Kyrgyzstan is a real treasure for lovers of mountains, lakes, and unforgettable adventures. In this article, we’ve gathered the top 5 tours that let you discover the country’s brightest highlights in a short time. From day trips out of Bishkek to multi-day expeditions-each tour offers unique impressions and showcases the region’s amazing nature and culture. All routes are carefully designed: expect comfortable SUV rides, overnight stays in yurts under the stars, and even the chance to get behind the wheel of a motorcycle yourself. Below is a detailed description of each tour, including key stops, features, and pricing (the price is for the tour, not per person).
Route: Bishkek - Boom Gorge - Kok-Moinok Canyons - Lake Issyk-Kul (Balykchy) - Bishkek. This packed 1-day tour combines several natural wonders at once. In the morning you leave bustling Bishkek and head east through the legendary Boom Gorge. It’s a narrow, winding passage between cliffs, known as the “stone gates” on the way to Lake Issyk-Kul. The road runs along the Chu River, and the contrast of the landscape impresses: sheer granite walls, a fast river, and tunnels carved into the rock. Even a brief drive through Boom delivers a jolt of emotion-especially if you’re seeing these mountain gates for the first time.
Leaving the gorge, you’ll find yourself in another world-the Martian landscapes of the Kok-Moinok canyons. For millions of years wind and water sculpted fantastic shapes in the red clay, and now these canyons look like scenery from another planet. The clay-sand pillars, arches, and towers of Kok-Moinok are often compared to the Grand Canyon and even to Martian landscapes. A walk along the canyon floor takes about an hour: you can climb low ridges and take stunning shots against the backdrop of “alien” rocks. Our experienced guide accompanies the group to the most spectacular viewpoints, sharing local legends.
Continuing on, you’ll make a short stop at the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir-a quiet blue lake framed by hills. The mirror-calm water reflects clouds and mountains, making it ideal for a break and beautiful photos. The route then brings you to the shores of the great Lake Issyk-Kul-one of the deepest lakes in the world (maximum depth about 668 m, 7th among the deepest lakes on the planet). On the city beach in Balykchy you’ll have time to swim (in summer the water warms up to +24 °C) or simply relax, breathing fresh air with snow-capped ranges on the horizon.
A special highlight of the tour is Kyrgyz cuisine. In the morning, along the way, you’ll enjoy hot kattama-a layered flatbread baked in a tandoor. This crispy bread with clotted cream or a cup of freshly brewed tea lets you taste the real flavor of Kyrgyzstan. At lunchtime, a stop is planned in the town of Balykchy, where you can try fresh Issyk-Kul trout or fragrant lamb shashlik. We take care of every detail: the trip is in a comfortable Toyota SUV with AC and child seats. The tour price is about $260 per group (duration 1 day, departure and return-Bishkek).
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High in the Tien Shan at over 3,000 meters lies the fairytale Lake Song-Kul. This 2-day tour lets you escape the city into the world of nomads and alpine meadows. The route starts from Bishkek and partially follows the way to Issyk-Kul: you’ll again pass through the picturesque Boom Gorge, enjoy views of the Orto-Tokoy Reservoir, and stop in the village of Kochkor. Travelers have lunch in Kochkor-great dishes from the freshest lamb, while fish lovers can try fried trout. Then the road begins to climb steeply via the serpentine of Naryn region. Ahead is the Teskey-Torpok Pass (“33 Parrots”), nicknamed for its 33 sharp hairpins. With each new “loop,” new panoramas open up: endless green valleys and snow-capped peaks of the Tien Shan. The view is breathtaking and a bit extreme-but our experienced driver handles it confidently and safely.
By evening of the first day you arrive on the shore of Song-Kul-the second largest lake in Kyrgyzstan after Issyk-Kul. The name “Song-Kul” is translated as “the last lake” or “the lake where wild ducks live,” and indeed many birds nest on its shores in summer. You’ll be accommodated in a cozy yurt camp right by the water. Imagine: the sunset paints mountain peaks gold; you sit by a fire near a traditional yurt, sipping hot tea and watching millions of stars appear over the high-mountain plain. This night at ~3,016 meters above sea level feels like a picnic in the heavens-with a sense of total silence and closeness to nature. The tour includes dinner and songs by the fire, and, if you wish, a short night walk under the stars (there’s no light pollution in the mountains, so the Milky Way shines in full glory).
Morning at Song-Kul begins with crisp air and the sunrise over the mirror surface of the lake. After a hot breakfast (e.g., fresh flatbreads with jam and milk tea) you can ride horses across endless meadow expanses-the true jailoo where herds of horses and flocks of sheep graze. On horseback or on foot, you’ll feel the spirit of nomadic life: only mountains, sky, and distant shepherd calls around you. By noon the descent from the plateau begins and you return to civilization. On the way you’ll again cross the 33 Parrots pass, stopping for photos against snowy peaks. In the afternoon the group returns to Bishkek, bringing back priceless memories of life above the clouds.
