Off-Road Kyrgyzstan Safari

Upon your arrival at the airport in Bishkek, you'll be greeted by your friendly and knowledgeable guide who will escort you to your comfortable accommodation. Once you've checked in and had some time to rest, your guide will take you on a tour around Bishkek, the vibrant capital city of Kyrgyzstan. You'll visit the Ala-Too Square, the National History Museum, the colorful Osh Bazaar, and other interesting sights. In the evening, you'll have the chance to try some delicious Kyrgyz cuisine at a local restaurant. After dinner we’ll have a short briefing about the route and the vehicles you’ll be driving.

After breakfast, we will hit the road and head towards Suusamyr, a picturesque valley located at an altitude of 2200 meters. The drive will take us through the stunning Too Ashuu Pass, where you'll be able to take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains. Once we reach Suusamyr, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch by the river surrounded by beautiful scenery. We’ll continue onto our trip after lunch en route to our destination of the day – a guest house run by a lovely family.

Today, we'll set off towards Song Kol, one of the most stunning alpine lakes in Kyrgyzstan. The drive will take us through pristine mountain landscapes and traditional Kyrgyz villages. Once we arrive at Song Kol, we'll check in to a yurt camp located on the shores of the lake. You'll have some free time to explore the area, go for a swim (if you dare to), or take a horseback ride. Highlight of the day is the opportunity to witness the traditional sport of Kok Boru, also known as Buzkashi. This thrilling game is played on horseback, where two teams compete to carry a headless goat carcass across the field and score a goal. The game requires incredible skill, strength, and agility from both the riders and their horses, and is a true testament to the nomadic heritage of Kyrgyzstan.

We'll have the chance to watch Kok Boru in action in the stunning natural setting of Song Kol, a high-altitude lake surrounded by snow-capped mountains. As we cheer on the skilled riders, we'll also have the chance to learn more about this ancient sport from our expert guide, who will share the history and traditions of Kok Boru.

After breakfast, we'll leave Song Kol and continue our journey towards Tash Rabat, an ancient caravanserai located in the heart of the Tien Shan Mountains. Along the way, we'll cross several mountain passes and see stunning landscapes. Once we arrive at Tash Rabat, we'll check in to a yurt camp and have some free time to relax. Consequently we’ll visit the caravanserai to learn about it’s history and the significance it played along the Silk Road.
Before dinner we’ll sit down to learn some traditional Kyrgyz board games.

Today, we'll leave Tash Rabat and head towards Kell Suu, a beautiful alpine lake nestled in the mountains. We'll stop for a picnic lunch along the way and enjoy the spectacular views. As we continue our journey our passenger will have the opportunity to play a game of spotting wild animals.
Once we arrive at Kell Suu, we'll check in to another yurt camp and have some free time to relax. In the evening, we'll gather around a bonfire and enjoy some drinks. At the camp you’ll have the perfect conditions for stargazing with no artificial lights around for hundreds of miles.

Today, we'll switch mode of transportation and to horseback and ride to the lake, where you'll have the chance to swim, or simply relax in the beautiful surroundings. At the lake your guides will set up a coffee and snacks station to fuel up before saddling up to ride back to the camp. After lunch we’ll depart from Kell Suu en route to Naryn, a town located in a beautiful valley surrounded by high mountains. On the way, we'll stop at a different scenic viewpoints and a waterfall. Those who are willing can take a natural shower. Once we arrive in Naryn, we'll check in to a comfortable hotel, a break from yurt camps – a chance to take a proper bath and have your clothes washed.

Today, we'll leave Naryn and drive to Bokonbaevo, a charming village located on the southern shore of Issyk Kul, the second largest alpine lake in the world. As you drive further along the road, you'll be treated to breathtaking vistas at every turn. The cliffs loom closer, revealing intricate patterns etched into their rocky surfaces, while the hills take on a new dimension, revealing hidden valleys and soaring peaks in the distance. The river flows on, sometimes calm and serene, and other times wild and untamed, carving its way through the landscape and adding to the natural spectacle that surrounds you.
Upon arriving we’ll check into an upscale yurt camp with indoor facilities. After tea time you’ll have free time to go swimming, read a book on the beach or rest in your yurt. In due time you’ll be invited to the main dinner yurt where our friends – a family of generational musicians who had been cultivating the art of folk music over multiple generations. Once we’ve said goodbye to our musician friends we’ll have feast prepared by our hosts.

On day 8, after a hearty breakfast, on our way out of the village we’ll visit a local eagle hunter and his majestic birds. You'll have a chance to learn about the traditional art of eagle hunting and watch as these beautiful birds of prey soar through the skies.

Consequently we'll embark on a journey towards the charming town of Karakol. The route will take us along the southern shore of Issyk Kul, where you'll witness the scenery change every few kilometers. Along the way we’ll have multiple detours to visit some of the must visit locations along the southern shore – cascading waterfalls, red sandstone formations have been sculpted by the elements over millions of years, highland pasturelands and etc.
Upon arrival, we'll check into our accommodation and take some time to rest. Later in the afternoon, we'll go on a walking tour of Karakol and visit some of its most prominent landmarks, including the Dungan Mosque, a beautiful example of Chinese-style architecture, and the Russian Orthodox Church.

In the evening we’ll head over to our friends house for a private Dungan* dinner.

(The Dungan people are a small ethnic group that live in Kyrgyzstan. They are of Chinese origin and fled to Kyrgyzstan in the late 19th century due to religious persecution. The Dungan people have a unique culture that blends elements of Chinese, Muslim, and Central Asian traditions)

On day 9 we’ll start making our way back to Bishkek via the northern shore of Issyk Kul. En route we’ll have one detour that takes on a through two valleys that are connected. Pastureland between the two has acted as a venue for 3 world nomad games.
You’ll reach the main resort city of Kyrgyzstan Cholpon Ata just in time for lunch. Consequently you’ll be checked into a high end resort with 5 star facilities. You will have the opportunity to relax until sunset and pamper your muscles with the rejuvenating sauna or massage services offered at the resort. This is the perfect way to unwind after an exhilarating off-roading adventure through the stunning backroads of Kyrgyzstan.

We'll begin our journey back to Bishkek today, driving for a few hours before reaching the stunning Konorchek Canyons. After a short hike to explore the natural beauty of the canyons, we'll continue on to our next stop - the Burana Tower. This historic minaret, located in the Chui Valley, was once part of the ancient city of Balasagun and served as a hub for trade and culture along the Silk Road. Following our visit to the Burana Tower, we'll make our way to a nearby family's house for a delicious lunch, offering us the opportunity to experience traditional Kyrgyz hospitality and cuisine. Once we finish lunch, we'll continue our drive back to Bishkek through the scenic back roads that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. After arriving in Bishkek and settling into our hotel, we'll have some free time to rest and recharge before our farewell dinner. Later in the evening, we'll embark on a pub crawl through some of the best bars in the capital, offering a fun and relaxed way to cap off our memorable adventure in Kyrgyzstan.