Kyrgyzstan in a nutshell
8-day tour, in small groups, since 2015
A chance to see some of the most beautiful parts of the country,and to learn about thehistory and culture of the semi-nomads
During your tour there will be plenty of time to enjoy the local nature
Two nights in yurt camps will give you the opportunity to really experience the life of the Kyrgyz semi-nomads
About tour
On this 8 day programme you will visit the most beautiful parts of the country and become acquainted with the history and culture of the semi- nomads. You will experience the reality of everyday life in remote mountain villages. During the tour you stay in the houses of local families, B&Bs and guesthouses. In Bishkek you stay in hotel Umai (or similar) not far from the centre of town. Transportation is in our own minibus and an English or German speaking interpreter will accompany you for the whole tour. To fully enjoy this tour you need an adventurous attitude and the ability to improvise when necessary. Luxury is not available on this trip, sanitary facilities are very basic, and hot showers are often absent.
The trip will take you around Lake Issyk-Kul where you will meet a man who hunts with birds of prey, see the famous red rocks of Jeti-Ogus, and visit the Russian Orthodox Cathedral and the Dugan Mosque in Karakol. If you are there on a Sunday a visit to the animal market also will be in the programme. On the north side of the lake you will see the petroglyphs, rock drawings of the Scythians made between the 11e -3e century B.C.
It is possible to go horse-riding and/or hiking in one of the yurt camps and this is included in the price. On the way back to Bishkek you have time to take a short hike in the Konorchok Canyon.
Day By Day Programme
Here you can find a detailed description of the tour with routes and locations
| Day 1 | Departure from your local airport. |
| Day 2 | Arrival at Manas Airport, transfer to hotel (early check in). After lunch sightseeing Bishkek with guide/interpreter. |
| Day 3 | By vehicle to Lake Issyk-Kul. Visit the Burana tower and continue to the yurt camp Sonun at the south shore of Lake Issyk-Kul. Stay in yurt. |
| Day 4 | To the village of Temir-Kanat (2.200 m). In Temir-Kanat there are horses and if you wish you can go for a ride or hike in the mountains in the afternoon. Home stay. |
| Day 5 | From Temir-Kanat to Bokonbaevo where you will meet a man who hunts with golden eagles. Then along the south shore to the Juuku Valley famous for its red rocks. Here there is a traditional Spa with warm mineral water where you can take a bath. Continue to Karakol, stay in hotel. |
| Day 6 | If Sunday, visit the animal market, the Russian Orthodox Church and the Dungan Mosque in Karakol. Along the north side of Lake Issyk-Kul to Cholpon–Ata, visit an open-air museum of petroglyphs, a unique monument of the Bronze Age. Stay in a hotel in Cholpon-Ata. |
| Day 7 | Leave Cholpon-Ata for Bishkek., visit the new Nomad Museum and go for a hike in the Konorchok Canyon. Then onto Bishkek, where you arrive in the afternoon. Stay in hotel Umai. |
| Day 8 | Transfer to Manas Airport and departure. |
Due to unforeseen circumstances, it might be necessary to make small changes in the program.
We ask for your understanding.
Tour specifics
Our tours can be organized for individual travelers or groups of up to 10 people (and sometimes more) and for families with (young) children. For the majority of our tours you can specify the start date and length of the tour.
| Date | |
| On request | On request |
| Group | |
| 4 and more persons | |
| For four and more persons | |
| Price with guide-interpreter | € 820 p.p. |
| Price without guide-interpreter | € 610 p.p. |
For bookings of 4, or more, persons we offer a 5% discount. In case there are less participants than required, if you pay an additional fee, the trip will go on as planned.
Terms of payment
Your booking will be confirmed upon receipt of a deposit of euros 250 per person. The outstanding balance must be paid either 8 weeks before departure or in cash upon arrival. We do not accept debit or credit cards.
• Transportation by minibus
• Transfer from and to the airport
• All meals, breakfast, lunch and supper
• Stay in hotel, B&B, guesthouse, yurt and homestay
• Programme as described
• English/German (as required) speaking guide/interpreter
• Flight
• Insurances
• Personal expenses
• Entrance charges if applicable
• Tips
• Alcoholic and other bottled beverages
• Activities not mentioned in the programme
If you have to cancel a tour you already booked, we have to charge you cancellation fee.
If Ecotour cancels the tour, of course you will get back the full amount you paid.
If you cancel your trip, depending on the time your message reaches us, you owe Ecotour the following amount:
| till 42 days before departure | one pays the deposit |
| day 42- till day 28 | 35 % |
| day 28- till day 21 | 40 % |
| day 21- till day 14 | 50 % |
| day 14- till day 5 | 75 % |
| day 5 – till day 2 | 90 % |
| on the last day before and the day of departure | 100% |
A trip with Ecotour means an unusual and unforgettable vacation.
Our trips are suitable for those who do not insist on luxury, love the mountains,
appreciate the silence and do not want to travel in large groups.
WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU
Kyrgyzstan is a land full of beautiful experiences and wonders unique…
click the link below
Mountain passes, bad tracks, off-road, and firm climbs over 3000 m characterize this route.
Not all slopes are steep, but some are very long and on dirt roads.
But it is worth the effort.