This 9 day journey is the ultimate deep dive into the rugged beauty and ancient traditions of Kyrgyzstan, specifically timed to include the adrenaline of the World Nomad Games! It’s a perfect mix of high-altitude adventure, nomadic culture, and iconic landscapes designed for those who want to experience the "Land of the Celestial Mountains" beyond the typical tourist path. I am looking for fun, open-minded TripMates who enjoy good conversation, a mixture of activities & trying new things to join me on an EPIC adventure experiencing this magical country 🤩🤗 🗺 ITINERARY HIGHLIGHTS: The World Nomad Games: Spend two full days immersed in the "Olympics of the Steppe" in Cholpon Ata, witnessing traditional nomadic sports and festivities. Epic Landscapes: Explore the red rock formations of Fairytale (Skazka) Canyon, the alpine beauty of Altyn Arashan, and the serene shores of Song-Kul Lake. Adventure & Culture: From watching a traditional eagle hunting demonstration to soaking in natural hot springs and horseback riding at 3,000+ meters, every day offers a new perspective on Kyrgyz life! Authentic Stays: You won’t just visit; you’ll live the culture by sleeping in traditional felt yurts and cozy mountain guesthouses. 🗓️ Quick Look at the Journey: Day 1-3: Bishkek to the shores of Issyk-Kul for the World Nomad Games. Day 4-6: Off-roading in a Soviet "Bukhanka" jeep to the Altyn Arashan Valley and exploring the cultural landmarks of Karakol. Day 7-9: Coastal drives to Bokonbaevo, eagle hunting, and a final morning of horseback riding at Song-Kul Lake before returning to Bishkek. I will always try to stick to the itinerary provided as much as possible, however, please be aware it is subject to change depending on numerous factors that comes alongside traveling abroad. There are often variables that can affect the itinerary plans such as weather, traffic delays or local changes on ground. 🗺 OUR GROUP: 6-12 travellers. I am aiming for a nice even split of males and females - There will be a video call prior to trip mates being accepted onto the trip to ensure the group 'gels' nicely together. 📍 MEETING POINT: A meeting point will be disclosed in central Bishkek. If you would like to arrive earlier and/or stay later to explore Bishkek you are more than welcome, just please make sure this doesn't affect you getting to our meeting point on time at approx 09:00 on Tuesday 1st September 2026. 📝 VISAS: Please check BEFORE booking that you are eligible for a visa & you have a valid passport – these essentials are down to yourself to check & ensure validity. You will also need to check if Krygyzstan has any alternative entry requirement forms, documents or vaccinations essential to be granted entry to the country for your nationality. Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival for Krygyzstan and don't need anything else essential to enter. ❤️🩹 INSURANCE: Travel insurance is included if you are a resident of Germany or Austria. You can view all the inclusions & exclusions of this insurance here: www.joinmytrip.com/en/t/travel-insurance. For any other TripMates, you will need to purchase your own Travel Insurance, which also covers you for Medical expenses should you need it whilst we are away. 📱WHATSAPP GROUP: I will be making a ‘Krygystan’ specific group WhatsApp before we depart for us to start these conversations where I can answer any questions you may have about the trip.
👋🏽 I am 34, British 🇬🇧 & have been traveling solo for over 15 years across 80 countries! I used to organise volunteering group trips in International schools before moving into luxury travel for UHNW clients. I co-founded a travel concierge service in Dubai and now I am an independent travel agent organising group trips here alongside vacations for others. I live, sleep, east and breathe travel and I am excited to share my passion with you! You can read more about me & my sustainability focused travels on my profile 🥰
We will be staying in a mixture of guest houses (twins, same gender) & yurts (same gender): Night 1: Zhekshen guest house Night 2: Uya or Olimp hotel (or similar) Night 3: Uya or Olimp hotel (or similar) Night 4: Biyik guest house Night 5: Elza guest house Night 6: Biyik guest house Night 7: Emily guest house bel tam yurt camp Night 8: Muras yurt camp
What's included?