This tour includes yurt accommodation (with basic amenities) and the support of an experienced guide familiar with the life of local herders. We take care of your comfort: there’s always a thermos of tea, a first-aid kit, and warm blankets in the car. The tour price is about $790 per group (includes SUV rental with driver-guides and an overnight in a yurt camp; meals are paid separately on site).
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If you have only one free day and want to fill it with mountain impressions, this jeep tour from Bishkek to the Tien Shan ranges is ideal. In just 10-12 hours you’ll see several iconic spots near the capital. In the morning our guide picks you up from your hotel, and after a 40-minute drive south you’ll be in Ala-Archa National Park, a favorite getaway for locals. The name “Ala-Archa” means “variegated juniper”-a local species that has long been considered a talisman by Kyrgyz people. In Ala-Archa Gorge you’ll stroll along a mountain river surrounded by spruce forests and snowy peaks. Pristine air, the rustle of needles, and the sound of waterfalls set a peaceful mood. There are trails of varying difficulty-from the simple route to the “Alplager” meadow to a more demanding climb to the Aksai waterfall or even the abandoned weather station. Within a day tour we choose an easy route so you can enjoy the park without rushing. Ala-Archa is magnificent in any season: lush and floral in summer, golden larches in autumn, and a sparkling kingdom of snow in winter.
Next, the tour introduces the cultural side of Kyrgyzstan. By lunchtime we head to the ethno-complex “Supara,” a unique spot in a scenic gorge not far from Bishkek. Here the life of a nomadic aul is recreated: yurts everywhere, wooden bridges, streams, traditional utensils. Walking around Supara feels like stepping back several centuries-carved wooden gates, clay dishes, and folk music around. The local restaurant serves the best national dishes-you can try beshbarmak, samsa, boorsok with honey, and refreshing kymyz. Guests also get acquainted with Kyrgyz traditions: sometimes Supara hosts falconry demonstrations or folk performances. This lunch break not only satisfies hunger but also deepens your understanding of the culture.
After lunch-it’s back to nature. We head to the mountain gorge of Chunkurchak, only 30 km from the capital. Chunkurchak is a quiet narrow valley framed by high cliffs and spruce forests. In summer it’s perfect for a picnic on the grass, enjoying the views and taking photos-there’s hardly anyone around, just birds fluttering and a gentle breeze. In winter, Chunkurchak transforms into a compact ski resort: several beginner-friendly slopes, lifts, gear rental-if you love skiing, you can combine it with the excursion. But the valley’s main highlight awaits ahead-the Sky Bridge.
The Sky Bridge is a new attraction near Chunkurchak: a suspension bridge thrown over a mountain gorge at over 2,000 m above sea level. Stepping onto it is a true adventure for the brave! Beneath you-tens of meters of emptiness (the deck is partially grated so you can see the drop), and all around-a panorama of the Tien Shan. Walking the bridge delivers incomparable adrenaline and amazing photos. It’s especially beautiful at sunset as the sun bathes the mountains in gold. No wonder the Sky Bridge is considered one of the region’s most impressive new sights.
In one day, the “From Bishkek to the Tien Shan” tour lets you “change scenery” several times: parks and gorges to an extreme suspension bridge. You don’t have to worry about logistics-we fully accompany the group, providing comfortable SUV transfers and a flexible schedule tailored to your wishes. The tour price is about $210 per group (includes transportation and guide services; entrance tickets and lunch are paid separately).
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This tour is for seekers of drive and freedom. What could be better than charting your own path along mountain switchbacks, feeling the wind and the thrill of the surrounding scenery? The motorcycle tour in Kyrgyzstan is designed for 2 days (or longer on request) and is unique in that the route largely depends on you. At your disposal is a powerful touring enduro BMW F650GS Dakar, fully prepared for any roads. First comes a short safety and mountain-riding briefing. Our instructor checks that you have a category A license and the bike’s technical condition, after which you discuss route details. We can suggest tried-and-true options: for example, a loop around Issyk-Kul with a stop in the Skazka Canyon and Jeti-Oguz, or a climb to the Song-Kul plateau via mountain passes. But if you have your own dream-say, reaching the Chinese border via the Torugart Pass or exploring hard-to-reach valleys-we’ll help plan that too! A guide-consultant will point out the best spots, mark them on a map, and, if desired, accompany the group on a separate motorcycle.
On a motorcycle tour, you are the master of the road. Want to stop by a mountain stream? Go ahead. Spotted a herd of yaks and want a photo break? No problem. Expect Tien Shan serpentine roads, gravel passes, boundless steppe, and high-mountain pastures. One popular route, for instance, goes over the Suusamyr Pass to the plateau, then down into the Kökömeren River valley-the road there is gravel with breathtaking canyon views. Overnight can be in a guesthouse in a mountain village or in a tent under the open sky-your choice. Of course, you won’t be left without support: each motorcycle tour has a manager on call 24/7. In unforeseen situations, we’ll quickly provide a replacement bike or other assistance. Our bikes undergo full maintenance before every trip, so the equipment won’t let you down.
