MATSUNOKI (Каракол) - отзывы, фото и сравнение цен - Tripadvisor) or similar
Day 10. Karakol - Altyn Arashan (17 km hike on a gravel road, +700 m elevation gain)
Today you leave your car in Karakol, and a driver transfers you to the starting point of the hike. From there, you hike from 1,800 m up to the Altyn Arashan Valley at 2,500 m. This beautiful valley is known for its rich vegetation, with a variety of trees and alpine herbs. The trail follows a gravel road through pine forests and along rushing mountain streams. The valley stretches for about 20 km and ascends gradually.
A picnic lunch is enjoyed along the way. After arrival, you can relax in the natural hot springs of the valley.
Dinner and overnight in a yurt.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Jurtencamp Altyn Arashan (ECO YURT CAMP ARASHAN (Теплоключенка) - отзывы и фото - Tripadvisor) or similar
Day 11 Altyn Arashan - Karakol
After breakfast, you hike back along the same route to the meeting point with your driver, who transfers you to Karakol.
Dinner and overnight in a guesthouse in Karakol.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Guesthouse Matsunoki or similar
Day 12. Karakol - Cholpon Ata (150 km)
Today you drive to Cholpon Ata, one of the most popular resort towns on the northern shore of Lake Issyk Kul. Along the way, you make a detour to the Grigorievka Gorge. The drive takes only about two hours, leaving you plenty of time to enjoy the rest of the day by the lake.
Overnight in a small hotel. The afternoon is at leisure to relax on the beach.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Silence Mini Hotel (SILENCE HOTEL - Prices & Reviews (Cholpon Ata)) or similar
Day 13. Cholpon Ata
Today you have the entire day to relax in Cholpon Ata after the days of travel. Enjoy time at the beach, go swimming, take a walk along the shore, or simply unwind. If you wish, you may visit the nearby village of Bosteri, where a Ferris wheel offers wonderful panoramic views over Lake Issyk Kul. Overnight in Cholpon Ata.
Meals: Breakfast
Accomodation: Silence Mini Hotel or similar
Day 14. Cholpon Ata - Bishkek (262 km)
Today you depart for Bishkek. Along the way, you visit the ancient city of Balasagun and the Burana Minaret. Balasagun existed from the 9th to the 12th century and was one of the most developed cities along the Great Silk Road. Lunch is taken en route before continuing to Bishkek.
Upon arrival, you check in at the hotel and have free time in the afternoon. In the afternoon or evening you give back your rental car. In the evening enjoy a farewell dinner with kyrgyz life folkmusic show!
Overnight at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Accomodation: Garden Hotel or similar
Day 15. Departure
Today marks the end of your journey. Transfer to Manas International Airport according to your flight schedule for your return flight.
Meals: Breakfast
**END OF SERVICES***
What’s included:
- Accommodation in double room (Check-In from 14:00, Early check-in can be arranged on request)
- Transportation according to the program
- Rental of a 4WD vehicle for self-drive (Toyota 4 Runner, Land Cruiser, Sequoia or similar), 1 car for 1-5 persons, 2 cars for 6-10 persons
- Rental Car Insurance: In the event of damage, costs exceeding USD 800 are covered by the insurance. If the damage costs USD 800 or less, the amount will be deducted from the security deposit and the insurance will not apply.
- Entrance fees for day 1 and 2 (Bishkek and Ala Archa)
- Felt carpet show
- Eagle hunting demonstration
- Folk music concert
- Meals as per program
- English-speaking guide on Days 1 and 2 in Bishkek
- Environmental fees
- 1 liter of mineral water per person per day
What’s not included:
- International flights
- Car rental deposit (800 USD)
- Fuel expenses
- Early Check-In
- Entrance fees during self drive (e.g. Entrance fee to Jety Oguz gorge, Tash Rabat)
- Alcoholic beverages / soft drinks
- Charges for additional hotel services
- Tips for drivers and guides
- Personal expenses, e.g. souvenirs
- Travel insurance (mandatory)
USEFUL INFO:
- This tour can be in a group or you can also opt to book the whole itinerary as a private tour.
- For tours we require all travelers on our group tours to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.
- Travel insurance is required for this tour. You are free to choose any insurance company.
- Citizens of most countries do not need a visa to visit Kyrgyzstan, visit Visa Regulation for Kyrgyzstan
- Read more about Kyrgyzstan Travel Information
- Check out Terms & Conditions here
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