Local guide 24/7
Driver & minibus 24/7
World nomad games tickets
All other activities as per itinerary
All accommodation
Travel insurance (Germans & Austrians)
Bottled water
Whatsapp group/Pre-departure guidance
Experienced & knowledgeable trip leader
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Trip Itinerary
1
Bishkek
Day 1
We start and end our 9 day journey in Bishkek: a city that captures the soul of Kyrgyzstan. It’s the perfect place to shake off the jet lag, grab a coffee, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime so feel free to arrive earlier than the tour start date if you wish. Bishkek = The Green Heart of Central Asia 🌳 Bishkek isn't just a capital city; it’s a leafy, laid-back sanctuary that serves as your perfect introduction to the nomadic world. Nestled against the dramatic backdrop of the snow-capped Ala-Too Mountains, Bishkek is one of the greenest cities in the former Soviet Union, where wide marble boulevards meet bustling traditional markets. Why you’ll love it: The sensory overload of Osh Bazaar: Step into the heart of Kyrgyz daily life at one of Central Asia’s most iconic markets. It’s a labyrinth of sights and smells—from stalls piled high with traditional felt shyrdak carpets and spices to the famous bread (lepeshka) baked fresh in clay ovens. A walk through history: Explore Ala-Too Square, the city’s monumental centre. Witness the changing of the guard, stand beneath the towering statue of the national hero Manas, and explore the State history museum to uncover the legends of the Great steppe. Cafe culture & soviet cool: Discover a city of contrasts where brutalist Soviet architecture stands alongside trendy European-style cafes, craft breweries, and fine-dining restaurants like Navat, where you’ll have your first taste of authentic Kyrgyz hospitality. The "Bishkek Vibe" - It’s the kind of city where you can enjoy a high-end steak dinner one minute and be watching a sunset over the Tian Shan mountains the next. It’s safe, walkable, and filled with a young, welcoming energy that makes it the perfect "base camp" before we head out into the wild yurts and mountain passes.
2
Chon-Kemin
Day 1-2
We start the transition from the city into the scenic mountain valleys of Kyrgyzstan! Departure: We will have a pre-arranged meet up point in Bishkek to begin the adventure (most likely a hotel). Historical exploration: The first stop is the Burana Tower, a 10th-century minaret that stands as a remnant of the ancient Silk Road. Scenic journey: We will take a 3.5 to 4 hour drive through the dramatic Boom Gorge as we head toward the Chon Kemin valley. Mountain Hospitality: The day concludes with dinner and an overnight stay in a cozy mountain setting at the Zhekshen Guest House. Meals: Dinner is included for this first day of the tour
3
Cholpon Ata
Day 2-3
From the mountain valley toward the shores of the country's most famous lake for a major cultural event! Scenic drive: We will drive for 2–3 hours along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Cultural stop: The tour includes a stop at an open-air petroglyph museum located in Cholpon Ata. World Nomad Games: We will spend the entire day participating in and witnessing the World Nomad Games. Accommodation: The night is spent in Cholpon Ata at the Uya or Olimp hotel (or a similar guesthouse based on availability). Meals: Both breakfast and dinner are included for the day
4
Cholpon Ata
Day 3-4
The focus remains entirely on the cultural centrepiece of the trip: The World Nomad Games! We will spend the entire day participating in and experiencing the festivities of the World Nomad Games. Location: The day is based in Cholpon Ata, a resort town on the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Accommodation: We will stay overnight again in Cholpon Ata at either the Uya or Olimp hotel (or a similar hotel/guesthouse depending on availability). Meals: Both breakfast and dinner are included.