Riding Kyrgyzstan’s mountain roads gives an incomparable feeling of oneness with nature. One moment you’re cruising along a turquoise lake, the next you’re fording streams in coniferous forests or climbing a pass where old snow tongues still lie. Local children will wave, and shepherds will smile as they see a traveler on a motorcycle. The freedom of moving along scenic routes and the adrenaline-that’s what awaits you. If needed, our support car can carry your luggage so you can enjoy the road light. You can ride independently or with our biker-guide (guide services are optional). The cost is about $140/day for the motorcycle rental and $140/day for guide support (for the whole group). It’s a great way to challenge yourself and discover Kyrgyzstan from a completely new angle!
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Rounding out our selection is a 3-day ski tour that combines active slope time with exploring the beauties of Issyk-Kul. This tour is especially appealing in winter, when the mountains are covered with snow, but interesting excursions are planned beyond skiing as well. The route is a loop around Lake Issyk-Kul. Starting early from Bishkek, you head east along the lake’s northern shore and return along the southern shore-letting you circle the entire lake in three days.
Day 1: Transfer to Karakol with stops en route. You’ll once again pass the familiar Boom Gorge, but new places await beyond. The first planned stop is the “Skazka” (Fairy Tale) Canyon on the lake’s southern shore. This stunning gorge carved into red-yellow clay got its name from rock formations that resemble fantastical castles and fairy-tale figures. In winter, Skazka has its own charm: crimson rocks peek out from under snowy caps, and Issyk-Kul on the horizon adds a striking contrast of blue lake and white mountains. You’ll walk the canyon trails (no special training needed, just warm footwear)-a great warm-up before the road ahead. Next is the picturesque Jeti-Oguz Gorge near Karakol. Jeti-Oguz is famous for its seven red cliffs called the “Seven Bulls,” and a beautiful legend about their origin. According to the tale, a khan once brutally dealt with a rival and his beloved, and from the spilled blood these crimson cliffs arose. In winter the road to Jeti-Oguz can be snowy, but if conditions allow, you’ll at least see these majestic rocks from a distance along with frost-covered pines of the gorge. You’ll arrive in Karakol by evening. Karakol is a small, colorful city founded in the 19th century, known for its mix of cultures. If time and energy permit, you can visit the legendary Dungan Mosque, built without a single nail, or the old Orthodox Holy Trinity Cathedral-showcasing the city’s rich multi-ethnic heritage. Overnight in a Karakol hotel (we help choose lodging to fit your budget).
Day 2: A full day of skiing at the Karakol ski base. After breakfast, we’ll take you to the foot of the slopes where the modern ski area begins. The Karakol resort is considered one of the best in Central Asia: runs span elevations from ~1,600 to 3,040 m with several chairlifts and draglifts. Slopes of varying difficulty-from green and blue for beginners to steep off-piste descents loved by freeriders. Instructors and gear rental are available (our guide will help with everything on site). Imagine gliding over crisp snow with a panorama of the snow-capped Tien Shan and seas of spruce forest. The view is truly breathtaking-many come to Karakol for that feeling of flying over the mountains. After the lifts close in the afternoon, the group heads to relax in Jyrgalan-a small resort village 30 km from Karakol known for its hot springs. In open pools with hot mineral water, you can ease your muscles after a day on the slopes while enjoying the starry sky and mountain peaks around. Dinner in Jyrgalan-home-style Kyrgyz dishes and herbal teas-nicely wraps up the day. In the evening, return to Karakol for a second night at the hotel.
Day 3: In the morning-another session at the Karakol ski base (or, if you prefer, more sightseeing around the area, especially if you’re a snowboarder and got your fill yesterday). Around midday the return to Bishkek begins. This time you’ll drive along the northern shore of Issyk-Kul, giving you a different perspective on the lake-the panorama of the Kungey Ala-Too (northern range) accompanies you almost the whole way. If time permits, you can stop in Cholpon-Ata to see the famous open-air petroglyph museum or simply buy souvenirs. By night the group returns to the capital. The tour ends, but the memories remain: red canyons, white peaks, blue waters, and your swift descent down the slopes.
We recommend the Karakol ski tour for anyone who wants to combine active sports with excursions. A driver-guide will accompany your group, not only driving the winter roads (the SUV is equipped for mountain routes and snow) but also showing the best cafés with ashlamfu (Karakol’s famous dish) and sharing local legends. The tour price is about $1,100 per group (3 days, SUV with driver; lodging and meals not included). On request, this route can be arranged in summer as well (with an emphasis on trekking instead of skiing). In any case, a trip around Issyk-Kul is a unique chance to see many faces of Kyrgyzstan in a few days: from the lake’s maritime climate to an alpine winter fairy tale on the peaks.
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Each of the tours presented is special in its own way. Kyrgyzstan is amazingly multifaceted: in a single trip you can visit the warm “desert” of canyons and a cold glacier, hear the silence of a high-mountain lake and the bustle of a city market. AsiaMixTravel tours reveal these facets with comfort and attention to detail. Whichever route you choose- a day out or a longer adventure-expect professional guides, a warm welcome, and the true “soul” of Kyrgyzstan that we strive to share with every guest. Set off, and these mountains and lakes will surely leave a mark on your heart!
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