Kyrgyzstan is one of the most rewarding destinations in Central Asia for active travellers. Roads are few in the high mountains, so many of the finest places are reached on foot or on horseback – and that is exactly what makes the journey memorable.
In this collection you will find tours with a real physical component: treks over high passes to turquoise lakes, several days in the saddle to Son-Kul, hikes through red-rock canyons and winter days on the slopes above Karakol. Each tour lists its difficulty level honestly; for the more demanding ones you should be in good health and used to walking several hours a day.
Safety comes first: routes are led by experienced local guides who know the terrain and the weather, and they may change the plan if conditions require it. If you are unsure which tour suits you, send us a request and we will advise you.
Issyk-Kul, Karakol, Kochkor and Son-Kul
Eight days around Issyk-Kul and up to the high-altitude lake Song-Kul – with nights in yurts, an eagle hunter show and genuine nomadic hospitality.
Ala-Archa National Park and the Karakol valleys (Ala-Kul, Altyn-Arashan)
A compact but demanding mountain trip: acclimatisation in Ala-Archa, then the classic trek over the Ala-Kul pass to the Altyn-Arashan hot springs.
Chuy valley: Burana Tower near Tokmok and the Konorchek canyons near the Boom Gorge
Silk Road history and red-rock scenery in one day: the 11th-century Burana Tower with its balbal stones, then a hike through the Konorchek canyons.
Kochkor district and Son-Kul lake, Naryn region
Ride from the village of Kyzart over a high pass to Son-Kul lake, sleep in yurts with herding families and return to Bishkek on day three.
Issyk-Kul region: Cholpon-Ata, Karakol, Jeti-Oguz and the south shore
A compact loop around Issyk-Kul: petroglyphs in Cholpon-Ata, the wooden cathedral and Dungan mosque of Karakol, the red rocks of Jeti-Oguz and Skazka canyon.
Karakol and the Karakol ski resort, eastern Issyk-Kul
Two days on the slopes of the Karakol ski resort, a soak in hot springs and the winter shores of Issyk-Kul – transport, guide and guesthouse included.
Bokonbaevo area, south shore of Issyk-Kul
A half-day cultural experience on the south shore of Issyk-Kul: meet an eagle hunter and his golden eagle, try traditional felt-making and cook a Kyrgyz meal with a local family.
Astana, Turkistan, Shymkent and Almaty
From the futuristic capital Astana to the medieval caravan cities of the south – Turkistan, Otrar and Sauran – and on to Almaty.
Tashkent, Samarkand, Bukhara and Khiva
Eight days through the three legendary oasis cities of the Silk Road, with the Afrosiyob high-speed train, a desert crossing and sunset over the walls of Khiva.
Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara
The essential Silk Road in five days: Tashkent, Samarkand and Bukhara, linked comfortably by high-speed train.
Tokyo, Hakone, Kyoto, Nara and Osaka
Nine days from futuristic Tokyo past Mount Fuji and the hot springs of Hakone to the temples of Kyoto, the deer of Nara and the food stalls of Osaka – the perfect first trip to Japan.
Japanese Alps: Matsumoto, Kamikochi, Takayama, Shirakawa-go and Kanazawa
Seven days through the mountainous heart of Japan: a samurai castle, alpine valleys, old merchant towns, a night in a thatched farmhouse and the gardens of Kanazawa.
Seoul, the DMZ, Gyeongju and Busan
Seven days across the peninsula: royal palaces and hanok alleys in Seoul, a visit to the DMZ, the temples of Gyeongju and the colourful seaside city of Busan – with a KTX high-speed train ride.
Gobi Desert, southern Mongolia
Eight days by 4x4 through the South Gobi: the White Stupa cliffs, the ice gorge of Yolyn Am, the singing dunes of Khongoryn Els and the Flaming Cliffs of Bayanzag.
Central Mongolia: Terelj, Khustai, Kharkhorin and the Orkhon Valley
Six days through central Mongolia: granite peaks of Terelj, wild Przewalski's horses, the ancient capital Karakorum and a night with a nomadic family in the Orkhon Valley.
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