5
Karakol
Day 4-5
Now we transition from the World Nomad Games towards the adventure hub of Karakol: Scenic shoreline drive: We will drive for 4–5 hours along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake. Mountain valley visit: Along the way, we will stop to visit the Chon Ak Suu valley. Karakol exploration: Upon arrival in Karakol, we will explore the city and enjoy some free time. Accommodation: We will stay overnight at Biyik guest house. Meals: Both breakfast and dinner are provided
6
Altyn-Arashan
Day 5-6
The trip takes us into the heart of the mountains for a rugged alpine experience! Off-road adventure: We will leave the comfort of our minibus to grab a 2 hour transfer from Karakol to the Altyn Arashan valley in a "Bukhanka" (a specialized off-road Soviet jeep) Mountain relaxation: Once there, We can soak in natural hot springs and hike throughout the valley. There are STUNNING views - the valley offers dramatic panoramics of the Palatka peak, which reaches an elevation of 5,020 meters. Alpine stay: We will spend the night at the Elza Guest House, surrounded by the natural beauty of the mountains. Meals: Both breakfast and dinner are included for the day
7
Karakol
Day 6-7
Today we focus on cultural landmarks and dramatic natural rock formations! Return to Karakol: We will head back to Karakol in the morning. Cultural sites: Visit the colourful Dungan mosque and the historic wooden Orthodox church. Gorge Exploration: We will take an afternoon trip to the Jeti-Ögüz Gorge (known as the Seven Bulls) and the Kok Jaiyk Valley. Evening: We will enjoy dinner in a local restaurant and spend the night at the Biyik Guest House in Karakol. Driving & meals: The day involves 2–3 hours of driving and includes both breakfast and dinner.
8
Bokonbayevo
Day 7-8
Travel along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul Lake, featuring some of the country’s most surreal natural landscapes! Coastal Journey: We will travel along the southern shore of Issyk-Kul. Waterfall Views: The day includes a stop at the Barskoon Gorge, famous for its impressive waterfalls. Fairytale Canyon: We will explore Skazka Canyon, known for its vibrant red and orange "fairytale" rock formations. Village Stay: The day ends in Bokonbaevo village, where we will stay overnight. Accommodation: We will stay at either Emily Guest House or the Bel Tam Yurt Camp. Driving & Meals: The day involves 4–5 hours of driving and includes breakfast and dinner.
9
Song-Kul
Day 8-9
Now we take a deep dive into ancient nomadic traditions followed by a scenic mountain pass to a high-altitude lake! Nomadic traditions: The morning begins in Bokonbaevo with an eagle hunting demonstration and a chance to try traditional archery. Cultural workshop: We will travel to Kochkor for lunch and visit a handicraft workshop to see local artisans at work. Mountain Crossing: The drive continues via the Kalmak Ashuu Pass, reaching an elevation of 3,400 meters. Yurt Experience: The day ends at the serene Song-Kul Lake, where we will have dinner and stay overnight in a traditional Kyrgyz yurt at Muras Yurt Camp. Driving & Meals: The day involves 5–6 hours of driving and includes both breakfast and dinner
10
Bishkek
Day 9
We come to the final day of the adventure - taking us from the tranquil shores of the mountains back to the capital city! Start the final morning with a 2 hour horseback ride along the beautiful shores of Song-Kul Lake before taking a scenic drive to Kok Moinok Canyon for a 1 hour hike through its unique landscapes. Head back to Bishkek via the dramatic Boom Gorge and arrive back in Bishkek in the evening. The journey for the final day involves approximately 6–7 hours of driving. Staying an extra night in Bishkek is the perfect way to "decompress" after 9 days in the mountains. Since the trip ends in the capital on day 9, you could opt to add an extra day allowing you to transition from the rugged nomad lifestyle back to modern comfort before flying home. Here is a summary of how you could spend your "bonus" day in Bishkek: A morning of "Soviet cool" and Culture: - Ala-Too square: Start at the city’s heart to see the changing of the guard and the monumental Manas Statue. It’s a great spot for photos of the brutalist architecture that tells the story of the Soviet era. - State history museum: Located right on the square, this is an essential stop to see exhibits ranging from ancient Silk Road artifacts to a fully decorated yurt. - Park hopping: Bishkek is incredibly green. A stroll through Oak Park (the city's oldest) to see the open-air sculpture museum or Panfilov Park for a bit of local nostalgia is a must.
Trip Summary
Accommodation
Other
9 days trip
Bishkek, Chon-Kemin & 8 more
Transportation
Car, Other
What's excluded?
Flights
Bishkek accommodation
Lunches, snacks, drinks/Food in Bishkek.
Souvenirs
Experiences not mentioned in itinerary
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Kyrgyzstan
World nomad games 
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