5-DAYS WINTER TOUR in KYRGYZSTAN
With just five days, this scenic adventure trip itinerary allows just enough time to explore Kyrgyzstan's immense mountains and winter beauty while not feeling too rushed. Starting from the capital of the country - Bishkek, you'll embark for a 2-days breathtaking winter horse riding to Song-Kol Lake and you'll drive further into Tien-Shan mountains. Sample the views and outdoor activities Kyrgyzstan has to offer for 5-days off-road adventure
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE TOUR
- Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake
- Visit Skazka canyons
- Eagle hunting on horseback
- Experience of staying overnight at boz-ui – a traditional dwelling of the Kyrgyz people
BRIEF ITINERARY
Day | Highlights | Overnight at |
Day 1 | Drive to Kyzart village. | Guesthouse |
Day 2 | Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake | Yurt |
Day 3 | Horse riding back to Kyzart. Drive to Ysyk-Kol Lake | Guesthouse |
Day 4 | Eagle hunting on horseback. Visit Skazka canyons. | Guesthouse |
Day 5 | Drive back to Bishkek. Visit Burana Tower. City tour. |
DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 1. Bishkek – Kyzart village. / 290 km – 6-7h.
This morning, you will start explore the country with a drive towards beautiful Kyzart village. The drive through the Too-Ashuu pass (3600 m) takes about 4-5 hours. Take your time and admire the amazing scenery as you pass by dramatic mountains of Kyrgyz-Ala-Too mountain range. After a couple of camera shots on the pass, you will head further into Suusamyr valley driving on the cost of Kokomeren River. By the river, you will stop for picnic. In the evening, you will eventually arrive in the village and have a rest before diner, taking a walk with your guide on the streets of this remote, authentic and hospitable village. Cap of the day by eating a meal at a dining room of the guesthouse.
Day 2. Horse riding to Song-Kol Lake – 16 km – 5 h.
Wake up with breakfast at the guesthouse in Kyzart village and start your full day for winter extreme horse riding. First, you'll be transferred to the start point of your horse riding where you meet your guide team and horses. The destination is Tuz-Ashuu pass (3400m). The pass is difficult to reach due to snow but provides a great panoramic view to both – Song-Kol lake and Kilemche valley on other side. If the pass is not windy and cloudy it's an amazing place to linger for picnic. After a while enjoying the view and giving a break for the horses, you will make your way down to Song-Kol Lake. You will have about one hour more of horse riding until you reach the yurt camp by the lake and you'll finish the challenging day with a supper at yurt.
Day 3. Horse riding back to Kyzart. Drive to Ysyk-Kol Lake.
Horse riding: 16 km – 4-5 h. / Drive 200 km – 4 h.
Take some extra time to enjoy the scenery of Song-Kol lake before you start the journey. With mountains in the background, the lake looks even more beautiful in the morning sunlight.
Once you get on your horse again, choose the upper trail for better views of the lake and make your way towards Kara-Kiya pass. From here, the ride is fairly moderately strenuous as you will descend towards the village, then spend the last hours of smooth riding until you will reach the village.
On arrival, you will have a lunch at guesthouse and continue your journey east driving to Bokonbayevo village, taking in stunning views of Ysyk-Kol Lake and enormous mountains of Terskey-Ala-Too. After you will check-in at the guesthouse, you can rest until dinner.
Day 4. Salburuun day.
Today we will feel like real Kyrgyz nomadic hunters. That's because Salbuurun is on the agenda. Salbuurun is the oldest entertainment and sport of the Kyrgyz nomads and includes hunting with eagles and hunting dogs in the mountains on horseback.
Later, you’ll have a late lunch in the guesthouse and drive to visit Skazka canyons. The red and yellow cliffs here, towering above a lunar-like landscape, are immense, and the area is perfect for some easy hiking. Once back at the guesthouse, you can rest until dinner.
Day 5. Drive to Bishkek. 300 km – 4-5 h.
Finish up your Kyrgyzstan experience with a driving day back to the capital of Kyrgyzstan - Bishkek city. The last stop on your travel map is an archaeological and architectural complex "Burana Tower", registered on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage sites. Founded in the 11th century, the Burana tower was the minaret of a mosque in the city of Balasagun, the capital of the once largest empire – Khara-Khanid Khanate of local Turkic-speaking tribes in Central Asia. While except of the tower none of the original city stands above ground today, there is a museum onsite that explains the history of this important site and showcases some of the archaeological discoveries. Take a tour of the ruins in the surrounding hills and then visit the top of the tower with a view of Chui Valley.
After arriving and lunch in the restaurant, you'll have the afternoon for sightseeing. Highlights include The main square Ala-Too, the Houses of Parliament, White House and vibrant market Osh bazaar. Top off the day at restaurant with the farewell dinner with your guide team.
Price for the trip
Number of people | Total price | Price per person |
1 pax. | 920 USD | 920 USD |
2 pax | 1100 USD | 550 USD |
3 pax. | 1230 USD | 410 USD |
4 pax | 1560 USD | 390 USD |
Price includes
- English speaking guide
- Transfers
- Accommodations and meals
- Horse riding with eagle
Price does not include
- Airport transfer
- Hotel and foods in Bishkek
- Water